Patrols had increased in number and frequency in the span of that single night. They had also ventured into areas usually left alone, the wilder parts of the woods, the planted fields, the deepest areas of the rivers, where no one could cross on foot or horse, fanning around the countryside, marching through roads, staying in the villages, camping by the waypoints, wherever and encounter with a fleeing traitor could occur. Organized and searching for Ryoma in particular and the bandits as usual with a whipped, fearful fervour. And also clamouring to recover the lost advisor. Although it was doubtful that anything but execution awaited the man. Sojiro would not believe no secrets had been given even as Maki proved to be a bit more tight-lipped than the usual sycophantic follower.
As early as dawn, as the camp was being dismantled and the supplies strapped on the horses, rumours of the closing of the province's border had already reached them. Scouts came back pinpointing the changed patterns and increased numbers, mapping them as best as they could for the benefit of all, heading back into peril undeterred.
Torn between frustration and pride Yumi had received the updates and departed with the ronin.
A few days had just turned into two weeks if she was interested in being optimistic in her calculations. The plan however was so simple that it could not be changed in its essence. The details had never been too set to begin with.
It was a gamble with too many dices.
Hunting and hunted. Looking ahead, around, behind, beyond. But in that way there was no reason to not cut through the terrain straight and only move away from the goal when forced to.
Ryoma had agreed that ignoring the set markers would make it faster and less likely to fall into traps.
If the scout's information did not suffer any major change they could still regain some time even with the restrained options presented. Her people were thorough and while in the province there was the chance of updates whenever they could be found. Less likely to occur because of the risk but still a chance.
The others had launched their misleading campaign immediately, warning camps that had not participated in the raid to move out.
Throughout the province unrest bubbled and boiled over.
Raids, riots and revolts.
Intercepted patrols.
Sieged outposts.
Robberies and chases.
Some of the events that would have been impossible without new information.
Some bluster, some bluff and intimidation.
A few would be killed.
A few would be captured.
Hopefully most could escape to keep fighting until help came.
Through the confusion, the thinning of forces, some luck and calculation Yumi and Ryoma were able to cross the first leg of the journey with just one sighting and four detours to avoid patrols, suspicion and any chase attempt.
"Was this any different?" Yumi asked, sitting with her hood still on, staring at the embers that kept them warm, nagamaki propped against her shoulder. Low, hidden, near water. It was a good place to camp. The horses were cared for, not too overworked.
They had been silent, performing their tasks efficiently. They ate in silence. They marked a perimeter noiselessly. Cared for their weapons and equipment quietly. It seemed easier to be together in the daylight and focused in a goal, exchanging only information, directions and plans. Now… Nothing to do but rest and that meant… vulnerability. And curiosity was a bad thing to have amidst that suspicion.
"From the war?" Ryoma shook his head slowly, sitting across her, weapons laid on front of his knees, resting and ready. Like that they could keep watch over what could move beyond their backs. While both were awake. They had to change positions when taking turns to allow their bodies to regain energy. And for efficiency sake that meant getting closer. "Most of it was indeed riding from place to place. Sometimes retreating. Others advancing. Others just getting to a town where we could rest and resupply."
"I see…" The uncomfortable silence returned. She wanted to ask other things. Who had he served. Battles. Victories. Why he trusted Date Saki enough to offer betrayal as soon as he saw something was off. But nothing came. Asking questions meant he could ask right back and Yumi felt she had said enough to someone that was still, in all honesty, a stranger.
"You should rest. I'll take the first watch." Ryoma suggested, looking up through the baring branches, examining the sky. Yumi flinched, suspicious. Last night the others had been there to prevent any treason. Now she could not be sure. He tilted his head, observing, noticing the faint motion beneath the blanket and hood. "If you feel uncertain I can take the second watch in exchange of a promise to let me live through my sleep."
"I apologise." Yumi kept her lips from twitching upwards at that small attempt at humour. "You are giving me a chance to make things right but… but I can't..."
"Trust will not easy for someone who had her faith so thoroughly shattered. I understand." Ryoma stood and picked up his weapons, looking around. "Here. Our back's won't be exposed this way." Adjusting the camp by a few feet made it easier for one person to keep watch. The ronin turned his back on her, showing nothing but trust, covered by the blanket, weapons further away than others she had seen, than Tadao had taught her.
The movement of the running horse shook Yumi awake, abruptly.
Blinking, confused she looked around, seeing trees blurred by speed.
Ryoma was holding her against his chest as they rode, zigzagging through the trees. Exhaustion of three nights preparing, fighting and planning was the only reason she found for not waking when he had moved her to the horse's back and fled.
It was still night.
It could not be that long after they changed watch shifts.
"They used hounds." Ryoma said, noticing her glare and the start of the struggle to get rid of him. "Your horse is tied to mine." The barks echoed after them. "We'll need a river."
Not a betrayal? Yumi pressed her lips together, staring ahead. Even though she was awake and had gripped the saddle, steadying herself and adjusting to the rhythm of the animal, his arm stayed around her waist, keeping her secure, guiding the horse as if unimpaired.
If found he would have had a chance of a new lord, a new life, wealth and fame.
But he chose to keep helping her and the orders that had lead him to the province.
Once again.
"Ride north. When the trees start to thin there is a ravine." Yumi whispered. "An underground river forms a waterfall and a stream down to the road." The carved valley beneath had been their hideout for a few months.