Chasing the Wind
Chapter 5
Summer, 1234 - Unicorn Lands
The plains of the Unicorn lands were far and wide, but cleansing the lands of the taint had its price. Much of the land was grey and lifeless, only a few sparse patches of grass had managed to grow.
“It was much worse than this,” Majid told him when they camped for the night. “And as you go further in, towards the heartlands, it gets even worse.”
“How much has been taken from the Onyx?” Harun asked.
He showed Harun on a map. “Some of the Utaku provinces,” he said, pointing to the provinces bordering the Dragon lands. “We have also taken a some of the Moto provinces on the other side of the Firefly River. But not Shiro Moto, at least not yet. The Onyx still hold that and a lot of the north. Hopefully, for not much longer.”
They travelled further over the next few days, Harun was amazed that Majid knew where he was going when the map meant very little when there were no roads to guide them. At first, he thought it was some sort of Unicorn travel magic. When he said this to Majid, the Moto laughed and the next morning, he showed him.
After they had eaten and just before they left for the day, Majid stuck a stick in the ground and marked its shadow with a line in the dirt. They then waited for the shadow to move and Majid marked it. He then drew a third line connecting the two lines at their widest point.
“This is our way,” Majid said, pointing to the third line. “No magic, no tricks, just the path of Lady Sun.” He looked off into the distance. “The main contingent of the Khol, where the Khan is, are encamped in preparation for taking Shiro Moto near the river. So that is where we are going.”
Three days later, the Firefly River was in sight, and the day after that Harun saw the huge encampment that was the Khol, the main army of the Unicorn. At dusk, they rode in.
They rode past rows and rows of tents. The round yurts of the Unicorn as well as square ones made of canvas and leather. He could see campfires, where samurai, ashigaru and retainers sat around, sharing meals and stories. And horses, horses, everywhere. Some, ridden by women, were the biggest he had ever seen.
They must be the shiotome, the battlemaidens, Harun thought as he passed ones. They were quiet, didn’t give him even a glance, and didn’t join in the loud shouts and songs of the rest of the camp.
Their object, Harun realised, was the large yurt in the centre of the camp. A chomchog, Harun found out later. Guards were posted outside and it was here that Majid and then Harun dismounted. Majid went up to the cards, showing his chop but they refused him entry, mentioning something about the Khan’s visitor.
“Visitor?” Majid frowned. This was rather irregular, what was going on?
Even at the discreet distance that they waited, Harun could hear shouts within. Then the tent flapped open and the Khan’s visitor stepped out, angry.
He was a courtier, he wore fine black and white silks with the mon of the Spider clan on them.
Majid went in, letting Harun know they he would come for him, the tent flap closed. Harun waited, once again feeling shut out of things.
“Pardon?” said a voice behind him. Harun turned, it was the Spider. He bowed. “I am Susumu Hokori, would I be wrong in guessing you are a duellist from the Kakita family of the Crane Clan?”
“You are correct, Susumu-sama,” said Harun, bowing. “I am Kakita Harun.”
“Perfect,” said Hokori. “I knew that Moto had something his sleeve! This will settle things!”
And before Harun knew what was going in, Hokori ushered him into the tent. Majid, who had been speaking, froze mid-sentence. Seated on the other side of a table, staring at both of them, was Moto Chinua, Champion of the Unicorn Clan.
Harun put his age in the late sixties, but in surprisingly good shape for it. Mind still keen and ready for action. He wore a simple purple kimono under a sleeveless haori of leather and fur. His grey hair was tied back, his beard was a little wilder and had streaks of white amongst the black.
“My lord,” said Hokori, bowing low.
Harun bowed low, it was something to do.
“When you said that you would help the claim of the Spider Clan, I did not know that plans were in motion. A Kakita duellist, and from what it looks, one of your blood as well! I am pleased that the alliance between our clans is so honoured.”
Chinua looked at Harun, sizing him up. He did not speak.
Does he recognise me? Harun wondered. Hoping that he did, Harun gave a slight nod.
“Of course, Kakita Harun’s mother served me faithfully, and I trust her son will do as well,” said Chinua. “If you don’t mind excusing us, Hokori, Harun has just arrived and we have much to discuss.”
“Indeed, I will take my leave.” Hokori bowed again and left.
The tent was silent for a moment. Harun looked at Chinua, Majid looked at Harun, Chinua looked between them both, an amused smile forming on his face.
“Well, this is a colt of a different colour,” said Chinua. “Sit, and let us see if we can sort something out.”
Harun sat down. Chinua slid over a rough cup and poured tea. The chomchog was large and comfortable, warm from the central fireplace that vented to a hole in the rood. They sat on cushions, brightly coloured and patterned in a way Harun had never seen before.
