“Saved Shichiro some embarrassment?” Shin interjected. “Why? The best way to counter an opponent is to let them overextend themselves. And that is what we are doing.”
At the top of the landing, two Kaeru samurai and a quintet of Unicorn ashigaru stood in tense harmony. The Kaeru bowed as Azuma appeared, and the Unicorn shuffled nervously, uncertain as to what to make of the newcomers – especially Kasami, who took up position across from them, her face a hardened mask. None of them protested as Azuma led Shin into the manor’s receiving room.
Shichiro and Tetsua turned as they entered. The two men stood not quite face-to-face, tension evident in their postures. Shin wasn’t surprised that Shichiro had managed to provoke Tetsua, but he was somewhat annoyed that the old man had chosen to do so.
“What are you doing here, little Crane?” Shichiro asked.
“I might put the same question to you, Lord Shichiro,” Shin said. “Perhaps you are informing the governor of what your spies saw that night in Three Finger Street? Or perhaps what they saw a few days before that, even?”
“Are you accusing me of something?” Shichiro asked, after a moment’s hesitation.
“Regrettably, I must.”
“Azuma, what is the meaning of this?” Tetsua asked, before Shichiro could reply. Shin could hear the hope in his voice. Azuma was about to reply when Shichiro cut him off.
“Indeed. I was promised a private audience.”
Shin nodded. “I imagine you were, given what you know.”
Shichiro frowned. “That is the second time you have made that vague accusation. What are you talking about?”
“Yes, please explain,” Tetsua said. Shichiro frowned, as if realizing that he’d possibly miscalculated. Shin bowed and cleared his throat.
“Gladly, my lord. It is simply thus – I have solved the mystery of the poison rice shipment.”
“It was already solved,” Shichiro growled. “It was that merchant, Saiga.”
“Yes – and no,” Shin said. “If you will let me continue?”
“I insist,” Tetsua said, with a warning glance at Shichiro. “Was Saiga innocent?”
“No, my lord. But he did not act alone. Others were involved.”
“Yes, even as I have said,” Shichiro interjected. He gave Shin a triumphant look. “The Crane will no doubt back my statement, Tetsua.”
“It was Kuma, then.” Tetsua’s voice had a hollow quality to it.
Shin shook his head. “No, they were not the instigator, if that is what you are asking.” Shin took a deep breath. “The scheme was concocted by a minor functionary, named Enji, who saw an opportunity for advancement. Through Saiga, this individual sold the Lion a shipment of rice, hired a crew to deliver it, and a shinobi to poison it in transit.”
“And then?” Tetsua glanced at Shichiro, who was frowning. “There is more to the story than that, I think.”
“From the moment my investigation began, I felt I was being watched. My every move was shadowed. Someone was conducting their own investigation off the back of mine.”
“Kuma,” Tetsua said.
“Yes, though we would be hard pressed to find proof.” Shin smiled, but there was no mirth to it. The lie stuck in his craw, but there was nothing for it. What was one more falsehood, after all? “The shugenja is adept at covering their tracks. I must admit, they put it together first, though they had the advantage, I think. They recognized the pieces for what they were, whereas I had to figure them out for myself.”
“Yes, yes, you were very clever,” Shichiro said, impatiently.
He subsided at a look from Tetsua. The governor motioned apologetically. “Continue, please, Lord Shin.”
Shin nodded. “Kuma was working from the opposite end of the problem. They knew the perpetrator, and knew that their actions – whatever the reason behind them – would bring shame upon the Dragonfly, and perhaps the Dragon. There’s an old saying, ‘feeding a lion raw meat only makes it hungrier’.”
“A Crane saying?”
“I’m happy to claim it on our behalf,” Shin said. “Kuma decided to clean up after their subordinate, but knew that to use clan resources to do so would leave a trail. To that end, they hired a group of mercenary shinobi to deal with any potential links between the Dragonfly and the poison rice.”
Tetsua made a sound that might have been a sigh, or a groan. Shin pretended not to notice. Tetsua’s dismay was understandable and, in his opinion, forgivable. Shin continued. “I managed to intercept these assassins on two occasions, nearly losing my life both times. But I managed to preserve the life – and testimony – of two witnesses, both of whom are willing to attest to the identity of the individual who hired them.”
“These witnesses – who are they?” Shichiro demanded.
“The captain of the vessel that delivered the rice, and the shinobi who poisoned it.”
