The War of the Rich Frog

Part Three

 

by Rich Wulf

 

 

The Present Day, Outside Kaeru Toshi…

 

A lone traveler rode a black horse along the barren road, a heavy blanket draped over his shoulders to ward off the growing autumn chill. The sky above was like a sheet of grey steel, the air thick with the scent of a coming storm. The caw of carrion birds echoed from the twisted trees on either side. He had seen hundreds of the creatures on his journey thus far. They were drawn by the war, eager for their next meal.

            They were not the only ones, he mused as peered up from beneath his wide brimmed jingasa. Two men stepped out from among the trees, blocking the path ahead. The sound of crunching gravel behind him told him that two more had blocked the path behind, though he did not turn to see. One man held a spear, ready to impale his horse should he try to gallop away. The other held a long steel pipe, clearly intended to be used as much for a weapon as for smoking. A long scar twisted that one’s face, hooking the left side of his mouth into an eerie grin.

            “That pipe,” the traveler said in a calm voice. “That is the traditional weapon of the Machi Kanshisha, the defenders of Kaeru Toshi. How did you come to have it? Deserters, perhaps?”

            The scarred man glared up at him, spinning the pipe in his hands. “You do not ask us questions, samurai,” he replied. “Give us your horse.”

            The traveler shrugged and dropped from the saddle. He stroked the animal’s long neck and bowed to the man. “Treat him well,” he said. “He is mean-spirited.”

            The scarred ronin laughed. “And your swords,” he said, nodding to the daisho tucked beneath the man’s obi.

            The traveler reached up and slowly removed his jingasa, revealing a pale face with long, delicate features behind a transparent silken mask. He let his hands fall to his sides, palms toward the ronin. He adjusted his stance slightly, pointing the hilts of the weapons toward the thief. His expression never changed, remaining distant and remote as his black eyes fixed coldly upon the ronin.

            “Take them,” he said softly, “but know that you will not claim them until I am dead.”

            “We are four to your one, samurai,” the ronin said.

            “True,” he replied. “Thus I request that, when I am dead, that you tell my family that I died well.”

            “Fair enough,” the ronin said with a laugh. “What is your name, samurai?”

            The man shrugged, letting the blanket fall from his shoulders, revealing a blood red kimono. The Imperial Chrysanthemum was emblazoned over his heart, just beneath a rising sun. “I am Bayushi Paneki, named Defender of the Empire by the Splendid Emperor,” he said, his voice only a whisper, “Shireikan of the First Legion.”

            The scarred ronin’s eyes widened. One hand trembled on the haft of his weapon. The spearman looked at the leader nervously. The silence that followed was broken only by the rapid footfalls of one of the men behind Paneki running away.

            “You… you are not Paneki,” the ronin said with a nervous laugh. “Such a famous warrior would never let us steal his horse.”

            “You did not try to claim my horse yet,” Paneki replied in even tones.

            Paneki darted aside just as the other man behind him came forward. He pushed the man’s pipe aside with his empty hand and smashed the steel jingasa into his jaw. The man crumpled to his knees. Paneki seized the man by the hair and in one movement both drew his wakizashi and slit the ronin’s throat. He fell in the dust with a thud.

            “Come,” Paneki repeated, gesturing to the others. He looked at the ronin leader with the same emotionless stare. “Claim your steed.”

            “Kill him!” the scarred ronin shrieked desperately.

            The spearman lunged forward, weapon pointed at Paneki’s chest. Paneki kicked the dead ronin’s steel pipe toward his attacker’s legs, causing him to stumble forward in a flailing tangle. Paneki drove his wakizashi into the small of the man’s back, all the while looking impassively at the ronin leader.

            “Please,” the man said, falling to his knees and dropping his weapon. “I surrender, Paneki-sama. I throw myself upon the Emperor’s mercy!”

