Harlan starts waving his arms in a different manner.
"Woah woah woah guys! It's obvious he's been deceived. Let's let him learn the truth. He would be a powerful ally..."
Malnival places his hand on his halfling friend's shoulder. "As Heng has said, he has made his decision Harlan. There is another way at this point my friend."
Harlan's shoulders slump and he turns to their fallen foe.
"Sorry about this. Not a good day to be a bad guy I guess."
Parity shoves his sword through the samurai's heart as soon as Harlan moves away.
After the man collapses, the ex gladiator states simply." Grab want things we need and let's get out of here. "
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Kiyomi clears her throat, finding her voice once again! "Please. Hold a moment. His heart is hard, but even hard things may soften with time and respect. I beg you, let the Empress decide his fate. If we summarily execute him, the people will say, 'why should we follow these men who take the law into their own hands? They are like him,' but if we honor the law and grant him the Empress' attentions, perhaps he too will see that she is the proper and right ruler of this land, and the Regent is nothing more than a pretender who has forgotten that he is only keeping the throne warm for her Highness. Please."
"I have a hard heart, Kiyomi. This man is full of spite and malice."
Still, Parity's blade quivers just over the man's breast, not striking, yet.
Sennaka scoffs, "You are quite certain in your woman. How are you so sure she is not the pretender?"
Kiyomi smiles. "Meet her, Sennaka. Meet her and judge for yourself. She bears the seal."
Sennaka stares at Kiyomi coldly but remains silent.
Parity drives his sword home without hesitation.
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Kiyomi bows her head as the samurai is executed. She sighs, clearly distressed, but choosing not to speak.
Sennaka dies quickly, with just a sigh. In the silence that follows, you can hear the samurai outside getting control of the monkey situation.
Malnival looks around the are with his mage sight and takes anything magical.
A quick scan of Sennaka, Kazuo and the dead Typhoon Guards for magic reveals next to nothing on the latter. Sennaka's sword, bow, cloak and belt radiate magic, as well as a pouch full of potions. His heavy o-yoroi armor is also magic, but you realize you will not have the time to strip him of it.
You retreat out the way you came in, moving swiftly. Once under the open sky, it takes but a moment to return to your cloud forms and ascend. As you rise, you hear alarm bells start ringing. Off in the distance, you can see fires raging in the worker's camp -- a by-product of the ronin's delaying tactic.
You are back to the inn in Sakakabe in less than an hour.
"We did it. Did we do the right thing? I hope so. We set out to kill him, but I'm never sure what to do when they surrender."
Kiyomi smiles sadly. "War makes all of us less. I fear we only choose how much less we are made."
"Worry not, Harlan. I'll be your sineater. It was my hand that slew him."
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Harlan nods along with Heng.
"We did our best, but in the end his heart was stone."
Kiyomi bows her head and nods without meeting Ameiko's eyes.
Ameiko nods, her face grim. "I knew this would be a messy task, and I thank you for handling it with care. Not every foe we are up against is a demon -- there are many who are just... men." She sighs and shakes her head. Looking up, she adds, "We should tell Sikutsu Itsuru of his brother's death. He may be able to stabilize things in the province before the news spreads."
Itsuru arrives shortly after, escorted by O-Sayumi. He is silent as he moves to check Sennaka's body. He pays a silent reverie, then nods and covers the corpse. Standing and turning to you, Itsuru bows. "You have performed an exceptional service to my family and the people of Sakakabe province. I offer my allegiance and whatever forces I can muster against the Jade Regent and his oni. It will take a few weeks to consolidate my power base -- purge any oni influence or their minions -- but when you call, I will come."
Malnival smiles grimly and nods his head. "We regret that your brother could not be swayed in his thinking. The taint of the Oni runs deep in some. Soon we shall make them pay for their wrongs."
"Is there anything else we need to do first? Are we ready to begin the battle or should we try to weaken the oni further?"
Ameiko shrugs nervously. "I'm not sure what the next step should be. We can check with Hirabashi Jiro... he may have some ideas."
Kiyomi seems to come back to herself, and nods. "Yes, Empress. We will do as you bid"
With the business in Sakakabe done, you and your companions make your way back to Seinaro Heikiko on horseback. Warm southern winds and clear skies keep the weather pleasant, with the fresh scent of spring blooms still on the air. As you near the keep, road traffic increases as you encounter traders, caravans and soldiers heading to and from your headquarters.
When you reach the keep, Jiro and Hatsue greet you at the gates. Each of them bows low. As the samurai rises, his face is full of pride. "A fast messenger has told us of Sikutsu Sennaka's death and Itsuru's rise to power. Your successes have exceeded even my highest expectations -- I humbly beg forgiveness for any doubts I had in your capabilities."
"Things are moving along quickly, and our greatest challenge is still ahead of us. But for now you've earned time to rest and recover, perhaps even a small celebration?" Jiro flashes a rare smile, for him not much more than a stern grin.
"You guys drink something other than tea? Count me in!"
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Kiyomi smiles. "If you will provide refreshments, I will provide music!"
Malnival grins an nods his head. "Sounds like a great idea!"
Harlan nods.
"And I'll cook! I know a great recipe for black bean goat chili. Do you have goats? It wouldn't stop me from making the chili but it would really help."