by Lance Wilson
“I should go to Takada, and then to the blade master. I wish to practice. I do not believe my skills are well enough yet,” Attonnan says calmly trying to change the subject.
“Attonnan, I’ve been meaning to ask you. Why are you so obsessed with being the best with a blade? What are you fighting” Kenshi says standing and placing a hand on Attonnan’s shoulder.
But he never gets his answer. Attonnan only looks up at him, a deep sadness in his eyes. Gently removes Kenshi’s hand and walks out of the room. Kenshi only watches him go and lowers his head taking a deep breath and letting out a sigh.
“Your blade won’t make the pain go away, I know” Kenshi whispers to himself then lays back into his bed.
Attonnan walks though the halls his mind a drift of voices from the shadows. Parts of his past that he seems never to be able to outrun. Whispers that only use words like weak, coward, and waist of life. The voice is familiar but he cannot pin it down. He knows it is from his past, his past before the Hojo. Before lord Fuma.
As he lets his mind drift he feels his hand gently stroking the handle of his blade. Lost in his own thoughts it doesn’t take him long to find his way to the war room. He calmly looks up and taps on the door. When there is no answer Attonnan walks in and finds that general Takeda is standing with his back to a window, his hands holding one another behind him.
“Attonnan, I was waiting for you. I thought you would have reported to me yesterday when you returned. I waited, not long. It was a stable boy that informed me that you had returned, and that you were asking about Kenshi. I can only assume that you and he had business. Takada says and turns to face him, then smiles to see that clothing he is wearing. Black silk pants with a red sash. It is the outfit that Kenshi has always given his consorts. So Kenshi has faced his fears and taken the young Attonnan to his bed. He wonders if Attonnan has learned anything.
Attonnan ashamed that he chooses his own pleasures over his responsibilities quickly drops to one knee, his sword hand now flat on the ground his head hung low in shame.
“Forgive me general, I meant no disrespect” Attonnan says never lifting his head.
“Easy son, I was just telling you what I know. I was not reprimanding you in any way. I understand the lusts of the youth, I was not always this old you know. Stand please” Takada says and smiles at Attonnan.
“I came here to report to you that the situation in the village of Shimazu has been dealt with and I doubt that the pirates of that coast will raid there again,” Attonnan says standing, but never lifting his head.
“Yes, the captain of the guard came here personally to thank the Takunen for sending you. I was also told that you refused their help when it came to dealing with the pirates” Takada asks cocking his head.
“Yes, there were not trained men and could have gotten killed. I would not have their blood on my hands” Attonnan says calmly
“You know what they are calling you now, ghost. They say you moved like a phantom on the battlefield” Takada says walking over and resting his hand on Attonnan’s shoulder.
“They are easily impressed sir. I am an average swordsman, nothing compared to our own blade master” he says and blushes just slightly.
“Yes well, we all believe what we will. I did want to ask you something,” Takada says once again folding his hands behind his back and walking to the window,
“Sir” Attonnan says eager to answer
“Why did you kill them yesterday, the pirates” Takada asks, this is the true question, the one that will tell him if he has learned anything in these long months of being here.
“Was that not my orders” Attonnan asks now completely lost
“Yes, but why did you accept, you could have easily enough declined” Takada asks keeping his voice cool and calm.
“Sir, I do not understand. You asked that I do this for you. As a member of the Takunen I thought it was my duty to carry out those orders. Did I do something wrong” Attonnan asks wondering if he may have missed an order or something
“You see, that is just it, you are not a member of the Tekunen, and you never have been. You never had to take those orders, so why did you” Takada asks trying to get Attonnan to understand that there must be something that drove him,
“But… . I’m sorry general, I just do not understand the question” Attonnan says shaking his head.
Attonnan then listens as the general lets out a long sorrowful sigh. It is just as he thought, Attonnan isn’t driven by anything. You give him orders and he will fight, the cause means nothing to him. For all that he may have grown, he is still just a soldier and nothing more.
“Yes well, that will do, thank you Attonnan, you are dismissed” Takada says waving his hand but never taking his eyes off the window.
All this time he has been trying to get Attonnan to open up. To find out the elf that lays underneath all the walls that Fuma has built up around him. He is almost certain that there is a good man under all of it, that somewhere deep inside of him is an elf that wants to help his fellow man. He has seen only a glint of it now and again. The most recent was when the laundry had come back this mourning and one of his servants had thought it wise to show him a headband of a Hojo soldier. At first he thought it was Attonnan’s, but he remembered that Attonnan did not come to them dressed as a Hojo, but rather dressed as the apprentice. This could only mean that it was one of his men’s headband, someone he knew and cared about. All this time he has kept it as a reminder. He is also almost certain that this is also the reason he wouldn’t work with anyone on this mission, fear, and fear that the same thing that happened when he attacked Omashu would happen again. He can only hope that he can reach this part of Attonnan that still dwells deep in the shadows. If not him, then perhaps Kenshi can do it.