            Paneki only nodded as he approached, sheathing his wakizashi. The ronin looked up with a relieved smile. In a flash of steel, Paneki drew his katana and took the man’s head. The ronin fell in the dust beside his comrades. The crows cried out their approval.

            Paneki flicked the blood from his blade and returned to his steed, pausing as he collected his helmet and blanket to look down the road where the other man had fled. According to their reputation, the Machi Kanshisha were not honorable men, but they could be relied upon to protect their city. Why had these men abandoned Kaeru Toshi for the life of bandits? And why, in the end, had this one turned away? Was it mere cowardice or respect for the Imperial Legions? Had he remembered honor in the end or was he even more shameful for abandoning his fellows to their fate?

            In Paneki’s experience, it often did not matter why a man did the right thing so long as he did it.

            Such mysteries were not his duty to explore. Paneki climbed back in his saddle and continued along his way.

 

 

Nine Years Ago, in Kyuden Bayushi…

 

The steady beat of rain upon the roofs of the castle filled the shadowed halls with a strangely entrancing rhythm. Bayushi Kaukatsu stood beside the large window that dominated one wall of his chambers, gazing out at the gray landscape of the Scorpion Lands. The Scorpion stood with his arms folded behind his back, enjoying a rare moment of peace and silence. The creak of nightingale floors caused him to turn quickly, his eyes gleaming with irritation behind his demonic porcelain half-mask.

            His irritation quickly faded when he saw his visitor. A young girl waited in the hall, dressed in a pale red kimono. Her head was bowed demurely, letting long black hair spill over her face. It did nothing to hide her simple beauty.

            “Ah, Tokagure-chan,” he said in a mellow voice. “Please, come in. I have been waiting for you.”

            She looked up at him, her eyes flashing in fear before fixing on the floor again. “I am sorry, Kaukatsu-sama!” she said meekly. “I did not intend to keep you waiting! I came as soon as I could!”

           Kaukatsu laughed lightly as he approached her. “I did not mean to scold you, my flower,” he said. “You are precisely on time.”

            She smiled, slightly, daring to glance up at him again before averting her eyes once more. “I am honored that I have the opportunity to serve you, my lord,” she said. “I can never truly repay you for what you did for my father.”

            The words sounded practiced to Kaukatsu’s ear. No. That would never do.

            The courtier smiled. He reached forward impulsively, resting one large hand on the girl’s shoulder. “What I did?” he replied. “I did only what justice required. Your father was falsely accused. Those accusations led not only to his death but to a stain upon your family name that might never have been cleansed. When I learned the truth, what recourse remained but to see justice done? The name of the Tokagure has traditionally been among the most respected of the Shosuro vassals, one that should continue to be prized among the Scorpion. If your father can rest soundly in Yomi due to my intervention, then I am the one who is truly privileged. It is I who must repay the debt I owe your family.”

            She looked up at him again, eyes wide with surprise and, this time, sincere gratitude. She did not even seem to mind the familiar hand upon her shoulder.

            That was better.

            “No, no, Kaukatsu-sama,” she said quickly. “You owe us nothing. I am yours to command for the rest of my days.”

            Kaukatsu raised an eyebrow behind his mask. “I insist,” he said. “To repay the debt I owe your family, you shall immediately be enrolled in Honor’s Lesson Dojo, the school recently established by my associate, Soshi Tishi. There, you shall be trained in the arts of politics and etiquette. Assuming you learn Master Tishi’s lessons well, you will be given a position in the Imperial Court.”

            The girl’s mouth dropped open in surprise. She tried to speak, but could find no words. Kaukatsu chuckled lightly. She would soon learn to control such outbursts of emotion, but for the moment he found the reaction very satisfying.

            “What is your name, little flower?” he asked, though he already knew.

            “Yasuko,” she whispered. “I am Yasuko.”

            “Accept this, as well, Yasuko-chan,” Kaukatsu said. He reached into his obi and took out a small wooden box. “A puzzle box,” he said, “crafted by one of my father’s favored artisans. It may seem a simple thing, but the secrets within can occupy a mind for a lifetime. A fitting gift, I think, for a Scorpion maiden.”

