Chapter 6:
Hotohori smirked a little, dexterously avoiding Menesku's blade as he vaulted away and fell into a crouching position a little away from his shogun.
"All that practice in the battlefield and you are still slow." Hotohori teased.
Menesku chuckled" What can I say my lord? None of the men I sparred with were a challenge."
He whirled and locked his blade with Hotohori. Sparks flew as none were ready to step back. Both were breathing heavily trying to push the other back.
"My lord "Menesku panted, a trickle of sweat making its way down his forehead "I am sorry."
Hotohori raised an eyebrow "For what?"
"For this!"Menesku abruptly eased some of the pressure he was applying; almost simultaneously his free arm shot out and dug rather heavily into Hotohori's solar plexus.
Hotohori gave a very undignified grunt and stumbled back barely managing to block Menesku's attacks. From being aggressive, he was suddenly forced to be defensive.
"That was …low." Hotohori panted successfully blocking one of Menesku's more vicious attacks.
"Yes, it was." Menesku admitted chucking, pushing Hotohori back even more "But it got the work done."
"I suppose." Hotohori grinned blinking of the salty sweat that trickled into his eyes "But will it answer?" His eyes flickered red for a second "I think not."
He concentrated. Suddenly his sword was nothing more than blue lighting; bending to obey his every whim .His sword very lightly kissed Menesku's sword and at the next instant Menesku's sword had flown out of his strong grip and embedded itself into a column at the other side of the room; still vibrating slightly from the impact.
"I will never get over this "Menesku studied the blade with a disgruntled look "How do you manage to do that every time we spar?"
Hotohori sheathed his sword "Sheer talent my friend, sheer talent "
They were standing in one of the spacious sheds that was built in the middle of one of the clear blue lakes that surrounded the royal palace of Konon .A narrow intricately carved bridge joined this shed with the land .The view from the shed was quite spectacular as it gave a full three hundred and sixty degree view of the lake; which was hemmed in at all sides by cherry blossom trees .It was Hotohori's private retreat .The place where he came when he wished to think or to practice with his sword. It was also the place where he held his ritual spars with his closest friend, Menesku. But ever since Menesku took the responsibility of being the shogun, their spars had become less and less. Menesku was always away at the front and he was always busy with the affairs of the state. This was the much-needed respite they both required.
Hotohori took the clean linen cloth carelessly flung over the railing and carefully wiped his face. There was a thin sheen of perspiration over his body giving him a golden glow .His black hair clung to his forehead and fell in a disarrayed manner over his shoulders.
He turned toward Menesku. "So tell me Menesku, how is Lady Hikari?"
"Aunt Hikari is quite all right "Menesku shrugged pulling out the sword and sheathing it," But Aunt Hikari is not what you want to talk about now, is it?"
"You are correct, as usual "Hotohori smiled a little "I wanted to talk about the lore of the miko."
"Oh that." Menesku said quietly.
"I have been having this strange feeling since today morning "Hotohori raked a hand through his hair giving it a somewhat genteel appearance "I am having this feeling in my gut that something is going to happen today."
"Something is going to happen today!" Menesku said grimly "Need I remind you my Lord that today is the council meeting with your advisors regarding the military budget. That is the reason we had to postpone our departure to the front."
"Oh, now I remember why I am feeling so queasy today. "Hotohori sighed.
"It is going to be difficult to sanction more funds for the army, granted that we are already spending more on it than we can afford "Menesku sighed "Still, when you go to the front you will see that it is all very necessary .The solders need new uniforms and arms, and all dues have to be paid. After all many have these soldiers have many mouths to feed."
"That was inspiring Menesku .Was that part of your speech?"Hotohori asked.
"No .My speech is much more passionate .I guarantee that it will bring tears to your eyes." Menesku said grimly.
"I would suggest that you prepare one that has more facts and figures .In other words I want it to be long and boring!"
"I could do that. But are you sure that you want to sleep through the entire proceedings?"Menesku smiled a little.
"Menesku, allow me to tell you the reason. Lord Kaze has decided to grace us with his presence for today's discussion."
"Eh? What could he possibly want?"Menesku could not hide his irritation "I heard that he recently took a fifteen year old wife .Has he tired of her already?"
"Well, he did marry recently .A girl young enough to be his granddaughter "Hotohori frowned, unable to contain his displeasure "More likely his wife is tired of him now! Still do you not know why he will come?"