There was also a bowl of hard brown strips in a bowl that Harun didn’t recognise. Majid took a piece, tearing bits off his with teeth.
Meat, probably, Harun thought with distaste.
“So, Harun, you have come to us at last,” said Chinua. “I had hoped that we had had you much sooner, raised you as one of us. Of course, your mother Yamada, stubborn as she was, would have things her way and none other. I understand,” he added with a glance of Majid, “that you have seen the handiwork of those she is with?”
“Yes, my lord,” said Harun.
“I think that Hokori may have the right idea,” Chinua said thoughtfully. “You may be able to help us. But we won’t go into that now. Tell me about yourself, I spoke true of how your mother served me but I want to know about you.”
So, Harun told him. Told him about growing up at Shiro Yogashi as one of the children of the Emerald Champion. He told him about his time at the Kakita Academy, of the respect he had won there amongst the other children, and of his triumph at the Topaz Championship.
Chinua smiled in approval. “Perhaps there was something in sending you there.”
“There is something I would like to ask you, my lord,” said Harun. “My mother named before she handed me over to the Crane. Do you know anything about that?”
“Yamada named you after her own father, Moto Harun,” said Chinua. “He was a Chui in the White Guard, we fought together in the War of Dark Fire.” He took a drink of tea. “That was how I knew it was you, when we met those years ago. There wouldn’t be many Kakita that look like a Moto with your name.”
Harun smiled.
“So, we have this business with the Spider,” Chinua said, he brought out a map and laid it on the table. “Directly south of our position is Kaeru Toshi. We took it last summer, and at the Emperor’s court last winter it was decided that the Spider Clan would re-establish the city. We agreed to it at the time, it meant we could commit more forces further north. But then the Onyx took it back. And now, at the end of spring, the Lion took it led by Akodo Motome…and here we are.”
“So, the Spider expect us to resolve this, my Khan?” Majid asked.
“His initial idea was that we commit troops,” Chinua said in disapproval. “Not only, we can’t, it would just create more problems with the Lion.”
“How is that I could help, my lord?” Harun asked.
“This could all be settled very easily,” Chinua explained. “With a duel.”
Harun frowned. “A duel? Would they honour the result?”
“They have to,” Chinua answered, “if they don’t Motone will be disgraced in the eyes of his troops.”
“Isn’t her occupation of the city illegal anyway?” Harun asked.
“It is,” Chinua said. “But possession is more than the law when you have the forces to support it. And I guess your father, the Emerald Champion, would be able to spare anyone soon.”
Harun shook his head. “I do appreciate your confidence in me, Lord Chinua, but I have no experience outside the dojo. I’m barely passed my gempukku.”
“Didn’t you just say you won the Topaz Championship?” Majid asked. “That’s not nothing, Harun. And I have seen you in action. And,” he added with a wry grin, “how are you supposed to get some sort of reputation as a duellist if you don’t start?”
Harun looked from one to the other. I’m not even here a day and I’ve already gotten into a duel.
He bowed. “You have my sword, my lord.”
Afterwards, he shared a meal with Chinua and Majid. Flat bread, various dipping sauces of different colours and grilled vegetables flavoured with spices. Harun tried some of each and found them surprisingly good. There was meat as well, but Harun didn’t feel that adventurous to try it yet.
Majid then showed him to one of the guest yurts. When he had gone, Harun had the servant prepare him a bath. After cleaning the grime of several days of travel off him, he climbed into the wooden tub, enjoying the hot water.
He leaned back, looking up at the wooden struts that supported the ceiling of the yurt. It wasn’t what he expected, despite his Uncle Kousuda’s stories, in fact it was far better.
It’s more like a house than a tent, Harun thought, I wonder what it would be like to live this way.
Inside the yurt was fairly simple. Just a desk, a futon with bedding, a chest to store his personal items and some large cushions that were strewn on the brightly coloured carpets covering the floor.
Afterwards, he lay on the futon in a light yukata, watching the smoke rising from the central stove drift towards the hole in the rood.
I wonder what Arahime would make of this, Harun thought, We need to come out her, together, when it’s safe.
Harun awoke early. He dressed in practice clothes and sought out a place to train. If he was going to be in his first real duel, he needed to be ready. And it had been days since he had done it properly, at least more than his katas.
He found a clear area where he saw some of the Unicorn training. There were a few practice weapons on racks, but no mats or anything to practice on but the bare ground.
A few heads turned when Harun started to practice, but Harun paid them no mind. He at first started with some basic katas, warming up, getting a feel for the ground. Then he drew his katana and moved through the katas again. His sword making cuts through the air, the familiar motions were comforting.
Harun the sheathed his katana. He wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but he was a bit nervous about his first duel. Not that he doubted his capabilities as a duellist, but this was the first time something would be riding on the result. The fate of a city.