            “Thank you, Kaukatsu-sama,” she said, accepting it eagerly. He noticed that she did not refuse it twice as was custom, but such oversights could be corrected with training.

            “Master Tishi awaits you in the chamber beyond, Yasuko-chan,” he said, gesturing at a door behind him. “Give him my regards.”

            The girl gaped again, then darted forward and seized Kaukatsu in a fierce hug. He laughed lightly and patted her on the back. She looked up at him again in adoration and then hurried off. His eyes followed her, watching with interest. His interest, however, was not that of a man for an attractive young woman, but that of a swordsmith admiring a fine blade in the making.

            She turned back at the door. “I will never forget this,” Yasuko said with a final, deep bow. “Some day I will repay you, Kaukatsu-sama.”

            Of that, there would be no doubt.

 

 

The Present Day, Outside Kaeru Toshi…

 

Within hours, Paneki found what he sought. This patch of the road seemed just as barren and empty as any other, but Paneki drew his horse to a halt and removed the blanket, displaying the Imperial Chrysanthemum clearly. He reached into his obi and drew out a small chop of jade bearing the Emperor’s seal.

            The sound of taut bowstrings relaxing was only barely audible.

            “I wish to see your Rikugunshokan, Mirumoto Kei,” Paneki said to the trees.

            A Dragon Clan warrior lightly armored in scales of emerald green hopped from his concealment in the nearest tree and bowed deeply to Paneki. The confusion in his eyes was obvious as he glanced at the road behind Paneki, clearly searching for other samurai.

            Paneki offered no explanation. “I am Bayushi Paneki, Shireikan of the First Legion,” he said. “My message is urgent.”

            The Dragon nodded and gestured to Paneki, hurrying off down the road. Paneki followed, seeming to take no note of the other six archers watching him carefully from the trees. Passing over the next rise they entered a small valley lined with several dozen tents. Mounted soldiers patrolled the outskirts. Paneki studied them with a cautious eye as his guide led him to the central tent. He waited outside while the scout entered to announce him, returning an instant later to usher him inside with a curt gesture. Paneki dismounted, handed him the reins of his steed, and walked inside.

            Within, a young woman in battle-scarred green armor stood beside a low table, rolling up a map of the area. Beside her waited a grim man in heavy armor and a shirtless tattooed mystic. Paneki bowed to each of them and was greeted in turn.

            “Bayushi Paneki,” the woman said. “I am greatly honored by your presence. Can I assume that this visit means that the Emperor has dispatched more Legionnaires to support us?”

            “Sadly, no,” Paneki replied. “The Legion’s forces are currently overtaxed hunting the Bloodspeaker threat, as well as possible civil disputes growing in Phoenix lands. We can afford to offer no more troops than those you have already been given. I have come alone, and though I have used my status as a Legionnaire to gain safe passage, my true purpose here is as an emissary of the Scorpion Clan. I bring a message from Bayushi Sunetra.”

            “Does the Mistress of Secrets wish to offer us aid?” Kei asked, a suspicious tone in her voice.

            “No,” Paneki said. “The Mistress of Secrets wishes you to limit your involvement in this war.”

            Kei frowned deeply. “The Scorpion Champion does not command me,” she said. “I have been ordered to resolve this war by none other than the Emperor.”

            “I offered no command, only a request,” Paneki said. “You know the delicacy of this situation. Neither Lion nor Unicorn have technically violated Imperial Edict in conducting this war. The presence of the Legions is welcomed by neither side, and has only exacerbated the situation. The Dragon Clan’s forces cannot hope to match the Lion and Unicorn. I do not question your worth as warriors, but the fact is you fight a war on two fronts against two superior forces on unfamiliar terrain. To make matters worse, you have no legal grounds to demand the Lion or Unicorn cease combat.”

