Escape

Chapter 5

A New Life and A Load of Trouble

Sleep had come quickly to Iruka that first night in the castle. He couldn't remember how he got into the small bed he woke up in much less how he had managed to wake up sprawled over the bed's owner, kind Kakashi who had shared his quarters for two more nights before a pallet had been made in the page's room. The next few nights after his temporary assignment to the household in general were near sleepless as Iruka adjusted once more. The sounds of the boys sleeping around him and the late hours the nobles sometimes kept played havoc with his ability to keep to a restful routine. Being the new boy, he was given the task of staying up late to serve the nobles more often than not, but he was still required to wake early for cleaning duty and then serving at the breakfast table.

As the weeks passed he'd also been given the occasional pleasure of shadowing Lady Tsunade, and she happily allowed him to keep the baby occupied during these times. Little Minato was filling out, growing sassy and happy with regular feedings and loving treatment. The tiny boy had even begun strengthening his muscles by already getting onto all fours and trying to crawl. Iruka also enjoyed being called on to help Minato's wet nurse. She was a noble lady, the wife of the kind knight in Kakashi's squad and already feeding a little one of her own. She would have Iruka help her carry both babes in their baskets down to the training grounds so they could all watch her husband and his squad during their daily maneuvers.

Having made fast friends with Kakashi and his squad despite their difference in ages, Iruka was constantly being invited to dine with the garrison. They would make sure to leave him a spot at their table, and several of the men, including the husband of Minato's wet nurse would cuff him like a comrade in arms. It was always a much better meal instead of the hastily finished plateful in the kitchen while the cooks watched all of the young boys with careful eyes and quick spoons that really hurt when you reached for a pastry you weren't supposed to have.

He was slowly being introduced to the other squads including the one that claimed the table nearest to Kakashi's when they were home. It was led by a slim knight named Genma who was always chewing on thin bits of wood. Iruka had gained some fame with the odd knight when he'd presented him with fresh sticks he'd cut while foraging in the woods for Lady Tsunade's herbs. She had told him about the healing properties of a certain tree's bark when she also mentioned that the wood also tasted nice for chewing and was useful as tooth cleaning sticks.

The entire garrison had laughed as Genma immediately began chewing one of his presents and then asked the table if his breath now smelled much better. He'd finally been forced to test it out on the naïve gift giver when several of his own knights had pushed him away or thrown food at him. The young page had been effortlessly lifted and swung around before Genma soundly kissed him on his mouth. The entire room had erupted in laughter when Iruka gave Genma the only answer he could, he fell down on the ground in complete shock. As silent as he was, the horror showing on his face was enough to warrant a rescue by Kakashi in the form of a bowl of soup poured over his fellow knight's head. Iruka had then stayed away from the constantly joking man for a time after that, but had been wheedled into laughing along with the crazy and perverted tales that Genma kept telling him and everybody seated close enough to listen. He was thought of as an odd if perverted friend after that.

Life had begun passing happily and quickly for Iruka, so it was with a troubled frown that he entered the main hall one afternoon after being personally summoned by Lord Sarutobi himself. He cleared his face of any emotion upon seeing the men he'd be standing in front of. Lord Sarutobi was there, of course, along with Lord Jiraiya. All five leaders of the garrison squads he'd met were also in attendance, easily and familiarly standing together while they all watched him walk forward, but there was one man, a sixth knight standing by the dais that he didn't know.

He was very tall, and easily recognized as a squad leader just by his bearing if you didn't look at the fiery coat of arms embroidered into his doublet and somehow also ignored the dark sword at his hip. Proper protocol only offered Iruka a quick glimpse of the man's face as he drew closer. His eyes stayed trained on Lord Sarutobi as he bowed, but he was able to see that the man had some scars across his cheek; a tangle of fleshy colors that no normal face would have had.

"I promised you a position in my household as reward for your services," Lord Sarutobi began. "In the weeks you have been with us you have exceeded at your tasks and proven yourself worthy of any of my great knights. Though there were some specific requests in regards to your future, I have chosen the knight I deem the most suited to your training." He waved the scarred man forward. "This is Raidou of the Namiashi family," he introduced him. "He is the leader of our sixth squad recently returned from actions in the south. He is in need of an able and smart squire to attend him." Lord Sarutobi paused and stood to take a few steps toward the silent boy and his brown eyes so full of wonder and disbelief.

"Of course, if you would rather remain with the house, I would understand. The chamberlain has spoken highly of your skills in both writing and mathematics. A position within the walls as one of our guarded clerks may also suit your temperament, young man." Lord Sarutobi withheld a laugh at the fear and sudden action the boy jumped to at the thought of not choosing the position of squire.

