by Ree Soesbee
Warmth spread through Hoturi's chest. "Thank you, my lady."
She smiled and said nothing, but a hint of her perfume drifted to him, breathing of spice and exotic lands. She lifted .1 single finger to brush back a strand of hair. The polished nail slid down her cheek to pause at her neck before she glanced up again with a faint smile. Her features were perfectly formed. They fit her heart-shaped face, flattered by large eyes the color of honey. Her lips were full and ripe, and always held a hint of her smile. She was a creature of perfection such as any Kakita artisan would give his or her life to create—proportioned to catch the eye and capture the heart.
Though Kachiko is empress, Hoturi reminded himself, she is still a Scorpion. She is beautiful and deadly. The combination had always awed him, and now, she used both to her advantage.
"What game are you playing?" he whispered as she stepped away.
She said nothing, only shifted her hips in a dance of silk and gold, and walked away. The time was not right for words between them, but soon ...
Ikoma Ujiaki, leader of the Lion, also bowed before the empress. "My lady, will the emperor be joining us?" His obvious concern was overshadowed by his desire to divert attention from his disobedient attendant.
Kachiko paused, turning to look over her shoulder with a silken glance. "The Shining Prince will attend us as his health allows, Ujiaki-san." Her musical voice was rich, carrying clearly through the garden. "Until his arrival, I have been entrusted with carrying out his traditional duties."
The Lion Ryobu scrambled to his feet. "Empress Kachiko, the Crane have struck against the Lion. My brother has been killed. I have the right—"
"You have no rights at all!" Hoturi stepped forward, causing the Lion to drop into a martial stance.
"Noble samurai," Kachiko said sweetly, "cease your arguments. This is a day for celebration, not for battle." She stepped toward a low stone bench by the path and motioned for Hoturi and his retinue.
Indicating a nearby go board, Kachiko turned to Kakita Yoshi and Ide Tadaji. "A game, nobles?" Something hid in her eyes.
"No, thank you, my lady." Tadaji replied, bowing. His motions were stilted, and he kept his eyes low. Something flickered between them with the cold flame of hatred, but then was as swiftly hidden behind a silver smile.
Though Tadaji had refused, others were willing. Courtiers wheeled through the garden. Their kimonos shone in the pale sunlight like flocking birds. They whispered and laughed. Their fans fluttered in pale imitation of hovering wings. The nobles of Rokugan's court played their elegant games.
Discussions of fashion and love were overshadowed by whispers of war. Yoshi spent his time maneuvering the Lion and the Crab into discussions they could not win. He listened to tales of armies maneuvering through the empty Scorpion lands, and of Crab marching north along the Crane border, heading for Lion lands.
Beiden Pass was the frightened whisper among the Unicorn courtiers. Beiden Pass would be the meeting point of armies, the deciding confrontation in the Crab-Lion alliance. The Hida hinted constantly that they had intentions to seize the empty provinces to the south of the pass. The Ikoma only added to Yoshi's discomfort by implying that their alliance with the Lion would hold until they had finished with the Crane.
Already, the Crab had faced a ronin army in Beiden Pass; already, they had been driven back. The question behind every lying face at court was whether the Crab would retreat or would attack the troops that held the pass. The Crab threat could not be ignored even if the Lion roared more loudly.
The only bright spot in the afternoon was a solid alliance with the Phoenix. Repeatedly, Yoshi found that the Isawa and I he Shiba had coaxed the Lion into his palm, waiting only for I he Kakita to close his fist. It seemed the Phoenix wished an •illiance as much as did the Crane.
Midway through the afternoon, two Seppun guardsmen opened the stout wooden doors of the throne room. A small man in the golden robes of an imperial advisor stepped into I he garden. Moving to the empress's side, he whispered a few words into her delicate ear. Kachiko smiled.
Yoshi whispered to Hoturi, "That is Bake, the emperor's lavored mentor. When he speaks, he speaks for the emperor."
The champion nodded.
Kachiko stood and followed the hunched little man into the imperial chamber. As the doors slid shut behind them, the voices of the courtiers lifted again, filling the silence with an expectant buzz.
