by Lance Wilson
“That is your path to choose, lead, don’t lead, it makes no difference to me, as I said, I am just showing a path” the old man says and leads both Attonnan and Kenshi back to the balcony overlooking Omashu.
“That path is faulted, the Hojo will never surrender, we will follow our lord Fuma and no one else” Attonnan says his body at attention showing of pure pride in being a Hojo, but it is all stopped as Kenshi lets out a snort of a laugh.
Quickly Attonnan spins growling at Kenshi, how dare he question Fuma, Fuma was a far greater man then this Kenshi would ever be. Before Kenshi knows it Attonnan is toe to toe with him snarling and growling at him.
“Do you have something to say? Say it now, but I warn you, I wouldn’t talk ill of my master.” Attonnan says and snarls even more at Kenshi.
“I have nothing to say about him that your shouldn’t already know. The fact is, your teacher is flawed, flawed in far to many ways.” Kenshi says and begins to leave.
“How dare you, face me you cowardice dog” Attonnan shouts grabbing Kenshi hard on the shoulder
Kenshi only shrugs the grip off and walks away. Attonnan then hears a tisk sound come from the old man and watches as he only lowers his head and shakes it.
“You’ll have to forgive him, Fuma is a rather raw and painful subject for him. He doesn’t enjoy talking about it” Takada says and places a gentle hand on Attonnan’s shoulder.
“He has no right to speak of my master like that, he knows nothing.” Attonnan says staring at the door after Kenshi has left.
“He knows more then you realize, but that is not my story to tell. Omashu has dictated that you are mine to keep, you are my prisoner, but I have turned you over to Kenshi, he shall do with you as he sees fit. You will mind him, just as you would mind your own master. Do I have your word” Takada says, not so much as a request but almost as a sincere question, like he is asking a favor.
“I shall serve the Hojo clan well and do as I am told. But know this Takada, if I am ever given a blade and the man’s guard is dropped, I will kill them all, them and you” he says his eyes blazing at Takada.
“I shall just have to take that risk.” he says and with that waves his hand letting Attonnan know that it is time for him to go back to his room.
Once back in his room he looks deep at himself in the mirror, how could this be happening to him? Takada has given him to the man that defeated him in battle; he is a disgrace to his master Fuma. He is not a Hojo, he is not an Unagi, is a slave. Some second rate boy passed to everyone. No matter, he shall serve his time with Kenshi. Soon his master will make his displeasure of the Takada army known well when he takes Omashu from them. Still he stares at himself in the mirror, his porcelain white skin, his red and blue markings, the markings of the Dagoth clan a clan of true warriors, he can feel his right hand tremble, master Fuma, his mind screams out for his master, to guide him, show him the way, how can he be abandoned like this. He sees tears well up in his eyes. With a flash his right hand smashes the mirror cutting it on the shards of glass as the scatter over the dresser, looking at the shattered pieces of the mirror and the bloody hand, something comes over him and he just drops to his knees and begins to sob. Why did this happen to him, why is it everyone always tosses him to the side. His father hated him, when even further then to abandon him, no his father flat out tried to give him away. Now, now his own master a man who took him in from the darkness and hate of war and showed him the light of the Hojo clan. Fuma, Fuma has now just tossed him aside and for what, cause he argued an idea about the tactics. Knowing now what the punishment was he would gladly take all those words back, he would take the entire moment back, if only he could be with his master again, safe in his masters arms. From a sliver in the door Kenshi watches the whole situation. He can only lower his head, he knows all to well what it is like to be in Attonnan’s shoes. It wasn’t that long ago that he was the apprentice to Fuma, at least it doesn’t seem that long. He remembers the feeling of abandonment when he was left of the field. Fuma was his life, his love, and his world. Then he was just left on the field of battle like a shattered spear with no more purpose. It was Takada that found him, showed him the way of the real warrior. He smiles to himself as he walks down the hall to his own room thinking about the time Takada must have spent on him, he was fierce and determined not to fold and stray from his lord Fuma, but Takada was patient and soothing with him. He hopes that he can be the same with Attonnan. He knows if nothing else he can relate and try to show him what he learned. Kenshi now shutting his own door looks at himself in the mirror. How much he has changed now, no longer the mind washed slave of the demon king. No instead he is the free spirited spear wielder that he has become. He has grown so much since he was that young slave, Fuma always enjoyed his apprentices’ young.
