by Travis Bughi
Takeo only hesitated a moment.
“When should I leave?”
Chapter 19
Their discussion lasted for some time, and the task that Lady Xuan set out for Takeo was not simple.
First, Lady Xuan assured Takeo that she did not expect him and three others, on their own, to capture two live rakshasas of breeding age. She explained that she had already sent a team to Savara of two dozen samurai, led by Hyun Jee, the most loyal of all. Hyun sent regular letters allowing her to track his progress, but he’d been in Savara nearly a year with no luck.
The problem, Lady Xuan determined, was threefold.
One, neither Hyun nor any of his samurai were familiar with the land they’d been sent to. This meant they had to hire guides who valued their skin and payment more than the task at hand.
Two, due to their numbers and known loyalty to Lady Xuan, Hyun and his group appeared more like a raiding party than a mercenary group. This meant that, more than once, they had to flee large armies and bands of townspeople that wanted to kill them, thinking them spies or forward scouts for a larger force.
Three, their task was growing harder by the day. The rakshasas were being hunted into extinction so rapidly that all of them had gone to ground or fled to remote areas, leaving faint trails. Some claimed that the rakshasa race was already dead, but still new decapitated heads and skinned rugs appeared here and there. The rakshasa ranks were thinning fast, and unless Hyun hurried or received help, he might very well fail in the task his mistress had set for him.
“I do not doubt Hyun’s efforts, let me be clear,” Lady Xuan said. “He is my most loyal subject, and I know that he is expending every power available to him to accomplish this task. The problem lies elsewhere, and I hope you are the solution.”
Takeo knew Savara. He could travel as an unsworn ronin with a small yet trustworthy group, and if anyone knew how to fight a rakshasa and live, it was him. He was the perfect candidate.
“You are to seek out Hyun and give him advice,” Lady Xuan said. “You are not to join him, however. You are separate forces, each with separate command. I see you two as separate bets focused on the same prize, but I feel Hyun would greatly benefit from your knowledge. Lend it to him. He will listen. His desire to satisfy me will outweigh his hatred for your lack of allegiance.”
As for the payment, there was some discussion on that. The payment was twofold and thus discussed that way.
Lady Xuan laid down a promise that if Takeo completed his task fully and completely, she would tell the entire truth and answer every question he asked to the best of her abilities. If he failed, she would allow him to interview her prisoners, though she couldn’t guarantee that would bear any fruit, nor that the sources would be trustworthy. As for the money or title, that could be decided when Takeo returned. Lady Xuan would neither accept nor dwell on the matter at the current moment, saying there were too many variables. She would write up a contract, though, detailing the options so that if she died while he was away, her heirs would be forced to honor the deal.
Takeo wasn’t convinced on that last part, but what Lady Xuan did next removed any doubt from his mind.
While they sat talking, the old woman snapped her fingers at one of the guards. He took off in a hurry, and Takeo paused to give her a questioning glance.
“I want you to know my sincerity on this matter,” Lady Xuan explained. “I have heard the truth of your story, of how Ichiro Katsu betrayed you and sold you into slavery. I want you to know that I am not that man and that I keep my word. I offer to you, Takeo Karaoshi, a token of my good faith. This is a gift from me to you, one of the spoils of war from sacking Katsu’s keep.”
The guard returned a moment later and laid before Takeo a single sheathed katana. It took less than a heartbeat for him to recognize it as his brother’s sword, no, his sword. The Karaoshi family blade.
Sturdy and true, the Karaoshi sword sung a singular melody of efficiency. The sheath was neither delicately carved nor did its handle glimmer with gems and precious metals like so many others.
The sheath, as black as Takeo’s eyes, was strong enough to be a weapon of its own, yet light enough to be carried easily. Takeo had long suspected that the wood was unique, but only after meeting Emily did he know it was because the sheath was made from treantwood. He knew not how this came to be, but he hoped one day to find out.