Moments after she had left, the empress returned. Her Seppun guards positioned themselves to either side of the screen entrance. Radiant and regal, she lowered her eyes respectfully as Seppun Bake began to speak.
"Samurai, nobles all, the 39th Hantei, Lord of the Seven Hills, Emperor of the Emerald Empire and favored son of (lie Goddess Amaterasu, awaits inside to hear your council. May the light of the Shining Prince never fail, and may the light of the Celestial Heavens illuminate the empire through his wisdom and guidance." Bake shriveled into his fine robes, slinking back into the throne chamber.
Kachiko nodded to the assembled court. Stepping back into the mahogany chamber, she moved gracefully to the edge of the dais, bowed, and stepped to her place behind the young emperor.
Stepping into the throne room, Hoturi was awed once more by its sheer grandeur. Ornate enamel adorned the broad beams of the ceiling. A magnificent tapestry depicted the fall of the kami from the Celestial Heavens. On the dais, between Kachiko's kneeling form and that of Seppun Bake, a glittering Emerald Throne rested. It was wide enough to support two men, and stood taller than any other chair in Roku-gan, carved from a single emerald during the first days of the empire.
When last Hoturi had seen it, the throne room had been covered in blood. For an instant, Bayushi Shoju's still form lay on the dais, his broken sword shattering the pristine emerald of the throne. Then, the vision was gone,
Hoturi bowed along with the others of his station.
Kakita Yoshi moved to the dais, kneeling and lowering his head in obeisance. He too held great favor in the court, and was allowed to sit upon the platform with the Seppun and the emperor's advisors.
On the throne rested Hantei the 39th, Lord of Rokugan.
Hoturi sank to his knees in the front row, trying not to stare at his emperor.
He was smaller than Hoturi had remembered, young for his age. Though slightly over twenty, the emperor had the wan face of a boy five years younger. The hollows under his eyes had been powdered, but his face still appeared sunken with weariness. Gloves covered bone-thin hands, and golden slippers covered his feet, barely peeping out from beneath thick green and gold robes. The emperor wore at least four layers of clothing, plumping his form from a frail boy to a more solid man. Still, he only just covered the Emerald Throne. His father had seemed part of the stone itself.
For a moment, Hoturi felt a great sorrow.
No one in the court could miss the signs of the emperor's failing health. No wonder the Lion did not fear the Crane; their connection to the emperor was now as shallow as his health. If the Hantei died without an heir, the bloodline of the Doji would no longer be a part of the Hantei line. Already, with his Bayushi bride, the emperor had broken the age-old tradition of marrying a Crane. Soon, the empire could shift into full civil war. It all balanced on the health of one very young man and one failing peace.
After the court had settled itself, the emperor lifted his eyes from his lap and placed one hand on either of the throne's arms. His gaze slid slowly over the court. Occasionally, he nodded as he recognized a favored courtier, but his gaze never paused, never changed. With a gloved hand, he reached into a golden box held by a kneeling Seppun Bake, pulling forth a carefully penned scroll. Though his voice was faint, it still held the unmistakable aura of an eternal lord. Despite his ravaged body and his trembling hands, the 1 lantei was still emperor.
"Noble Lords," the emperor began. "For too long, our throne has stood without a protector. It has come to my attention," a pause, a shuddering breath, and a glance at Kachiko, who sat quietly on her
cushion at his side, "that with the plague that destroys our land and the violent incursions of numerous Yobanjin bandit tribes, the position of Emerald Champion must be filled."
Faint murmurs rose in the gathered crowd.
Hoturi clenched his fist beneath his kimono sleeve but kept his face stalwart. Behind him, Toshimoko's faint exhalation told that he realized the game afoot.
The emperor continued, raising his head to increase the strength of his fading voice. "My lady wife has nobly agreed to carry out the duties of the arbiter of the tournament. Seppun Bake will be on hand to ensure the faithfulness of those who choose to attend."
Both bowed, respectful of the responsibilities given them by the Hantei.
Hoturi saw Yoshi's fan tap once, and then twice on his knee. In the far back of the room, there was a soft movement. Doji Shizue slid into the open hallway, vanishing before the assembly noticed her. Something was occurring, but Hoturi could not see it.
