Takeo's Chronicles, page 79
Not every project was finished that day, but plenty were started.
Two full days passed in this manner, and Takeo began to wonder if anything was going to happen at all. He knew it would be several more days before the regular enemy troops arrived, due to their numbers and distance, but the komainu soldiers had done nothing but mill about. Takeo was certain someone would try and contact them, or yell up at them at least, and yet they kept to themselves.
He assumed they were waiting for the regular infantry to arrive, or perhaps the siege equipment, but late in the afternoon on the third day, another thing arrived altogether.
An ordered march of twenty komainu came down the canyon slots and entered the wide valley. Between the high, wide flags mounted on the komainu’s saddles and the strong blue colors of their armor, there was no mistaking the regal bearing of the mounts or those who rode them. Takeo recognized a royal entourage when he saw one, as did any samurai who’d spent more than a day or two in a shogun’s company. Takeo watched the newcomers enter the komainu camp and heard the heightened shouting of soldiers eager to impress their leader. The distance was too great and the setting sun too dim for Takeo to make out any detail, but he was able to see the royal entourage dismount amongst the flocking troops, a plethora of honorable bows sweeping through the camp.
Takeo was quickly joined by many others. They crowded around him, eager to hear what he had to say.
“Who is it?” Lord Eun was the first to ask. “My eyes are too old to see.”
“One of the Katsu cousins,” Takeo said.
“Which one?” the old man pressed.
“I don’t know. Hopefully both.”
A confused pause passed through the crowd, and Eun scowled. “Why is that?”
Takeo shrugged and replied, “I can’t kill them both if only one is here.”
Chapter 17
The leader of the Katsu forces turned out to be exceptionally prompt. A royal proceeding of three mounted komainu came charging out onto the battlefield when the sun’s morning light was nothing but a warm glow on the horizon. The entourage stopped midway between the fort and komainu camp, and Takeo was roused just in time to see the enemy patrols on all sides pulled back. The trio then planted their flag in the ground and, with a flick of the reins, made their beasts lie down.
“What are they doing?” Gavin asked, rubbing sleep from his eyes. “Do they want to talk?”
“Of course,” Takeo said, and then continued when Gavin shook his head. “Oh yes, that’s right. You’re not used to war, are you? This is quite normal, I assure you.”
“I know war plenty well, and this ain’t it,” Gavin put eloquently. “I’ve never seen anyone who wanted to talk before a fight. The ogres don’t, vampires don’t, vikings don’t. I don’t remember Jabbar stopping his ships and coming out to have a chat with Emily, and I don’t remember any formal talks in Savara either. In fact, as I recall, you didn’t try to talk those vikings before you slaughtered them. So what in the world is this? It doesn’t make any sense to me.”
Takeo blinked as realized the knight was right.
“Huh, I never thought of it that way,” the samurai said. “Well, this is normal in Juatwa then. It’s a courtesy we extend to each other, to talk and discuss terms before an engagement.” Gavin still seemed confused, so Takeo continued. “Like, for example, this general will ask us surrender, and one would expect me to argue the terms, such as keeping our family weapons or how we’ll be treated in captivity. In other battles on more equal footing, we might discuss where and when to fight.”
Takeo trailed off as Gavin looked stunned.
“You, you just,” the knight stuttered and shook his head. “You just talk about killing each other like you’re meeting for tea?”
“More like a cordial duel,” Takeo said. “Would you like to come?”
Gavin recoiled. “Aren’t you afraid they’ll kill you? Wait, what am I saying? Aren’t you going to kill them?”
“Of course not,” Takeo said. “If I did that, no one would meet with me again. That’s just not how things are done.”
Gavin furrowed his eyebrows. “What is wrong with you people?” he said. “Fighting, war, dying—it’s a barbaric necessity, not an afternoon delight. If you people are so formal and trusting that you can meet on an open battlefield hours before killing each other, couldn’t you just sit around a table some other time and hash out your differences? Don’t you know diplomacy is supposed to prevent war, not usher it in?”
“I don’t make the rules, Gavin,” Takeo replied. “Would you rather stay here?”
