by Lance Wilson
“The way of Vulkoori is difficult for children. He misses his father.” Neckity says hiding her own fears in a mask of simple servitude.
“And he is angry because I am the cause of that.” Byrdi says lowering his head, the guilt shown openly on his face.
“No. He it angry because he fears you will die as well.” Neckity says smiling a bit at his obliviousness to the children and how he has grown on them.
Byrdi’s smiles at her feeling a certain kind of warmth for the children come over him. His fatherly instincts come over him and he slowly gets up and begins to walk out of the room. He moves outside and finds Higen on the porch looking up at the stars.
“Higen.” Byrdi says softly
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“” Higen says this time looking at him
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“” Higen says now looking at Byrdi with tears in his eyes.
Byrdi not sure what to say can only gather the boy up in his arms and hold him close. The boy buries his head into his shoulder and begins to sob. Neckity sees this from the window and smiles. The man is a natural father, and the children love him deeply.
It is early the next mourning and in the main courtyard Nakao is standing proudly, his massive arms folded across his chest. In front of him Simon is bunched behind his photographic equipment. Simon holds up his hand showing three fingers, then two, then a single one. Then a flash of phosphorous and the moment is immortalized. Meanwhile, Byrdi is working with Higen on the house. Bai Shi-zi silently watches Byrdi working with the boy.
“Byrdi” Bai Shi-zi says watching as Byrdi turns
“They are corning.” Bai Shi-zi says nodding his chin to follow him.
The two of them walk into the main yard where they find Ujio holding the reins of two horses. Byrdi and Bai Shi-zi take up the reins and mount the horses. They ride for a bit and stop settling at the mountain pass. Tying the horses down they looks down into a valley. It is a beautiful setting. Towering peaks and peaceful valleys. It is here that the final act of the inevitable drama will play out. Below they see the Imperial Army, thousands strong, marching across the valley toward them. Terrifying martial columns in strict formation.
“I call it five thousand troops. They’ll come in waves of about a thousand, a few minutes between each wave.” Byrdi says shaking his head at seeing the vast numbers of troops.
Bai Shi-zi turns and smiles listening carefully to Byrdi’s thoughts on all of this.
“Kainith elf formations have the infantry staggered with only light flanking. They’ll come straight on with rifles and fixed bayonets. Mousers are only accurate to about 150 yards. They’ll look to overthrow us.” Byrdi continues telling Bai Shi-zi exactly what a proper leader would do.
Bai Shi-zi takes this in.
Colonel Patroclus, Kage, several German advisors and Salatar officers ride at the head of the Imperial Army. Patroclus sees something, raises a hand. The troops halt. Byrdi and Bai Shi-zi ride up to them. Then stop. The leaders at the army are astounded that the Vulkoori would dare just ride up to him.
“Colonel.” Byrdi says smiling at his old leader.
“Captain. Bai Shi-zi, Sir, the Imperial Army of The islands of Salatar demands your surrender. If you and your fellows lay down your arms you will not be harmed.” Patroclus says staring coldly at Bai Shi-zi
“That is not possible. As Kage knows.” Bai Shi-zi says and takes a deep calm voice.
Kage meets Bai Shi-zi’s look, nods. There seems to be some kind of silent agreement between the two of them. Patroclus ignores this and then turns to Byrdi.
“Captain Byrdi, we will show no quarter. You ride against us and you are the same as they are.” Patroclus says glaring at Byrdi.
“I take that as a compliment, Colonel. I’ll look for you on the field.” Byrdi says letting him know that his vengeance for Patroclus has not dampened.
Byrdi and Bai Shi-zi wheel their horses and go the meeting has given enough information that it is useless to stay any longer.
Byrdi and Bai Shi-zi ride in silence for a bit. Byrdi know that he must prepare them.
“They have the cannons, and gatling guns,” Byrdi says letting Bai Shi-zi know that he was outnumbered and out gunned.
“How many?” Bai Shi-zi says taking a deep breath, this is not good news.