Tetsua’s intake of breath was audible. Shin paused. Now they had come to it – would Tetsua use his influence to finish what Kuma had started, and ensure their names were free of any possible shame? If Tetsua demanded their names, or to take custody of them, Shin would have no recourse. He could stall, but not for long. And if Okuni and Lun were taken into custody, their chances of survival would drop precipitously. He waited for Tetsua to come to a decision, careful to keep the anxiety he felt hidden.
Finally, Tetsua relaxed. “And have they confirmed your theory?”
“Yes.”
Another pause. “You realize that their testimony will be worthless in court.”
“Unless I am greatly mistaken, my lord, this will not go to court.” Shin looked at Shichiro. “No doubt Lord Shichiro has come with tales of Kuma’s involvement in the plot. What he has failed to mention is that he has no proof, save the accounts of his own men. Men who would gladly lie for their lord.”
“Careful, little Crane,” Shichiro said, warningly.
“It is you who should be careful, my lord. You walk a thin ledge.” Shin gazed at him steadily. “You knew Kuma was involved, but it suited you to say nothing.”
Shichiro frowned but did not argue. Shin pressed on. “I believe that you did this out of a misguided desire to protect your daughter’s intended. You told me yourself that you believed the engagement to still be on – though Konomi believes otherwise.”
“You spoke to her?” Shichiro demanded. “Without my permission?”
Shin nodded. “And I apologize for doing so. But by hiding what you knew, you immediately cast suspicion on yourself. You obviously trusted that Tetsua would do the pragmatic thing and rule the matter closed.”
“Which I did,” Tetsua said.
“And yet here he is, flapping his wings,” Shichiro growled.
“Unofficially, I assure you. What I am about to say will not leave this room.” Shin looked at Tetsua. “In a way, Lord Shichiro is to be commended. It is he who set me on the right track, however unintentionally.” Shin bowed to the old man, eliciting another growl of anger. He smiled and continued.
“Of course, if Kuma refused, you could always use the information to your advantage in other ways. Such a revelation would no doubt stoke the fires of the Lion’s rage anew. And this time, Minami would likely not be able to rein her followers in. The Lion would lash out at the Dragonfly, and the Unicorn would be there to aid them – provided Tonbo Kuma agreed to marry your daughter, Konomi.” Shin looked at Tetsua. “Conversely, it is possible that you decided that she might have better prospects than a humble shugenja…”
“I did no such thing,” Shichiro burst out. “To Kuma she is promised, and it is Kuma she shall marry! I merely came here to ensure that the agreement would be enforced.” He faltered, realizing that he’d been shouting. He looked away.
Shin shook his head. “Trusting in alliances built on blackmail is rather like riding an unbroken horse. The question isn’t if the beas
t will throw you – but when.”
Shichiro frowned and looked at Tetsua. He made to speak, but the governor silenced him with a gesture. “If what you say is true, Lord Shin, then it seems that I have little choice. For the good of the city, I must acquiesce.”
“I think not.” Shin motioned to Azuma, who produced Kuma’s letter. “Earlier today, Tonbo Kuma sent Azuma a letter detailing his investigation into Enji’s activities. That investigation is what took him to Saiga’s place of business – not anything illicit. In fact, it was Enji who was working with Saiga.”
“And where is this Enji now?” Shichiro asked.
“Dead,” Azuma said. “He confessed his crimes to Lord Kuma and committed ritual disembowelment early this morning. Upon witnessing the act, Kuma immediately wrote the letter and sent it to me.”
“A likely story,” Shichiro said.
Shin nodded. “But a true one, as Kuma, Azuma and I will all attest to.”
Shichiro grunted and looked at Tetsua. “My word against theirs. Not good odds, I admit.” He sighed and shook his head. “Very well. I am no Lion, to batter myself against an impregnable gate. I know when to sound a tactical withdrawal.” He looked at Shin. “Very clever, little Crane. There’s something of your grandfather in you after all.” He paused. “So, what now? Pretend it never happened?”
“That is up to you both,” Shin said. “Kuma’s actions were those of any samurai faced with such a situation. It is their duty to defend the shrines from all threats. Enji’s actions, however well-intentioned, would have opened the Dragonfly up to reprisal – perhaps even censure.” As he spoke, both Shichiro and Tetsua nodded. They both understood, even as Shin himself did. That did not mean they had to like it.
“I believe,” he went on, “that Kuma regrets what they have been forced to do. It does not make up for the lives lost, but further censure is unnecessary. And it might well make the Lion suspicious. As far as they are concerned, the matter is settled.”