The emperor continued his speech for a few more minutes, and then raised his hand above the crowd. Bowing as one, the courtiers began to clap. Hoturi too applauded the emperor's announcement.
"Imperial Lord," a soft voice pierced the room, "I stand for the Dragon, in acceptance of your tournament. I need no formal announcement to ask for the chance to serve you, nor any astrologer to tell me that this is my time to step forth." A young woman knelt in the aisle at the rear of the chamber, her green robe spread around her knees. The Dragon mon shone from her back, and the symbol of the Mirumoto flashed on her sleeve. She raised her head. Black eyes shone in narrow sockets. A thin nose sliced through a sharp-featured face. "My time is now."
The Hantei nodded, surprised by the woman's forward speech. Raising a hand to Seppun Bake, he coughed. The sound was like ice grating on pine boughs. Despite his stoic control, Hoturi flinched.
Twisting forward like a slithering snake, Bake smiled. "It is so noted, Hitomi-sama. The Mirumoto Daimyo of the Dragon stands for her clan." Picking up a brush, the Seppun marked elegantly upon a roll of blank white paper, noting her name and rank.
Several of the Lion glanced at one another across the aisle of the court. Hitomi's sudden acceptance of the tournament created an unthinkable precedent. Those who wished to challenge for the position would have to speak now, or appear unconfident and weak.
On the far side of the court, a Lion stood. He bowed deeply, first to the emperor and then to the others on the dais. "My name is Kitsu Motso, daimyo of the Kitsu family, son of Kitsu Ariganu, son of the Lion Clan." His bass voice was proud, and his back was stiff with pride. "With the permission of my lady, Matsu Tsuko-sama, I will stand for the Lion. As your right hand, we proudly request the chance to serve."
Others stood, their voices raised one by one as they told of their lineage and their bravery. Three Lion, in all, and then two samurai of the Crab. Suddenly, Hoturi realized who had brought Mirumoto Hitomi into the chamber, and whose command had begun this hasty roll call of duelists. Carefully, he glanced toward the dais, but not at the grand Emperor Hantei.
Kachiko's eyes were closed in pleasure, listening to the chaos of the court. She knew Hoturi could not deny his clan the right to compete in the tournament of the Emerald Champion. His own father had held the position, and if he ilid not at least attempt to regain it, the Crane would lose favor in the Imperial Court. Yet, if he tried and failed, the Crane would appear weak. They could lose their tentative alliance with the Unicorn, or worse—they could lose the respect of the emperor.
Well played, Lady, Hoturi thought. Still our game of go has not finished. You may have set out the board, but I choose when and where to place the first stone.
Hoturi glanced swiftly at Kakita Yoshi, looking for some sign of encouragement. The Kakita Daimyo shifted his legs, twisting his fan and lowering the tip. Remain on your knees, he entreated Hoturi with the secret signs of the Crane. Tension clenched the corner of Yoshi's mouth. Obviously, if he were to accept the challenge, it would be disastrous for the Crane. Behind him, the rest of the Crane were silent—all of Yoshi's attendants were courtiers, not soldiers. None could possibly represent the Crane in a duel of this magnitude.
The letter had been sent to him, addressed to the champion of the Crane. Kachiko had planned to force him to accept, trapped by arrogance into believing she wished to see him privately.
The Fortunes and simple wit were on his side. He had not come alone.
Nodding faintly to Kakita Yoshi, Hoturi shifted upon his cushion, tapping the man behind him with one toe. It was all the encouragement needed.
"I, Kakita Toshimoko, master of the Kakita Academy and lord of the twelve provinces of Kunankei, will stand for the Crane. It is our honor and duty to follow the tradition so nobly set forth by our family, cousins of the Hantei from times long past. We will fight, and we shall serve." He bowed nobly.
On the dais, the emperor's eyes lightened as he recognized the sensei. "Master Toshimoko, your dedication to our family is well known. We look forward to seeing your skills tested in our tournament."
"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty." A slight smile crossed Toshimoko's face as a mutter passed among the Crab at the back of the room. As all masters of the Kakita Academy, Toshimoko had once been the sensei to the Hantei. The Crane were connected to the imperial line through more than blood. It was time the Crane's place in the empire was remembered.