It is early in the mourning when Kenshi walks into Attonnan’s room. Attonnan is lying on the floor around him is the shattered mirror, his hand still bleeding. He wonders just how shattered he is inside. He can barely remember how much his own soul was ripped and torn by Fuma, that is what he does, he breaks you down only to rebuild you the way he wants you. As he looks at the young elf he thinks of just how he is going to undo the damage done by Fuma. Calmly he smiles he knows just where to start, the boy is a natural swordsman; he shall introduce him to the blade master.
“You boy, wake up” Kenshi says and kicks him in the side
Attonnan growls and glares at him, taking a deep breath he closes his eyes and remembers his place, he is a slave and must do as he is told. With a nod he gets up and looks around, Kenshi already reading his mind tosses him a rag to wrap his hand.
“What’s wrong, didn’t like something you saw” Kenshi says with a smirk on his face.
Attonnan looks at him with a glare, at first he thinks of making some kind of comment, but instead he only glares, it is always best to keep ones mouth shut.
“Thought as much, lets get moving the blade master doesn’t like to be kept waiting” he says with a chuckle.
The two of them walk through the halls; all the guard’s giving them a wide birth. Attonnan wonders if it is cause of the Takunen Kenshi, or if it is cause of him the Hojo enemy. They walk for some time before they come to a door. Kenshi doesn’t even bother to knock but only opens the door. The room is unlike any Attonnan has seen before, it is a perfectly round room as white as his own skin. The walls are littered with weapons of all kinds some he knows to be elvish, other he would swear are from the more barbaric races such as gnolls, trolls and other such things. Standing in the middle of the room is a six-foot tall elf looking man. His skin is a green yellow with almost leopard like markings along the side of his face; arms and can only assume the backside of all of his body, much like you would see with the jungle cat. His nose is turned up and almost looks as if it is none existent, his eyes are a murky brown and his slick black hair is braided in dreadlocks. Over his shoulders is pauldrons like he has never seen, it almost looks like twisted rippled metal with some fine jewels on them, he has the straps over his chest and sides holding them on. The blade master wears no other clothing but a loincloth. Over his shoulder is a baldric holding a great sword. He smiles at the sight of Kenshi and then his face focuses on Attonnan.
“Kenshi, it has been some time since you have come to see me. Are you finally ready for some more lessons.” the man says with a sleek and soothing voice.
Hearing the voice Attonnan instantly thinks of a snake, calm and cool but always ready for the strike.
“I feel I have learned as much from you as one such as I can. I am here to introduce you to another possibility. This is Attonnan, personal apprentice to Fuma.” Kenshi says and steps to one side.
“I see the mark of the Dagoth on him, have you determined the nature of the marks” the blade master asks now walking up and circling young Attonnan.
“I have to say I have not. I have looked over the mar
ks I have written down, all of the warrior marks, I have found nothing similar to his, well one, but it’s not exact.” Kenshi says and shakes his head.
“I shall allow you to get on with your tasks, I shall take care of this one” He says and waves his hand in dismissal.
“Vary well master” kanji says and with that he only bows and walks out of the room.
As if on cue five men walk into the room as Kenshi walks out, all the men are dressed in forest green cloaks. The cloaks are folded over so nothing can be seen under them and the hoods drawn low so the faces cannot be seen either.
“I wish to test your skill with a blade. You are an apprentice to Fuma so I can only assume that you have some kind of skill” the blade master says and walks to the wall.