"Oh, no, my lord, no. I would be most pleased, extremely pleased to accept Sir Raidou's charge. I wasn't expecting any offers until I was fourteen. My father always said I had to wait until I was older, and I've only passed half a year since my twelfth birthday. No, sir, I would love to be a squire! It- It would be an honor!" Iruka shut his mouth at the chuckles that finally broke forth from the audience and stared at the ground in embarrassment.

"Then a squire you shall be," Sarutobi announced heartily and patted his shoulder. "Sir Raidou, come and present your new boy with his colors."

The evening after the presentation descended into drinking and feasting in the garrison hall as the many soldiers now familiar with Iruka and his brave history celebrated his new status. Sir Raidou, or just plain Raidou as he preferred to be called away from the royal court, had first introduced him to his squad and then solemnly told him the bad news after a few well-filled tankards.

"We've only you and two others as squires between us all, Iruka," he'd frowned during his tipsy explanation. "So many young men have thought to meet our standards, but are scared off by the work. You'll meet them come the morning as we allowed them a rare evening of privacy."

"They're probably off scaring the chickens again," one drunken soldier yelled with laughter. "Those two boys are a demon pair, Namiashi; demons, I tell you!"

"I'm hoping you can be a good influence on them, young Iruka," Raidou said mournfully into his tankard. "They need a calming role model, a strong hearted friend to keep them out of trouble."

Iruka was starting to look very troubled as he wondered about what was expected of him in regards to these two new peers he'd never met before. He didn't think any boys that were already squires would look kindly at him since he'd just received his colors. He could only hope they were decent enough to allow him a time to adjust to his new life before causing inevitable sounding problems.

He was sitting quietly and looking pensively at the floor near Raidou when Kakashi came and joined him. He looked up to see the familiarly smiling face and returned it with a grin of his own, forced as it was.

"You shouldn't worry too much," Kakashi assured him. "Boys younger than you have made amazing knights, if I don't say so myself. You're going to be a good squire."

Iruka watched his knightly friend lean against the wall beside him and couldn't help but feel his heart lighten. He resolved not to worry until tomorrow when he actually met the other squires, and even if they were demons just like the other soldier had said, he would do his best to make friends.

They were worse than he'd expected. Within the first two weeks of his new position he had found his new bed, the first real mattress meant only for him to sleep in destroyed, his clothes left overnight in buckets full of refuse water, and his food always delivered cold unless he personally took it from the cook's hand. The two older boys also tripped him constantly, snickered at whispered jokes behind their hands whenever he was around and generally made his life hell unless he was anywhere near Raidou. He saw his hand as forced into retaliation after the third night of cleaning garbage out from between his blankets before he could sleep in his now permanently musty and old smelling new mattress. Izumo and Kotetsu were going to learn that he, who had already faced so much in his short life, was determined to either be their friend or their worst nightmare.

The entire garrison watched with badly hidden humor as the war between the boys began.

After two more eventful weeks, they all gave in. Izumo and Kotetsu made peace by bringing in three dinners, warm and filling; they calmly sat beside him to quietly eat. And right there during their first peaceful meal in some time, regardless of Iruka's ink stained face, Kotetsu's oddly shorn hair and Izumo's lasting scent of rotten eggs, they became fast friends.

Life at the castle was once more peaceful, and being a squire was everything he'd ever been told. Iruka woke early only to fall exhausted into bed late at night, not unlike his page duties but so much more fulfilling. The knights were training them in the care of weapons, horses and all the peripherals that were so important to their lives. They weren't being given any training in swordsmanship yet, but Iruka was able to proudly walk around with a small dagger that Kakashi had given to him over yuletide. Izumo and Kotetsu had begged and pleaded and made general nuisances of themselves until the knights of their squad gave in and found some for them, too.

So the boys began their weapons training in knife fighting, quick stabs and slashes that some of the older knights looked down on, but Lord Sarutobi himself had approved. He confided to the boys that any training that could save your life was good training as he showed them the slim blade that never left his person. With their liege's blessing they made a target on the far wall of the training grounds, but it wasn't until Kakashi stepped in to show them proper throwing techniques that the boys became truly dangerous to people and things other than themselves and their often bandaged fingers.

The Ladies of the castle were all properly impressed with their skills and the shiny blades stuck behind their belts as the three strode around importantly. Iruka was still often called on to assist Lady Tsunade with the ever growing Minato and enjoyed the new level of safety he was able to provide them during picnics and dinners when there were strangers in the castle. A tense undercurrent had been growing as time marched on inexorably, and not even the lowest kitchen servant could ignore the feeling that signaled a close end to their peaceful times. They all waited for Orochimaru's inevitable counter-attack, and when it finally did arrive, Iruka had only a short time to act.