He practiced draws now. Feeling around him and within him for the Void, the energy within himself, to strike.
He drew, he struck. Pleased with the speed of his reaction and the power of his strike, he did it again. And again, and again, over and over just like in the dojo when they practiced.
When he sheathed his sword for the last time, his arms were aching, Majid spoke up.
“Very pretty display,” he said, his tone jovial but a touch scornful.
Harun smiled mockingly at him. “I am the one who is helping you, remember?”
“You could be doing yourself one too,” Majid pointed out. “The fate of a city, that is significant. Better than showing up someone who insults your mother. That’s how you Crane do it, right?”
Harun laughed. “I wish I could say no.”
Majid clapped him on the back. “Come,” he said. “You’re needed, the Khan wants to set the terms for this…thing.”
When they arrived in Chinua’s chomchog, Susumu Hokori was already there. He got up when Harun arrived, bowing elegantly.
“I must again say I am grateful for your help, Kakita-san,” Hokori said gushingly.
Harun bowed in return. “I only wish to serve, Susumu-sama.”
“Do not we all?” Hokori said as he sat down. “Lord Chinua was telling me about your accomplishments. Educated at the illustrious Kakita Duelling Academy. Winning the Topaz Championship. You have been modest where you surely should give yourself credit.”
“You are too kind, Susumu-sama,” Harun said. “I merely wish for my actions to speak for me, not just my words.”
Hokori’s perfect smile flickered for a moment, only briefly but Harun noticed. Something Kyoumi had once said to him when he asked about the Spider came back to him.
So selfish, Spider!
Don’t you know that others pass
Through this dark passage?
Tea was served, with some rice balls and the ever present bowl of jerky that even Hokori seemed to partake from.
“My Lord Chinua, if you will allow me, I will relate to you the terms which my Champion, Lord Shibatsu will find acceptable,” said Hokori.
“Go on then,” said Chinua.
“We are not only dealing with the illegal occupation of a city,” said Hokori. “But of the actions of Akodo Motome herself, she acted outside the law. Because of this, her defeat must result in her seppuku.”
“No.” Harun and Chinua said together. They exchanged a look across the table, Chinua motioned for Harun to proceed.
“Susumu-sama, such terms would be akin to a duel to the death,” Harun explained. “And as you are no doubt aware, I cannot participate in this without the leave of my damiyo. The same is true for Akodo Motome.”
“And I will not sanction a death duel,” Chinua said stoutly. “More trouble than they are worth.”
Harun nodded in agreement, knowing what he meant.
“Surely you do not mean her actions will go unpunished,” said Hokori.
“Of course not,” said Chinua. “We will make sure she hands herself over to the judgement of the Lion Champion, Akodo Kinshu, he can sort it out.”
Hokori seemed satisfied this, but behind his smile Harun thought there might be something going on. “I will draw up the terms,” Hokori said, finishing his tea. “And in two days, we will deliver them. An escort will be needed.”
“That can be arranged,” said Chinua.
Hokori bowed then took his leave. As soon as he was gone, Chinua turned to Majid. “Well? What do you make of him?”
Majid frowned. “He does not lie, my Khan, but he tells not the truth either. I know the Spider are our friends, but I trust him not. Particularly when he smiles.”
Chinua nodded in agreement, he turned to Harun. “You want to prove yourself by your actions? Win this and we can talk more on other things.”
Harun nodded, these were the words he had been hoping to hear.
Two days later, they rode east to Kaeru Toshi, arriving the next day. The city, or what was left of it, was situated at the main junctyion of the Three Sides River. It had been devastated at beginning of the Onyx War when the forces of Daigotsu Kanpeki had overrun it, then sailing downriver to take Toshi Ranbo.
Now, little more than the original stones remained, among the tents of the Lion forces. There were also the hastily constructed dwellings that the Kaeru family had constructed from rubble.
Harun, wearing his Topaz Champion armour, rode in with Majid and Hokori with a light escort of Unicorn. Their approach had been noticed as a small contingent of Lion samurai emerged from the city and assembled in a line ahead of them.
Majid halted their progress and spoke to the head of their escort. “Signal them we wish to talk.”
The tessen bearer signalled the Lion with his fan. There was a tense moment when the Lion didn’t respond, then there was a signal in return.
They proceeded forward, stopping short of the Lion. Majid dismounted as did Hokori and Harun. Hokori stepped forward, holding a document in his hands. The Susumu bowed. “In the same of Susumu Shibatsu, Lord of the Spider Clan, the Lion Clan’s right to the city of Toshi sano Kanemochi Kaeru is challenged.” He offered the document.
The Lion bowed. He was young, he looked surprisingly reasonable. “I am Akodo Chusei, Chui to Shireken Akodo Motome. We will conduct you to her.”