“I will require a blade.” Attonnan says with a growl
“You shall have this” the blade master says and walks over to a wall and tosses a wooden practice sword at him. The blade is slightly curved and only single edged.
Before he knows it he is surrounded by five men, all of them are in Omashu uniforms. And all of them look to be the same person.
“Defeat them” the blade master says and folds his arms in front of himself.
Attonnan doesn’t even think twice but begins his attack. He quickly throws his blade at his side and goes into a draw like move. The slash hits the first man as if it was a real blade and he is cut in two. The others also begin their attack; Attonnan quickly sways and moves as he cuts through the men. As he cuts one down, another seems to take his place. Attonnan doesn’t loose his cool, doesn’t even sweat it, each stroke of his blade is death to his opponent. The men try to cut him down but his swordsmanship is too good and the men do not stand a chance. The blade master also smiles and nods to one of the men in the cloaks. With that he makes a small chant and Attonnan watches as one of the guards his cuts down is replaced by an orch, the orch if fierce and skilled. A blade comes down on his shoulder and he is dropped to his knee, a solider comes across the side of his head and he is quickly dropped to the ground. Attonnan is hardly out of the fight though. Knowing that he is out matched with both the guard’s and this new orch he makes the quick decision to take on the guard’s first, once they are done he can focus his efforts on the orch. To his amazement with each guard he takes down an orch takes its place. The orcs are too quick and there are too many of them, quickly they surround him and begin attack him one after another, not giving him a chance to attack but instead keeping him on the defensive. The blade master watches closely as all this takes young Attonnan off his guard. But Attonnan is a quick thinker and with only a few seconds rolls out of the way of a blow stopping behind one of the orcs, a quick slash to the back drops the orc and with the orcs now stunned he keeps moving, slashing and cutting his way though them. Just like the guards the orcs are replaced as soon as they drop. Attonnan losses all track of time and instead only focuses on the attacks and battle. He has lost track of all the men he has made drop. His blade once given its chance doesn’t miss. He is not sure it minutes or hours have passed but he can feel himself beginning to wear down. He begins to pant and his blade begins to slow. But the enemies do not, they keep coming, keep moving, they do not tier, do not stop, they only hunger for him to fall and die. Soon he is barely able to hold his blade and an orch drops hit to the ground with a huge battle-axe. Before Attonnan can do anything the orch lifts his axe for one more attack, but before he can bring it down for the final blow it vanishes in thin air. Attonnan finds himself laying on the ground the practice sword held up in defense, the blade master standing by the wall still and now the cloaked figures walking out of the room.
“Vary impressive, you are clearly a brother to the blade, but not its master.” He says a hint of pride in his voice.
Attonnan slowly stands still panting but now scowling at the blade master. He is not sure what to say he despises this man for what he has just done and made him go through, on the other hand, he is sure that there is a point to it all. No matter, what he feels is not important, he is a prisoner and he will serve his master well. Fuma will come to him and vanquish them for there crimes against his apprentice. With that he only bows but his gaze never leaves the blade master.
“Do not hide your displeasure in the situation. But I thank you for the courtesy. You are free to go” The blade master says and gestures to the door.
“Should I not be watched?” Attonnan says cocking his head to the man.
“That is not my concern, if you are a prisoner you are a prisoner of Kenshi or Takada, not mine” He says and turns his back to tend to some other things.
Stunned and a bit thrown Attonnan only stands there for a moment. The blade master can barely resist the urge to laugh at him. He is sure that this is a remarkable thing to him, to be a prisoner but left on his own. If he only knew the ways of general Takada. His idea of a prisoner is something quite different, rather then mold the mind by force he will simply leave a trail for it to follow and watch as it comes to it’s own conclusions. Attonnan knowing this is a rare opportunity walks calmly out of the door and down the hall. At first he thinks that a guard will stop him but nothing. They only nod in his direction but still leave him be. He walks for some time before he finds himself in the same war room with the map. He can’t help but stare at the map and think of what master Takada was saying. Can any of the kingdoms be called kingdoms since they are tearing themselves at the seams? He remembers his own home, yes his father was the prince and had say over all the laws and judgments, but it was the lords that made the laws in their territory, and his father couldn’t keep his eye on everyone. He lets his hand drift over the map. If only it were true, if only an elf could actually unite the elf lands and make them see things through one law.