Threatening letters had been received from the man who now styled himself the true Lord of the lands, even claiming Lord Sarutobi's place at court. Lord Sarutobi himself had no choice but to contact his allies in an attempt to unsettle the furthering of Orochimaru's so far successful coup. A strong guard was placed with little Minato at all times, and the unknown future was discussed only in hushed tones.

Iruka was resting in a shadowed garden, enjoying a rare private moment when he heard men talking one afternoon. He listened to their hurried speech for some time without realizing until certain words rang in his sleep dampened thoughts. He froze stiff once the realization was clear as to the plans they were speaking of. As soon as he was sure they had left to carry out their scheme he calmly stood and formed his own quick plan. He needed to progress with a clear head about him, he had to speak to Lord Sarutobi or the garrison, and he knew it would be easiest to start with the garrison and whichever squad leader he came upon first, hopefully Kakashi who he knew was most commonly found in the training arena.

He raced through the mostly empty hallways with his eyes wide and his feet prepared to evade. There were always people about clearing rushes or dust, refilling oil lamps and replacing hangings. Thankfully the servants were used to seeing squires run about as if they were late for important duties, which they oftentimes were. The occasional few yelled a greeting at his hurried passing or stepped out of his way if they saw him first.

The interior walls changed color as he entered the garrison halls, built at a different time from the original fortress from different rock. The sunlight hung differently in here, thicker but with deeper shade it seemed urging him on with its intensity. Not a single servant was around to deter his urgent errand as he headed through the eating area and through the hallways lined with doors. A sound stopped him in front of a familiar door and his heart leapt with hope as he realized that the sixth squad msut have returned early from their long patrol.

He threw the large door open in excitement, not realizing his own developing strength as the thick wood swung wide. The sights inside had him reeling backwards and watching in shock as the door bounced and slammed itself shut. He was nervously reaching to knock when it was pulled open and a hastily dressed Raidou stepped outside. Iruka's mind was running so fast that he began blurting out the first words that tripped off his tongue in his embarrassment.

"I didn't mean to, but I had to talk to you, and my dad told me about the soldier's way, but I really needed to talk to you, and…"

Raidou shushed him quickly recognizing the urgency in his squire's tone. "It's not something we run around talking about, and not something eyes as young as you should have been seeing. But, what's done is done. What did you need?"

Iruka looked at the closed door behind Raidou and bit his lip. "We need to talk in private, sir." He watched as the knight considered him for a second then nodded and reentered his room. "Come in then, this is as safe a place to talk as any nowadays." Iruka did so, desperately keeping his eyes off of Genma still lying on the bed while his clothes were scattered about the small room.

When he saw Iruka enter he swore while tossing a sheet over himself and glared. "I didn't think you'd be inviting the boy," he questioned his friend. "Don't you think he's a little young?"

"Hush," he was admonished quickly as Raidou pushed Iruka towards a chair and sat down on some free space on the otherwise occupied bed. "Tell me what's going on."

"I heard men," the boy explained with his red face turned towards the wall. "I heard men talking in the garden about Lady Isshin's movements and how to poison her. They didn't say the name, but that it was a long acting poison, that it would carry over to Minato since she was feeding him. They called him a monster, but I don't know why." Iruka straightened his shoulders and looked directly at the two men with fierce eyes. "They were also talking about other plans to kill him, things that hadn't worked," he said almost accusatorily.

He watched both men consider his words with carefully guarded expressions. Raidou was the first to speak. "Did they say when," he questioned smoothly.

"The one man ordered the other to put it into tonight's soup."

Genma stood without a care for the boy's eyes and started dressing. "Kakashi's squad has been working with these plots against the child," he mentioned while tying his braies and grabbing his shift from the floor. "I'll bring him." He didn't bother with shoes or doublet, but walked out as he was.

Raidou sighed in exasperation then turned back to Iruka. "You're sure you heard this right," he questioned. When Iruka nodded, he only sighed again and leaned back. "They won't stop until he's dead, will they?" He took a serious look at his squire. "I know you love the boy, but he is trouble to keep. Orochimaru seems to have turned the minds of the flimsy court nobles. They see him as a demon, or spawn of a demon. That's why they want to kill him. They think that the child has cast some curse on Sarutobi that will not let him give his mark of approval to Orochimaru's possession of the northern lands, the ones he stole from Lord Minato."

Iruka nodded solemnly. He knew the bare bones of the story, but Raidou seemed willing to tell him details that were not always allowed a 'child'; he kept quiet so as not to disturb the older knight's thoughts and words.