“And so it is,” Tetsua said, with the air of a proclamation. Shichiro and Shin both bowed. “What has been spoken of here will not leave this room. It is forgotten. Is that clear?”
“As crystal, my lord,” Shin said. He glanced at Shichiro. “For what it’s worth, Konomi seems to have no desire to actually marry Kuma. Nor do they appear to have any interest in her. I should think about seeking a more suitable match for her going forward.”
Shichiro nodded reluctantly. “I will consider your words.” He gave Shin a calculating look. “You’re not married are you, little Crane?”
“Enough,” Tetsua said. “Lord Shichiro, if you would please leave us…? Azuma, show him out. I would like to talk to Lord Shin alone.”
Shichiro bowed and left the room without complaint, Azuma following. Shin relaxed. Whatever else, the old man took defeat gracefully. “My thanks, my lord.”
Tetsua made a gesture of dismissal. “You have already spoken to Kuma then.” It was not a question.
“Yes.”
“And?” Tetsua asked, softly.
Shin hesitated. How to explain? Even he wasn’t sure what Kuma intended to do. He cleared his throat. “We crossed swords, if only figuratively, and decided there was nothing to be gained by continuing the duel.”
“Ah.” Tetsua nodded in understanding. “Good. Then the matter is truly settled.” His face might have been a wooden mask. “You have my thanks for your efforts, Daidoji Shin. I will not soon forget what you have done for me – and for the city.”
Shin bowed. “I am at your service, now and always, Governor Tetsua.”
Tetsua cracked a small smile. “That is good to hear. But let us hope that I do not have reason to ever call upon your particular talents again.”
Shin laughed. “Yes. I can only imagine how my reputation would suffer!” Having been dismissed, he turned to go, but Tetsua stopped him with a gesture.
“Your grandfather would be proud, I think.”
Shin nodded. “Perhaps. Even so, let’s keep it between us, shall we?”
Outside, Kasami fell into step beside him as he went down the steps back towards the waiting boat. “Well?”
“Well what?”
“Did it work?”
“Did you doubt that it would?”
Kasami snorted in derision. Shin decided to overlook it. “It worked. Shichiro is placated, Kuma’s reputation is safe and Enji is…”
“Dead,” Kasami said, softly.
Shin nodded. He stopped at the bottom of the steps and looked out over the water. “Toscho many people are dead because of this foolishness. But more would have died if we hadn’t intervened. Small comfort, but comfort nonetheless.”
Kasami bowed her head. “Of course. What now?”
“Now?” Shin smiled. “I’ve heard that there’s a new kabuki troupe in town. They’re supposed to be quite good. I was thinking we might take in a performance, check out the competition, that sort of thing.”
Kasami stifled a groan and Shin laughed.
“And after that, well, who knows where the day might take us?”
Daidoji Shin will return
in
Characters in Order of Appearance
Daidoji ShinCrane nobleman
Hiramori KasamiCrane yojimbo in service to Daidoji Shin
Kitano DaichiGambler
LunFree captain and occasional pirate
TorunLun’s bosun
Saiga EitoMerchant and spy in service to a secret master
Wada SanemonMaster of the Three Flower Kabuki Troupe
NaoActor of the Three Flower Kabuki Troupe and annoyance
Nekoma OkuniActress of the Three Flower Kabuki Troupe and shinobi
Kaeru AzumaRonin and advisor to the governor
Miya TetsuaGovernor and Go enthusiast
ItoMerchant and Crane vassal
ChobeiShinobi
Akodo MinamiLion representative
YuiShinobi of Chobei’s cadre
Iuchi ShichiroUnicorn representative
Iuchi KonomiDaughter of Iuchi Shichiro
Tonbo KumaDragonfly representative and shugenja
Tonbo EnjiTariff agent
About the Author
Josh Reynolds is a writer, editor and semi-professional monster movie enthusiast. He has been a professional author since 2007, writing over thirty novels and numerous short stories, including Arkham Horror, Warhammer: Age of Sigmar, Warhammer 40,000, and the occasional audio script. He grew up in South Carolina and now lives in Sheffield, UK.
joshuamreynolds.co.uk
twitter.com/jmreynolds
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(as Don Pendleton)
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p; Return of Nagash
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Table of Contents
Cover
Advance Reading Copy
Legend of the Five Rings
Title Page
Copyright
Dedication
Map of Rokugan
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Characters in Order of Appearance
About the Author
By the Same Author
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