by C. J. Anaya
“They are, mostly, but we’re at war with the emperor,” I said. “We have no way of knowing if exploring the surrounding area could bring attention our way.”
“Not to mention the actual ferocity of any normal, hungry beast you might come across,” Yao stated with a happy grin upon his face.
I looked at him in surprise. It was pleasant to witness a personality peeking out beneath his normally stoic exterior. He gave me a tentative grin as if he were not certain that it would be acceptable to relax in front of me. My returning smile found a way to relieve him of the nervous tension he felt in my presence. I hoped that he and Chan were beginning to realize that treating me like a princess here was unwelcome, not to mention a sure-fire way to reveal my identity.
“What is on the agenda for today?” Saigo queried.
“I believe we are in need of supplies, and Akane and Musubi are forming several small parties that will be sent to nearby villages to gather those supplies,” Chan replied.
“Where is our group headed to?”
Both Yao and Chan lowered their eyes at this. The awkward uncertainty they felt alerted me to the fact that a decision had been made without me.
I addressed my remarks to Kenji in order to avoid making my guards feel as if they had to answer a question that perhaps they had been ordered not to. They would have felt torn between their duty as a rebel soldier and their loyalty to me. I didn’t wish to put them in that position.
“Am I to assume that our group will be leaving without me, Kenji?”
My tutor didn’t hesitate to answer the question. “That is correct, my dear. Musubi feels it best that you stay put under the watchful eye of Yao and Chan.” His lips quirked at my raised eyebrow, though he did his best to tamp down on the amusement he felt. “I believe he thought it best that you stay out of harm’s way.”
“Harm’s way? This is hardly a dangerous errand.” I couldn’t account for the anger I felt. Heaven knew we had more pressing matters to occupy our attention than foraging for provisions at the moment. We needed to be planning our attack on the palace as soon as possible, but I didn’t relish the thought of being left behind at the camp as if I required babysitting. I didn’t want to be parted from Musubi.
“Akane will be going as well?” My voice sounded thin and high.
Kenji shrugged. “Naturally.”
I let out a slow stream of air and jumped to my feet.
“We’ll just see about that.”
Kenji let out a delighted chuckle. “Yes, I thought we might.”
Finding Musubi proved to be more arduous than I thought. I was constantly bombarded by soldiers asking if they might help me with this or that, only too accommodating for the wife of Akane’s first in command. I found it terribly annoying, but did my best to cool my temper, though giving it free rein for the first time in an extremely long time was a tantalizing idea. I finally encountered a soldier who proved to be a help rather than an encumbrance when he directed me to a large tent toward the end of the camp.
I entered the tent with no thought as to what conversation I interrupted at that moment. I found Akane and Musubi leaning over a table with maps of varying sizes spread out for their perusal. They heatedly debated the best possible routes to take in order to avoid detection.
“If we stay within the border of the forest we will be covered by the dense foliage, giving us a perfect venue for noticing any approaching soldiers from the emperor’s armies,” Musubi said.
“I agree that this is a wiser course of action, but traveling along the forest line will take a significant amount of time. We have few precious hours at night to gather our supplies and return to camp,” Akane parried.
“And have every sentry upon the road engaging us in combat? Have you lost all sense, Akane? I have taught you better than this.”
Akane’s lips pinched in annoyance.
“We don’t have time to argue over something as simple as routes for foraging when there are other pressing matters that must be discussed with you,” she said.
“If you’re referring to that damnable gold shipment, I assure you we will get to that at a later date.”
“On the contrary, the gold shipment is the least of our worries.”
“You haven’t told him what we discussed then?” I interrupted as I approached the table. They both turned to me in surprise. Musubi’’s happiness upon seeing me surged to the forefront. I held back a smug smile as I experienced the internal battle he fought to push such happiness aside. His emotions were so much more accessible now, and I hoped it would continue.
“Not yet, though I’m glad you’re here to clue him in to the severity of our situation.”
Musubi looked from Akane to myself and then let out an exasperated sigh. “Out with it then. What news of doom and gloom do you have to impart?”
“The emperor unknowingly aligned himself with the demon god’s assassins.”
“What?” Musubi’s shock nearly exploded from his aura.
Akane and I took turns relaying the information I had discovered.
Musubi directed his next question to me. “You say you overheard this entire conversation between the nekomata and The Healer while you were in the other room attending to one of the emperor’s soldiers? Did they all simply forget that there was a woman of medicine within hearing distance?””
I knew my story was weak and flimsy, but it was the best I could do at the moment. I couldn’t very well explain that I had come by all of this information because I was the emperor’s daughter.
“The nekomata held a knife to the emperor’s neck intent upon kidnapping The Healer and taking her back to the underworld with him. Believe me, no one was thinking about a lowly woman of medicine eavesdropping in the other room.””
“This doesn’t make any sense,” Musubi said, his voice laced with panic. “It’s contrary to all of the demon god’s planning. By the gods, I’ve been such a fool!”
“What do you mean his planning? What on earth are you talking about?” Akane asked.
