Heart of the Empire
by Rich Wulf & Shawn
Carman
Ide Tadaji scratched his long white beard as he considered his next
move. Miya Shoin was an expert player despite his youth; if he was half as
skilled in politics as he was in shogi, the future of the Empire would be in
good hands.
“You seek to restore
the Imperial Court, and I commend you for your foresight and courage,” Tadaji
said. He rested his finger on a piece for a long moment, and then decided
against moving it. “Your selections for Imperial Advisor were well wisely
determined. We are well on our way to preparing the Empire for its new Emperor,
whoever he or she may be. So why are you so troubled?” Tadaji pushed a piece
across the board and nodded in satisfaction.
“The finest court
that ever was can do little good without somewhere to gather, Tadaji-sama,” The
boy moved his own piece instantly, instinctively, completely blocking Tadaji’s
strategy. Tadaji raised an eyebrow in respect. “Otosan Uchi is of no use; it
would require decades to clean and rebuild. We must select a new capital city.”
Tadaji looked
puzzled. “I assumed we would simply continue to use whatever base of operations
the new Emperor is currently using. Tsudao is based in Kyuden Seppun, Naseru in
Ryoko Owari, Kaneka in Yasuki Yashiki, and Sezaru in Kyuden Tonbo.”
Shoin shook his
head. “Impossible. Yasuki Yashiki and Kyuden Tonbo are politically
controversial areas, unsuitable for a capital. Ryoko Owari is too corrupt;
Naseru would be the first to admit that while it is now the largest city in the
Empire it is no place to breed honest government.
Kyuden Seppun might
be suitable, but its proximity to the Tainted ruins of Otosan Uchi makes it
vulnerable to attack. Better that the Emperor be someplace safe, don’t you
agree?”
“I do,” Tadaji said,
impressed. He dropped a previously captured piece onto the board in a strategic
position. In two more moves, the game would be won.
“Then just as it
would serve the new Emperor well to have a court waiting when they take the
throne, it would be best to have a capital awaiting them as well. The Emperor
will have many important duties upon securing their throne, duties that have
been neglected too long. We should make certain that where they choose to rule
does not interfere with those duties.” Shoin moved one of his golds
unpredictably, threatening Tadaji’s king.
“Very observant,”
Tadaji said with a laugh. “You play the game well.”
“Do you mean
politics or shogi?” Shoin replied with a smile.