He grabbed the handle, which was wrapped in black cloth, and drew the blade. Its metal made only a faint ring against the sheath, so was its design. Some family swords were intentionally made to ring loudly upon being drawn, as if their owners wanted everyone nearby to quake in their boots. The Karaoshi sword had no need for such arrogant displays. It came out silently, purposefully, and deliberately. The blade itself had no designs etched into its metal. There was only one single thick blood channel, and a slight, constant curve one end to the other. If asked, Takeo would have said the blade wasn’t made by human hands, though he had no proof. Quite simply, he’d never held a sword quite like the Karaoshi one.
He realized his mouth had fallen open.
“So?” Lady Xuan asked. “Do we have a deal?”
“I’m,” Takeo stuttered, “I’m at a loss for words.”
“Take your time, then.”
He rolled the blade over in his hands carefully, and his heart swelled in his chest at the sight of this sword. It was his identity. Every warrior in the Karaoshi line had once wielded this katana, and their legacy lived on in this blade. He’d thought it lost forever, but now it was in his hands again. He couldn’t have been more grateful if he’d tried. Finally, the proper words came to him.
“When this was taken from me, it was at the hands of a lord before he cast me out. Now, at the hands of a mistress, it is being returned while she offers me the chance to join her.”
“Stranger things have happened,” she said and shrugged.
“I meant what I said before,” Takeo continued. “It will pain me greatly not to slaughter the rakshasas I find. I know you want me to join you and your army, but I cannot serve beside one of those beasts. At this moment, I don’t think it’s possible that I can both complete this quest and swear my loyalty to you. You did not see what Jabbar did to Emily. You have not seen what his kind is capable of.”
“Give it time. You might change your mind.”
Takeo didn’t answer. He sheathed the blade and pulled it close to him, his grip holding tight as a lover. He felt like a piece of him had been restored, and a flood of confidence worked to push out a pinch of the pain that resided in his heart.
“Thank you for this gift, Lady Xuan.” Takeo bowed. “I will not forget this kindness.”
“See that you don’t,” she replied. “Now, there is one last thing before you leave. It is something that may help you on this journey, assuming you choose to use it.”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“You shall see.”
Lady Xuan instructed Takeo to rise and approach the wall. He obeyed, and she pointed to a large window.
“Look out there. Yes, like that,” she said. “Do you see out that way? This mountain my family calls home is not the only outlier in this region. Just two days from here you will find another that is larger, higher, and steeper. It is a giant of mountains, a king of their kind. I know not why it stands alone out there, but the thing is too massive to defend and too steep to build on. Because it lacks humans, the place is infested with the worst creatures Juatwa has to offer. I would not recommend traveling there to anyone who values their life.”
“And you know that I do not?”
She ignored the comment and continued.
“At the top of the mountain lives a sennin, a wise and ancient being that can see the future. You’ll remember that Ichiro Katsu captured one?”
“Yes, for all the good that did him. I always wondered about that, how you could trick Katsu when he had a sennin on his side.”
“Stop that, Takeo,” Lady Xuan scolded. “That sennin
was purposely trying to kill Katsu. Don’t look confused. Think about it. The sennin would only answer questions with a yes or no, and Katsu asked the wrong questions. He asked if he would win the battle, not if I would betray him, the fool. The sennin knew I was coming to assault Katsu’s keep, but Katsu never thought to ask if he should look for me. That sennin hated Katsu and so did not warn him of his impending doom. The sennin chose to die to Jabbar rather than stay enslaved. Ichiro Katsu did unto himself, like an idiot. I won’t go and capture the sennin and make the same mistake he did.”
Takeo glanced out the window. He could barely make out a line of mountains in the distance, but none stood distinct.
“So, if I seek this sennin out, it will answer my questions?”