They saddled up and proceeded in to the Lion camp. Lion samurai brought up the front and rear of their contingent. By now they had been noticed. Lion samurai and ashigaru gathered around and watched.
They came to a stop outside the biggest tent where a woman came out as they approached. She looked about thirty, her eyes hard, her face set. This was Akodo Motome.
“Hokori!” she shouted, her contempt for the Spider palpable. “This is hardly the army you promised to return with!”
Hokori made a deep bow, his voice was as smooth as silk. And as slippery. “Our claim to this city is as strong as yours is weak, Akodo-san.”
“This!” She brandished the piece of paper with the challenge on it. “I have no time for such games as this!”
“Do you accept the challenge, Akodo-san?” Hokori asked, his pleasant tone had an edge of steel to it.
There was a long silence as the words were considered. Motome looked down at the challenge, everyone watching her.
Harun waited silently beside Majid, he knew he had no place in this until he was called upon.
“I accept,” Motome said. “I will answer this challenge myself.”
“I nominate Kakita Harun as my champion,” said Hokori.
Harun stepped forward and bowed low, not speaking and his face a blank mask. Motome looked at Harun, trying to stare him down. Harun looked back at her unflinchingly.
“This is acceptable,” said Motome. “The duel will proceed as soon as the grounds can be prepared.”
A courtyard was found and cleared of rubble and greenery for the purpose of the duel. Majid and a Lion shugenja purified the duelling circle. Harun stood to one side with the Unicorn escort, resplendent in his gold and blue Topaz Champion armour. It had been quickly modified at the Unicorn camp so he could duel in it. Hokori stood next to him, talking far too much than was necessary. Harun tuned it out.
On the other side was the Lion, some gathered around Motome. No one looked their way.
When the rituals were done. Majid called them both forward. Harun took his place on Majid’s right, Motome on his right. Facing Majid was Akodo Chusei, in his hand he held a fan. Majid bowed to Chusei and stepped back to be with the other Unicorn.
“We are here to decide things according to the traditions of iaijutsu and bushido,” said Chusei. “Please state your name to those gathered here.”
Akodo Motome bowed. “I am Akodo Motome, student of Motome Ikari-sensei of the Akodo school.”
Harun bowed. “I am Kakita Harun, student of Kakita Kenshin of the Kakita Duelling Academy. I stand as representative of Susumu Hokori.”
“This is a duel to the first blood,” said Chisei. “May fate decide the victor.” He brought down the fan between the two combatants and then raised it. “Hajime!”
Harun examined Motome carefully. She was older than him, brash—that had been apparent from the beginning—and definitely more experienced. However, he had one distinct advantage over her: he had come prepared to duel, she had not. He looked for her weak spots.
I could take her, Harun thought, Just, but I could.
Satisfied, he sank into the stance of Void.
Now he was in more familiar territory. The silence was welcoming, familiar, he could feel the connections between the ground, the sky, and the world around him. Reaching within himself for that energy, that lightning flash that would go into his strike.
Harun struck, his katana slashing with such a speed that scratched Motome’s cheek, drawing blood. She glared at Harun, her sword had not even left her saya, and to be beaten by one she considered a mere boy. She bowed, still furious, but accepting the decision.
Harun bowed as well. He had won his first duel, he wasn’t sure how he meant to feel. Good? Bad? He felt a little dazed.
“The duel is decided in favour of Susumu Hokori,” said Chusei. He didn’t sound happy either, but like Motome he had to accept the result.
The only one who seemed at all pleased about this was Hokori himself. “In accordance with the terms, Akodo Motome will be handed over for judgment,” he said. “The troops will remain here until something else can be arranged. I will remain, also.”
He turned and left, without any thanks or even looking at Harun. The Unicorn troops took Motome into custody, leading her off somewhere and people began to disperse.
Is this what it is to be a duellist? Harun wondered as he watched them go. We all talked about the glory and fame we would win at the Academy. Not this, this is just hollow.
Majid came up to Harun and clapped him on the back. “So, you’ve won your first duel Niwa no Moto,” he said, grinning broadly. “I’d buy you a drink, but I don’t think they would like us to stay.”
Harun nodded, they walked back to where they had left their horses.
“If we ride hard, we should make it back to camp by nightfall,” said Majid, they mounted and started their way back.
“Majid,” said Harun after a few hours, he was deep in thought. “How much does it help, what just happened?”
“Well, that will depend on who you ask,” said Majid. “To the Unicorn, not a whole lot. The Khan wanted the affair settle and he wasn’t happy having the Lion this side of the river, but that’s about it. To the Spider and Lion, it matters, you decided a matter that needed to be mediated. But to the Empire…” Majid smiled. “It matters that the city is held, and now your name will be there deciding it.”
Harun was satisfied with that, they continued on the journey west.