"To oppose everything that I say, naturally! "Menesku shrugged.
"He will speak of diverting money from the military funds into agriculture, development of roads, education, which by the way I know is very necessary for a country to progress... "Hotohori sighed," Yes, I understand that this war is pushing back the development of our country by God knows how many years, still we cannot lessen our military might."
"That is true "Menesku agreed.
"But he doesn't mean a thing of what he says .His hypocrisy irritates me "Hotohori growled "The only reason he does this is to put as many problems as he can in your path, thereby constantly reminding me of my immaturity! I don't know what my father was thinking when he put him in the council!"
"He is harmless .He is merely angry that you made me shogun instead of him."
"He is ancient. I am convinced that he has forgotten how to hold the sword! And besides the only reason he wanted that particular position was because of the perks associated with it!"Hotohori said irritatibly.
"What perks?"Menesku asked, "The only perk I received is the psychotic general of Kutou breathing down my neck!"
Hotohori chuckled "Enough of this .Let us head back to the palace .I need to get clean and prepare for the evening!"
Menesku was looking at the bridge "We have a visitor!"
Hotohori looked at the approaching solider with mounting anger .It was an unwritten rule that when he was here he was not to be disturbed on any account.
"I know him."Menesku said as the person came closer "It is Captain Aoi."
The solider came and knelt down in front of Hotohori, raising his fisted hand to touch his heart "My lord "
Hotohori looked at the man .It was quite clear that he had ridden hard .His Armour was dusty and his hair was matted with dust and sweat .If he could not even wait to make himself presentable to the emperor, then it must indeed be urgent. Hotohori curbed his anger and smiled graciously "You may rise."
The solider rose .He bowed again "Thank you my Lord."He paused." My Lord and general Menesku ", he bowed a little to Menesku who bestowed on him the smallest of unsmiling nods.
"In the forest only a days journey from the capital we apprehended the brother of the traitor Tankana." Aoi spoke "But he was not alone."
"Indeed. Go on."Hotohori folded his arms in a forbidding manner.
"He was there with a girl."Aoi spoke "She was most strangely attired .She wore a kimono unlike any other in the land ...and her footwear. We are not sure my Lord, but she could be a witch…"
Hotohori's lips were pursed in a straight line "And where are these two now?"
"We could not risk leaving them outside." Aoi paused "So we immediately transferred them to the prisons. At present they are in the dungeons "
"Hmm"Hotohori's eyes were hooded "You may go now. Rest yourself."
Aoi bowed. Then he executed a sharp turn and walked away stiffly.
"A strangely attired girl "Hotohori smiled a little "Could it be?"
"Well there is a definite possibility that she could be the miko of the legend, but then again, she could be a witch."Menesku chewed his lips.
"Let us go to my chambers."Hotohori had already started to walk towards his chambers "I have something to show you."
Hotohori's chambers were empty except for the flower girl who was arranging fresh flowers in the vase. Hotohori signaled her to leave. When she had taken her leave Hotohori went inside his bedchamber and brought out an intricately carved cedar wood box. He laid the box on the table and eased its lid open. Very delicately he brought out an article.
"Look at this Menesku "He eagerly presented the article to Menesku.
It was a photograph, frayed and burnt around the edges and the color seemed to be a little dull. Still it showed seven people surrounding a strangely attired girl smiling at them.
"What manner of paper is this?"Menesku's voice was awed "And the picture…it is so lifelike!"
"I know. It is called a pho-to-graph. The truth is that no artist painted this picture .It was taken with the help of an instrument called the ca-mee-ra. The miko brought from her own world."Hotohori seemed like a boy whose birthday had come early "And these are the seven seishis. Tamahome. " His finger moved over the respective seishis as he said their name aloud "Tasuki, Chichiri, Mitsukake, Nuriko, the small boy here is Chiriko, my great grandfather Hotohori the first …and this, is the maiden!"His finger stopped on the girl in the middle.
"What kind of kimono is that?"Menesku asked.
"Frankly, I don't know either. But we have a fair idea what a maiden may look like. We can go down to the dungeons and see for ourselves what this is all about "Hotohori put the photograph back in the box and clasped it shut" Grandma gave this to me before she died .She said the picture belonged to my great grandfather."
"And what do you intend to do with the other one?" Menesku asked quietly.
"Who? Tankana's brother?"Hotohori was silent for a while.
Then he spoke "Is it alright to damn the entire family for one man's deed?"