“About a dozen.” Byrdi says and looks hard at Bai Shi-zi
For a long time the two of them just look at each other. Bai Shi-zi considers this. Byrdi looks up into the mountains.
“A man could get lost up there… Build an army. Hold out a very long time.” Byrdi says giving him another option; they don’t have to die,
“Byrdi-san… Have you seen what happens to the villages that stand In the way of the railroad?” Bai Shi-zi says looking sympathetic to Byrdi. He is proud that Byrdi thinks so much about his people that he offers the other option.
Byrdi nods. He remembers, how the beautiful villages where torn down and then more western like buildings brought up in there place. The beauty of the islands destroyed
“That is what will happen to my village if we do not stand and fight. No. We serve the Emperor here.” Bai Shi-zi says lowering his head. He cannot stand to think of his village being destroyed. No he shall stop them, he shall stop the army and in turn show the emperor the error of his ways.
“By dying?” Byrdi says a slight smile on his face.
“Perhaps.” Bai Shi-zi says confused at what is about to happen, and what Byrdi has in mind.
“At least make it battle, not a suicide.” Byrdi says letting him know exactly what is going on.
“And what would that accomplish?” Bai Shi-zi asks calmly to him death means nothing, as long as it is in service to the emperor.
“It might give you one more day… One more fine day like this.” Byrdi says lifting his head enjoying the sun.
Bai Shi-zi stares at him for a long moment, then smiles and spurs his horse. Byrdi chuckles and spurs his horse on as well following his friend. They ride together, side by aide, the wind billowing their cloaks they enjoy the ride the trees, the sun slanting through the leaves. Byrdi cannot help but to reflect back to his own childhood and rides like this with his own brothers. And how they enjoyed them so.
It is the eve of battle. And the Vulkoori rejoices. Bai Shi-zi is on stage at the center of the village square, enthusiastically performing a drama. Byrdi sits with Toshiie and Neckity in the audience, enjoying Bai Shi-zi’s theatrics. Other Vulkoori can be seen around the village, eating, singing, and playing instruments. Tonight is for celebrating life. Elsewhere, a flash as Simon takes a photograph of some children. On the stage, Bai Shi-zi spots Byrdi in the audience, points to him and encourages him to join him. Byrdi resists he has never been one for the stage. Toshiie will have none of this and prods him. Byrdi surrenders finally and joins Bai Shi-zi on the stage. The villagers are delighted. Bai Shi-zi embroils Byrdi in the performance. Byrdi does his best, laughing at Bai Shi-zi’s antics.
It is the freest and happiest we have ever seen Byrdi. Toshiie is highly amused. Neckity has a deeper response; she is moved as she watches Byrdi give himself over to the part. The lighthearted mood of the evening last for some time, everyone feasting and enjoying the things that they will by dying for. But later in the night a somber mood descends an
d Byrdi watches as each of the Vulkoori prepare for the coming battle. Some make up their faces so they look handsome when they greet death, some methodically polish their swords, and some only sit with their families. Ujio is near the fire performing a graceful, ritualistic sword dance to a song that is played on a bamboo flute by another Vulkoori sitting by the fire. Byrdi watches and is soon joined by Simon.
“What is it” Simon asks taking out a pad to take notes
“The kenbu, his dance of death” Byrdi says smiling
Simon taken aback by this begins taking notes franticly on the dance and on Ujio himself. Byrdi goes to Yoritomo’s house and sits at the porch overlooking it all. Slowly he takes out his own journal and begins to do his own writing.
‘For so long now, I have managed to convince myself that there was nothing worth believing in. Certainly nothing worth dying for. Now I am not so sure. And so, for the first time in my life, I am truly afraid. Not have dying. But of losing something worth living for.’
As he slips his journal in his jacket he hears someone approach from behind. He turns to see that it is Neckity. For a moment the two say nothing, they just stare out at the others. They both seem to focus on Higen and Toshiie who now sit with the other children at the feet of the massive Nakao listening quietly as he tells a story.