Chapter 5
Summer, 1234 - Unicorn Lands
The plains of the Unicorn lands were far and wide, but cleansing the lands of the taint had its price. Much of the land was grey and lifeless, only a few sparse patches of grass had managed to grow.
“It was much worse than this,” Majid told him when they camped for the night. “And as you go further in, towards the heartlands, it gets even worse.”
“How much has been taken from the Onyx?” Harun asked.
He showed Harun on a map. “Some of the Utaku provinces,” he said, pointing to the provinces bordering the Dragon lands. “We have also taken a some of the Moto provinces on the other side of the Firefly River. But not Shiro Moto, at least not yet. The Onyx still hold that and a lot of the north. Hopefully, for not much longer.”
They travelled further over the next few days, Harun was amazed that Majid knew where he was going when the map meant very little when there were no roads to guide them. At first, he thought it was some sort of Unicorn travel magic. When he said this to Majid, the Moto laughed and the next morning, he showed him.
After they had eaten and just before they left for the day, Majid stuck a stick in the ground and marked its shadow with a line in the dirt. They then waited for the shadow to move and Majid marked it. He then drew a third line connecting the two lines at their widest point.
“This is our way,” Majid said, pointing to the third line. “No magic, no tricks, just the path of Lady Sun.” He looked off into the distance. “The main contingent of the Khol, where the Khan is, are encamped in preparation for taking Shiro Moto near the river. So that is where we are going.”
Three days later, the Firefly River was in sight, and the day after that Harun saw the huge encampment that was the Khol, the main army of the Unicorn. At dusk, they rode in.
They rode past rows and rows of tents. The round yurts of the Unicorn as well as square ones made of canvas and leather. He could see campfires, where samurai, ashigaru and retainers sat around, sharing meals and stories. And horses, horses, everywhere. Some, ridden by women, were the biggest he had ever seen.
They must be the shiotome, the battlemaidens, Harun thought as he passed ones. They were quiet, didn’t give him even a glance, and didn’t join in the loud shouts and songs of the rest of the camp.
Their object, Harun realised, was the large yurt in the centre of the camp. A chomchog, Harun found out later. Guards were posted outside and it was here that Majid and then Harun dismounted. Majid went up to the cards, showing his chop but they refused him entry, mentioning something about the Khan’s visitor.
“Visitor?” Majid frowned. This was rather irregular, what was going on?
Even at the discreet distance that they waited, Harun could hear shouts within. Then the tent flapped open and the Khan’s visitor stepped out, angry.
He was a courtier, he wore fine black and white silks with the mon of the Spider clan on them.
Majid went in, letting Harun know they he would come for him, the tent flap closed. Harun waited, once again feeling shut out of things.
“Pardon?” said a voice behind him. Harun turned, it was the Spider. He bowed. “I am Susumu Hokori, would I be wrong in guessing you are a duellist from the Kakita family of the Crane Clan?”
“You are correct, Susumu-sama,” said Harun, bowing. “I am Kakita Harun.”
“Perfect,” said Hokori. “I knew that Moto had something his sleeve! This will settle things!”
And before Harun knew what was going in, Hokori ushered him into the tent. Majid, who had been speaking, froze mid-sentence. Seated on the other side of a table, staring at both of them, was Moto Chinua, Champion of the Unicorn Clan.
Harun put his age in the late sixties, but in surprisingly good shape for it. Mind still keen and ready for action. He wore a simple purple kimono under a sleeveless haori of leather and fur. His grey hair was tied back, his beard was a little wilder and had streaks of white amongst the black.
“My lord,” said Hokori, bowing low.
Harun bowed low, it was something to do.
“When you said that you would help the claim of the Spider Clan, I did not know that plans were in motion. A Kakita duellist, and from what it looks, one of your blood as well! I am pleased that the alliance between our clans is so honoured.”
Chinua looked at Harun, sizing him up. He did not speak.
Does he recognise me? Harun wondered. Hoping that he did, Harun gave a slight nod.
“Of course, Kakita Harun’s mother served me faithfully, and I trust her son will do as well,” said Chinua. “If you don’t mind excusing us, Hokori, Harun has just arrived and we have much to discuss.”
“Indeed, I will take my leave.” Hokori bowed again and left.
The tent was silent for a moment. Harun looked at Chinua, Majid looked at Harun, Chinua looked between them both, an amused smile forming on his face.
“Well, this is a colt of a different colour,” said Chinua. “Sit, and let us see if we can sort something out.”
Harun sat down. Chinua slid over a rough cup and poured tea. The chomchog was large and comfortable, warm from the central fireplace that vented to a hole in the rood. They sat on cushions, brightly coloured and patterned in a way Harun had never seen before.