"My lords," the emperor said over the whispers of the court. "I grow weary, and ..." his hand reached for the arm of his throne. Another cough spasmed through his thin chest. "I must rest, and the tournament must be planned. I look forward to seeing our greatest duelists compete on the field of honor. For your clans, my lords—and for the honor of your houses."
Beside him, Kachiko stood, bowing and saying softly, "We shall have strength for you, Your Majesty."
The Unicorn courtiers murmured approvingly. A whisper of agreement from the Crab affirmed her ploy. The courtiers were dismissed.
Even as she assisted her husband into a golden palanquin, Kachiko's eyes lingered on Hoturi.
In time, my lady, I will tear away all your masks and silk, and there will be nothing left but the truth of your heart. Hoturi smiled, feeling in his pocket for the smooth black stone of the afternoon's go board.
Hoturi approached and bowed to the emperor. To Bake, he said, "My lord Seppun, someone seems to have dropped this. I believe it was part of her Imperial Majesty's go board. Could you return it to her?"
Bake bowed, confused, and took the stone. "Of course, my lord," he said handing it immediately to Kachiko.
Without waiting to see if she accepted the piece of black glass, Hoturi turned and followed the Crane ambassadors from the room. He knew what would occur behind him. He had no need to stay and watch.
The board has changed hands, my lady. Now it is your turn to place the stone.
smoke and dragons
Kyuden Kakita shone with frost. Thin trails of icy dew covered its stone towers. Though the chill air turned her breath into white plumage, Ameiko knew the cold was not enough to slow the armies on the march.
Even so, she had left her chambers in high spirits, carrying a sprig of fresh-cut pine. Its scent cheered her as she walked the long corridors of the palace. The fireplaces burned dimly in the early morning, not yet rebuilt from the long sleep of a winter's night. Ameiko didn't mind. She was warmed instead by the secret message hidden within Kakita Yoshi's letter to the Crane court.
As she continued down the corridor toward the Kakita libraries, Ameiko reread the missive.
First it gave praise to the Seven Fortunes for Hoturi's safe arrival at Otosan Uchi. The imperial lords had met, which meant
the court would be in an uproar over who would speak with the Hantei first—if at all. The emperor's health must have been improving for him to summon his court.
Yoshi had not done badly, Ameiko told herself as she gracefully descended the oak staircase, but she wondered what truths remained uncovered in his letter. Pondering the real int
ent behind the master courtier's carefully couched phrases, Ameiko gazed at the heimin cleaning the corridors of the palace.
Most nobles never remembered the faces of their servants, ignoring the lower classes as one would ignore bricks in a wall. Ameiko knew each of them by name. She whispered polite greetings as she passed their kneeling forms. She was well loved here. Each samurai in the guard would gladly have given his life to defend the lady of the Crane.
There were those who believed ambition had caused Kit-sune Ameiko to climb her way through society's ranks. She had been the daughter of a minor noble house, but one day became the bride of the Crane heir. Over the years of their marriage, her beauty and wit had earned her friends in every corner of the empire. Those who knew her understood the true reasons for her unfailing loyalty to Hoturi.
Love alone had raised her to his side.
In the libraries of Kyuden Kakita, Ameiko reached for the ink stone and brush to compose a reply. Three servants aided her, lifting the scroll cases to their proper place and gathering rice paper and ink. Yoshi had arranged a meeting with the ambassador of the Unicorn. The Phoenix, as well, were willing to consider an alliance with the Crane. Within the cadence of the phrases lurked another message. Scouring the parchment and unrolling even the finest edges of the letter scroll, Ameiko reread Yoshi's delicate calligraphy. The symbol of messengers, and allies, and a faint Phoenix mon. Something unusual was stirring in the emperor's court.
Shaking her head softly, Ameiko sighed. She placed her cheek in her hands. The treachery and intrigue of the court were second nature to the Doji and the Kakita, but Ameiko had been born in the Fox Clan, a small group from the southern forests. The court was not her friend, though it had often proven the Crane's finest ally. Perhaps Yoshi's manipulations and Hoturi's sheer strength of will could gain something that war could not. She prayed to Shinsei that it would be so.
