Chapter 21: Dawn

The escort pushes on

During the late morning of the second day a cry came from the guards as riders began to gallop down the road and then quickly poured into the temple grounds. Two dozen horsemen wearing full armor and bearing spears and bows poured into the courtyard.  Alarm soon turned to relief as the flags upon their backs bore the Taeshimo mon. 

Six warriors dismounted from their steeds, their features hidden behind their elaborate masks.  They strode towards the weary bodyguards, the man in the lead carefully untying and removing his mask then as it pulled aside the worn features of Kaiten were revealed.  “How is lady Miyuki?”

Hiroyama bowed slightly to the general “Lady Miyuki is fine Kaiten-sama, though she is anxious to move again.”  

Kaiten nodded “Good, we will be moving shortly.  How many are wounded?”  Striding past Hiroyama moving towards the temple confidently the rank of warriors following in close formation.

Hiroyama’s expression darkened “Eight remain, two passed away during the night.”  

Kaiten nodded softly “They died in defense of the clan and shall always be remembered, have their swords sent with a rider so that they may be returned to their families.  Show me to the wounded, we will need to separate those who may continue to Hikyo from those who must be returned home.”

Hiroyama nodded and was about to reply when the doors opened quickly, Lady Miyuki looked out upon the riders in the courtyard and exclaimed “At last, Kaiten-sama thank you for coming so quickly.  Your presence and your arms are well appreciated in these grim times.”  The courtier bowed low to the general.  

Kaiten returned the low bow smiling, “As it is good to see you as well Lady Miyuki-san.  Your loss would have broken your uncle’s heart.”  He straightened quickly and glanced at the doorway “Where are your other bodyguards?”

Miyuki frowned softly “My brother is wounded, he is resting inside.  Haya however fell in battle.  He fought bravely and he saved not only my life but my brother’s as well.”

Kaiten paused and took a deep breath “The loss of a duelist of his caliber is a blow that the clan will not recover from soon.  Still he was exemplary in all the things he did and we will all remember his bravery and skill.”  Kaiten swallowed “Will your brother be able to join us in Hikyo?”

Miyuki nodded solemnly “Yes, he was wounded but Miko said it was more blood loss than actual injury.  He should be able to travel, though he will be weak for a few days at least.”

Kaiten nodded “Good, then you should show me to the other wounded.  We will resume travel to Hikyo by midday, you will be under a full escort.  I doubt another attack will occur, but if they are foolish enough to make another move then we will be ready for them.”

Miyuki smiled a bit “Good, we have been waiting long enough.  Tell me do we have any idea who made the attacks?”  Her words calm as she walked with Kaiten into the dark temple.

Kaiten sighed gently and rubbed at his neck “I am afraid not, we have a distinct shortage of information.  All we know is that the other clans are scrambling for information as well.  Something serious has occurred all throughout the isle.  For now we must move, gather your retainers time is of the essence.”