“And leave you to bargain our lives alone? Not a chance.”
Lord Eun demanded to join them, which surprised no one, but saved Takeo the trouble of having to make a request. Takeo wasn’t sure what kind of man or woman he was going to meet, but there was a high chance that whoever it was wouldn’t speak to a lowly ronin or a foreign sellsword.
The fort’s doors were unlocked and parted just wide enough for the trio to slip through, and then the door was closed and barred behind them. Takeo took the lead and instructed Gavin and Eun to follow a pace behind. He wanted it clear from the first moment who was in charge, whether this commander liked it or not.
They paced across the long, open field in silence. Only the morning breeze and the shuffling of grass beneath their feet broke the rising tension. Takeo contemplated how long it had been since he’d been a part of one these talks. His brother hadn’t been very fond of them, preferring night raids and swift assaults to any sort of conversation. In truth, Takeo somewhat preferred that style, too, as it was dependable and played to his strengths. However, rules were rules, and when a parlay was offered, it was considered horribly offensive to refuse. Besides, Takeo really did need all the time he could get, and nothing ate up time like idle, pointless chatter.
He also wanted to see the enemy’s face.
The commander came into focus at just about halfway from the fort to the meeting point. A man sat tall and proud on his komainu, carrying himself in a manner that bespoke of confidence and pride. Like Takeo, he occupied the center of his trio, filling the space with an air of presence. Takeo took quick note of the man’s squared shoulders, elevated chin, and deft poise, which were all to be expected of any royalty bold enough to lead an army from the front. What Takeo hadn’t expected was to find the man’s facial features warm and inviting, with smooth skin, light eyes, and a resting face that seemed a touch away from smiling. Takeo was immediately reminded of Gavin, and thusly, took a liking to the man in spite of the predicament. He was perhaps half a decade or so older than Takeo, which made him young for a shogun, and he beamed as they approached.
Takeo stopped several paces away from the komainu. He didn’t desire to come any closer to the beasts and expected they’d have to shout at each other to be heard. However, to Takeo’s utter shock, the commander dismounted and walked across the grass towards Takeo, arms wide. He stopped just a pace away and bowed low.
Takeo blinked his surprise, but instinct took over, and he bowed equally low in return. Beside him, Lord Eun and Gavin mimicked.
“Takeo Karaoshi, as I live and breathe,” the man said. He returned to full height and placed a hand over his heart. “Before anything else is said, I want to thank you. Truly, deeply, honestly, I owe you great thanks for your part in my uncle’s downfall. Lord Ichiro was a terrible soul and a tyrant that turned his kingdom into a land of strife. I care not for what reasons you did it, but I know he never would have toppled without your help. So, before we say anything we might regret, I want you to know how grateful I am that it is you of all people I meet today. Thank you.”
Then the man bowed again, and Takeo’s lips parted. If the man was being sarcastic, he hid it well. Takeo bowed again, as well.
“I’m sorry,” Takeo stuttered out. “You have me at loss. Who are you, exactly?”
“Lord Botan Katsu,” the man said, once again returning to a stand. He was tall, though not quite as tall as Nicholas. “And who are these two gentlemen?” he continued, gesturing with an open palm.
“Lord Eun Choi,” the old man said, going erect.
“Oh yes, the Choi’s.” Botan nodded. “I’ve heard your name before. You’ve served the Yang family faithfully for some time now. I assume you’re here to lend your years of wisdom. A rare thing these days, too often neglected.”
Eun’s chest swelled and a smile stained his face. “You could say that. You sound like a man who listens to his elders.”
Botan laughed and flicked his chin toward the army at his back. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without their guidance.” The two shared a grin before Botan turned to Gavin. “And you, good sir? Word amongst the ninjas is that Takeo has chosen to surround himself with a band of bloodthirsty savages. You wouldn’t happen to have seen them anywhere, have you?”
Gavin cracked a smile. “There’s one of those, actually.”
“And what’s your name?”
“Gavin Shaw.”
“Any title, by chance?”
“Sir Gavin Shaw.”