Attonnan only shakes his head, what was the general getting at asking him such things as why did he do anything but follow orders. This doesn’t matter. He shall go to the blade master. He has felt the love that Kenshi has offered him, and he shall now channel it into the blade. Maybe with this he can master all that is left to master. Before he knows it he is standing before the dojo door. He opens the door and walks right into the middle of the ring and begins to look over the variety of weapons. For months now he has been practicing with all different varieties of blades. Looking them over he finally selects what is known as a basterd sword, a larger sword with double edge, it is a versatile weapon that is normally wielded two handed, but can be wielded one handed by the stronger of elves. For the longest time Attonnan only wielded it two handed, it was the blade master had him try one handed. Selecting the weapon he walks back into the middle of the ring and begins to practice. At first he lets himself go blank, let his body tell him what it should do, let the blade lead him. It is only somewhere down the road that he lets himself feel the love that he felt in Kenshi’s arm, the warmth, the contentment. Letting it all pour over him he lets it rush through him and poor into the blade. The style changes, but only the slightest. Change seems to be happening. Attonnan feels that nothing much has happened and in turn slowly brings the training to a halt. He then drops the tip of the blade to the ground and begins to growl. This is not what it was meant to be; he thought the blade master said he would reach a whole new level. The blade master smiles and claps his hands having watched the whole of the training.
“Your so close you can taste it, can’t you” The blade master says and smiles at him.
Attonnan turns and stares at him shaking his head.
“I don’t understand, I felt love, I poured it into the blade, and yet nothing.” Attonnan says now hanging the blade back on the wall.
“I can tell you why your not reaching the level you desire. You feel the love, but it lacks focus. You fight and you fight like nothing I have seen before. But why” the blade master says calmly and smiles at him.
“What do you mean w
hy do I fight. I fight cause.” Attonnan says and then stops thinking about what he is about to say.
Calmly he thinks, there is no answer. He has fought only for one reason, he was told to. He fought for Fuma; Fuma was his master and had led him to believe that he owed him everything. Now he fights for the Takunen, after all they broke him from the bond of the Hojo and lord Fuma.
“I fight cause I am told by those that I feel I owe” Attonnan says looking down at the ground.
“You fight cause you are told, and there in lies the block. If you are to draw a blade I feel it is time that you truly found a reason. Something that speaks to you, deep down, down to your vary soul.” The blade master says and smiles at him.
“I have looked in my soul, there is nothing there anymore. It was all taken a vary long time ago” Attonnan says and lowers his head.
“I don’t believe you. You have fought like wind and water. I do not believe that something would give you these kinds of gifts and leave you with only nothing deep inside. I know your tale, I have seen it a hundred times over, and all too often the hero fails.” The blade master says and turns his back on Attonnan.
“Why are you telling me this? I have been reminded long enough that I am a failure, I don’t need you to tell me that” Attonnan says angrily and starts to walk out of the dojo.
“Is that what you think I am telling you, no. I am merely preparing you for what is to come. Men like you, they attract the darkness, and it will come for you and try to over power you. It is only your own will power that will decide if it is successful.” The blade master says and smiles watching Attonnan stop with his hand on the door.
Attonnan only stands there for a moment. What if he says is true and the shadows and nightmares find him. Will he be strong enough to fight them off, who’s to say.
At that vary moment in the war room general Takada waits. It was only seconds later that lord Kenshi walks in and gently shuts the door.
“General Takada you asked to see me here” Kenshi says with a polite nod.
“Yes. I think it is time we face a few facts. You might want to sit down I do not think that you shall enjoy this” Takada says and smiles as Kenshi sits down at the war council table.
“I’m not sure I want to know now” Kenshi says and smiles at him.
“I’m sure you have noticed that the Takunen have moved no further in this war. All the clans are stronger then us and we have been lucky enough to keep our heads above water. I think it is time that we started peace talks with at least one of the clans.” Takada says and turns his back on Kenshi.
He doesn’t need to look at Kenshi to know how he is reacting to this. Kenshi hates the idea of teaming up with any clan. The main clans of the Denerith elves are courted by gold, they sold themselves to Mecmed.
“How can you do this, your selling us out to a clan. Which clan and why” Kenshi says almost at a growl.
“I have chosen to have a meeting with the Hitori clan. Like us they are mercenaries and I feel that they will allow us to keep our own ways and beliefs.” Takada says and smiles at him.
“The Hitori clan is lowest on the food chain if I’m not mistaken.” Kenshi says smiling he knows now why Takada sought out for the Hitori clan. They have just as much to gain from the partnership as well as the Takunen.
“Yes they are, they will gain as much as us as I’m sure you have already deduced. I am preparing to set the meeting. Both Musashi and I have decided that a small force for each of us. He shall have his oldest son with him. I shall bring you. I am also going to bring Attonnan I feel he is ready for this.” Takada says and smiles at him.
“So tell me when will this happen” Kenshi asks calmly keeping his irritation at a minimum.
“I have sent word to them. He will respond by messenger hawk. When I get there message I will know the when and where. I want you to select 10 of our greatest warriors train and prepare them, make them ready. We must be careful.” Takada says and smiles
“Yes master, I shall select them now” Kenshi says and begins to walk off.
