Malnival's lips pull back from his teeth in an unfriendly smile. "Many others have been displeased with us....we are still here. People would realize that by now you would think."
Ishibasho snaps the coin from the air, removing it from sight as quickly as he takes it. He offers you an approving nod, but says nothing. Kondo Yori and Hosokaya Kazu bid you curt farewell and return to the table.
Leaving the market, you return to the inn and regroup with Heng and the others.
"Now, should we deliver our prisoner to the keep, or return to Sakakabe to meet with Sikutsu Itsuru?"
"Sounds good, the Keep and then Sakakabe."
Using the remaining duration of your traveling magic, you depart Enganoka with the exhilarating speed of the winds. It only takes you a few more hours to cover the hundreds of miles back to Seinaru Heikiko. You arrive there in the early evening. The keep and adjacent village are a bustle of activity and growth, even in the weeks since you departed.
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Harlan will set about replenishing his supply of scrolls for quick travel, intent on learning how to cast the spell himself as soon as he is able.
Jiro greets your return warmly, and shows some interest in your prisoner. "I have some experience in dealing with magic users. I suggest a double guard, one with waxed ears. I can assure my men will keep her hands restrained and carefully gagged when needed. She will not be able to escape without help."
Once that is settled, he presses on the larger issues. "We have already gotten word from a few merchants out of Sakakabe. With supply and trade routes open, I can secure more soldiers for our cause. Within a month, I may have a serviceable force together, but the governor's chokehold on this region is a key obstacle. Do you have any headway on that front?"
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" Do you have any headway on that front?"
Heng nods as he unconsciously rubs the tattoos upon his freshly shaved scalp. "The geisha have been true to their word. That is good. We have defeated an infamous ninja and bought the support of the Black Lotus Clan in the south. I do not think the other two clans will obstruct us."
"Unfortunately, our stop here is a very short one to see Maeve imprisoned until we have the time to deal with her. Now we have a meeting with Sikutsu Itsuru, the younger brother of Sikutsu Sennaka. It is hoped that he may provide some support."
"I'm sure he will. As long as we keep winning, people will keep helping us. I'm not sure what the oni have planned next, but we need to be ready for it. I wonder if I can ask the outer planes for help? Well, maybe Koya can. Ooh and we have that spirit plant."
Jiro's face darkens. "Sikutsu Sennaka has fine stature and always shows gracious manners, but he is a cruel man. The facade of a honorofic samurai does not go deeper than the armor he wears. Within lies a ruthless lust for power. I saw firsthand what he is capable of..." He shakes his head, then adding, "His brother, Itsuru, he considered a useless sentimentalist. I met the man on a few occasions. He was somewhat unruly, but at least he has a heart."
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"Cruelty is an abuse of power. It defies the code that I believe the samurai live by. We will see how Itsuru composes himself. I will also meditate on these two tonight that I may gain some insight into the way forward."
"You have done well here, Hirabashi Hiro. It is good to know that our base in the north is secure while we continue to gather support for the Empress."
Heng looks surprised at Harlan's mention of the little bonsai. "I am embarrassed that you have had to remind me of my duty, Harlan. I must check in with Shalelu. I do not feel it is proper to have passed on the task that was given me, but grown plants are not generally given to such constant traveling."
"I also must speak with Habesuta Hatsue. She came to our aid on the quest to rescue the Geisha, O-Sayumi. It was something I would ask her about."
"I'm not a fan of politicians and their deceitful ways. Best to just shove a sword in each of them and let their date at the Grey Lady's court in the Boneyard settle it all out. Regardless, like the ninja, we need to choose decisively but carefully."
"But Maeve ... are we just going to lock her up indefinitely or will there be some sort of farce of justice to bring about the end we wish?"
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"No, there will be no farce. It may take time, but I want to suss out exactly what she was responsible for. Despite her attempted betrayal, she was our friend once... I think she deserves that much."
"So you are going to question her, Ame? Or are you going to have a trial?"
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"I will talk to her... given time and patience, maybe I can get through whatever damage she's endured. If it comes to it, a trial may be necessary. I hope we can avoid that kind of show. What do you all think?"
"Be careful. I hope she is acting more.like a spurned lover and less like the traitorous whore she seems."
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"I hope we can bring her around. Maybe she was brainwashed? I bet if anyone can do it Ameiko you can."
"I will do what I can. In the meantime, you should continue to court allies to our cause. Let me know if I can help in any way."
Heng finds Shalelu and the bonsai healthy and well. She has kept it watered and pruned in the few weeks since your departure.
Habesuta Hatsue is also well. She greets Heng with a formal bow, but does not hide her pleasure in seeing you. "This one is glad for your safe return. If you have time, perhaps some tea, or a game of shogi?"
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Heng's face breaks into an uncharacteristic and rather awkward tusky smile. "Yes, we will not leave until tomorrow so I believe there is time for both. I trust you have been well. The fort is running well. Anything of note?"
