Chapter 24: Arrival at Court

Our protagonists arrive at the capital

Apparently the Taeshimo Clan were not alone in their difficulties, of the different families who sent brides for winter court in Hikyo only five had arrived. The Taeshimo, Tagarii, Ameji, Fugata and Rensho clans had arrived in court, and of those only the Rensho clan's had not been attacked. Messengers were already talking about the murder of the brides or complete slaughter of the Mogami, Senishi, Fugata, Igara, Sekuru and Kohuri envoys and talk of repercussions and war were on the lips of many of the courtiers in the capital already.

The Shogunate's representative Tagarii Guyori took charge of the meeting quickly “friends please, we cannot quarrel like children.” He rested his fists on his hips “yes a grave offense has happened, and blood will be met with blood, but we cannot let wild accusations fall. Let us investigate the matters, captives have been taken from the assassins and they are being interrogated as we speak.” He smiled letting his eyes move from group to group, settling finally on the Rensho representative “justice shall be served.” He shifted his stance, drawing his hands before him and turning to the Taeshimo delegation “but to matters of tradition. Our dear Emperor's son is reaching majority and he must be presented with a suitable wife.” He nodded to Miyuki, then turned to each of the other delegations. “You should all focus on the matters at hand, lest we draw out heaven's wrath by neglecting our duty. It is the duty of the Shogunate to resolve matters threatening the stability of the state.”

A symphony of protests followed, as well as demands for further information, the names of those caught. Still many whispered of the Rensho, clan and why they had not been attacked, were they at fault? Who had attacked the envoys and what was their aim in doing so, peace in Wa rested upon the edge of a sword.

The clans envoys stayed with one another, talking quietly and glancing at their rivals angrily, each watching one another for the slightest misstep, the slightest action to damn them in their eyes. The quiet buzz of the courtiers was broken suddenly by shouting.

“Enough of this” a voice shouted loudly, the young man screamed and pointed a tattooed hand to the Rensho delegation, his finger leveling on Akime Shino. “This b***h had us attacked,” he growled reaching into his pocket and threw a handful of gold coins upon the ground. “Look, these coins were taken off of the assassins, they bear the mark of the Rensho clan!” he spit the last words out. The man of his twenties and had hair kept completely long and wild falling past his shoulders. His robe was loose and a bright purple in color, with a kabuki actor's visage holding a fan on his back.

“Worthless dog!” a voice shouted in response from within the Rensho ranks, men parted and a man with a clean topknot and shaved pate dressed in dark blue robes trimmed in vermillion stepped forward. “How dare a Senishi rat insult the lady Akime, let alone lay such allegations. You should be mindful of your betters.”

“My betters apparently tried to kill every bride on the island to make their own the only choice.”

“You have insulted the Rensho clan thrice!” I am <duelist name> and in the name of the honor of Akime Shino and the Rensho, clan I challenge you to a duel.” He turned and bowed quickly to Akime Shino “Please forgive my rudeness, but your honor must be avenged.” With that he turned and strode outside quickly, moving to the garden with purpose.

“Good one less of you to deal with” the Senishi said with a hint of a smile and followed him to the garden. The court whispered, and the procession began to slowly move to the courtyard, the courtiers watching from the edge of the wooden veranda.

The two samurai walking to a clearing and turned to face one another. The Rensho duelist began “What is your name? I should know the name of the man who is going to die by my hand.” He said confidently, his left hand resting upon the scabbard of his katana.

“I am Senishi Yotari, the scourge of Yasama.” He said with a sneer grabbing his katana's scabbard and drawing the whole thing from his sash. He held the sword behind him, his eyes wide with a mad grin on his face as he held his hand inches from his sword, threatening to draw.

<duelist name> kept his hand near the hilt of his katana, staring at his opponent, or rather looking past him. Both men stood perfectly still, waiting for the moment to strike. Moments drew by slowly the tension building in the air until a courtier coughed softly and suddenly both men flew into action.

Senishi Yotari reached for his blade and pulled it roughly from his scabbard drawing the blade in a wide sweep intent on <name's> head. <name> in turn stepped forward drawing his blade from its sheath twisting his body. There was a flash of motion and then both duelists stood motionless, in the end it was <name> who knelt under Yotari's arm his blade held forward before the blood erupted from Yotari's stomach and chest. There was a strangled cry as Yotari collapsed, and <name> flicked his blood from his blade before sheathing it.

<name> looked around the assembly and declared “let this end the discussion, the Rensho had nothing to do with the attacks upon the other houses. Our clan is an honorable one” he looked down at the fallen duelist “though some have to be taught that with blood. If there are any more disagreements in this matter I will see to them personally.” With that the duelist bowed lightly to the assembly and stomped back to his kinsmen.

There were many whispers in court after that, even if the Rensho had committed the act none would dishonor the act of the duel. The remaining Senishi emissaries excused themselves from court, having lost considerable face and claiming no duelist to defend themselves from their rivals. The shogunate continued to question the survivors of the attacks and the master of court began to usher each of the clan delegations to a different guest house.