Chapter 45

Misunderstood


"Come on, we got her now!" Exclaimed Nathan as he tightened his grip on the rope that had just fallen on the wild horse's neck. The animal bucked, reared, cried in agony and pure fright. It didn't look like the mare was about to give up, on the contrary, the more Nakao and Nathan tried to throw ropes at her, the more she struggled to get away.

Nathan was actually amazed at himself for spotting the white horse in the blizzard that just started few minutes ago. Maybe working on the father's farm till his seventeenth birthday came quite handy after all.

"Whoa! Gently, gently." He warned in a soothing tone, trying to calm the frightened creature. Nakao in that moment yanked the animal's neck with the rope roughly, causing it to rear up once more. But this time, with such intensity, that both men were knocked from their saddles and onto the snowy ground. Frustrated, the American Captain cursed under his breath, still not letting go of the lasso. Nakao was genuinely pissed off at the wild beast. He released his grip from the rope and instead caught his own horse. Seriously, he did not sign up for this! He was an admirable samurai not a dirty cowboy from the West.

With another vicious cry, the white horse took off dragging poor Nathan with her, who was still tightly holding the lasso in his hands. If this animal thought that he, the survivor, would give up so easily...well, she had another thing coming. Nathan couldn't even be broken by Ujio, what made that wild animal assume that he'd be frightened of her?

All the cold snow swept in his face, as the horse ran off with Nathan attached to the long rope. Ugh, this wasn't exactly enjoyable. But what else could he do? Nakao was about to ride after them, when suddenly Ujio and Nobutada arrived on the scene. Without any questions, both of the samurai galloped after the wild animal throwing more ropes on her. Nobutada's aim was precise, they caught the darting horse successfully. The wild mare neighed anxiously, but stopped right then and there.

Nathan stood up with a heavy grunt. "What a ride." He said sarcastically, as Ujio dismounted his horse and went up to the animal from his vision.

"Be careful, she is not friendly." Nobutada warned cautiously and held on to the lasso.

"I can vouch for that." Agreed Nathan in English and panted. Sure, he barely spoke Japanese, but thanks to Katherine's constant teachings, he was beginning to understand a lot. Nakao caught up to them in few seconds, little amazed that the mare was much calmer then before.

Ujio neared the white horse gently and quietly. The animal lowered its neck, almost as if admitting defeat and nickered softly. Fascinating...


Katherine exhaled sharply, as she looked out of Taka's window. Just how long were they planning on staying out in the woods? And why on earth was she so worried about them? Of course, Nathan was her friend and all, but what about others? Why was she so concerned with their safety? And that poor, misunderstood white horse! She was just so nervous and anxious. It was already dark outside and who knows what could happen out in the woods? But before Katherine could freak out with these thoughts, she remembered that all four of them were the strongest warriors she had ever seen. Nothing would go wrong with them! Unless, they decided to hurt the poor horse. However, that was out of question too, Ujio had promised her that he wouldn't hurt the mare. She trusted him, as foolish as it sounded.

In that moment, she heard footsteps approaching from behind. Automatically, Katherine assumed it was Taka, but when she turned around instead, she met Taka's brother's warm eyes. She recognized that look...Nobutada had his eyes.

"Taka told me that my son, Ujio, Nakao and the American captain are all absent." He started calmly. "And it's because of the wild horse."

"It's true," Katherine answered politely, "but they should be back by now."

Katsumoto merely smiled. "You are worried?"

Katherine paused unsurely. "Well, of course, Nathan is my friend."

Her words seemed to amuse the samurai warlord even more. "Ah, and what about others?"

The European girl fixed her gaze on him for a second or two, and then turned back towards the window. "I suppose so." She admitted quietly.

Katsumoto silently neared her as Katherine spoke up once more. "It's funny," she said looking out of the window. "Few months ago, I hated each and every one of you."

"Not anymore?" The samurai leader raised his brows intrigued.

Katherine shook her head slowly. "No."

Katsumoto chuckled triumphantly, as if he had succeeded in something. "Hate is a strong word and you shouldn't use it until you are sure what or who you hate."

