The sailors pretended not to notice that I was a woman. It was easy because I was armored as my samurai were. I was also kept out of sight as much as they could manage. Those who caught a glimpse of me probably thought I was a pretty page Aboshi had brought along for his amusement.
"Okita-san has retreated to the town of Nagahama,” Aboshi told me as we sailed down river. “He has left Takehito-san charge of the defense against Iida."
I saw the ravages the monsters had caused. I shuddered. There would be famine in the land; I had waited too long to reclaim it. I had reserves to cover the expense of buying food for my people that remained, but I also knew there would be hunger and refugees, those fleeing the Southerners.
"Fuse-hime wisely transferred all that mattered from the shoen to there,” he continued.
"All that could leave, have?” I asked him, trying to sound calm. There were too many who were tied to the land there, the kashin and kodama that served me there.
"They withdrew to their essence,” Aboshi assured me. “Unless someone there decides to burn the place to ashes, most of them will be safe.” He was quiet for a moment. “The road between the town and the shoen is thick with monsters. It will not be easy to deal with them, even after you are done."
"If the kuni will have me back,” I whispered. “I have acted foolishly."
"You... why did you accept Iida's offer?” Aboshi asked softly.
"I was curious,” I said. I had had a lot of time to think about this and curse myself for my weakness. “And it was flattering. I thought that I was the one who was in control, while all the time he was laughing at me.” I was silent. “I should have known... there was something off in his manner, but I thought that it was from the fact that he was not of our time. Not that he was planning to betray me in the manner that he did."
"You claim that you weren't lonely,” Aboshi said. “But... Mason?"
His tone of voice was a combination of mild outrage, amazement, and curiosity. I laughed, since he had sounded more upset just now than when I had agreed to accompany Mawatari and started this disastrous adventure.
"He is amusing,” I said, knowing what he was asking. Was I interested in Mason as a consort? While I called Aboshi that, he was more a councilor, my karo more than my lover. I doubted that I wanted Mason as a lover, either, but he could be a friend. And I knew I had few enough of those. “And while you might not believe it, he was respectful toward me on our journey. He could have taken advantage of my situation, since he did claim to be my protector.” I waited a beat before adding, “And we did share a bed."
That last bit of information stunned Aboshi into silence. “He did what?” he finally managed to choke out.
"The Northerners thought that it was better if the two skraelingjar kept each other occupied,” I said lightly, before getting serious. “Keno-chan had managed to keep us alive. I don't know how, but I know he is the only reason we survived. When we were found on that island, we were both cold, almost frozen from the waters there. Mason kept me alive by sharing his body's warmth with me. He... let me just tell you that he was very kind to me in a time that I needed kindness."
"Keno?” Aboshi asked quietly.
"Wolf took care of him,” I said. I sighed. “The man is impossible at times, but loyal."
"Which is why you accepted him as part of your household, as well as Mason."
"Mason is just impossible,” I told him with a slight smile. “A man who I can trust, though. Also one who has no manners or sense at times,” I added wryly.
"But a man who seems to like you,” Aboshi acknowledged. “I think that he will be good for you.” He paused. “We had talked briefly at Inusuka's holding. He seems to think that you need someone to talk to who isn't overawed by the fact that you are a lord of Nippon. Someone who you could confide in who wasn't one of your retainers or myself. I think that he phrased it as ‘someone to bitch at', whatever that means."
I think that was the closest he was going to get to saying he approved of my relationship with Mason, no matter what form it took. “He treats me with the same respect that he does McGann,” I said. “And I know he respects her intelligence as well as mine. I just feel he is the avatar for the wrong Hakkenshi."
Aboshi shook his head at my comment. “I think that poor Inumura is still in shock at that one."
I laughed. “And what do you think his wife is going to think when they meet in Edo?"
Aboshi joined me in my laughter.