Botan opened his eyes wide and folded his arms across his chest. “A knight of Lucifan. Famed, I hear, for their ability to pit a troop of regular men against the most ferocious creatures and battle-hardened warriors this world has to offer. I hear you ride winged mounts into battle, is that so?”
“It’s the easiest way to move about the city,” Gavin replied, his stance straightening, “a gift from the angels to their chosen champions. It requires a lot of training to ride one effectively.”
“I would like to hear more someday,” Lord Botan said. “The world is a fascinating place, and too often my duties keep me trapped in this land. I’m admittedly envious of those who find a way to see all that existence has to offer.”
“Eh, I wouldn’t say that,” Gavin replied. “I’ve traveled a lot lately, and I have to say, it’s not all the poets say it is.”
“Spoken like a man of sense and understanding,” Botan said, nodding. “That’s an astute observation, Sir Gavin Shaw. I will remember your name, and your advice. However, can I trouble you, and my good Lord Eun a moment? I’m afraid I must speak with Takeo alone. I hope you’ll understand.”
“Of course, Lord,” Eun said, bowing. “I understand protocol.”
Gavin flicked his gaze to Takeo, who frowned and then nodded. Gavin bowed his head and then took a step back before turning around. He and Eun marched back several paces to put themselves well out of earshot, and only then did a pang of understanding wash over Takeo.
Wait? Did he just command my own men? When did that happen? Damn! I completely lost control of that conversation. I don’t even know what he wants yet.
“Well,” Takeo said, turning from Gavin to Lord Botan. “So much for me hoping you were an idiot.”
“Excuse me?” Botan replied, tilting his head. “I don’t understand.”
Takeo sighed. “You can cut the act. It’s clear I’ve been outplayed this round. Don’t insult me by continuing the charade. What do you want?”
Botan folded his arms across his chest and shook his head slowly. “I think I’ve made the wrong impression on you, Takeo. Did I offend you?”
“You’re being awfully nice, when I’ve given you no reason. Lady Xuan toppled Ichiro, not me, so don’t think I buy this grateful nonsense. I’m also standing in your way right now, after having killed three of your men. All this pleasantry will get you nothing from me. I’m an enemy, and I expect to be treated as such.”
Takeo added action to his words by resting the palm of his hand on the pommel of this sword, tilting the blade with the weight of his arm. He did so slowly, so as not to be threatening, but Botan’s eyes were drawn there well enough. The shogun’s gaze lingered.
“Enemies. Is that how you see us?” Lord Botan sighed. “Yet another gift from my uncle. I suppose it was naïve of me to assume otherwise. Of course this would be your reaction, after Ichiro betrayed you and dragged your name through the mud. After I heard you’d slayed Lady Xuan, I hoped you’d come calling at my doorstep, but now I see how foolish that was. I should have known my reputation wouldn’t be enough. My cousin said it was foolish, but I had hope. All in vain, I see now.”
“Your cousin,” Takeo said. “You mean Anagarika?”
“That’s her. She’s the smart one of our pair.” Botan tapped a slender finger to his temple, brushing his expertly trimmed hair. “It was her planning that made all of this possible. She’s quite clever, and I rely on her to play the political game while she relies on me to win battles and hearts. You should know that the ways of Ichiro died with him. We are a new breed of Katsu, working together to build a better life for our people, and for Juatwa as a whole. It’s a goal that many find attractive, and you’re welcome to join us.”
Lord Botan extended a hand as if Takeo might take it, but the ronin only stood stunned. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. After a moment of silence, Botan continued.
“There was a time not long ago when your brother served my uncle faithfully,” he said. “Despite your family’s history, Okamoto sought out Ichiro and turned his life and yours over to the very person who had every reason to kill him. That was a sign of trust, and Okamoto was rewarded for it. I don’t know why Ichiro made the foolish decision to betray you, but I know you were never a traitor. As Ichiro saw your father, so do I see Okamoto, and so as Ichiro saw Okamoto, so do I see you. You belong in the Katsu family, Takeo. The Karaoshi name belongs in the Katsu family. You will never cleanse your past under the rule of another. No lord or lady will ever reward you properly like I will. Only I know your true worth, and I wish to mend the broken bridge between us, the one shattered by a hateful man who lost sight of the people he was supposed to serve.”