There was also a bowl of hard brown strips in a bowl that Harun didn’t recognise. Majid took a piece, tearing bits off his with teeth.
Meat, probably, Harun thought with distaste.
“So, Harun, you have come to us at last,” said Chinua. “I had hoped that we had had you much sooner, raised you as one of us. Of course, your mother Yamada, stubborn as she was, would have things her way and none other. I understand,” he added with a glance of Majid, “that you have seen the handiwork of those she is with?”
“Yes, my lord,” said Harun.
“I think that Hokori may have the right idea,” Chinua said thoughtfully. “You may be able to help us. But we won’t go into that now. Tell me about yourself, I spoke true of how your mother served me but I want to know about you.”
So, Harun told him. Told him about growing up at Shiro Yogashi as one of the children of the Emerald Champion. He told him about his time at the Kakita Academy, of the respect he had won there amongst the other children, and of his triumph at the Topaz Championship.
Chinua smiled in approval. “Perhaps there was something in sending you there.”
“There is something I would like to ask you, my lord,” said Harun. “My mother named before she handed me over to the Crane. Do you know anything about that?”
“Yamada named you after her own father, Moto Harun,” said Chinua. “He was a Chui in the White Guard, we fought together in the War of Dark Fire.” He took a drink of tea. “That was how I knew it was you, when we met those years ago. There wouldn’t be many Kakita that look like a Moto with your name.”
Harun smiled.
“So, we have this business with the Spider,” Chinua said, he brought out a map and laid it on the table. “Directly south of our position is Kaeru Toshi. We took it last summer, and at the Emperor’s court last winter it was decided that the Spider Clan would re-establish the city. We agreed to it at the time, it meant we could commit more forces further north. But then the Onyx took it back. And now, at the end of spring, the Lion took it led by Akodo Motome…and here we are.”
“So, the Spider expect us to resolve this, my Khan?” Majid asked.
“His initial idea was that we commit troops,” Chinua said in disapproval. “Not only, we can’t, it would just create more problems with the Lion.”
“How is that I could help, my lord?” Harun asked.
“This could all be settled very easily,” Chinua explained. “With a duel.”
Harun frowned. “A duel? Would they honour the result?”
“They have to,” Chinua answered, “if they don’t Motone will be disgraced in the eyes of his troops.”
“Isn’t her occupation of the city illegal anyway?” Harun asked.
“It is,” Chinua said. “But possession is more than the law when you have the forces to support it. And I guess your father, the Emerald Champion, would be able to spare anyone soon.”
Harun shook his head. “I do appreciate your confidence in me, Lord Chinua, but I have no experience outside the dojo. I’m barely passed my gempukku.”
“Didn’t you just say you won the Topaz Championship?” Majid asked. “That’s not nothing, Harun. And I have seen you in action. And,” he added with a wry grin, “how are you supposed to get some sort of reputation as a duellist if you don’t start?”
Harun looked from one to the other. I’m not even here a day and I’ve already gotten into a duel.
He bowed. “You have my sword, my lord.”
Afterwards, he shared a meal with Chinua and Majid. Flat bread, various dipping sauces of different colours and grilled vegetables flavoured with spices. Harun tried some of each and found them surprisingly good. There was meat as well, but Harun didn’t feel that adventurous to try it yet.
Majid then showed him to one of the guest yurts. When he had gone, Harun had the servant prepare him a bath. After cleaning the grime of several days of travel off him, he climbed into the wooden tub, enjoying the hot water.
He leaned back, looking up at the wooden struts that supported the ceiling of the yurt. It wasn’t what he expected, despite his Uncle Kousuda’s stories, in fact it was far better.
It’s more like a house than a tent, Harun thought, I wonder what it would be like to live this way.
Inside the yurt was fairly simple. Just a desk, a futon with bedding, a chest to store his personal items and some large cushions that were strewn on the brightly coloured carpets covering the floor.
Afterwards, he lay on the futon in a light yukata, watching the smoke rising from the central stove drift towards the hole in the rood.
I wonder what Arahime would make of this, Harun thought, We need to come out her, together, when it’s safe.
Harun awoke early. He dressed in practice clothes and sought out a place to train. If he was going to be in his first real duel, he needed to be ready. And it had been days since he had done it properly, at least more than his katas.
He found a clear area where he saw some of the Unicorn training. There were a few practice weapons on racks, but no mats or anything to practice on but the bare ground.
A few heads turned when Harun started to practice, but Harun paid them no mind. He at first started with some basic katas, warming up, getting a feel for the ground. Then he drew his katana and moved through the katas again. His sword making cuts through the air, the familiar motions were comforting.
Harun the sheathed his katana. He wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but he was a bit nervous about his first duel. Not that he doubted his capabilities as a duellist, but this was the first time something would be riding on the result. The fate of a city.
