It was still dark when Sasuke was roused by a knock on his door. "Master Sasuke" the servant called through the door "It's almost time for you to depart." Sasuke opened his eyes and for several minutes stared blankly up at the ceiling as his mind began to come out of the foggy clutches of slumber. Then, when his mind was clear he climbed out from under the warm blankets and began his morning routine.
It was almost half past four when Orochimaru's black carriage rolled down the hill and through the town bellow. Many people were still asleep, for the cock had not crowed yet, but the blacksmith and the baker were already up and building a fire for their day's work.
As the carriage moved by, Naruto, the village beggar ran out of the shadows and waved. As usual, he got no response from inside the carriage, but still he watched anxiously for the black curtains to move. They didn't, so Naruto just smiled at the footman who nodded his head in acknowledgment and tossed the blond a coin. Naruto expertly caught the coin out of the air and tucked it into his pouch. With a wide grin he stood and watched the carriage disappear behind the curb.
For several hours the carriage jolted over the snow covered dirt road until finally it pulled up at its destination. Instantly, there was the sound of the hinged steps being lowered and a rap on the carriage door. Kabuto leaned forward and lifted the lock on the door, allowing the footman to open it from the outside. "lord Orochimaru, master Sasuke, we have arrived' the footman said as soon as the door was open. Orochimaru stood and gently shook the dozing Sasuke awake. "Sasuke, we are here" he said. Sasuke nodded and rose to his feet, still drowsy. With a small smile Orochimaru stepped out of the carriage and into the fresh outside air.
He then turned to look at Sasuke "Come now Sasuke, wake-up. It's not healthy to sleep too late into the morning. Especially when the air is so crisp and fresh." He said motioning for Sasuke to follow him. Sasuke nodded and, forcing himself awake, stepped out of the carriage followed by Kabuto who was carrying a few small bags. "lord Orochimaru," he said "Shall I take master Sasuke and the baggage to the guest quarters?" he asked. "Yes Kabuto, take the baggage" Orochimaru said "but leave Sasuke with me. This governor is blind and won't be able to tell anyone is with me." He waved Kabuto away with a small movement of his hand and Kabuto bowed and climbed onto the top of the carriage next to the driver. "Oh, Kabuto?" Orochimaru said turning to his butler "Don't forget the arrangement" he said with a smile, his breathe fogging in the cold, crisp winter air. Kabuto nodded and waved the driver on.
As soon as the coach was out of site, Orochimaru turned to Sasuke. "Shall we go in? it is getting chilly outside." Sasuke nodded silently and together they walked up the flight of steps, their velvet cloaks swishing around their ankles as they walked and their boots crunching on the snow.
When they reached the top of the steps Orochimaru pulled the tassel that hung next to the front doors and stood back, waiting. A few minutes later, they heard footsteps in the entrance and the door was opened by a young maid. "Good morning sire" she said with a strange lilt to her voice. Then bowing she added "how may I help thee?" "Good morning Karin" Orochimaru said, smiling genuinely. "I'm here to see your Master, Ebizo. I have a few…matters to speak to him about." Karin nodded "Right this way m'lord" she said pulling the door open for Sasuke and Orochimaru to step through and shutting it behind them. "May I take thy coat sire?" she asked Orochimaru and Sasuke, addressing them in the singular sense as if Sasuke wasn't there. Orochimaru nodded and they both unfastened the brooch at their throats and handed their cloaks to Karin.
As they shed their cloaks Karin's eyes widened at the finery of their apparel. Both Orochimaru and Sasuke were wearing silk blouses with large sleeves that wafted around their wrists at every movement. Orochimaru was dressed completely in black down to his knee-high polished boots except for the white lace kerchief that hung at his collar, while Sasuke was wearing a dark red silk blouse, black pants and the same style of knee-high boots that to were polished.
The maid quickly recovered and, bearing their cloaks, led them into the main parlor where Ebizo sat with a cup of tea set beside him on the beautifully carved cherry wood stand. "Sire Ebizo" Karin said, curtsying slightly "lord Orochimaru is here to visit with you sire" Ebizo turned his head towards her and smiled "Thank you Karin" he said slowly "let him in" Karin bowed again "Here he is sire" she said. Then, turning to Orochimaru she added "if thou needs anything I m close by. There is a bell on every table" Orochimaru nodded and then stepped forward.
"Good morning Ebizo" he said nodding slightly. "Ah, lord Orochimaru, please, what business brings you here to my humble estate?" Ebizo said, painstakingly rising and bowing to Orochimaru. "I have certain things to discuss with you…but first tell me how your government is fairing." Orochimaru replied shooting a glance at Sasuke and motioning for him to sit down. Sasuke obeyed and sat down on the cushioned seat next to Orochimaru.
As Orochimaru talked with Ebizo, Sasuke noted the respect, almost fear that Ebizo had for his master, and the cold, snake-like way Orochimaru listened to Ebizo while controlling the whole conversation. Each word, each sentence was the same cold, calculation that everyone knew, and feared Orochimaru by.