"So, You intend to be merciful" Menesku remarked.
Hotohori did not answer immediately. When he spoke his voice was kind "Aoi told us that the girl was with him .We will ask him about the girl because it seemed that there was no animosity between the girl and the boy. Maybe he could tell us more about her. And yes I intend to be merciful."
Menesku lowered his head ' I hope you will not regret your kindness sir '
He stood up "Let us go to the dungeons then my Prince "
"Not yet "Hotohori raised his hand "I am sweaty, smelly, disordered…I refuse to be presented to a lady looking like a ruffian. Get yourself clean and meet me here in half an hour."
Menesku rolled his eyes but refrained from saying anything .He bowed a little "As you wish my Lord "
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Lee sniffed wiping her face on the now dirty sleeve of her dress. She looked around the damp cell despair seizing her. Yesterday after they had knocked Faraco out she had been gagged and her hands were tied behind her back. Gingerly she rubbed the raw spot .Her whole body ached. Thrust like a sack of potatoes over a horse galloping at full speed was not her ideal way of traveling. On top of that she was blindfolded, so she did not even know where she was headed. Not that it would matter anyway. Still, the only time her blindfold was removed was in this room. And even though she was glad to have steady earth under her foot, this was one place didn't want to be. Looking at the solid door Lee felt her stomach knot uncomfortably. What would happen to her now? Where was Faraco? She felt sick with worry.
Suddenly she heard a heavy thud outside her door .She seized the thing nearest to her to use as a weapon, which happened to be very beaten water jug .She could see the key turn in the lock and then the door swung open. Faraco stood at the doorway. Startled Lee dropped the jug.
"What? How ?"She struggled to believe it was really he and not an apparition.
"Lee, come" His voice was urgent.
The spell broke.
Lee almost wept with joy "Faraco!"She rushed forward "Are you alright?"
Faraco waved his hand "Forget that. Lets get out of here!"
Lee nodded .In the flickering torchlight of the dungeon she saw the fresh bruises on Faracos face, the dried blood that was still matted with his dirty hair, and his tunic appeared more tattered than before.
She stopped "Are we in the royal palace of Konon?"
"Actually we are in its dungeons in case you have not noticed, "Faraco came and caught her hand "Lets move Lee "
Lee felt like a foolish spy, hiding in the shadows, creeping past the solders .Her eyes fell on the ugly bruise on Faraco's cheek. Faraco did not deserve this. He was one of the nicest persons she met in this world and he was being hunted like some wild beast. She would not allow that! They had emerged into a cheerful garden. She bit her lips and steeled her resolve. She was from the real world... so, she was the miko .If she could find the emperor she could …Why the emperor will grant Faraco a full pardon if she agreed to be the miko. That was the least she could do for him.
"Faraco. We have to see the emperor."She pulled back Faraco
"Chee I am sorry to say this but the emperor does not allow escapee prisoners audience with him." Faraco said sarcastically.
"But I have to speak to him!"Lee stamped her foot "If only I could speak to him I am sure that I could solve our problems!"
Faraco's voice was bitter "Lee, you presume too much."
"But you don't understand!"Lee began. "What the hell is that infernal racket?"
There was a constant pealing of a gong at a distance.
"That racket indicates that a prisoner has escaped from the dungeons. "Faraco said through gritted teeth "The escapee prisoners just happens to be us! Let's move it Lee. This place will be swarming with soldiers in a few moments."
Suddenly Lee felt a strange pull inside her
"This way "She dragged Faraco with her.
They stopped in front of a large door .Lee pushed it open .She felt a strange sensation of peace.
"Let's go in!"She pulled Faraco inside "We will be safe here!"
Faraco took a moment to close the doors and then turned towards Lee. He gulped. They were standing inside a very spacious room. Fires burned in small braziers casting a multitude of dancing shapes on the walls .The air was heavy with the perfume of incense .Lee was standing in front of a huge statue of a Phoenix staring at it. Looking at the statue Faraco a strange religious awe .It was almost as if the Phoenix would suddenly spread its wings and take off in a whirl of scarlet, fire and gold.
' Shit!'Faraco swore ' The temple of Suzako .The one place in the entire palace they should not be '
"Lee "He walked towards her with long purposeful strides "This is the temple of Suzako .We can't ...mustn't stay here! Why the hell did you drag me here in the first place anyway?"
Lee was gazing at the statue ' this was what I saw in the library .It was Suzako .I really am in the world of the four Gods.'