He practiced draws now. Feeling around him and within him for the Void, the energy within himself, to strike.
He drew, he struck. Pleased with the speed of his reaction and the power of his strike, he did it again. And again, and again, over and over just like in the dojo when they practiced.
When he sheathed his sword for the last time, his arms were aching, Majid spoke up.
“Very pretty display,” he said, his tone jovial but a touch scornful.
Harun smiled mockingly at him. “I am the one who is helping you, remember?”
“You could be doing yourself one too,” Majid pointed out. “The fate of a city, that is significant. Better than showing up someone who insults your mother. That’s how you Crane do it, right?”
Harun laughed. “I wish I could say no.”
Majid clapped him on the back. “Come,” he said. “You’re needed, the Khan wants to set the terms for this…thing.”
When they arrived in Chinua’s chomchog, Susumu Hokori was already there. He got up when Harun arrived, bowing elegantly.
“I must again say I am grateful for your help, Kakita-san,” Hokori said gushingly.
Harun bowed in return. “I only wish to serve, Susumu-sama.”
“Do not we all?” Hokori said as he sat down. “Lord Chinua was telling me about your accomplishments. Educated at the illustrious Kakita Duelling Academy. Winning the Topaz Championship. You have been modest where you surely should give yourself credit.”
“You are too kind, Susumu-sama,” Harun said. “I merely wish for my actions to speak for me, not just my words.”
Hokori’s perfect smile flickered for a moment, only briefly but Harun noticed. Something Kyoumi had once said to him when he asked about the Spider came back to him.
So selfish, Spider!
Don’t you know that others pass
Through this dark passage?
Tea was served, with some rice balls and the ever present bowl of jerky that even Hokori seemed to partake from.
“My Lord Chinua, if you will allow me, I will relate to you the terms which my Champion, Lord Shibatsu will find acceptable,” said Hokori.
“Go on then,” said Chinua.
“We are not only dealing with the illegal occupation of a city,” said Hokori. “But of the actions of Akodo Motome herself, she acted outside the law. Because of this, her defeat must result in her seppuku.”
“No.” Harun and Chinua said together. They exchanged a look across the table, Chinua motioned for Harun to proceed.
“Susumu-sama, such terms would be akin to a duel to the death,” Harun explained. “And as you are no doubt aware, I cannot participate in this without the leave of my damiyo. The same is true for Akodo Motome.”
“And I will not sanction a death duel,” Chinua said stoutly. “More trouble than they are worth.”
Harun nodded in agreement, knowing what he meant.
“Surely you do not mean her actions will go unpunished,” said Hokori.
“Of course not,” said Chinua. “We will make sure she hands herself over to the judgement of the Lion Champion, Akodo Kinshu, he can sort it out.”
Hokori seemed satisfied this, but behind his smile Harun thought there might be something going on. “I will draw up the terms,” Hokori said, finishing his tea. “And in two days, we will deliver them. An escort will be needed.”
“That can be arranged,” said Chinua.
Hokori bowed then took his leave. As soon as he was gone, Chinua turned to Majid. “Well? What do you make of him?”
Majid frowned. “He does not lie, my Khan, but he tells not the truth either. I know the Spider are our friends, but I trust him not. Particularly when he smiles.”
Chinua nodded in agreement, he turned to Harun. “You want to prove yourself by your actions? Win this and we can talk more on other things.”
Harun nodded, these were the words he had been hoping to hear.
Two days later, they rode east to Kaeru Toshi, arriving the next day. The city, or what was left of it, was situated at the main junctyion of the Three Sides River. It had been devastated at beginning of the Onyx War when the forces of Daigotsu Kanpeki had overrun it, then sailing downriver to take Toshi Ranbo.
Now, little more than the original stones remained, among the tents of the Lion forces. There were also the hastily constructed dwellings that the Kaeru family had constructed from rubble.
Harun, wearing his Topaz Champion armour, rode in with Majid and Hokori with a light escort of Unicorn. Their approach had been noticed as a small contingent of Lion samurai emerged from the city and assembled in a line ahead of them.
Majid halted their progress and spoke to the head of their escort. “Signal them we wish to talk.”
The tessen bearer signalled the Lion with his fan. There was a tense moment when the Lion didn’t respond, then there was a signal in return.
They proceeded forward, stopping short of the Lion. Majid dismounted as did Hokori and Harun. Hokori stepped forward, holding a document in his hands. The Susumu bowed. “In the same of Susumu Shibatsu, Lord of the Spider Clan, the Lion Clan’s right to the city of Toshi sano Kanemochi Kaeru is challenged.” He offered the document.
The Lion bowed. He was young, he looked surprisingly reasonable. “I am Akodo Chusei, Chui to Shireken Akodo Motome. We will conduct you to her.”
