Three hours of harsh interrogation could not crack the "polite rebel" Prince Jonathon and Kotsu had dragged back to Jao-Nyang. However, a note they found in his pocket did reveal his name: Jeiku. Although the short message seemed somewhat suspicious, an alias would work just as well as a name under the circumstances. Jonathon sat down at the table furiously writing two letters concerning the situation, one for his father, and one to send back to the rebels.

Kotsu, however, was preoccupied with the note, which read,

"Honorable Jeiku-

Proceed southeast to examine region around Solien, but ignore Rugcnul. Decision has already been made for plan of attack. Final details pending.

-Tej K'aan."

Either the gray-clad spy was an idiot or the rebels were trying to confuse any that might sabotage their plan. From the direction Jeiku had been coming it was quite obvious that he was staking out Rugcnul and the woods. The two Imperials would have to decide for themselves if the rebel target was Solien or Rugcnul. From the information they had at hand it seemed to be a toss up.

Jeiku watched his captors silently. He was somewhat nervous about what they might do it him because he had kept his mouth shut, but for the moment they both seemed preoccupied. Jeiku was not one to remind his enemies of his presence. He twisted his wrists every way he could, testing the strength of the rope and knots that bound him. The knot seemed weak. His dark eyes lit up for a moment, but he quickly lowered them, not wanting his discovery to arouse any curiosity as it brightened his countenance.

Kotsu threw the note onto the table beside Jonathon and stormed out of the room, muttering that he needed to get something, but would return with shortly. The prince barely seemed to notice, merely nodded his head and continuing to write.

This was probably the best opportunity he would receive. Jeiku strained to pick at the knot, first tugging on one part of the rope and when it did not seem to yield, starting on another. He felt his bonds loosen. He slowly pulled his hands free and rubbed his aching wrists. He stood up and looked at the Aronian prince who seemed completely engrossed in the letter he was composing. Jeiku stepped closer. The young man was in-between him and escape through the second-story window.

"Your Highness..." he murmured softly, edging nearer.

"Yes? What is it?" Jonathon replied, turning to look over his shoulder, but then stopping in surprise, seeing the spy looming over him.

Jeiku swiftly plucked one of the large books off the prince's table and raised it over the Imperial's head; "It's time to say, 'Good night.'"

Murasaki Fuji no Shita ni Kuni

"The Country Under the Purple Wisteria"

Chapter 53- Opportunity

Breakfast at Slalain Citadel was little different from Kiisan's arrival the night before. The overall mood was cheerful and noisy.

"Like the eggs?" Hittoko asked Kiisan, "I made them."

The young priest nodded, his mouth full. Mio moved his chair closer to Kiisan and sat beside him with a smile, trying to ward off the many questions that were being directed at the leader of the revolutionaries. Hai-Yong and Tas stood directly behind Kiisan's seat, Hai-Yong pestering him about what the new plans would be and Tasrinym babbling about how Kiisan looked like a woman he had known once when he lived around Serif City. Although it was overwhelming, Kiisan took the attention fairly well.

Anamaria was also enjoying her full share of the questioning once it was revealed she was from a foreign country. She stood atop a chair, proudly answering all inquiries about her homeland. After those interested in her learned that Ignatius was only an inhabitant of Crystal Valley, he was fairly ignored, much to his relief.

Only one important revolutionary did not come down to at least say "Welcome home," to Kiisan that morning and so Kiisan headed off to see him.

Mitsu Riyadh's thin face gained a few shades more color as his visitor took off his large hat and sat down on the chair beside his bed. "Well, I must say that I'm disappointed in you for taking so long to catch up, but I since I'm glad to see you, I can't hold it against you."

Kiisan laughed a bit, "I'm sorry I didn't stop in here sooner. I just got back last night. You're looking a little better...is it because it's not so cold here?"

"That certainly helps, but I think it's more because of some medical attention I received from Lord San-Feng."

Mio stuck his head into the room inquisitively; "Everything's quieting down a bit, Kiisan. I don't think you'll be mobbed if you come out now. ...Good morning, Sir Mitsu."

The older strategist nodded, acknowledging the younger man, "Good morning, Mio. You want to try your luck again?"

Mio shook his head forcefully, "No, not now! I don't want to be humiliated in front of Kiisan."

"What are you talking about?" Kiisan asked Mitsu.

"Yesterday we played chess. I won, that was all."

"That was all?!" Mio sputtered, "You won in three moves!"

"I wonder if it's possible to win in only two..." the dark-haired man mused.

"Sir Mitsu!" Mio pleaded.

"Jeiku, I take it you were feeling too clever for your own good yesterday," Sanada complained as her spy explained what had happened to him. She eyed Prince Jonathon suspiciously. The young man was still recovering from having been knocked out with a dictionary.

"Forgive me, Lady Sanada, I just saw an opportunity and I grasped it. I had to make up for being captured somehow," the gray-clad man said in his own defense.

"Another prisoner to feed," Tej muttered.

"But a better prisoner," Sita noted.

"Ugh..." the prince groaned, rubbing his head, "Where is this?"

Sanada grinned at him; "This is our camp. I don't know if you remember me, Jonathon, but I'm Sanada Morin. I'll introduce my colleagues if I may- this is General Tej K'aan, Duchess Sita Katyana, Jeiku, and the short one is Tiko."

"Hey!" Tiko retorted, rolling up the sleeves of his disguise angrily.

"So...Sir Kiyon's wrong?" Prince Jonathon asked with confusion, "Father Kiisan's not here?"

"No way!" Tiko laughed, "That's just me! I'm really a pretty good actor, you know!"

"Shush!" Sanada stopped Tiko, ushering him out of the tent, "We have some important things to discuss, so you get out of here and keep your mouth shut about what you saw until I give you permission."

Sasshalai and Han Li had only marginally taken part in the excitement. The two True Rune bearers had been more focused on the possible issue of the Beast Rune. Han Li asked the boy to repeat all that his father had to say on the subject and after Sasshalai divulged all of Matataki's thoughts on the matter Han Li stopped to think.

"So, one of us, by 'us' I mean the revolutionaries, should be able to...overcome it?" the dusty man inquired, hoping for some clarification.

"Yes, that is what my father believes. I am apt to agree," the brightly-clad boy replied.

"Who is it? Who might 'overcome' that monstrosity?" Han Li pressed him, "You? Me? Kiisan?"

"No, it is not so visible..."

"Sasshalai, if you know, then tell me," Han Li commanded, his mismatched eyes narrowing.

The boy from Klikk glanced around nervously before stepping closer to Han Li and standing on tiptoe to whisper his reply.

Han Li's eyes widened and he watched silently as Haneh, Lucien, and Carlos rounded the corner laughing.