Musubi looked at her blankly for a moment, allowing unease to settle across his features. “Nothing. I’m simply confused as to why he would have attempted to kidnap The Healer now when…when he could have taken her at any time it would seem.”
I studied his features, certain that wasn’t at all what he had meant, but unable to imagine any other explanation for his strange outburst. I let it go for now.
“Apparently he needed to have access to The Healer’s blood for as long as possible and build his army here in the world of the living.”
Musubi was very disturbed by everything we had shared with him. His concern for The Healer’s situation surprised me. It almost seemed as if he had some personal connection to her...to me, but what?
“Do you see now why our time would be better spent planning a rescue rather than drawing the emperor out?” Akane asked. “You have suspected for several years that many of your friends and associates have been imprisoned by the emperor. Here is your proof. If we have any hope of taking back the empire and defeating the demon god’s minions, we are going to need those kami rescued and on our side.”
Musubi raged a war within himself as if he wished to take one path, but reluctantly saw the need for another. He finally pushed down his anger and resigned himself to his fate, whatever that fate might be. I was wholly confused by his emotional upheaval.
“Agreed,” Musubi said with reluctance. “We’ve been spending all of this time trying to find ways to draw the emperor out while The Healer’s blood has been used to create a kami army meant to eradicate us. I’ve been such a fool. I should have seen this coming. It’s so like Amatsu to stealthily build a foothold in the world of the living.”
I raised questioning eyes at Akane, wondering if she understood why Musubi had dubbed himself responsible for missing something that no one could have seen coming.
She studied Musubi, exhibiting deep concern and confusion. She was just as clueless as I was, apparently
.
“Once we breach the walls and enter the palace the first person we must secure is The Healer. If the demon god gets his hands on her he could feed her blood to every single kami that has ever been turned to the dark side. His armies would be unstoppable. We must ensure he never reaches her, and we haven’t much time to ensure her safety if his minions are already within the palace walls. We must release any of the gods of fortune he has imprisoned so they can help usurp the throne from Fukurokuju.” He rubbed his face in exhaustion. “There’’s no telling what Katsu is facing in there, and he most likely has no idea of it himself. He and The Healer are sitting ducks awaiting the next attack.”
His bitterness at the mention of Katsu was not quite as venomous as it had been the last time. His worry on behalf of the warrior god left me more curious than ever. There was a story there, but it would have to be told at a later date.
“How much time do you think we have?” I asked.
“We need to be ready to move upon the palace within the next two days. Even then, I hope we won’t be too late,” he said.
“I can direct you to the dungeons. Believe it or not, I know the palace better than anyone here in camp.”
Musubi looked at me in surprise. “What on earth makes you think you’ll be allowed to infiltrate the palace and assist in this rescue?”
“You’re not seriously considering leaving me behind. I won’t stand for it.” This wasn’t good. The minute Musubi left me behind, Katsu would become aware of my location. I needed Musubi’s cloaking abilities to continue. “My betrothed is probably searching for me. I need you to continue to cloak me.”
I thought I heard Akane snicker, and Musubi gave her a withering look. He didn’t appear at all pleased at the mention of my betrothed.
She looked nonplussed. “I told you Mikomi would resent being coddled. Your wife is a tenacious individual. Reminds me of me, really.”
“Mikomi, I don’t need to be near you in order to cloak your ki,” he reasoned.
I placed my hands upon my hips, ready to do battle if necessary, and waited for Musubi’s arguments, which were most likely plentiful.
“It is too dangerous,” he began.
“And you assume I will be safer here without you? Is there a kami on this Earth better equipped to protect me than you?”
Akane laughed outright at that. “Oh, she cut to the heart of the matter, didn’t she? By the gods, Mikomi, life will be so much more entertaining with you present.”
Musubi threw another glare her way and then redirected it toward me. “I am the best kami for that particular assignment, I agree, but that does little to change the logistics of the situation. We will be surrounded by soldiers and kami from the underworld with only a few kami on our side. If we are outnumbered, what then? Here in camp there are a number of soldiers who can and will defend you.”
“I can fight and defend myself if it comes to that.”
“We’ve already discussed your level of skill in that department. You are nowhere near ready.”
“I have improved greatly since last we trained.”
Musubi let out a disgruntled snort. “You’ve managed to become a battle ready Samurai within a day, have you?”
“Actually, I believe you will find her prepared to take on a soldier or two if she must. I have also been sparring with her during our brief moments together,” Akane improvised.
Musubi quirked an imperious brow. “You’ll forgive me if that bit of information fails to infuse me with confidence.”
“You said it was best for me to be with you in case one of the soldiers in the camp wished to pay court to me.”
“This is a ridiculous point to make, Mikomi. Every single warrior present is aware of the fact that you are mine. Not one of them would dare touch a hair on your head.”
The emphatic tone he used upon that one possessive word brought a smile to my lips.
“What if one of you becomes ill or injured and my services are needed. What then?”
“That’s absurd. No one is going to become ill.”
“But injuries are certain, are they not?”
