By
Jeslyn Nighthawk
Disclaimer: Nope, still don't own it. Maybe if I…no, probably not. Oh well.
A/N: Still need help with those names. I have no idea what to call my other main character and he is bound to make an appearance in the next couple of chapters.
Chapter 2Ten years. It had been ten years since she had come to live in this place, and in that time, it had finally become home. This was not to say that Miyu did not miss the Northern Lands. Everything she had done and worked to accomplish had been done with the intent that someday she might be considered worthy to be her father's heir.
For ten years, Miyu had been working to perfect her skills as a warrior and hunter, and although she was a long way from that goal, today she had the opportunity to prove her skills to her uncle and win command of a patrol. Granted, already Miyu had been acting as her Uncle's hand for nearly two years, but an assassin's work was not public, and she could gain no status from something no one else could know about.
Now, with ten years of hard work behind her and the confidence of one who knows the extent of her abilities, Miyu stood before the throne of the man who had in many ways taken the place of her father in her heart.
"You know why you have been summoned, Miyu?" Even after all these years, Inutaisho's voice still never failed to set her at ease.
"Yes, my Lord. I await only your orders."
"Good. You will take a small contingent of my men and will head towards the southern border. According to my intelligence, a refugee band of wolves have taken up residence two days ride from here. You will inform them that if they wish to remain they must swear fealty to me. If they fail to do so, they must leave. I have little doubt that they will refuse both options. I would rather this not come to bloodshed, I leave the problem in your capable hands." Miyu bowed in acceptance and Inutaisho nodded to the man beside him. There was nothing remarkable about the man except his obvious warrior's grace. Like most of the members of Inutaisho's forces, he was youkai, and his high rank was likely do to the fact that he too was inu-youkai. "Captain Himura, you and your men answer to Miyu for the duration of this mission. I expect a full report upon your return. Both of you are dismissed." Miyu and Himura both bowed one last time to their lord and left.
***
That afternoon, Miyu made her introductions to her unit of twenty men, and they immediately headed to the south. She rode next to Captain Himura, an adventure in and of itself as her coal black stallion seemed to be enamored with his lovely bay mare. Thankfully after nearly an hour and several clouts between his pretty ears, her horse settled down, and she was able to talk to the man who was essentially her second in command.
"Tell me, Captain," Miyu said, her voice low and just slightly musical. "You know these men. Will they follow me?" She was not blind. Miyu had seen their disbelieving looks when the men had seen who their Lord had placed in command. She knew as well, that she did not look the part of a fearsome general. She wore none of the heavy armor or traditional garb usually associated with those in command. Instead she wore nearly skintight pants and (A/N: Okay everyone picture the Amazons in Xena and you'll probably get the picture. I really can't think right now of how to explain, sorry). Nowhere in her outfit was there a single ornament that might snag while on a hunt or make any noise. Her skin was tanned from long hours in the sun and she moved with the deadly grace of a skilled hunter and warrior.
Himura looked over at her and considered for a few moments before answering. Finally, he said, "They will follow your orders so far as they believe their duty to Lord Inutaisho carries. That will vary from man to man. You will have to prove yourself, though, before they will follow you. That is why Lord Inutaisho has given you this command- to build your reputation and allow you to gain that respect before allowing you to take over a unit on your own."
Miyu looked at the man beside her for a long time before turning her horse aside and examining a game trail.
***
Two days later, they arrived at the camp of the wolf pack's camp.
TBC
A/N: Okay everyone let's see those reviews! I really, really, really need help with names or I will just keep stealing them from other anime. Next chapter will be up in the next day or two, if anyone cares.
Ja ne