"When Minato married lady Kushina he ignored many long seated traditions and prejudices. She was a noble lady from a kingdom far to the east and north of us, a much colder place. The Fire kingdom had been at war with them for the longest time, and for reasons strewn with idiocy. They worship different gods over there, Iruka, and so everyone saw them as demon loving heathens."

"But Lord Minato married her. He was in love with her, I saw it!" Iruka protested.

Raidou nodded in agreement. "He was sent to her kingdom as an ambassador when they were younger and peace was being hinted at; that daring man offered himself up as a willing sacrifice to ease the path of alliance between our lands, anything as long as he got to marry his Kushina." Raidou chuckled. "I was a squire to one of his knights on that last trip, and the strong love he held for his lady was unmistakable. Lady Kushina was a perfect firebrand to keep our errant lord to form."

"But Orochimaru was against it," Iruka spoke again breaking his earlier resolve to stay quiet. He wanted words about the current situation not lovely reminisces of the past.

"Yes, he was against the marriage, the peace, Minato's ascension to the northern lands; everything. Unfortunately, he retains the king's ear, so when he raised an army to murder our lord, the nobles of the court ignored it. Minato was only an upstart northern baron, after all, and married to a heathen princess." Raidou stood and poured himself a drink from a nearby pitcher and swore. "That's why they died, why they all died so needlessly and why they want to kill the baby."

"But Lord Sarutobi won't accept him," Iruka prodded further.

"No," Raidou answered with a grim smile. "Sarutobi is still the overseer of all the lands above the Star River in this wide country. It was by his order that Minato took over lordship of the far north of the kingdom, a peninsula of our territory that bites into the mountain range, and it will only be by his proclamation that Orochimaru would ever be given the same position. It is soon to be a very important seat of government. You have heard of the kingdom on the other side of the mountains, yes?" Iruka nodded solemnly.

"Soon, our two kingdoms will meet in peace on a trade road created through mutual construction. That road passes through the northern fortress for merchant taxation. The lord in charge of that road will also hold the great power of diplomacy with the Mist kingdom and their riches. They have seaports, you'll recall, just beyond those formerly impassable mountains. The power and riches that will soon come to the holder of that seat was too tempting to such a snake as Orochimaru."

"But why kill little Minato, Raidou, why kill the baby. He can't inherit anything, and he's never hurt a soul!"

"He's a symbol, young Iruka, and a way to get at Sarutobi's heart and force him to accept Orochimaru's dominance. If he gets what he wants, he will leave the child alone."

"But even the peasants hate him now," Iruka yelled. "Orochimaru has poisoned them against him. Even if Lord Sarutobi says yes, the people will try to kill him, won't they?" He stood in horror as memories from before the battle rushed through his mind.

"They see him as a demon, you said, because of what lady Kushina did." Iruka was blinking as memories rushed across his eyes. "Lord Minato allowed her a private temple. My mom and the other ladies were there and so was I. She lit candles and prayed for her baby to receive blessings. I didn't recognize the picture above the altar." He looked at his commander with wide eyes.

"Her people have long worshipped a god known as Kyuubi, a fox of fire that rules their cold land. Did you ever see her hair?" Raidou watched with pride as his smart little squire put all the pieces together."

"Red," Iruka said softly. "Her hair was as red as fire."

"A respected color where she came from, but seen as a sign of witchcraft here."

They were both quiet for a time until Iruka once more raised his head. "Would Orochimaru ever stop?"

"No, Iruka, Orochimaru will not stop. He will cause a war, and we will be forced to fight to protect what we love; in your case, that small child."

Iruka was about to say more when Genma opened the door. "Kakashi and his squad are nowhere to be found. They've most likely hidden themselves around the castle. I've alerted Sarutobi's guards and they are quietly taking steps. Lady Isshin will be sequestered along with the child." The knight stopped speaking as he watched Iruka run out. "What's his problem?"

"I gave him the reasons Orochimaru is using to threaten war. He has a lot to think about."

"And not so pretty of a life ahead of him, if the latest information is good. I heard a snippet of rumor from the latest western patrol; Orochimaru has begun gathering his troops."

To Be Finished in Chapter 6 - Blood on the Floor and An Ending

A/N: So wow. After a year or more of silence I break down and finish editing this. I'm amazed at myself, but determined to finish this and others of my stories! Imma DO IT! Thank you all for continuing to read and support me with your reviews even after this long time. My daughter just turned 4, my son is soon to be 6, my GPA took a .6 drop this last semester, and my work has stuck me in the back area doing insurance and lab all day. I love my life and my fandoms XD

*HUGS TO YOU ALL*