“According to my score keeping, your wife is pleading a convincing case.” There was a satisfied glint in Akane’s eye.
“My point is this,” I continued, feeling bolstered by her approval, “I refuse to be left behind. This is my fight just as much as anyone’’s, unless there is some other reason you might have for wishing I remain behind?”
He looked perplexed. “What other reason besides your safety are you alluding to?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps you do not wish to spend more time with me than is absolutely necessary for fear of growing too attached to your fake wife.”
Akane choked back a chuckle that might have escalated to full blown hilarity if she’d allowed it. Musubi’s face turned a few different shades of red as he spluttered for some rejoinder. I found myself utterly transfixed by his speechless discomfort. After a failed attempt at regaining his composure, he moved in front of me and lifted my chin so his eyes bored directly into mine.
“The thought of your life in peril during this attack is insufferable. I cannot risk your safety. It will be too distracting.”
“Can you be certain that once you have left me behind I will be any safer? Not knowing might also be a distraction.”
He let out an exasperated sigh. “You’re more than a distraction, Mikomi. You’ll be my complete undoing.”
In a swift movement born of sweet possessive power, he encircled me within his arms and forcefully brought his lips to mine. I didn’t care that he kissed me out of anger, fear or desperation, because I was aware of the tempting desire he held in check just below the surface, an emotion he refused to acknowledge.
I was determined to change those circumstances.
His kisses softened, a sweet caress against my lips. He pulled away just enough to look me in the eye, and though confusion reigned supreme, I thought I caught a softening in his look and a wish to simply let go and claim what was his.
“Does this mean you’ll take me with you?” I said in hushed tones.
He rested his forehead against mine, and I felt his stubborn will surrendering to me. “I will tell Akane to include you in our planning.”
“No need for that, considering I’m still here,” Akane happily sang out.
Musubi startled and then rubbed a hand over his face in embarrassment.
Akane took on a ponderous look as she tapped a finger to her chin. “I think it’s an even better idea to capture a Shinto priest while we’re at it.””
“For what?” he asked.
Akane gave him a wide-eyed look. “Your nuptials, of course. After that charmingly heated display, I’m assuming you’ll want to make things official.””
Musubi shook his head as he stormed out of the tent saying, “Give a woman a sword and soon nothing is beyond the bounds of propriety. The gods save me from the machinations of free thinking women.”
Akane’s smile spread across her entire face as she turned to me. “Well, that was deliciously promising, I must say.” Then she lazily sauntered after Musubi as if she didn’’t have a coup to plan and an empire to overthrow.
Chapter Twelve
“When are the supplies going to arrive? I’m aching for this new adventure to begin,” Saigo said.
Saigo and I had spent the last hour sparring with fake swords while Kenji sat under a large banyan tree reading from a tome he had stolen from my father’s library. I thought it a terribly resourceful thing for him to have considered.
I dropped my sword in exasperation. “Saigo, your attention span is woefully lacking. Do you realize you’ve done more talking than practicing?”
“What’s the point? You’ve far surpassed me with that disturbing memory transfer you used on Akane. I’m not exactly the right person to be sparring with.”
“Be that as it may, I still need to commit the knowledge I have here,” I pointed to my temple, “to my physical
form. None of this is going to help me if I tire out too easily or haven’t the strength to perform the various techniques. I must gain more muscle memory, and all you can think about is a coup you most definitely will not be joining.”
“Nothing shall tear me from your side, dear sister.” Saigo moved a hand to his heart in a melodramatic gesture. “I’ll not sit upon my comfy cot, shackled within the most luxurious of tents while you journey into unknown danger with only a blanket to your name.”
“Young Saigo is suffering from the pains of sheer boredom. I did offer to read to him, Mikomi, but he would have none of it,” Kenji said.
Saigo snorted and turned to me. “My tutor has made the horrifying suggestion that I continue my studies so as not to fall behind.” He shook his head. “Behind what, I ask you? We shall be knee deep in battle, and Kenji will still find a way to pull me aside and offer a few tips on how I might have been more diplomatic with the last few soldiers I encountered instead of running them through with my sword.”
“A kind word holds more weight than an angry gesture,” Kenji chided.
Saigo pulled me to his side and whispered, “Do you see what I’m getting at here?”
I allowed myself a soft chuckle and decided to give up on my attempts at muscle training. In all honesty, I was just as anxious for the foragers to arrive as Saigo. After winning my argument concerning my involvement with the coup on the palace, I thought it wise to avoid a confrontation involving joining the foraging parties. I decided to stay in the camp with Kenji and Saigo instead.
Aiko had willingly volunteered to lead a group out since our kami numbers were scarce and she was undoubtedly a better fighter than most, an idea that succeeded in unsettling me. Her role as my maid and surrogate mother was hard for me to relinquish when faced with the idea that Aiko was just as experienced in battle as Musubi. I simply couldn’t picture her wielding a sword when she’’d been such a nurturing presence throughout my life.
The foraging parties had been gone all night and into the early morning. All but one group had returned, and Akane feared the worst.