            “We serve the Emperor’s will,” Kei said. “The Emperor’s will is all the law we require.”

            Paneki nodded. “Of course the Edicts can say whatever they wish, and Naseru can proclaim this war to be illegal regardless. His word is law. Yet he does no such thing, for he recognizes in desperate times such as these he cannot afford to lose the support of either the Lion or the Unicorn. Thus this unwelcome duty falls to you. I saw your soldiers outside, Kei-san. Many of them are wounded or near exhaustion, though they put on a brave front. If rumors are to be believed, you have been forced to take advantage of whatever situations arise to weaken the enemy forces, and I commend you on your flexibility. My condolences on the death of Mirumoto Kyuzo.”

            Paneki-sama,” Kei said, her voice showing the faintest hint of irritation. “With all due respect, I am in command of this operation. If you disapprove of my tactics and wish me to withdraw, make the command, but Sunetra has no command here.”

            Paneki bowed his head. “You misunderstand me,” he said. “I do not disapprove. On the contrary, I feel that you have adapted to an impossible situation with extraordinary courage and, above all, honor. As a Legionnaire, I commend you. It is as a Scorpion that I warn you to leave.”

            “Warn me?” Kei asked.

            “The Scorpion have taken a personal interest in this war,” Paneki said. “I cannot elaborate on the nature of this interest, but suffice it to say that if you continue to interfere in Kaeru Toshi, the swords of the Scorpion and Dragon will cross.” Paneki’s voice remained calm and even, carrying no threat.

            “You would sacrifice the alliance between our clans over Kaeru Toshi?” Kei hissed.

            “No,” Paneki replied. “Sunetra understands the reason you fight here – not to win this war, or even to end it – but to make this war too costly for either side to pursue. In pursuit of our own objectives the Scorpion will soon bring about this end, but if you continue to interfere you will be regarded as enemies. Sunetra wishes me to inform you that she will hold no grudge against the Dragon Clan as a whole, should we be forced to destroy you. Our alliance will continue, if Lord Satsu wishes.”

            “We will be seen as cowards if we withdraw,” the Dragon soldier beside Kei growled.

            “You need not withdraw,” Paneki said. “There is a battle swiftly approaching in the village of Sukoshi Zutsu. Make certain your forces are elsewhere.”

            Kei’s frown deepened. “Is that all?” she asked. “Is there anything else, Scorpion?”

            “Yes,” Paneki replied. “My duties as a Scorpion demand that I deliver my lady’s warning. My duties as a Legionnaire demand that I offer to fight by your side.”

            The Dragon officers looked at Paneki in surprise. After a long moment, Kei shook her head.

            “I respectfully decline, Paneki-sama,” she said.

            “If you fear you cannot trust me…” he began.

            “No,” she interrupted. “Your reputation speaks for itself. I have no doubt that you would fight beside us for the good of the Empire. But if it is as you say, if we will cross swords with the Scorpion, I would not force you to shed the blood of your kin. Too many sacrifices have already been made here.”

           There was no sign of dismay or relief on Paneki’s pale features. He only nodded slowly as he rose.

            “Carry the Fortunes, Kei-san,” he said softly, then turned and left.

 

 

The Present Day, Kaeru Toshi, the Ikoma Estates…

 

Ikoma Yasuko, once Shosuro Yasuko of the Tokagure vassal family, walked softly through the halls of the Lion household. Though her husband was technically master of this house, she did not feel at ease here. Even at the best of times she rarely felt welcome among the Lion. Here in this city at war she could not help but feel afraid. She pushed her fear aside. This was neither the time nor place for it.

            She stopped halfway to her suite, peering over one shoulder in the darkened hallway. Deep in the shadows, a gleam of steel reflected the light of a sputtering lantern. A lean-faced man stepped into view, katana in hand. His eyes burned with hatred. His clothing was disheveled and his face was dark with stubble.

            “You are Ikoma Korin,” she said, turning to face him.