* * * *
A day or so later, we weren't laughing. We had come ashore and started our overland journey, stopping about a ri or so from my shoen. It looked deserted and neglected, the buildings projecting an empty aura. The journey had been hard; we had been attacked by numerous small monsters that were more annoying than dangerous, but there had been so many of them. Several of my samurai were slightly injured. We were all tired and dirty, and seeing the state of my shoen made me want to weep.
"My lord,” Aboshi addressed me formally. “Is it time?"
"It is,” I replied softly, knowing what he was asking. Was I ready to claim my kuni again? I was.
"We wish you the blessings of the kami, Tamazusa-sama,” Seki intoned, bowing deeply. “You are a good lord to us."
I was moved by what he had told me. I decided that before now, I had taken for granted their loyalty to me. If they stood by me during this, I felt that I could do anything. I knelt on the ground before them, humbling myself. “I am touched by your faith in me and your support of me, even if I have shown that I was not a wise lord for you."
Seki bent over and helped me up, his squad watching us respectfully. “You were trying to gain an ally—or at least not an enemy—in that man. His treachery toward you and Nippon is not your responsibility. I hope that I may be able to help him atone for his disloyalty to his kuni and to Nippon."
We all bowed to each other, and I strode forward, Aboshi at my back, protecting me. He would always do so. His loyalty... his love for me... was priceless. As I moved toward my shoen, I felt something change. There was a feeling of electricity to the land and in the air, even though it was hot and still, muggy as if a typhoon were going to hit. I felt as if my skin was being bitten by ants, the closer I got to my goal. I didn't remember this from before. Could it be that I was doomed to fail because I had betrayed my kuni's trust? That I had lost it foolishly, trusting a man, something I had never done in my life aside from Aboshi?
I felt like I was moving through water, it was so hard to walk. I struggled to the gate of the shoen and pushed it open with all my strength. I had no idea where Aboshi was, nor did I care. This was something that I had to do. After a long time of just pushing at that gate, I managed to get it open. I was exhausted, but also pleased. If my cause were truly hopeless, I would never have been able to open that gate. I walked to the center of the courtyard, seeing it overgrown with weeds, the plaster faded and cracked on the buildings and the walls.
I threw back my head and shouted, “I claim this kuni, this land, as mine! Mine to rule! Mine to protect! I claim to be its lord. I accept the responsibility and the power. I have the power to protect all that are here!"
Suddenly lightning shot through my body. I wanted to scream, but instead bit my lip so hard I tasted blood. This hurt so much, but it was a pleasure too. I fell to my knees, struggling to breathe as I absorbed the power the land was giving me. Mine was a strong kuni. I was surprised no one had tried to claim it before me. Or if they had, they had most likely failed.
My brain was on fire, struggling to absorb everything I had to. I labored not to vomit, my stomach rebelling from the pain.
Time stopped. I thought that I stopped existing too.
There was one last wave of pain, and I felt as if my entire body had exploded and then reassembled itself. I screamed at last, but it was one of relief. My kuni had accepted me again.
Aboshi helped me up, looking pale and shaken. “I thought—” he started hoarsely. “I thought that I had lost you agai
n, my lord."
I was aware of others around us, the kashin and kodama who inhabited this place. They all gathered around us and then as one, knelt.
"We welcome you back, Tamazusa-sama,” Yukiko said formally.
"Sleep again,” I instructed, “For while I have my kuni now, Nippon is at war."
They looked shocked, and there were soft murmurs of astonishment from all of them at the news.
"We will do as you order,” Yukiko said. She hesitated for a moment, before asking shyly, “Sakura? He is well?"
"We sent him to Edo,” Aboshi told her.
She nodded her head, pleased with the decision. “He is a blossom that is also not meant for war."
Yukiko turned to her fellow spirits, calling out. “It is time to sleep still!” I felt her joy, though, and watched as they all faded. Yukiko bowed to us again. “We all look forward to your return, Tamazusa-sama. We will wait until that time."