“Byrdi, will you come with me?” Neckity asks him, but for the first time it is in common elf.
Byrdi looks at her with a smile, he has always had the suspicion that she can speak common, but never questioned it. With a polite bow he gets up and follows her into the house. The gentle flute music from outside seems to drift in with them. He walks with her tell he gets to his room. He is shocked at what he sees; One of Yoritomo’s beautiful kimonos are spread on the mat.
“If you wear this, it will honor us.” Neckity says her face like stone. She is trying to contain sadness,
Byrdi can only nod his response taken back by this honor. Neckity steps into him and looks into his eyes, there is a deep pride there, but a wound as well and sadness, such sadness. Gently she reaches forward and unbuttons his collar. It is a tender, silent act as she undresses him and carefully wraps him in the kimono. Her hands move gracefully around his body, never quite touching him. His movements are gentle in response. When he is fully dressed, there are tears in his eyes. Suddenly, fiercely, they are holding each other. Inside he is cursing this fate, why did he not die when he had nothing to live for, now instead when he has found this woman that touches him so deeply does he find himself about to enter a battle he will most likely never walk away from. Gently he pulls away from Neckity, at first she is shocked but as his fingers gently move over her cheek she understands, this is the eve before battle and there are things he must do. She gives him a passionate kiss, for the first time to anyone she pours her heart into this kiss, hoping her love and fears will pour out of her lips onto the mans in front of her. Byrdi is taken aback but melts in the kiss. He then pulls away once more and watches as she politely nods to him, a smile on her face. He then turns and goes to find Bai Shi-zi Byrdi, now dressed in the kimono, finds Bai Shi-zi carefully dropping little leaves of incense into a small flame that simmers inside his battle helmet.
“So my hair will have a pleasing scent when I meet my ancestors” Bai Shi-zi says smiling at him.
“I studied war at my home of Ronin under some great tutors. They taught us about a battle in ancient times. Three hundred brave warriors held off the Orc army of a million men. For two days they made them pay so dearly that the king lost all appetite for further invasion. I have some thoughts about the battle tomorrow.
“Do you really think we can defeat them?” Bai shi-zi asks calmly wondering what is going on in Byrdi’s brain.
“I sure as hell want to find out.” Byrdi says with a smile.
“You believe a man can change his destiny?” Bai Shi-zi says cocking his head at Byrdi
“No, But I think a man cannot know his destiny. He can only do what he can, until his destiny is revealed.” Byrdi says and smiles at him, he is sure that Bai Shi-zi believes that his fate is to die at this battle.
For a while they look at each other in a silent understanding kind of way. Bai Shi-zi then picks up a long bundle wrapped in cloth. Carefully and tenderly he unwraps it. It is a beautiful long Vulkoori sword. For a moment Bai Shi-zi draws the blade but only three or so inches. He inspects the blade then sheathing it again he bows his head and offers it to Byrdi. There is a moment where Byrdi is stunned at all this. Slowly he takes the blade and like Bai Shi-zi he only draws it a few inches and notices that there are Salatar characters etched on the blade.
“What does it say?” Byrdi asks studying them carefully.
“I belong to the warrior in whom the old ways have joined the new.” Bai Shi-zi replies with a smile
Byrdi nods and sheaths the blade once more, and then placing it in both hands he goes to offer it back to Bai Shi-zi. Bai Shi-zi however holds up both of his hands and shakes his head
“You miss understand, this is yours” Bai Shi-zi says smiling at him like he is his brother.
Byrdi is moved beyond words. He bows a tear forming in his eyes. Bai Shi-zi takes his time allowing Byrdi to gather himself. Once Byrdi is back to himself the two bow there heads and then each with a stick they begin to draw in the dirt planning the next days battle. Across the square, Ujio continues his dance of death, his graceful form illuminated in silhouette by a fire.
