by Lance Wilson
“My dear Mellyruna, I knew you would come to see me. That witch doctor kept telling me that it was your bother that brought me in. ha… . no matter. Enough of all this, fetch my armor; I have a meeting with the elven kingdoms today. And you should be off to your riding lessons. Wasn’t it Rin that was going to take you today? Ah no matter, go on fetch your father his things, and no doddling, I know how you like to take your time with my sword, don’t worry it will be yours one day” his father says and waves him out of the room.
Attonnan says nothing but walks out of the room and turns the corner then lays his back flat against the wall just to the right of the door. Diao is right, he is lost, he has no idea where or even when he is. Attonnan can feel his whole body begin to tremble with grief, this is not the way kings die, kings die in battle or if they are lucky peacefully in their bed hearing songs and stories of battles long since fought, his father deserved better then this. Yes perhaps he was not the father he would have liked for himself, but to Maeraer, Byrdi and Mellyruna he was there heart and their passion. He was there for them, and for that he deserves better then this kind of end. The only comfort he has left knows that his father is not with him. His father isn’t in this dreary hall waiting to overtake some kingdom or fighting for his life, no, his father is in better times with better company. Slowly he walks back into the room and sees his father smile at him again.
“My you’ve grown Mellyruna, defeated Mecmed single handed did you” he ask now standing to great his favorite son.
“Yes, thanks to your training father” Attonnan says trying to keep his voice from creaking and quivering.
“Nervous hu, ah, you’ll make a fine king, and with Ishtar as your queen, I must say, even I am envious of you” His father says and walks to him.
His father’s arms are wide open and gently Attonnan takes him into a sorrowful embrace.
“Father, tell me you love me… . please” Attonnan says his voice soft and weak as if coming from somewhere else.
“What, I have told you that a thousand times.” His father says chuckling.
“Please, call me your son, and that you love me” Attonnan says just once wanting to hear those words from his father.
“I love you with all that I have to give, my son” his father says with a soft and gentle voice, the kind of voice meant to calm a wary child.
“And I love you father” Attonnan says and pulls a thin knife out of his belt without his father feeling it.
Attonnan feels a quick jolt from his father as he slides the blade deep into the base of his skull, then just like that, his body goes limp. He is dead, but he is dead on the happiest day of his life, days were Mecmed has been defeated and his son was to marry Ishtar. Attonnan gently lays his father back on the bed, pain ripping through him like a tempest storm. His whole body quivers as he drops to his knees at the side of the bed, blood soaking the covers and turning the once white linins now a crimson red. Every inch of him wants to cry out, to shout to the heavens of his pain, his suffering, but he can’t, he can’t even shed a single tear and it is in that vary denial that makes the pain rip at him more fiercely then any enemy could. As he kneels there he feels a gentle hand on his shoulder, he is sure that it is Kenshi but as he turns around he finds that he is mistaken. It is Toph.
“Come on, let’s get you cleaned up.” She says, her voice filled with all the warmth of a summer day.
She leads him wordlessly though the halls to the bathhouse of Omashu. She is not surprised that he goes without fight or the fact that he doesn’t speak to her. She knows he will speak and that in time he will heal, but right now the wound is too deep, too fresh, the only thing bothering her is that fact that there is not one single tear on him. Once inside the bathhouse she gently strips him, Attonnan only stands there as if in a daze. She moves him into the hot water of the tub and gently begins to wash him over with his scented soap. He does not move, he doesn’t even lift his arms when she asks. Instead he moves him washes him humming a gentle tune to him, she can only imagine the pain he is in. She washes him over, taking her time to get the blood off, even washing his hair twice. Once finished she gently leads him out of the bath and combs out his hair and dresses him into a soft night robe. The Guards watch as she leads him to the captain’s quarters. They know that she will do nothing to him but all of them are shocked to see the empty ghost like face of Attonnan. Once in the captains quarters she gently pulls down the covers and lays him in the bed. Once in the bed he rolls to his side, his back to her, tucking himself into a fetal position.
“Sleep well Attonnan” She says gently and reaches of the door.
“Please, don’t leave me, just… just hold me” Attonnan says his voice like a scared child.
She is shocked at the request, and though she knows that she shouldn’t, she can’t seem to turn him away.
“Of course” She says and strips herself of her uniform leaving only her intimate garments.
Slowly she slips herself into the bed and presses herself against him, and then gently she wraps an arm around him.
“He said he loved me… I know it was for Mellyruna, but he still said it to me. It was the first time he said he loved me, or called me son” Attonnan says his body trembling
“Shh, just sleep” She says closing her eyes
She listens carefully as his breathing goes slow and long, he is finally asleep. She gently strokes his hair as she sleep wishing only one thing, that he could cry, she’s not sure why but she can tell that he wants to, so why doesn’t he. Leaning over she gently kisses his cheek and then snuggles into his shoulder then like Attonnan she is fast asleep.
