Chapter 12

To Know My Enemy

Katsumoto stared over the land of his son's village, particularly looking past a cluster of houses to a field in the distance. The flowing meadow transitioned from golden to a yellow-green, and it was sprinkled with flowers of soft pinks, blues, and lavenders. The morning mist was just barely levitating above the grassland, causing the magical look that Katsumoto so much appreciated in his country. Although, he had seen it many times, it was just as striking as before. At the moment, he was in a deep thought as he awaited for his two most trusting samurai; Ujio and Nobutada. Ujio was his loyal right hand man and friend. The two were like brothers, even though Ujio was couple of years younger than Katsumoto, and maybe little too temperamental. Still Katsumoto couldn't have wished for a better friend and comrade. Nobutada, was young and bit more inexperienced however, Katsumoto was proud of his son for everything that he had accomplished so far. He reminded him of his younger self; just as fun-loving, friendly, and yet mature.

His thoughts were occupied with these westerners...they were so confusing to him. He had thought that he knew at least part of their world, but he had no clue. The minute he saw that woman in the army, he realized that they were ailens to him. But Katsumoto now had a tougher problem to handle; what was he supposed to do with these new 'hostages'? The winter and fall were slowly approaching, the passes were about to freeze over and they wouldn't open again until late spring. He had so much to learn...

For now, both of the captives were staying in his sister's house...well, more like in his dead brother-in-law's house. He felt sorry and sympathized with Taka. Telling your one and only sister about her beloved husband's death, and then asking her to nurse the man who murdered her husband was not an easy job. He wished things had been different. But how could Katsumoto avenge the death of Hirotaro? He simply couldn't...not after the vision he had. Did the white tiger in his vision symbolise the fierce American officer?... well, things were definitely pointing to that. What kind of omen was this? And what of the girl? Who was she? Why was she in the battle? If the American soldier represented the tiger from his mysterious vision, who was the girl? He did not see any sign of a woman in his dream. The more he thought about it, the more confused he became.

At first, Katsumoto suspected that the young woman was the officer's wife or a sweetheart...but why would a loving husband let his wife participate in such a dangerous battle? No! That was out of question...his two captives were not that close. However, there could've been some sort of mutual affection between them...or not. He wasn't sure.

He looked down at the small bag which belonged to the American man, two of his journals were inside. Katsumoto was determined to read it and find out more about that strange man. Last time he saw him; it was couple of hours ago when Taka had been treating his wounds, he looked in a very awful shape. It would probably take few weeks to nurse him back to health. The girl on the other hand, was looking quite healthy and sound. Even though, she did collapse from all the exhaustion. That was another proof for Katsumoto to be convinced that she was not a woman solider and a fighter. By all means, she couldn't even hurt a bee. So why was she in the battle, then? So many questions and yet so little answers.

Katsumoto was startled from his deep thoughts, when Nobutada and Ujio arrived at last. The leader of the brave warriors turned to face them as his train of thought was disrupted.

"Ah, Ujio, my son..." He greeted the two, as they bowed their heads respectfully.

"You called for us, my lord." Ujio spoke up, walking closer towards Katsumoto, and Nobutada followed after him.

"Indeed..." Katsumoto paused for a bit. "I want to make a decision about the two gaijin hostages"

"We will spear them right, father?" Nobutada asked softly, not wanting to disrespect his father and lord.

Katsumoto nodded his head. That was clear for him...he was not planning to kill the two captives. No way! Not like this...they were too valuable to him.

"Why do you spear the barbarian, my lord?" Ujio questioned bitterly, and started pacing back and forth. "He is shamed in defeat. He should kill himself!" He was obviously referring to Algren. To Katsumoto's surprise, Nobutada looked as if he disagreed with Ujio on this although, he didn't say anything.

"It is not their custom." Katsumoto replied casually.

"Then, I will kill him." Ujio announced, his hands resting on his sheathed sword.

"Father, I don't think-" Nobutada wanted to interfere, but Katsumoto stopped him with his eyes. He was little too young to state his opinions.

"Ujio, there will be plenty of killing to come. For now, let's get to know our enemies." Katsumoto explained calmly.

"What of that woman?" Ujio questioned sharply. "She was found on battlefield! She's a disgrace!"

"Nobutada, you'll be looking after her." Katsumoto spoke up struck with an idea, ignoring Ujio's words.

The young samurai's face formed into a surprise and slight disappointment. He had to respect his father's decision in such things; but there were other low ranked samurai who could do the same thing he was being asked to do. He kept his mouth shut, but there would be no avoiding Katsumoto's senses.

"As protection Nobutada; they're both valuable to us, but she is the most vulnerable." Katsumoto told him sympathetically, noticing that this raised his son's spirits a little. He decided to continue. "This is an important job that I trust you with. Remember, the warriors on the frontline are not always the most important." As Katsumoto said this, he glanced at Ujio who was with no doubt silently disagreeing with him.

"We must know our enemies well...if we want to win this war." Katsumoto declared confidently. "Keep them both alive!" He ordered, before leaving their presence.

The two men were both silent. Nobutada gazed down at the small journal that he had found lying in dirt during the battle. He had been keeping it since then, waiting to hand it to his father...he was sure that it belonged to the young westerner woman. Maybe, they would find more information about her by having that journal in their possession. Ujio noticed what the younger samurai had been staring at. "Give that to me and I'll hand it to Katsumoto."

Nobutada reluctantly handed the girl's journal to Ujio, and left to fulfill his new assignment. Although, partly he wasn't sure if he'd do a good job at it. Taking care of a disgraceful woman was not an appealing idea to him.

"Good luck!" Ujio called after him. "You're gonna need it."

I managed to update yet again! Things are about to get interesting!