It is the day of the battle. Byrdi is buttoning the long coat of his cavalry uniform. He looks up to see Higen standing in the doorway; he is shaking his head at Byrdi and gesturing with his hand to come over. Byrdi looks over at Bai Shi-zi who nods at him. Byrdi smiles and walks over to the house but as he gets to him Higen darts into the house. Byrdi knows that he is to follow and goes into the house, he looks around and finds Higen standing at the doorway of a room. He is pointing inside the room Byrdi smiles and pats Higen on the head as he passes him and looks into the room. It is the room dedicated to their father, the red armor on the stand.
“” Higen says his voice quivering a bit.
“” Byrdi says not wanting to anger Neckity and dishonor their father’s memory
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Byrdi looks at the young boy and cannot help but be lost in those eyes, that pleading look. It is an honor to be allowed to represent this house.
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The next few moments of are filled with Higen making Byrdi strip to his under things, then put on a Vulkoori kimono, then the armor, first the breast plate and skirt, the pauldrons and greaves, the bracers and boots, then last the helmet and mask. The armor now on Higen helps Byrdi strap on his new Vulkoori long blade. Byrdi takes off the helmet, the mask still attached and smiles at Higen putting the helmet under his arm. Higen is bursting with pride and then runs up and hugs Byrdi, tears in his eyes. Byrdi pulls the boy close; he will miss him, and his little brother. He has grown closer to them then if they were his own. Higen pulls himself back and straighten up trying to show strength, as a show of respect Byrdi bows his head to the boy, the boy returns the bow and then Byrdi turns and walks out of the house back to the other Vulkoori now wearing the full set of red armor of Yoritomo’s brother, and Neckity’s husband. The Vulkoori are taken aback by this but Byrdi is relieved to find both Bai Shi-zi and Ujio smiling. Neckity is at his horse, tying a bag of food to the saddle. She turns and sees her husband’s armor on this man. And her breath stops. Byrdi approaches her hoping that he has not offended her, he is only hoping that he can explain things, let her know that Higen asked him and that he couldn’t bring himself to say no to the boy. They stand very close; they can feel the warmth of each other’s bodies. Finally too much gets th
e hold of him and he has to ask, too many times being here he has seen her do and say things as if her eyes were working, but never did he see her without the blindfold.
“You see,” He asks calmly
“There are more then one way to see things,” She says a playful chuckle escaping.
Gently he lets his hands drift to her face. She leans into his touch he can feel more and more of how he feels to her. He loves her, he never thought he would fall in love; Nagamasa had taunted him that it was taking him far too long to find a woman. Nagamasa himself playing with each of the women in the Hitori clan.
“Will you tell me what happened” Byrdi asks and watches her pull away slightly, not out of offence, but more out of knowing he must be going.
“If you return. I will” She says and smiles at him.
“If that is my destiny I wish you peace.” Byrdi says with a polite bow.
“And I wish you the same” Neckity says and smiles at him.
She can barely begin to say how much to wishes him to return; perhaps he will be the one to love her. He bows his head to her, she responds. The boys stand on the porch, watching. He mounts his horse and trots off. They watch him go. Byrdi joins the line of Vulkoori leaving the village. Bai Shi-zi in his black armor, Ujio in his jet-black, and Byrdi in the blood red.
The soldiers’ march and ride through the mountain pass until soon they come to a nice spot where Bai Shi-zi holds up his hand and give the signal to dismount. A line of Vulkoori are on the ground looking over the ridge down at a wide valley, their faces stoic. There horses are corralled well behind them by some of the younger Vulkoori. Byrdi stands with Bai Shi-zi and Ujio. Simon is nearby. They peer into the plain beyond. They have chosen a strong defensive position, a steep mountain pass. Slopes on either side create a funnel ahead of them. The Imperial Army will have to pass through the funnel to reach them. On a hill above them they looks down first at the five hundred Vulkoori, then sees, beyond, the overwhelming mass of the imperial army A distant thud followed by a high-pitched whine. A massive explosion ahead of the Vulkoori. Artillery. Byrdi finds Simon cowering at the base of a straw barricade.
