Chapter 44
The Two Samurai
The four men crunched through the snow on horseback, all of them alert and more than ready to catch the mysterious creature that had been the talk of the village since early November. Nathan scanned the area with his sharp eyes, he had a lot of experience when it came to roping and catching wild mustangs. He had been doing that from an early age on his father's farm. Although right now, he was little bit worried. After all, he was no longer working alone, he had three samurai accompanying him - all three of them with their own ideas. Nathan might've been the most knowledgeable one in this situation but he definitely was not in the favor of these men especially, Ujio. He was actually still very surprised that the proud warrior allowed him to go with them. It was mind-blowing. Why would he do that? Didn't Ujio hate his guts?
Nobutada was silently debating in his head whether it was a good idea to capture the magnificent horse. And if they would succeed, what would they do with it? The animal had proved to be vicious and aggressive; without doubt, it would bring lot of trouble to his peaceful village. He didn't want to disappoint his father any more. Nobutada failed to maintain his attraction towards the European girl a secret; his father and fellow comrades and almost everyone found out the truth in a very chaotic way. It was too much to bare! And now this horse? Honestly, the young samurai's only desire was to return back to Taka's place and leave the beast alone.
Ujio however, was determined to find the animal once and for all. That horse was exactly the one from his vision. It had to mean something! He couldn't just let it all go and relax. This would answer his questions...that dreamlike vision would not leave his mind. And the horse had absolutely everything to do with it. Besides, Ujio had noticed how attached Kitty had become with that animal. As wild and crazy the horse proved to be, it actually calmed down with the girl. The tough warrior had witnessed that strange interaction himself couple of months back. A tiny part of him, really wanted to get back into the Western girl's good graces. If that horse was the key to that, by all means he would do whatever the means was necessary.
Nakao was intrigued, he knew that Ujio had made up his mind to catch that wild horse. So if the strongest samurai in the village had decided something, Nakao knew better then to disobey him. He would aid his friend and together, they'd succeed in bringing that animal back to the village.
After the silent ride that latest almost twenty minutes, Nathan finally spoke up in English. "I think it'll be a lot easier if we spread out. That way, we'll cover more ground." He shifted his gaze towards Nobutada, who listened to him intently. Although, the young samurai was not as good as his father when it came to the English language, he still understood what the American was telling him.
"What does he want?" Ujio asked bluntly, little bit displeased.
"I think he wants us to spread out." Nobutada answered unsurely.
Ujio stared at Nathan for a little while in deep thought.
"For example, Nakao and I will look in the woods, and you two can ride up towards the hills." Nathan continued to explain in a simple manner, motioning with his hands and trying to talk slowly, so that the men could understand him.
"Alright, we can do that." Ujio said, realizing that the American's way would be much easier and quicker for them.
"Jolly good." Nobutada nodded at Nathan, and he and Ujio turned their horses and trotted towards the hills while, Nathan surprised, urged his horse in the woods together with Nakao.
Both samurai remained quiet for the longest amount of time. Only the howling of the wind and heavy grunts of their horses could be heard. Ujio was concentrating real hard, trying to spot any sign that indicated the wild animal's closeness. Nobutada was much hard to read, he had a stoic expression on his face and followed the older samurai.
The flurries were falling down calmly from the sky and nothing remotely close to a white horse was to be seen around the area. Ujio looked back at the younger man trailing behind him...it was time for him to swallow his enormous pride and with a deep breath, started to speak. "I hope you forgive my untactful behavior that day. I had no rights to burst out like that." He paused, as Nobutada was pleasantly surprised with Ujio for admitting that he was wrong and behaved shamefully. Nevertheless, he waited for him to continue. "My act was dishonorable and I let my temper get the best of me. For that, I am sorry." Ujio finished full of remorse, his eyes lowered with shame.
"It's alright." The young samurai responded softly. "It was my fault. I shouldn't have had feelings for gaijin captive in the first place."
Ujio was displeased with Nobutada's answer. Maybe his older self would've been proud of him, but the truth was, he had changed. He no longer wished to be cold hearted with full of prejudice. Nobutada's words weren't true or correct. "I don't think it's up to us to choose our love. It happens, and you must not blame yourself."
Katsumoto's son raised his brows questionably. "How can you say that? You, out of all should know just how shameful my feelings are. I have yet again proved that I'm weak for a samurai." Nobutada hung his head in defeat.
Ujio was caught now. In some ways, the young man was right. Showing such attachment towards the foreigner, their enemy at that! Was shameful and weak for an accomplished samurai like him. However, things were becoming conflicting and quite unusual. Kitty wasn't exactly repulsive. She was beautiful, with full of life, spunk and spirited. She was different...in a good way. Ujio could no longer blame Nobutada. Everything had changed for them after that battle in the fog. Before the tough warrior could make a reply to the younger man's speech, loud cries were heard from the other side of the forest. Unquestionably it was that American and Nakao!
Instantly, the two brave samurai urged their horses into a lope and went to look for the other men, who apparently needed help.
Needless to say, the two of them had made up and put their differences aside...after all, they both shared at least one thing in common, and though, they wouldn't dare to admit it...Kitty was in their hearts.
Finally an update! Stay tuned for more! So I guess it's obvious now. So are you guys team Ujio or Nobutada?!
