Chapter 2
Katashi of the Nagao clan knew he wasn't the most patient man.
In his youth, he had a tendency to be impulsive but as he sat before the small burner in his private rooms, waiting for it to heat his evening drink, he found himself strangely calm despite the delay in the message he was expecting.
He'd waited years for his revenge, afterall, what was a few more hours?
Years of humiliation and whispers behind his back. The Great General Nagao, who was bested by fire….and one stubborn lord.
Of course, no-one ever dared say it to his face. He could still inspire that amount of fear. But, the whispered rumors were like angry insects scuttling into shadows, ready to strike when given the chance. And, soon, it would be all over.
Soon his greatest revenge would finally begin and all he needed was that first message to reach him.
'Soon, Mitsuno. Soon.'
Rushed steps pounded down the hall outside his chamber, bringing a ghost of a smile to Katashi's face. 'So it begins.'
"General," a voice called through the door. "A raven was sent with a message."
"And?" Katashi asked, lifting the warmed clay pot from the burner. "Was the package delivered?"
"I'm sorry, General," the man replied after a moment's hesitation, causing Katashi to pause. "The message….was blank."
Katashi slowly lowered his cup as he slowly picked apart the signal given. Blank. Nothing. Nothing to say? Nothing more to do? Was the job done?
No. The agreed-on message had been clearly set. The witch knew what she was meant to do. A blank message could only mean one thing…..the delivery was never made.
Chilling anger tightened Katashi's grip on the jar, causing his knuckles to whiten in barely contained rage. However, he took a steadying breath as he ordered the man to leave.
Quickly shuffling steps retreated down the hall before Katashi smashed the jar against the table's edge.
His plan had failed! How could he lose a single oni brat just like that? Years of meticulous planning, gone in a moment. Of course, Katashi knew more than most just how vital a moment could be.
Flexing his hand, Katashi felt a familiar sting race up his palm. Normally, the bright red drops dripping onto the table would annoy him but the pain was enough to clear his head.
Pain always did.
Grabbing a nearby cloth, Katashi wrapped it about his hand, pressing hard against the wound as he let his thoughts settle.
The child was lost; there was nothing to be done about that. But, it didn't mean he couldn't be found again. And, even if he couldn't, his plans could still continue. He'd just have to be more cautious.
He would admit, sending that brat's head back up the Shikyo Mountain would have been immensely satisfying. But, it hadn't been the first time he'd had to modify a plan to suit his needs. He could certainly do it again.
But first, he needed proof. If the child was truly gone, he needed to be sure before he gave up on its use. He'd need someone who could be trusted; someone who would obey without question.
Calling a nearby servant, the vassal bowed low as he slid the door a crack. "You called me, General?"
"Send for my son," Katashi ordered, pressing even more firmly against the reddening bandage. "I have a task for him."
Footsteps rushed down the hall as Katashi took another deep breath, slow and deliberate. His son would help him. Hiro had always been obedient and it would seem he would now share in his father's victory.
The thought had Katashi sighing in frustration. He'd hoped to savor this alone but, if needs must. Besides, Hiro wouldn't fail him.
A loud rumble of distant thunder had Katashi smiling to himself.
'Right about now. That monster, Rekka, was learning the truth right about now.'
Truly, timing was everything.
"You sent for me, father?"
The voice snapped Katashi from his musings, causing him to tighten his spine in preparation. It was time.
"Yes," he replied calmly. "Come in."
Hiro slid the open and stepped inside, not even bothering to mask the sounds of his movements. The scent of dirt and the sun's warmth filled Katashi's nose, telling him his son had been in the training yard again.
"What do you need, father?"
Katashi fought the urge to smile at his son's eagerness to please.
Glancing back over his shoulder, Katashi studied his only child with a new appraising eye. Tall and broad, Hiro had honed his body as well as a master smith's blade. There was not a single indication of indulgence or weakness to be found. From his worn boots to his perfectly still face he was the very image of a perfectly trained warrior. So much so, Katashi could swear he watched his younger self kneeling before him in patient anticipation.
There was no doubt, Hiro was his father made-over. And, it was time to put that to the test.
"Are you my son?" Katashi asked, causing Hiro to snap himself to his feet.
"Of course," he stated.
"And, you will do your duty to me?" Katashi pressed, digging his fingers into his bound hand.
"You know I will," Hiro declared, his dark eyes sharpening with determination. "Tell me what you want me to do and I will do it."
"Without question?" Katashi asked.
"If that's what you want," Hiro answered, his eyes lowering slightly. "Tell me. Please."
Releasing his grip, Katashi relaxed as he turned back towards the table. "There is a mission that needs to be completed," he stated. "I can trust no-one but you to do it."
"Yes, sir," Hiro answered, coming to full attention.
"There is a child that needs to be found," Katashi continued, his eyes watching Hiro for any reaction. "A very special child."
"I….see," Hiro answered, causing the corner of Katashi's mouth to twitch.
Not the best answer but not a question either. There was promise.
"Take a seat," Katashi offered, gesturing to the other side of the table. "I will tell you what I can."
Katashi waited as his son slowly made his way around. This was going to have to be handled with proper caution. Nothing could be left up to chance. He needed loyalty and Hiro had that in spades. But, what he really needed was relentlessness, the ability to get the job done no-matter what.
Whether Hiro could do so or not, was still a matter of time. But, better to find out now rather than later.