She faded at that. I turned and walked out my gate, feeling stronger at every step, drawing strength from my land. I felt almost drunk with the return of my power. But I also felt the land quieting, the small monsters scattering and becoming docile. There would still be trouble with the more dangerous ones, but I would deal with them when I had to. I regretted that I could not manage to send them to my enemies in Kyushu, just to hope that they turned on Iida's army.
"To Okita-san?” Aboshi asked.
It would be a long walk, but one that I needed. Nagahama was a few ri away from my shoen, an easy ride in an ox cart. It would be a hot march in armor. And there might be those monsters foolish enough to attack us. I was still in danger until I reached my castle town. I smiled up at him, feeling like I could run the entire way and not tire or overheat. “To Okita-san,” I agreed. “But I think that he knows I was successful in reclaiming the kuni."
Aboshi shrugged. He knew that the man was loyal to me... to us. Else he would not be standing here. Okita had chosen to help him rather than wrestle my kuni under his own control. “All will know soon."
"And tomorrow we march north to drive Iida into the sea,” I said. “Then we must move south to defend Honshu."
"The lords are being rallied, even as we speak,” Aboshi said. “But I fear that this will be a long and bloody battle to drive the invaders from Kyushu. Iida's control over his allies will make it a difficult task, if we do not defeat him."
I shuddered, remembering the things in the water, how they had almost eaten Keno and me, the choked-off screams of the sailors as they had been eaten by those things. The silence of the Reavers as I felt them disappearing from my awareness, one by one. We had to cross the sea to get to Kyushu, and we needed Iida defeated before that happened.
Aboshi touched my hand, his eyes dark and worried. “We will beat him,” he promised.
I nodded, feeling comforted. I actually had won a victory over the man already. I had control of my kuni again, something I had discovered that he thought was unnatural. Iida was a man who thought women were meant to be powerless.
"I think that a visit to Edo is in your future,” I predicted. Once we got to Okita, Aboshi could go to Edo and tell Keno of our success.
He smiled at me, and I felt at peace.
* * * *
Samojirou
Before I left, I made sure Tamazusa was settled in her castle, with Okita to guard her. I felt slightly guilty that I was leaving her to go to Keno. She had scolded me, though.
"I also need you to go to our allies and tell them of my success. A regular messenger would take too long,” she instructed. “And Keno needs to see you.” She was quiet for a moment. “He has been very good about not asking about certain things."
"He is curious,” I said softly.
"And I should say that is a good thing,” she told me. “He was very brave in his first battle."
"He told me of it,” I said. “Including the part that he wasn't able to kill anyone."
She nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. “I don't think that we have to worry that he is the Inuzaka Keno of old."
"I think that he is the man he might have been if he had not taken that vow,” I shared.
Her face lit up when I said that. “I am so happy about that!” She grew serious again. “And I will make sure that he doesn't have to worry about that, either. I will make sure that he is not involved in any of the fighting."
* * * *
I walked into the shadows of Inumura's Edo castle as easily as I would have walked into my own rooms. In a way I was, since I was only here for Keno. I wasn't surprised that as soon as I walked out of the shadows and into his room, he had flown into my arms. I was glad that I had bathed and changed for him.
"Tamazusa holds her kuni again,” I announced.
That was all that I managed to get out before he pulled me down for a kiss. “I was so worried!” he said.
That was all that I was able to say for a while. I didn't miss that he was dressed only in a kimono, and it was barely belted.
"I was waiting for you,” he whispered. “I knew that you would be coming tonight."
Keno was plastered against me, warm and willing and all so needy. I had a flashback to his ancestor telling me the same thing. I involuntarily shuddered.
"Samojirou-sama?” Keno asked, a concerned look in his eyes. “You are all right?"
I bent down to kiss him again, not wanting to think about anything for a while.
He laughed, though, and drew back from me. “I'm feeling very subservient right now,” he teased.