Katherine met his eyes. "Maybe, but the horrid battle I witnessed made me believe that I knew you." She sighed. "I guess I was wrong."

"We both misunderstood one another." Katsumoto said knowingly. "We think we are sure of everything, until...life suddenly brings unexpected surprises."

Katherine listened intently, reflecting at his words. They were so true and so full of wisdom.

"That is why I decided to know my enemies."


The elder samurai who was appointed to guard Nathan, politely walked in Taka's house, and greeted the beautiful and respective woman. Hirotaro's widow stood up gracefully to receive the man's message. He was expected to go after the four men that had galloped to catch the wild horse. However, the samurai was sent back by Ujio, who thought that it was getting little too crowded and his presence was not necessary. The elderly warrior informed Taka that the four men were actually coming back and they had indeed caught the magnificent animal.

Taka sighed in relief and thanked the man gently, she then turned around to tell this news to anxious Katherine and Katsumoto.

"They have caught the animal." Taka spoke softly.

Her brother nodded thoughtfully while Katherine picked up her skirts and rushed out to meet them.

Her bright eyes were fixed on the scene before her. Ujio was leading, followed by Nathan, Nobutada and finally Nakao, beside them was caught with ropes the beautiful white mare that had caused such a steer. She smiled happily to see them all unharmed and neither was the horse. Ujio had kept his promise! Moreover, the animal was so much calmer.

The party stopped in front of the house and then they dismounted. Behind Katherine, Katsumoto, Taka and the silent samurai walked out of the house. The leader of the warriors looked proudly at Nathan. He inquired about the horse and where it would be kept. For now, they had a designated area - a round pen, where they would try to gentle the mare. It was Nathan's idea, and surprisingly, Ujio agreed. With a satisfied smile, Katsumoto returned to attend his duties and instructed his son and warriors to join him afterwards. Nakao followed him instantly while both Nobutada and Ujio lingered.

Katherine gazed at the white horse before her, slowly she advanced towards them. "How did you do it?" She asked her American friend in surprise.

"I told you I had experience." Nathan smirked and glanced at the quiet Taka in front of him.

"You must be hungry, dinner is all set." She told him as Nathan agreed desperately and followed the gentle Japanese woman inside. He really was starving!

"I'll take her. You go, rest." Ujio turned to the younger samurai, who all this time was staring at Katherine. His words snapped Nobutada into reality and he nodded, leaving the horse in the older man's care. He walked up the porch stairs and locked eyes with the Western girl. As he passed her, Katherine smiled at him softly and so did he. In few seconds he was gone. Katherine longingly gazed after the younger samurai, as Ujio silently observed this exchange.

"You too should go inside. It's getting cold." He spoke up with his deep voice. Katherine turned back to him and slowly brushed her stray curl aside.

"I will. But first, I want to thank you for keeping your promise." She said sweetly and walked closer to him and the horse. "She looks so much calmer." Katherine petted the animal gently and a huge smile spread across her face.

Ujio nodded, grateful that he had warmed her heart at last. "For now."

Katherine paused as she met his gaze. "How come you listened to Nathan's advice?"

"I always respect a man with experience." The proud warrior admitted. "Even if I don't like him as a person."

Katherine giggled at his answer. "Oh come now, we are not so very bad."

He stared at her for a minute, realizing just how beautiful and bright she was. "No," he answered softly. "You aren't."

Silence fell between the two until the spirited horse neighed anxiously. "I should go." Katherine spoke at last and Ujio agreed.

She turned towards the house, still feeling that the samurai's eyes were on her. "She's only misunderstood. Just like you and I misunderstood one another." Katherine looked back.

"It will take time, but she'll warm up to us." Ujio answered, and for the first time, a genuine smile tucked his lips.

"Yes, yes she will." Grinned Katherine and off she went to join Taka and others at the dinner.


Team Nobutada? Team Ujio? Share your thoughts everyone. Oh, and if it were up to me I'd choose Nathan Algren! But he has eyes for Taka as you can see!