Botan paused again, as if waiting for Takeo to speak, but nothing but silence came out. Takeo stared with his mouth agape, like a fool, with Botan’s hand still extended.
“Wait,” Takeo stuttered. “What are you saying?”
“I’m asking you to abandon this fort,” Botan replied. “And join me.”
“And what about the people inside?”
“They won’t be killed, if that’s what you’re asking, so long as they surrender. They’ll be ransomed back to their families, or given freely in exchange for submission. I’d release them if I could, but they’ll be needed as bargaining chips once the Hanu family is captured. That’s a cold, harsh reality that Anagarika drilled into me.”
“And Anagarika?” Takeo pressed. “What does she think of this? Of me?”
“She’ll follow my lead on this, but you don’t have to worry about her anyway,” Lord Botan said. “You’ll be safe at my side, where you should have been all along. I run my army my way. That’s my rule, and she can’t interfere. Now, what do you say?”
Takeo’s jaw clamped shut, the words of obedience slamming into the back of his teeth. It was almost a gut reaction to say yes, so long had his life been in service to another. First his brother, then Ichiro, even Emily. Takeo had always thrived when following orders, with the weight of decisions, consequences, and morality pushed onto someone else. Takeo didn’t have to worry about right or wrong when he trusted his leader. He’d never had Gavin nagging at the back of his mind to do the right thing, or spare this poor soul, or any other such nonsense. He was a soldier back then, a warrior pure, a living weapon. He’d slept well.
Now here was that chance again. Botan’s speech had brought memories flooding back to Takeo’s mind. Thoughts of fighting alongside Okamoto for glory in Ichiro’s name, images of a time when he’d been respected instead of feared, or rather respected while also feared. It wasn’t like being in service to Xuan or the Hanu’s, always having to watch his back, never knowing who to trust, always being used and then thrown away like a dirty tool best not mentioned.
He missed being called things like honorable, worthy, or admired, even if it was only for a short time.
Could all those things really come back? Was it just that simple?
“I, I’ll,” Takeo was at a loss for words. He had to take a breath and steady himself. “This is a lot to think about. I don’t know what to say.”
“You can think about it all you want after you surrender,” Botan said.
Takeo flashed the man a sharp gaze. “That won’t happen.”
“Really?” Botan replied, smirking. “Well, I’ll tell you what. Why don’t you think it over? I’ll give you three days. That’s how long it should take for the bulk of my army to arrive.”
“Three days,” Takeo said and nodded. He turned to leave. “Noted.”
“Oh, and Takeo. Before you go, know that I won’t underestimate you as others have done. As much as I hope you’re seriously considering my offer, I also know you may just be stalling. I still have a land to conqueror, with or without you. Please, be timely.”
Takeo swallowed and didn’t reply. He marched away back towards Gavin and Eun, and then right by them at a rapid pace. His stride ate up the grass, and the two had to hurry to catch up. Takeo never looked back, feeling he’d already shown too much hesitation and weakness.
“Hey, what happened?” Gavin asked.
“What do you think?” Takeo replied. “He asked for our surrender.”
“That’s it?” Lord Eun scoffed. “You two were alone a lot longer than that.”
“I didn’t say he was straight forward about it.”
Takeo stepped up his pace again to discourage more conversation, and also to reach the fort as fast as possible. Eun wasn’t perturbed, though, and struck a lively stride to match Takeo’s speed.
“What else did he say?” he pressed. “What else did you talk about? I never should have left you two alone.”
“Then why did you?” Takeo taunted.
“Don’t change the subject. I’ve been kept in the dark long enough. Did he say anything about terms? His numbers? His plans? What did he offer? I saw you contemplating something. What was it?”
Takeo stopped just shy of the fort and leveled a glare in Eun’s direction. “Watch that tone, you decrepit akki. I weathered your insubordination while it suited my purpose but we’re long passed that now. This situation is too precarious for me to accept anything but total submission. Fall in line or I will bury you.”