“Enjoying the war room” Attonnan can hear the voice of general Takada behind him.
Instantly Attonnan spins around and reaches for his side where normally the handle of his blade would be but since he has been here his blade is missing. Takada smiles to see the instant reaction of him getting into a drawing stance, with a growl Attonnan straightens posture and bows to the general. He is a slave and shall show the respect the general has earned.
“I was just looking over the map and… . well, thinking” Attonnan says now looking down at the map again.
“I thought you might be. I was just off to speak to Kenshi and find out exactly what you have been doing. I have to admit that I’m a bit surprised to see you without your well, shall we call him your guide” Takada says and smiles
“Kenshi decided that it was best if I was left with someone else. The blade master, the blade master thought that I was none of his concern. In short, I am on my own.” Attonnan says and glares at his capture.
“The blade master you say, I shall have to speak with him, well Attonnan, I shall also speak with Kenshi. From the look of things I think it best if we keep you on your own for now. I shall give you full range of Omashu, as long give me your word of honor that you will not try to leave.” Takada asks and smiles at Attonnan.
For a long moment Attonnan thinks about the offer, if he has free range of the Omashu, on the other hand he was asked to give his word of honor, and though it would be best in his interest not to care about that, he is a swordsman and he is bound to his honor. Taking a deep breath he only nods. He shall not try to leave Omashu, but on his own he can learn the way of the city and it’s weak points, that way when his master calls he will not be useless.
“The nod is not good enough, I want your word” Takada says this time his light and joking manor is gone.
“You have my word that I shall not try to leave Omashu” Attonnan says staring deep into Takada’s eyes as he places his right fist over his heart.
“I thank you for that. Now if you do not mind, I have my own things to do. I hope you understand if we still do not give you your blade.” He says with a chuckle and with that wa
lks out of the room.
Attonnan now with free roam of Omashu walks though the halls, the guard’s only nod in his direction just as they always have. He begins to wonder if this might all be some kind of plan or plot. It doesn’t matter, he is far cleverer then these mercenaries, he is of the Hojo clan, marked of the Dagoth, he is nobility itself. He moves though the halls tell he comes the exit of the main castle. The general said he had free roam of the city, he could move though the streets and no one could do anything. Kenshi could find him he is sure of that, but it doesn’t matter. He is as free now as he was in the Hojo quarters. If they will not give him a blade, he will find a smith and get one of his own. It will not be a master’s blade, but in his hands even the poorest quality of blade is an instrument of death.
As Attonnan moves his way through the town Takada has his own agendas. He knows exactly what Attonnan will do, and he is happy of it all. He is also shocked that Kenshi gave him to the blade master that was something he did not foresee, however it is in his best interests. By watching Attonnan fight the blade master will be able to tell him everything about him, even things Attonnan may not even know about himself. Takada slowly enters the same small round room that Attonnan did. The blade master is standing to the right, his back to Takada.
“Come to see me about the boy my lord general.” the blade master says in the same cool and calming voice.
“He informed me that you tested him, was it by your own hand, or by the illusions” the general asks, he knows how the blade master tests men and the result is always different.
“With this one I had to use the illusion. It was quite impressive” the blade master says and turns to Takada and nods in respect.
“And what can you tell me of this one” Takada asks smiling, he is almost sure of the answer already, he watched as Attonnan almost dominated the Takunen army.
“He is a master of the blade, he has the resolve of the earth, the fury of fire, the focus of lightning, but he moves like wind and water, always flowing, there was never a wasted stroke.” the blade master says a kind of respect in his voice.
