L5r - scroll 03 - The Crane (18 page)

"I am certain my lord's duty is near his heart, as always." Ameiko's green eyes were clouded, her hands stilled by thought. "Tell me, Uji... how did he convince them to stay?"

"Katsuda-san, one of the bushi, is injured. They needed—"

"No, Uji-san." Ameiko placed the brush on the paper, ignoring the smear. "This is not about what her men needed. It is about the needs of the Crane." With a calm exterior, Ameiko folded her hands. "Tsukune is a beautiful woman, deadly on the battlefield and trained in the rituals of the Phoenix, our allies. I understand need, Uji-san. I understand too well."

"Lady Ameiko, you should move to Kyuden Daidoji. It is on the peninsula, away from the Crab and too far south to be threatened by the Lion troops. The Matsu are going to siege the walls of the Crane as soon as the snows lift in the spring. Sooner, if the winter is light."

"Leave?"

"Three hundred Daidoji troops, eighteen Phoenix samurai, and three shugenja—that's not enough to defend the province from the full force of a Lion assault. When they have assembled the Matsu troops, they will have nearly ten thousand men."

"The Kakita have their duelists, and whatever small magics can be created by the artisans. Then, there are the Asahina."

"The Asahina are pacifists. They will not aid us in war, even if their champion commands it. And origami will not protect you from a Lion's blade." Uji declared, twisting his hands into fists. "I'm a fool to think a woman could know anything of war."

Ameiko's eyes flashed. "Nevertheless, you will send word to their daimyo, Asahina Tamako."

"My lady, we have already sent three messengers. All have been turned away with a blessing and a prayer to the Seven Fortunes. Tamako has never responded to our earlier messages about the war. The Asahina will not leave their library. They will not fight, even to save our lives."

She watched as he stood from the table, pushing a thick black string of hair from his face. "You will do as I command. And I will stay in Kyuden Kakita."

"Kuwanan will make that decision."

"No." Ameiko stood, her voice as sharp as broken glass. "Uji-san!" He straightened at the sudden command, jaw tightening beneath darkly tanned skin. "I will make that decision. In Hoturi's absence, I am in charge of his house."

"Ameiko-sama,"

"You forget your place, Uji!"

"Do I?" he snarled. "Then remind me. Tell me how to defend the Crane from three times their number. Give me what I need to keep our land safe, and to destroy those who would destroy us. If you wish to command as a samurai, Ameiko, then you must be ready to die as one. The clan needs you,

Lady Ameiko. You must go to Kyuden Daidoji. If needs be, I will lay my life down to get you there before the first snow of the season."

"I am ready to die." Her chin straightened. "When I swore to be Hoturi's wife, I swore to be a Crane. And if I must die, I will die as one."

Uji looked at her for a long moment, seeing the strength behind her words. If there was any weakness in her pale face, any sign of uncertainty . . . but there was none. Bowing humbly, Uji lowered his eyes. "My apologies, Ameiko-gozen." He held the bow, waiting for her to return the gesture as a sign of understanding.

For a moment, Ameiko considered turning her back and leaving the samurai in shame. "You have spoken to the wife of your liege with anger, Uji-san," she said coldly.

"No, my lady." He replied. His voice was emotionless and sincere. "I have spoken to my lady with honesty."

Understanding rushed through Ameiko. Uji's status as a high-ranking daimyo gave him the right to question his lord, and his responsibility to the Doji house gave him the obligation to do whatever was necessary to defend that house. "Uji-san," she said quietly, "I thank you for you concern, but I will remain here."

"Hai, my lady."

"Give the Phoenix the rooms in the west wing. It has the best sunlight for the season. The shugenja can use the large chamber for their rituals to the kami."

"Hai."

Ameiko bowed slowly, staring into Uji's eyes as he raised his head. He stepped lightly backward, straightening.

"Uji-san, one further thing." The daimyo of the Daidoji turned, his hand on his obi. "Does he love her, this Phoenix samurai-ko?" she murmured, her voice silken.

"No, my lady. It is said that he does not."

She nodded, lifting the blackened brush from the table and feeling its soft, wet bristles with her fingertips. "Do not fear for my safety in this palace, Uji-san. The Lion cannot harm me, no matter how many men they command."

