Chapter 6-Lord Ghoda's Castle

"Oh my!" Ari cupped her mouth as she stared in amazement at the large layout of Lord Ghoda's castle, at which lied before her.

"Yes. Oh my is right," Lord Ghoda smiled as one of his guards helped him out of the large carriage, "I've owned this castle ever since my father passed away. He kept it nice, but...when I took over I made a few adjustments."

"Adjustments?" Cinni turned to face Lord Ghoda.

"Yes. You should see it now," Lord Ghoda walked forward, leading the party.

"Trust me, I see it all ready," Ressai's eyes were wide open.

"Let's make it to the inside first!" Sekiya smiled, "Then you can see my young, stout lads."

"You have children?!" Cinni was puzzled. Why hasn't he ever mentioned them?

"Oh...no..." Sekiya chuckled. That answered Cinni's question, "For many generations has my family provided Lord Ghoda's family with the lordship's lieutenants. They protect the castle, as well as those who dwell in it. These men are really skilled and armored good."

"You must be proud," Ari continued walking.

"I'm glad this isn't one of your 'little lieutenants'," Toya smirked.

"Hmm?" Lord Ghoda spun around to find his second guard flirting with the uninterested Princess Kiku. The guard, noticing Ghoda's evil glare, turned red and fell back in pace, "Oh no! Never! My lieutenants know better than to mess with my little Princess!" Lord Ghoda was angry, "That's just a puny dojo guard...And I should teach him a lesson for messing with my royal daughter!" The guard lowered his head.

"Can I do the honors?" Toya didn't give a jokingly smile.

"N...N...NO! I'M BEGGING YOU!" The guard dropped on his knees and begged. He was so clueless about the joke that was on him.

"Kiss his feet!!!" Ari had a serious face on, and then turned to snicker.

Lord Ghoda laughed, "Oh, Tao-Sa, get off the ground! I mean come on, how stupid can you look?"

Everyone laughed...even Tao-Sa.

The party continued up the long, narrow, hidden path toward Lord Ghoda's castle. The castle was hidden away in a vast clearing in the middle of Shinzikuu Forest. This colossal woodland, with its tall tree hides and huge Ghoda manor, provided privacy from any wandering, harmful ronins, and any of Lord Ghoda's enemies.

This beautiful castle contained the expensive carved Japanese walls of different designs: like flowers, cranes, bamboo, symbols, etc. The castle held maids and the lordship's lieutenants. There were plenty of rooms with royal kimonos passed on from different generations hanging in rooms, and the guestrooms were even prettier than Cinni's dojo-room!

What Ressaiyu was excited about was not only the missions, but also going to see the castle's arsenal. Ressai just knew he'd find a weapon or a piece of armor regarding Rikimaru! ...Or at least perforated armor (worn-out, torn and useless) that they kept as a memory and tribute.

Ari wanted to see the castle gardens, which were hand-planted with beautiful flowers and plants from all over! It would be a gigantic paradise!

Chibi and Cinni had plans of their own on their day off. Cinni was ready to sneak stealthily into the castle's large kitchen to sneak a snack...or a few snacks... Being in a rich castle, she plotted out all of the different foods she wanted: Shu-mai, Shashami, Dicon Misco Soup, steak, meat-dumplings, yogurt, sprouts, fried bamboo shoots and sprouts, and Cinni's favorite... 3 EGGROLLS 3!!! Chibi was going to find out where her room was stationed so she could sleep! Knowing Muffin would be with Ressaiyu, she had no worries!

Toya had enough with being around people in general. She had clearly been in the castle before, so there was really no thrill in her stillborn heart. She only had two things on her mind- which was the whole conflict, and chillin' in the hot spring in the forest not too far from the garden.

"Okay. Now here, you can relax! Enjoy my castle! And no taking things that don't belong to you!" Lord Ghoda sighed with a faint smile, "Sekiya and I will be in the meeting room on the top floor. We'll meet in the dining room at nine PM!"

The Azumas quickly scattered. What fun in a huge castle!