“I have no idea.” Lady Xuan waved. “It might, it might not. It might not be there anymore, but I’ll bet it is. I merely wanted to inform you, because you strike me as a man with many questions. Well, I have given you a sword, and I have given you a means to seek your answers. You might get lucky, and that sennin will tell you your entire past, eliminating the need to assist me, but I have a feeling that you will, regardless of what you learn. You are fated for this sort of thing, don’t you think?”
* * *
Takeo met up with his companions at the bottom of the mountain. They were waiting casually by the gate, which seemed logical at the time until he realized they were still under guard. Their weapons hadn’t been returned, and although Gavin and Krunk seemed fine, Nicholas looked like he was having a nervous breakdown. At the sight of Takeo, he started shouting.
“There you are, finally!” he roared. “Well, what happened? What? Is that it? Are we done? Can we go now? I want my maul back. Damn do I need to hit something. You there, yeah you, random guard of not-important-enough-to-be-given-a-name! I’ve seen you eyeing me this whole time. You had better man up and either ask for my hand in marriage or challenge me to a duel because I am losing it right now. Takeo!”
“Nicholas,” Takeo answered as the gate was drawn open for him, “calm yourself. You’ll get your chance to hit something very soon.”
“Good!”
“Weapons, please,” Takeo requested of the guards. “Thank you for taking good care of them.”
“Yes, thanks,” Gavin echoed.
Their weapons were returned to them, and a few of the guards jumped at the sight of Takeo's sword. They must have thought Takeo had stolen it, but the escort explained it was a gift from the Empress.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” Takeo said and bowed.
“If you wish to stay for the night,” the escort said, “the Empress has reserved a room for you. There will be food and a bath for all, if you wish.”
“Absolutely!” Gavin spoke quickly, grinning widely.
There could be no denying that they were filthy from their travels. The snowy mountains of Khaz Mal may not have been dirty, but being wrapped in many layers produced enough sweat to make any man reek.
They made their way to a small nearby tavern, the one indicated by the guard, and there found waiting for them a room big enough for four, a platter of food, and even baths.
Gavin was especially surprised the baths were warm.
“How did they know when we would arrive?” he asked. “Amazing. This is the perfect temperature, I swear. I didn’t see anyone entering or leaving this room, though. They didn’t even spill a drop of water on the floor. What in the world did you say up there, Takeo? Did you kiss this Empress’ feet and promise to fulfill her wildest dreams? Or is this just normal hospitality this side of the world?”
“Krunk hopes it normal.”
“We are guests of the Empress,” Takeo explained. “That’s all this tavern’s owner needs to know to make sure our needs are well met. As for what I promised her, well, you’d better prepare yourself.”
“Bath is too small for Krunk,” the ogre frowned.
“We’ll have them bring up one of those cauldrons they use to feed an army. That should be large enough.”
They all stripped down and submerged, and Krunk was brought a container big enough for him. Nicholas complained, saying the cauldron would be a better fit for himself than would the bath, and that the ogre was getting special treatment. Krunk said he was okay with this, and Gavin reached over the span between them to knock Nicholas on the head with a wooden brush.
“We never really talked about what we’d do once we reached Juatwa,” Takeo started out, “whether we’d stay together or part ways, and I think that’s because we already knew the answer. This journey is only just beginning.”
Takeo told all that Lady Xuan had explained to him, detailing his story when requested and answering any questions honestly. They were silent for the most part, through a mixture of interest, shock, and respect. They gaped at the concept of capturing two rakshasas, balked at the sennin, raised eyebrows at the family sword, and stared intently for the rest. By the time Takeo finished, their bathwater was churning black with the grime from their bodies. They left it all behind as they exited and dried themselves off with soft towels.
Their clothes were returned to them, washed and folded, and they settled in with the platter of food between them.
“So, will you travel to this sennin creature?” Gavin asked, a chunk of smoked kappa meat in his hand.
“I will,” Takeo answered. “The potential reward is more than worth the risk.”