"Ameiko-sama," he said, drawing a sheathed tanto from his belt. "Please, keep this with you. It was my father's, and it will keep you safe."

"No, Uji," she smiled. "It is too beautiful, and an heirloom of your family. It should be kept in the house of the Daidoji, not given to a daughter of the Fox."

"You may have been born in the Fox lands, Lady, but you .ire now a Crane. This dagger has defended the Doji for a hundred years. Let it continue its duty, and protect you from the Matsu, if they come."

"Only love can destroy me, Uji. Believe that." A faint smile touched her features. For a moment, even the cynical Daidoji I )aimyo understood how truly beautiful she was. "No dagger can protect me from that death, no matter how noble or how honored the weapon may be."

"Doji Ameiko-sama," he began, offering the dagger a third time. The golden hilt shone lightly in the growing light of the morning. "I would not give this to your husband, nor to his brother. You rightfully deserve the protection of the Daidoji, as a lady of the house, and as one of the bravest souls I have had the honor to know. The dagger does not honor you. You honor the dagger, simply by being its guide."

Nodding, Ameiko smiled and took the dagger in her small hands. "Thank you, daimyo of the Daidoji. I only hope that if the time comes that I must use it, I will have as much courage as those who carried it before."

Uji nodded respectfully. The screen of the library slid open again, and he left the room.

Alone once more, Ameiko knelt behind the low desk. Her blackened fingers gently touched the hilt of the ornate tanto. Though small, its gleaming blade was well oiled. Ameiko knew nothing of weapons, and the little martial training she had received had been for the art of dance. Light glinted down the edge of the blade like fire on water, shining with all the colors of the rainbow and reflecting an orange sun on the gently curving golden hilt. Raising her eyes to the window and the forests beyond, Ameiko sighed. The forests called to her, but their song would wait. Now was not the time to leave the safe walls of Kyuden Kakita. Even if her blood begged for release, she had to remain.

Placing the dagger on the table and removing the stained sheet, Ameiko dipped the brush into the ink and began composing her letter to Kakita Yoshi. As she wrote, she heard a faint scrabbling at the window—scratching claws and whuffling breath. A fox raised an eager yip outside. It barked again, encouragingly.

Knowing the source of the disturbance, Ameiko closed her eyes. No, Sister, she thought softly. Today, I must be the Lady of the Crane. Tomorrow, we can run through the forests, but not today. Though Ameiko longed to join her true family, she knew her mind and heart must remain with the Crane.

It was not right that she leave Hoturi now—not even if all the laws of the spirit world demanded she return. He needed her. He loved her.

Outside the window, a mournful bark sounded. Paws scampered across the garden, lightly brushing the trees.

Beginning the first strokes of an elaborate kanji symbol, Ameiko tried to smile.

touch of a black hand

Four days later, news of the tournament of the Emerald Champion had spread throughout the city. Entrants from the minor clans had begun to come forward. Each clan was allowed only three entrants, and most sent fewer. To enter more samurai would imply that the clan's faith was not fully behind their entrants. Fond of appearances, the Imperial Court spent its days discussing the samurai who dared to challenge for the position.

The Emerald Champion was foremost of all the Emerald Magistrates, keeper of imperial law and title, and general of the armies of the Hantei. It was a prestigious and powerful position. With his standing guard of Seppun, the Emerald Champion's duty to the emperor and the empire was unquestioned.

"Make sure that old man remembers how to use a sword," Yoshi mocked lightly as Hoturi and Toshimoko sparred.

Toshimoko snarled. The days were passing slowly. The Lion still marched. Crane brothers still died. As he practiced on the tournament field near the emperor's palace, Toshimoko tried to keep his mind from returning to that fact.

"I'm not concerned that he knows how to fight," Hoturi said seriously, assuaging Toshimoko's gruff humor. "I'm more worried about that arm. Sensei, you're slower than usual."

"Slow? I'll show you slow, by Shinsei!" The wooden bokken blades crashed together once more, sliding effortlessly through their kada. Each kada was a practice lesson, one following another with simplicity and grace. The movements were precise and natural, made through the centuries by a hundred thousand swordsmen, each a child of the Crane.