Chapter 11
Musashi’s fall
Kenshi looks out at the city of Omashu as the sun begins to set. Behind him is a huge table with his generals and advisors they are all talking to each other trying to figure out to turn the tide of war against the Hitori? Many times they have met them on the field of battle and each time they have just had enough time to retreat. The Hitori are fearless and none of them even think twice about dying in a battle. Not to mention they outnumber the Takunen 10-1. Kenshi watches in the courtyard, Attonnan is finishing up his training with the fifth unit for the day. He has watched them train daily for almost seven months the entire time he has kept them out of the battles, Attonnan’s orders. He told Kenshi that when they are ready he would be some of the best warriors in the army.
“Sir, are you even paying any attention” Zhang says and shakes his head.
“Of course I am, but from what I have been paying attention to, none of you have any new ideas. Can any of you tell me how to get to the heart of the problem?” Kenshi said calmly and turns back to them.
Every one of them looks at each other and then shakes their head. No one has the answer for all there work the Hitori is unstoppable.
“There is one chance, if we could find Yoshitsune Minamoto.” Tshung says smiling
“Of course it’s just that simple, except that he has been lost for over 500 years.” Kenshi says shaking his head.
“So far we have nothing then.” Zhang says and watches as they all shake their head.
It is at this point that there is a tap at the door. Huang Zhong gets up from the table and slowly opens the door. Standing on the other end is Attonnan, a smile on his face.
“Attonnan, I do not recall you ever wanting to be a part of these meetings before. What has changed your mind on this fine day” Kenshi says hoping that Attonnan has found a solution to their problem. He was always good at thinking things through and seeing strategy where no one else could.
“They are ready” Attonnan says and walks up to the map and looks at it. They are all seeing the same thing but he has thought about it and knows how to fight the Hitori
“And what does this mean to us” Zhang says rolling his eyes. Kenshi in his opinion has given Attonnan fa
r too much freedom and confidence.
“I shall place my force here, we shall wait and when they come, we shall take on the Hitori force” Attonnan says and points to a spot on the map.
It is a small area but perfect for what he wants. There is only one way in or out, a small road with a huge cliff on either side. The road leading up to the cliffs twists and turns, leaving cliffs that fall straight into the sea below.
“So you will just go there and wait,” Huang says lifting his arms dramatically as if it were all that simple.
“Yes” Attonnan says and begins to walk the door
“Attonnan do you mind explaining” Kenshi says confused as well.
“The Hitori are tiered, tired of taking us bit by bit, they know they can take us so they shall attack at full strength. They shall attack here at the main city. This is the best road for that approach. My men and I shall wait there for them.” Attonnan says and opens the door to leave.
To all of there surprise a young man comes rushing in.
“Sirs, there is a moon elf messenger here to see you.” The young elf says dropping to one knee.
Zhong looks over at the men and smile Kenshi, he has been the leader and now, now they see what they are really up against, not the Hitori, not even the Oda clan, it is the moon elf kingdom and with them Mecmed.
“I shall speak to them, Attonnan, will you be with me.” Kenshi says and looking over at Attonnan. Attonnan has become his strength and he isn’t sure that he could face the moon elves without him.
“Of course, I would love to speak to them” Attonnan says and lets a mischievous smile cross his face.
The two walk to the main courtyard of Omashu to find the three men that are dressed in moon elf garb. The two of them approach but before they can say anything Attonnan raises his hand and glares at them.
“Before you speak messenger, know this, that here in Omashu every man is held accountable for the words of his voice. Now what message do you bring” Attonnan says and growls seeing the sight of his true enemy.
“Earth and water” the message says, his voice deep and low
“You can all this way for earth and water” Attonnan says and raises his eyebrow.
“Do not be coy or stupid moon elf, here you can afford neither” Toph says and walks up beside Attonnan; she is his second in command and would not miss this.
“What position does she think that she can speak among men” the messenger says and growls at Toph
“Because I fight among them”. Toph says stepping to the man.
“Let us walk to cool our tongues.” Attonnan says and smiles at Toph, she has proven the she has deserved the position of his second.
“If you value your lives over complete annulations you will listen carefully Attonnan, Mecmed conquers everything he rests his eyes on, he leads an army so massive it shakes the ground beneath it. All the god king Mecmed requires is this. A simple offering of earth and water. A sign of Takunen’s submission to the will of Mecmed.” the messenger says smiling at Attonnan.
“Submission, now that is a bit of a problem. Rumor has it that the revolutionaries in Oda have already turned you down. And if those boy lovers can find that kind of nerve, and of course we must think of our reputation.” Attonnan says smiling at the massager.
Kenshi cannot believe what Attonnan is doing; he is out right challenging the moon elf kingdom. His mind is screaming for him to do something about it, to stop him, but his body is frozen there and all he can do is watch.
“Choose your next words carefully Attonnan, they may be your last” the messenger says taking a long deep breath.
“You bring the heads of conquered kings to my steps, you insult my captain, you threaten my people with slavery and death. Oh I have chosen my words carefully moon elf, perhaps you should have done the same.” Attonnan says and with that draws his blade with lightening fast skill and cuts the man down his innards now spilling onto the ground.
Sheathing his blade Attonnan looks over at Kenshi. Kenshi is still in shock over all of it. How can this be, how has this all happened. In one fail swoop Attonnan has made war on the entire moon elf kingdom.
