The Magician of Suwa: The Beginning

Nihon, Suwa Province

The day an heir is born to the Kurogane line, the village and castle celebrate. In this land so distant from the capitol, the people need strong leaders. The joining of their miko and warrior-lord had been a long-hoped-for but uncertain conclusion.

However, for two new parents, all future potential developments have been momentarily forgotten. Her handmaidens have withdrawn, so that when the babe's true name is bestowed, only the three will hear. But Chiyo-sama is troubled.

"You wanted a boy."

Kurogane-sama snorts, fascinated by the grip his new daughter has on his index finger.

"Don't worry; she'll be strong."


Originally posted 12/30/11