They saddled up and proceeded in to the Lion camp. Lion samurai brought up the front and rear of their contingent. By now they had been noticed. Lion samurai and ashigaru gathered around and watched.
They came to a stop outside the biggest tent where a woman came out as they approached. She looked about thirty, her eyes hard, her face set. This was Akodo Motome.
“Hokori!” she shouted, her contempt for the Spider palpable. “This is hardly the army you promised to return with!”
Hokori made a deep bow, his voice was as smooth as silk. And as slippery. “Our claim to this city is as strong as yours is weak, Akodo-san.”
“This!” She brandished the piece of paper with the challenge on it. “I have no time for such games as this!”
“Do you accept the challenge, Akodo-san?” Hokori asked, his pleasant tone had an edge of steel to it.
There was a long silence as the words were considered. Motome looked down at the challenge, everyone watching her.
Harun waited silently beside Majid, he knew he had no place in this until he was called upon.
“I accept,” Motome said. “I will answer this challenge myself.”
“I nominate Kakita Harun as my champion,” said Hokori.
Harun stepped forward and bowed low, not speaking and his face a blank mask. Motome looked at Harun, trying to stare him down. Harun looked back at her unflinchingly.
“This is acceptable,” said Motome. “The duel will proceed as soon as the grounds can be prepared.”
A courtyard was found and cleared of rubble and greenery for the purpose of the duel. Majid and a Lion shugenja purified the duelling circle. Harun stood to one side with the Unicorn escort, resplendent in his gold and blue Topaz Champion armour. It had been quickly modified at the Unicorn camp so he could duel in it. Hokori stood next to him, talking far too much than was necessary. Harun tuned it out.
On the other side was the Lion, some gathered around Motome. No one looked their way.
When the rituals were done. Majid called them both forward. Harun took his place on Majid’s right, Motome on his right. Facing Majid was Akodo Chusei, in his hand he held a fan. Majid bowed to Chusei and stepped back to be with the other Unicorn.
“We are here to decide things according to the traditions of iaijutsu and bushido,” said Chusei. “Please state your name to those gathered here.”
Akodo Motome bowed. “I am Akodo Motome, student of Motome Ikari-sensei of the Akodo school.”
Harun bowed. “I am Kakita Harun, student of Kakita Kenshin of the Kakita Duelling Academy. I stand as representative of Susumu Hokori.”
“This is a duel to the first blood,” said Chisei. “May fate decide the victor.” He brought down the fan between the two combatants and then raised it. “Hajime!”
Harun examined Motome carefully. She was older than him, brash—that had been apparent from the beginning—and definitely more experienced. However, he had one distinct advantage over her: he had come prepared to duel, she had not. He looked for her weak spots.
I could take her, Harun thought, Just, but I could.
Satisfied, he sank into the stance of Void.
Now he was in more familiar territory. The silence was welcoming, familiar, he could feel the connections between the ground, the sky, and the world around him. Reaching within himself for that energy, that lightning flash that would go into his strike.
Harun struck, his katana slashing with such a speed that scratched Motome’s cheek, drawing blood. She glared at Harun, her sword had not even left her saya, and to be beaten by one she considered a mere boy. She bowed, still furious, but accepting the decision.
Harun bowed as well. He had won his first duel, he wasn’t sure how he meant to feel. Good? Bad? He felt a little dazed.
“The duel is decided in favour of Susumu Hokori,” said Chusei. He didn’t sound happy either, but like Motome he had to accept the result.
The only one who seemed at all pleased about this was Hokori himself. “In accordance with the terms, Akodo Motome will be handed over for judgment,” he said. “The troops will remain here until something else can be arranged. I will remain, also.”
He turned and left, without any thanks or even looking at Harun. The Unicorn troops took Motome into custody, leading her off somewhere and people began to disperse.
Is this what it is to be a duellist? Harun wondered as he watched them go. We all talked about the glory and fame we would win at the Academy. Not this, this is just hollow.
Majid came up to Harun and clapped him on the back. “So, you’ve won your first duel Niwa no Moto,” he said, grinning broadly. “I’d buy you a drink, but I don’t think they would like us to stay.”
Harun nodded, they walked back to where they had left their horses.
“If we ride hard, we should make it back to camp by nightfall,” said Majid, they mounted and started their way back.
“Majid,” said Harun after a few hours, he was deep in thought. “How much does it help, what just happened?”
“Well, that will depend on who you ask,” said Majid. “To the Unicorn, not a whole lot. The Khan wanted the affair settle and he wasn’t happy having the Lion this side of the river, but that’s about it. To the Spider and Lion, it matters, you decided a matter that needed to be mediated. But to the Empire…” Majid smiled. “It matters that the city is held, and now your name will be there deciding it.”
Harun was satisfied with that, they continued on the journey west.