I didn't know what to say to that. His stare challenged me as he gracefully sunk to his knees. He managed to untie my obi with his teeth, and I wondered why he had learned that trick. He nuzzled and nipped at the flesh he uncovered and licked my staff lovingly while I tried to figure out why he was doing this. Soon, however, I was so inflamed with passion that I didn't care.
I lifted him to his feet to kiss him again, caressing his smooth skin. My thumbs found his nipples, and I stroked them to hardness before bending over to worry them with my teeth. I feared that I was rough with my blossom, but it seemed to inflame his passion, too, as his hands twisted in my hair. I wanted to celebrate that Tamazusa had recovered her kuni. Keno seemed very willing to indulge in any passion I chose tonight.
"I fear, blossom, that you are not going to be sitting very comfortably tomorrow,” I told him thickly.
He laughed, wanton and challenging, touching me all over, lifting my head up so that he could attack my nipples in turn. He was gentler, but he also left his marks on me. I groaned, wondering if I was pushing him too fast even as I led him over to the futon and pushed him down onto his hands and knees. He turned and looked at me with a smile, bending his arms so that his bottom was raised high.
I knelt down beside him and bit his left buttock, leaving an impression of my teeth there. I hadn't broken the skin, but I knew that it was going to bruise delightfully. I fumbled about and found the oil. I poured it down his cleft, stroking the skin there gently. He moaned and wiggled when I did this. His moan turned into a groan when I slipped a finger inside, stretching him gently, playing with him. I took care not to touch that special spot inside of him as I loosened him for both our pleasure. I soon had two fingers in him, and he was begging for more.
His pleas were delightful, and I slowly withdrew my fingers, touching his spot as I pulled out, just to hear him scream. I oiled my staff and positioned myself behind him, before slowly sinking into his body. I balanced myself by grasping his hips, delicately as if they were petals on a real flower. When I was fully sheathed in his body, he whimpered softly, turning his chin to look at me, submissive and demanding at the same time. I smiled at him, tracing his spine with my tongue until it reached his neck. He sighed and shivered at my gentleness.
It was then that I drew back and thrust back into his body hard, almost brutally. He half-screamed when I did so again, but it was not in pain or fear, rather in ecstasy. He unconsciously arched up to meet my third stroke, and I proc
eeded to brutally use him. Not that he minded; he was begging for more. “Please... harder... so good, please... please... please!"
On his final please, he screamed and bucked underneath me, pouring his seed onto the futon as I drove myself into him harder and faster, almost angrily, until I had my own climax.
We collapsed together, a tangled heap of arms and legs. I wasn't surprised that he curled up on me, boneless and sated. “You didn't hurt me,” he whispered.
"I fear...."
He looked up and placed a finger on my lips. “You needed that. It... I don't want it as a steady diet, but you needed to celebrate that we won something. So what if you rode me hard, as Mason would say. I wanted it.” Keno blushed. “I was kind of curious, really."
I licked his finger and settled back with his head on my chest. “I can only stay until dawn, my blossom."
He kissed my chest, and I hated the sorrow that I heard in his voice. “I know."
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Chapter Fifteen
Mason
Keno and I were wandering around Edo with one of Inumura's samurai, called Noma, as a guide. He looked about sixteen, maybe. I almost asked him if his mama let him stay out late, before remembering that he could kick my ass and was probably centuries old. He was small and wore a really odd kimono from what I could tell.
I wasn't surprised to see Keno dressed as a woman, with his whiteface on as well as some sort of hat with a veil that covered most of his face, with his hair tied back in a simple ponytail. I was surprised by how long his hair was. His black outer kimono was unfastened and hung loosely around him, showing off a colorful blue and green, tighter kimono underneath, with a small belt thing tying it closed. I didn't know why he was dressed like that, but from walking around Edo, there seemed to a variety of different styles of kimono and how you wore them for men and women.
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