Takada only smiles and watches him go. He is sure that he will pick only the fiercest and most skilled of the warriors in the Takunen clan. He also knows that to the Hitori clan, the Takunen are nothing more then simple soldiers. The Hitori clan for generations has trained in nothing but war. Fighting the impossible fights, joining wars for causes they don’t care about, only so that they can perfect the art of battle and fighting. The Hitori clan are the epitome of war, he can only hope that there desperation in fighting both the Oda, and Hojo clan, not to mention the armies of Mecmed and Kainith elves have helped them soften enough to take an ally.
Kenshi walks the halls thinking to himself, 10, only ten men. They could be walking right into an ambush but he is only allowed 10 men. He shall have to make it only the strongest of the warriors of the Takunen. Attonnan only walks the halls. His mind all a blur, everything is so confusing. He has finally found love and he knows what it feels like, how to summon all those emotions, he even found a way to channel it into the blade, but for nothing. No matter how hard he tries he can’t seem to reach the next level of his swordsmanship. As the two of them walk and make there own plans a messenger hawk flies into the top most tower of the palace and drops a small scroll in front of a guard. The guard quickly looks at it and sees that it bares the mark of the Hitori clan, and that it is addressed to general Takada. The guards quickly summons one of there own messengers and sends the scroll down to the war room. It only takes him a few minutes to get there and once he opens the door he drops to one knee and lowers his head, keeping the message extended. General Takada smiles and without words takes the message from his hand unrolling it. The message says four words.
Sundown, seven days, Shimazu. Takada smiles, this is perfect. Attonnan already knows Shimazu and how to fight there. Kenshi will know it as well. This may not mean much knowing the Hitori clan, but it just might be the edge they need.
The week passes quickly and in no time Takada, Kenshi, Attonnan and twenty of the fiercest and finest of the Takunen warriors march down the streets of Shimazu. Attonnan looks around in a bit of shock at the place. It was only a week ago that these men were invalided by pirates but they don’t even seem to remember, they just go about their business like it was nothing. As they all approach the main chambers they can see before them two of the guard of Shimazu, and five others dressed in fine armor and rather worn looking weapons. Takada can only assume that these men are from the Hitori, he knows that though the weapons look worn they are far from useless. Approaching the main door he stops just short of hearing range of the guards.
“Kenshi, Attonnan. I want you two to go along and walk about town. The last thing I want is an ambush. I shall keep the bulk of our force with me. I do not believe the Hitori will fight me, but in case I wish to make sure that I have my best warriors ready.” Takada says with a polite smile.
“Together or separate” Kenshi says but already knows the reply.
“Separate” Takada says and with a wave he turns back to the main door and begins to walk to it.
For a small moment the two of them stare at each other then with a polite bow they take their separate paths. Attonnan smiles as he walks down the street. The town seems to know about the bonding of the two clans and is in full celebration. Lights are strung up between buildings criss crossing along the streets and men everywhere are drinking and singing songs of friendship. Seeing that the world can celebrate in something seems to renew something in Attonnan and he lets his attitude relaxed. He walks the streets for a good hour or more, the night is fully upon him and the sky is as black as ink. The moon is full and lights the town nicely, but with the lights and lamps all around he finds that it is hardly necessary. He walks the streets for a bit before he finds three men arms over each other’s shoulder each with a bottle of wine singing. It is then that it happens. T
here is a flash of pale light and before he knows it the men are dead at his feet. Attonnan is shocked not knowing what had happened at first but quickly gaining his senses he finds a young man about his own age standing just a few steps away from them polishing an odd looking blade. The blade seems to be made of some kind of milky white crystal. It is thin and double-edged, the handle a ghost like gray wood with black grains too it. The handle is smooth and simple, but there is no hilt, only handle, and no pummel. For a second Attonnan wonders about the odd blade, but he elf before him drives even more questions. The elf is as pale white as his own skin, with the same raven black hair. He is dressed quite a bit different however. His black pants are smooth and tight, his boots that go half way up his calf are a soft leather, also black, but with gold trim. His shirt is a deep purple, the kind of purple that one would expect of royalty, the shirt itself also looks of high quality and class. Over the shirt he has a black long coat that he leaves open. Along the edging and cuffs is elegant and elaborate gold embroidery. Along the belt is the sheath for the blade, and on the opposite side another sheath with another blade in it, one that looks like the match to the one the figure is holding. His hair is pulled back in a high tail and as he faces Attonnan, Attonnan cannot help but take a step back. His face is just as thin and gaunt as his own, his eyes a bright golden color. But that is not what makes him jump, what makes him jump is the marks on the young mans face. Like Attonnan he has two marks along his cheek, just below his cheekbone, these are a bright red color just like Attonnan’s. On his forehead is a mark as well, but is it not a crescent moon. It is two cuts forming a circle with just barely a part in the middle, then four cuts that look like droplets pointing out of the circle, each in the four directions. This in the same red as the cuts on the cheek. Can this be, was this one marked as a Dagoth. Was this Fuma’s newest apprentice?