“I’m in,” Nicholas said with a grin. “The chance to fight the creatures of this land? I wouldn’t miss it. I’ll have yet one more story in Valhalla that none will be able to match.”
Takeo glanced at Krunk, who glanced at Gavin, who, in turn, smiled.
“Did you have any doubt?” Gavin asked.
“Some,” Takeo admitted.
“We leave at first light?”
“Naturally.”
Takeo had to admit, he slept well.
Chapter 20
Before leaving, they were provided a hearty meal, some provisions for the road, and a handy map with known towns, rivers, territories, and even areas where oni had been sighted. Takeo was most grateful, and although the room was already paid for, he left his dwarven-made katana with a note saying that it was in exchange for such great hospitality. After all, Takeo had no need for two katanas. The blades were too big to be duel-wielded, and Takeo didn’t know how to fight with two anyway. Not to mention the extra weight—he already had more than enough food, water, and equipment to carry.
Plus, the dwarven-made katana had been given to him in kindness, so re-giving it in kindness to another seemed fitting.
As they left, Takeo could almost hear the relieved sighs from the townspeople, and perhaps even a few of the samurai who knew Takeo. Most would have slept with their doors locked the night before, knowing some strange, purple oni was walking about town alongside a ronin and two mercenaries. As for the samurai, Takeo’s reputation as a man unbound and unmatched with a blade was starting to precede him in some circles.
Yet he would still die forgotten. He was sure of that. He was feared, not admired.
But for now he had friends, a purpose, the warm morning sun on his cheeks, and a trodden road beneath his feet. To boot, his family sword was tied to his waist. It was a good day to be a ronin.
“Two days,” Gavin mused aloud. “Seems such a short time compared to two years.”
“We’ll still have to travel up the mountain,” Takeo warned. “Judging by what Lady Xuan said, that could take us anywhere from a week or more on its own.”
“It’s a good thing we spent all that time in Khaz Mal,” Nicholas said. “After traveling both east and west sides, I feel ready to conquer anything.”
“Krunk has question for sennin. Krunk want to know how many times Krunk has pooped in life.”
The humans stopped, but the ogre took a few steps before stopping, too. When he looked back at them, his face bore as much confusion as theirs.
“Krunk,” Gavin started but couldn’t continue.
&n
bsp; “Why would you—” Takeo began.
“That’s brilliant!” Nicholas burst out laughing. “I should ask that, too. Damn, how many times? Honestly, think about it. I mean, how many times does an ogre poop? I’ve never even thought of that? And what about me? If we ask how many times you’ve pooped, and then I’ve pooped, we can divide by the number of years to get an average poop per year and determine if ogres or humans drop more—”
“Stop.” Takeo held up a hand. “Please, just stop.”
“What is problem?” Krunk asked, shrugging his massive shoulders. “Krunk thought sennin answered questions?”
“Never a dull moment,” Gavin muttered under his breath. “We’ll talk about it later, big guy.”
They made camp on the side of the road in soft green grass, adorned with blossoming flowers. They slept as well as they could, despite a fair bit of sneezing due to the inescapable pollen floating in the breeze. In the morning, they awoke in the crisp air to find their goal lying at the edge of their vision.
Last night as the sun set and cast shadows across the land, the huge mountain Lady Xuan spoke of had been invisible to them. Now, on the other end of the light spectrum, Takeo and the others could see a massive chunk of rock jutting from the ground in the distance. Its size dwarfed that of Lady Xuan’s home.
Like a kraken on land, huge ridges spanned out as far as the eye could see, consuming the world around it. Takeo strained his neck trying to catch sight of the peak, which reached up and into the morning clouds, hiding its true height. Most of the mountain was sheer cliffs, and from this angle it seemed impossible to climb without rope. The base of the giant would completely cover Lucifan.
Takeo’s lips parted at the magnitude of it. In a moment of clarity, he saw both literally and figuratively the task that lay ahead. And once again, he wished that Emily was at his side.