            “No,” he replied, moving toward her, “just Korin now. I think you knew that.”

            She looked at him impassively. “Did you expect forgiveness from my husband when you hid the truth from him?” she asked.

            “I did not,” Korin said, “but neither did I expect you to betray him, Yasuko. I know you intercepted the reports that passed through Kyuden Ikoma. I know you passed your reports to your superiors among the Scorpion.” He held his blade steady in both hands.

            “I am alone,” Yasuko replied. “I am unarmed. Do you see me as such a threat, Korin?”

            “Your betrayal cost the lives of many Lion soldiers,” Korin replied. “Your death would save many more.”

            “You will not kill me,” Yasuko said, looking at his blade calmly. “If you think I betrayed Otemi, why would you not tell him so? So you lie to your lord and conspire to murder his wife? You call yourself a Lion?”

            “Not any more,” Korin replied. “A small price, my honor for my family’s.” His hands tightened on the hilt of his blade. He lifted the katana, angling it for a clean stroke from shoulder to hip.

            “No,” Yasuko said, never flinching. “A warrior you may be, but you are no murderer. You wish to know why I have done what I have done. You hope that I will confess.”

            Korin frowned; his blade did not move.

            “We all have obligations, Korin,” Yasuko said. “I owe the honor of my family to one man. I owe my marriage to Otemi to one man. Bayushi Kaukatsu, the Imperial Chancellor. Do you know what it is to owe all that you are to another?”

            “So you admit what you have done?” Korin asked.

            “I do not fear the truth,” she said. “What harm could come? Should you tell another, no one will believe you. A ronin’s word is worthless.”

            “As is the word of a traitor,” he said.

            “Then perhaps we can help each other become something more,” Yasuko said.

            Korin stared cautiously at her for a long time. He lowered his blade, but did not put it away. “Explain,” he said.

            “What I felt for Kaukatsu I mistook for love,” Yasuko said. “I was willing to do anything for him, even become Ikoma Otemi’s wife. Many said Otemi was a fool to take a Scorpion for his bride – but he did not listen. For six years I have been his bride. I have heard the snide rumors and allegations of the court, but Otemi defended my honor tenaciously. I came to respect Otemi, to love him, though I have come to see his heart is elsewhere. After these years I thought perhaps that Kaukatsu was sincere in his wish for me to have a happy life, but soon I realized that he was merely waiting for the proper time to act. When Kaukatsu commanded that I spy upon the Lion, I realized he had never seen me as anything more than a tool to be used and disposed of.”

            “But you betrayed Otemi regardless,” Korin hissed.

            “A Scorpion does not forget her obligations, no matter what the cost,” Yasuko said.

            “And a Lion should not betray her honor, no matter what the cost,” Korin said, looking away from her.

            “But my obligations to Bayushi Kaukatsu are now complete,” Yasuko replied.

            Korin looked at her warily. “What are you implying?” he asked.

            “Now that a Scorpion has fulfilled her duty, the time has come for a Lion to have her vengeance,” she answered. “Will you help me, Korin?”

            Korin laughed incredulously. “Why would I help you, Yasuko?” he demanded.

           “To the Lion you are a failure and I am a woman in the shadow of her great husband,” she replied. “To one another, we are allies. I understand the true forces behind this war like none other, Korin. You are a ronin; you can move unfettered between enemy lines. We can help one another.”

            Korin stepped away from her, his eyes still uncertain. “You are mad,” he said. He sheathed his blade and turned away, his footsteps quickly receding into the darkness.

            “I thought I would have to kill him,” whispered a voice from the shadows. A thin man in dark red armor appeared at Yasuko’s side, katana in hand as he looked the way Korin had gone.

            “It is as well you did not,” Yasuko said to her bodyguard. “Enough ghosts haunt my dreams already, Hirono.”

            “He does not trust you, my lady,” he said.

            “He will,” she replied. “Soon he will realize he has no other choice.”