“Do you even have a plan? This isn’t just the Hitori clan anymore, it is also the moon elf kingdom” Kenshi says shaking his head.
“I informed you of my plan back there. It makes no difference that I am up against. My team is ready” Attonnan says his voice cold as the steel at his side.
“Attonnan, if you fail” he says knowing full well he doesn’t have to say any more then that.
“I don’t fail” Attonnan says and keeps walking.
Kenshi is sure of what is going on. Attonnan is going to set the trap. With or without the consent of the council. He has made up his mind and is sure that this is the right way. All Kenshi can do now is stay with the council, prepare the men for what is to come if he fails. If he is somehow defeated.
Attonnan only walks thought he courtyard with Toph tell he is soon walking right into the camp of his troops, the fifth unit.
“Men gather around, things have changed in our situation” Attonnan shouts and watches as all of his men gather around him.
It only take a few seconds for them to not only get around him but also to form ranks.
“It seems the Hitori are not the only players in this game. The moon elves have sided with the Hitori and are not bothering with formalities. The plan is the same, we lead them into the gates and crush them.” Attonnan says and with pride he watches at the fact that the thought of the moon elves didn’t even make his men flinch.
“Get some rest, we march in the mourning.” Toph says and watches as Attonnan leaves going to his own tent to rest.
Toph watches the men all look at each other and then nod and go to their respective tents. Toph however walks over to Attonnan’s tent and slowly walks in. like she thought he is sitting with his legs crossed in the middle of his tent. His eyes are closed and his sword is lying on his lap.
“Attonnan, is it true, are we riding against the moon elves” she asks sitting across from him.
“Yes” Attonnan says his voice calm and cool.
“The fight, the unit is not ready for the moon elves, we might all fall” Toph says calmly looking out of the tent.
“We are all soldiers, we knew the risks. I don’t like it any more then you do, but the fact is that it is happening. Anyone can leave at anytime” Attonnan says and looks up at her.
“You know vary well that no one is going anywhere. You are our commander, we follow you,” she says harshly and irritated she walks out of the tent to find her own and get some rest, maybe cool down a bit.
It is early in the mourning when the team wakes. Right away the unit falls into play and Attonnan slowly walks down the line of his men inspecting each and every one of them. He smiles at what he sees all of them are perfect. With only a nod they all begin to march. All of them know where they are going and all of them know the score. It takes them almost no time to get to the territory. It is known as the hell gates. A huge place where the path to Omashu winds through the mountains, this particular path has a huge path carved into the side of the mountain on there left, the right side is a flat cliff that goes straight into the rocky sea, and from there it moves past a small area about 100 yards of just sand and flat land, then it moves into a path with huge flat walls on either side, as if the path was carved right in the middle of the mountain.
“Men set up camp, I do not expect the moon elves until tomorrow mourning. Prepare the weapons, make sure archers are at the ready.” Attonnan says taking a long look out to the sea. He is sure that they shall dock just a bit down the way; it is the only spot that they can dock. They will have to come this way. The cliff and the high walls of the hell gates will make it so the numbers of the moon elves will mean nothing. Attonnan then looks back and wa
tches as all the archers take out their arrows and put them point down in the ground so that they can just grab them out of the ground as the attack comes. Everyone is ready in only small moment of time.
“Sir, now what” one of the men says looking around, it isn’t even the middle of the day and they are prepared for the battle ahead.
“Have everyone check there weapons, we are about to enter a war, when the time comes everything must be ready. There is no room for mistakes, not this time. Toph, I leave them in your hands.” Attonnan says and walks to the place closest to the cliffs so that he may look out into the sea.
Toph watches as he walks to the furthest part and sits down calmly crossing his legs. Then calmly he takes his blade out of the belt and lays it on his lap. She only shakes her head. She knows that once he is like this there will be no talking to him. He is preparing himself for the war to come. The men do as they are told and make sure all the weapons are ready for a long and brutal fight. They know the odds and what is about to happen. Toph can see the nervousness in all of them. It is near the evening when they watch the sky darken. It is going to storm. The unit smiles, the moon elves will be coming by sea and this will mean hell for them. The moon is high in the sky as they watch the ships begin to approach. The seas are being tossed around and slammed into the rocks. The whole unit watches and celebrates watching ship after ship slam into the rocky shores and cliffs. Attonnan watches as well but he does not cheer he doesn’t even move, he only stays cross leg looking out. Attonnan knows that this is only part of there fleet, others will come, and they will war, the battle is far from one, or even made fair. Thousands more will come; they will be here by dawn, maybe a bit later.
“Men, sleep now, war is coming. Sleep well and prepare” Attonnan says and stands.
The men’s celebration calms down and takes out the bedrolls. They will rest tonight and prepare for the mourning.
Just as Attonnan expected it is almost mourning when the moon elves begin to come, the men are already up and they watch as a huge section of people begin to come to them. The first one Attonnan takes notice to be a huge man, fat and draped in fancy clothing. He is in a kind of chariot pulled by four men, slaves. The man looks around and spots two of the unit men that seem to just be talking to themselves.