From the side of the practice field, Yoshi watched Toshimoko and Hoturi test their blades. Those who passed by had eyes only for the sparring duo, allowing Yoshi a blissful respite—one he could use to the Crane's advantage.

He pondered the passing of the last few days. The emperor had made no more appearances, nor had Bayushi Kachiko stepped out of their chambers. Despite Yoshi's considerable skill, he could not keep the Crane within reach of the emperor. Each time he arranged a meeting, it was put aside by ill health and careful machinations.

The winter remained bitter cold, but no clouds dotted the horizon. No snow came to grant the Daidoji a reprieve from Lion forces. The little news from Sayo Castle was not good. Tsuko's legions gathered, harassed by the Daidoji but still strong.

Yoshi watched Toshimoko and Hoturi leave the field. The empty practice ground was covered in half-hardened mud, scarred by the tread of eager feet. It would not look this way tomorrow. Tomorrow, the field would be filled with bright banners and courtiers.

Tomorrow, the true battle would begin.

xxxxxxxx

On the morning of the contest, Hoturi wrapped a bandage around Toshimoko's arm, and a heimin helped him into a gi and hakima of fine soft silk. Yoshi stood nearby, relating (he latest news.

The Crab had arrived only yesterday, telling of a battle at I he southern pass.

"Beiden," Hoturi sighed, leaning back on his heels. "They fought at Beiden Pass, as we thought they would." If any place in the palace was safe for them to speak, it was here. The Crane chambers had long been held by the clan, protected by the most trusted Daidoji guards.

"All the court will have heard of it by now," Yoshi thought aloud. "To the right, Toshimoko-san, or you'll make a fool of yourself out there." Toshimoko twisted the obi again, cursing softly as Yoshi continued. "It is said that the actual battle occurred nearly a twelve-day ago, on the day of the Horse. Runners from the pass have only just reached us with news of the battle. It will be some days more before the results of the combat are known."

Considering, Hoturi stood. "I will speak with the Unicorn today, during the competition. Tadaji has always been a kind man, and I know him well. Their horses travel significantly faster than our own, and their news is often more advanced. We could use them as our allies, for that alone if not for the strength of their armies. I would be glad to fight with the Unicorn by our side—and better, to have Tadaji's strength in the court allied with you, Yoshi."

"If you must speak to the Unicorn so unprepared," Kakita Yoshi knelt upon a scarlet cushion and nodded thoughtfully, "be sure to talk to him frankly. The Ide are still very much the gaijin they were when the Unicorn returned to the empire two hundred years ago. Sometimes, where they will not respect sincerity, they will respect open emotion." Looking up into the shocked faces of the other two Cranes, Yoshi snapped his fan shut with a precise clap. "Crude, yes, but it will be effective. Do you doubt my advice?"

"No, of course not, Daimyo-san," said Hoturi, smoothing down an impatient lock of white hair. "I'll remember your words when I meet with him this afternoon."

"You're going to miss the duels?" Toshimoko burst out, annoyed.

Hoturi grinned charmingly, offering Toshimoko's swords to the older samurai. "Of course. I already know the outcome. But I will miss only a few rounds, my friend. I want to see you give the Lion what they deserve."

"Again." Mollified, Toshimoko took the swords with a bow, and placed them firmly in his belt.

They left the Crane chambers one by one, following the step of their champion. Hoturi walked through the corridors of the Imperial Palace, ignoring the scuffling heimin and the guards that bowed low as he passed. Behind him, Yoshi, Toshimoko, and the Crane guard strode sharply, their banners waving beneath the high ceilings of the palace.

Before them, the doors to the tournament field opened to a blaze of brilliant color.

What had once been a muddy field was now a well-tended tournament ground. Daises lay beneath the brightly painted mon of the six great clans. Heimin hurried throughout the field, making final preparations before the courtiers arrived. Across the field, the Crane banner flapped in the morning sun. Beneath the banner, two artisans bowed low to their champion. Doji Shizue was among them. She smiled and lowered her head. Her fan fluttered two times, closed with a snap, and spread slowly open once more. Even in a largely empty field, the Crane practiced caution. Enemies were never far away.