His face grows thoughtful. "Speaking of shogi, something strange happened on our journeys. We battled a necromancer in a shadowy castle. He was something of an expert in the game and through magic and illusion trapped us on a giant board and in our darkest hour, you appeared to aid us. I am not sure if it was another illusion or you were actually there somehow."
Other than restocking crossbow bolts Harlan has no pressing needs.
"We're taking the slow road for a while guys, I'll need to pick up more travel scrolls the next time we hit a major town."
Heng's face breaks into an uncharacteristic and rather awkward tusky smile. "Yes, we will not leave until tomorrow so I believe there is time for both. I trust you have been well. The fort is running well. Anything of note?"
His face grows thoughtful. "Speaking of shogi, something strange happened on our journeys. We battled a necromancer in a shadowy castle. He was something of an expert in the game and through magic and illusion trapped us on a giant board and in our darkest hour, you appeared to aid us. I am not sure if it was another illusion or you were actually there somehow."
"Everything appears to be coming together as Hirabashi Jiro is planning. Word of a returning empress has spread like wildfire, which has drawn many to our camp, especially after you gained the support of the geisha in Sakakabe. Encouraged by our numbers and growing strength, those with grievance against the Jade Regent are coming out in force... and there are many with grievance."
Regarding the shogi dream, she nods but keeps her eyes lowered. "For years, this one has suffered frequent nightmares. They shared the same features: me fighting for my life as a piece in a shogi game. They were always vivid, but bathed in shadow... and a formless, malevolent presence was always there: my opponent. I believed the nightmares were punishment from the gods for spending too much thought on the game, but still they would persist even after I forced myself to stop playing for a time." She shakes her head, confounded. "This one saw you and your companions in my dream, fighting at my side against my nemesis in the game. It was the first time this one has won a match... and this one has had no further nightmares since that night."
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Heng listens intently to Hatsue's story. "It is good that you spent so much time playing this game so that you could prevail when it was no longer just a game. I am glad that the nightmares are over. Sometimes when I am in meditation or sleeping, I receive visions of the meaning behind things, but in this case, I think only "Uncle" may truly knows what it all means."
"I will tell you more about Uncle and our adventures while we play or more likely, I lose. Please, set the board and let us begin."
*******
That night, Heng seeks a vision about the cruel daimyo and his brother that they are soon to meet.
Hatsui smiles as she bows, then sets to arranging the game board.
***
A few hours later, Heng settles down to mediate and rest...
"So are we going to meet with the man as planned, or shall we talk to the brother first?"
***
After the game, Heng takes his leave of Hatsue with a smile and bow and then goes to wish Koya goodnight before returning to his pallet.
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In the morning, you meet in the Seinaru Heikiko courtyard. Hirabashi Jiro has some fresh riding horses ready for you.
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After the game, Heng takes his leave of Hatsue with a smile and bow and then
goes to wish Koya goodnight before returning to his pallet.
/\EDIT: says a prayer for Koya and Sandru before preparing to rest.
*******
Heng greets his companions in the morning and tells them of his dream. "I think it is a good omen," he explains. "The younger brother appears competent and honorable, but does not seek glory for his own sake. And the other vision... could it be the Kami coming to our aid?"
Though he could tirelessly jog along with the horses, Heng rides with his companions eager to return to the city and continue their quest!
"Could be Heng! Let's get going. Thank you Jiro-same for the horses, i wish I hadn't left Skygni with Koya.
Date: 25 Gozran - 1 Desnus 4712
Another week of riding passes quickly, and even pleasantly. The chaotic spring rains have largely settled down and brought out beautiful days of warm breezes and calm, cool nights. Most strikingly, cherry blossoms across the land have come into bloom, filling the air with their fragrance. As you approach the terraced city streets of Sakakabe, the entire city is layered in shades of white and pink.
Otherwise, Sakakabe is much as you left it a couple weeks prior.
Harlan nods his agreement.
"Let's do it, and then make sure Sandru and Koya are safe."
Kiyomi nods her agreement and breathes the cherry blossom scent deeply into her lungs.
You proceed to the Kiniro Kyomai Teahouse. O-Kohaku and O-Sayumi greet you as soon as you enter, as if they were waiting for you. "We heard of your return to Sakakabe. You honor us by visiting so promptly," the elder geisha says with a respectful bow. "Sikutsu Itsuru is in the city clandestinely, and he has agreed to meet with you. When you are ready, I will arrange the time and place. Do you have any requests on where or how the meet will be conducted?"
O-Kohaku nods. "If it pleases you, this teahouse would serve adequately. Sikutsu Itsuru is known to favor O-Sayumi and frequent this place. His coming here should arouse no suspicions. I will use one of our detached private buildings, and keep you away from any uninvited ears. Will that be acceptable?"
Malnival spends his time with his new bride., preparing for the a rival of their new born.