Faraco's voice brought her back .Why had she come here? She did not know… She just felt drawn to this place by some invisible force.
"Lee!"Faraco jerked Lee's hand "Lets go!"
He stiffened .He could hear light footsteps approaching the shrine.
Lee noticed Faraco had stiffened and had unconsciously taken a defensive posture.
"What is wrong Faraco?"Lee laid a gentle hand on his arm.
"Go hide!"Faraco ordered in a harsh whisper
"But!"Lee opened her mouth to argue
"Just go."
Lee nodded and hid behind the statue.
Faraco tensed, as the footsteps stopped outside the door .He could smell them. There were two of them. Good. Then he might be able to overpower them. The door swung open.
"And who are you?"
The question came from one of the men currently standing at the doorway. Faraco looked at him .He had long black hair tied carelessly into a high ponytail.
"I believe that he is one of the prisoners who just escaped "
Faraco flinched and turned towards the source of the sound .He gulped .The second man had sharp gray eyes and a really hostile smell.
"There was a girl with you. Where is she?" The gray-eyed man spoke again, his voice cold and sharp.
'Lee? Are they talking about Lee? What do they want with her?' Faraco frowned.
"I don't know." He tried to act calm.
"You are lying "The gray eyed man spoke in chilling accents.
"Now Menesku, don't frighten him "The black haired man tried to soothe the gray eyed man.
'Menesku! As in the General Menesku! Oh boy! I am in trouble ' Faraco nervously licked his chafed lips ' Still I cannot tell them where Lee is. Seeing her strange apparel they will probably think that she is the maiden. If she is the maiden then everything will be fine…But she isn't, then...' Faraco's face hardened with new found determination ' I can't let anybody harm Lee! She doesn't deserve it!'
The black haired man turned toward him and smiled .His smile was disarming and warm .At another time Faraco would be hard pressed not to smile back .Now he merely growled.
"Please calm down."The black haired man spoke .His voice was pleasing "We only want to talk."
' This is not going to help! Soon there are going to be more solders here!'Faraco balled his fists into a tight ball ' If I distract them, then Lee might be able to slip away. At least that way she will be safe.'
"The time for talk is over. "Faraco growled.
"What the...?" the black- haired one stepped back surprised.
Menesku merely smirked at the snarling panther that was now standing where Faraco was standing not a minute ago.
"A shape shifter!"His voice was brooding as he uncoiled the sash around his waist to function as a whip. "Let's see what you've got. "
"But please don't kill him." Hotohori whispered to him
With a growl the panther launched at them. They jumped out of the way and landed gracefully on either side of the room .At the same time Menesku's gray sash forked out like a serpent's tongue. There was a dull wish and a sharp crack as the makeshift whip struck the already dull coat of the beast. Faraco let out a roar of pain and lunged at Menesku. Menesku merely leapt out of the way his whip again finding soft skin.
"Stop it!"
All the combatants stopped to turn their heads towards the young girl standing in front of the statue of Suzako.
"Let him go!"She was shaking.
'Lee you fool!' Faraco snarled 'Why the hell did you come out? I was trying to protect you!'
"Let him go!" Lee yelled .She couldn't bear to see Faraco hurt .Her whole body started to glow red, her lovely copper brown hair flew in the sizzling energy that surrounded her .For a moment it seemed as if the entire temple was bathed in a red glow as Lee levitated a little above the ground in that strange light, the sign of Suzako appeared on her forehead…then everything stopped!
The light vanished and Lee fell .The black haired man jumped up and caught her in his arms
"She is unconscious " He remarked peering a little into her tired and pale face.
For once Menesku appeared to be out of countenance .He gulped " She is the Miko?"
Faraco transformed back into his humanoid form .He still couldn't believe what he saw.' So, she really is the miko! I was right!'
Then he saw the black haired man holding Lee in his arms .A wave of protectiveness surged inside him
"Let her go. " He snarled.
"If I let her go she will be dumped unceremoniously on the floor .Do you really want that?"The black haired man argued.
Grudgingly, Faraco accepted that what the man spoke was true.
"Enough of this foolishness."The man spoke again. "The lady needs to sleep .You… "He looked at Faraco "You will get cleaned .The doctors will see to your wounds .The royal tailors will supply you with the necessary set of clothes. I expect to see you in an hour. Menesku will assist you "
With that he turned and walked out Lee still in his arms.
"Hey!" Faraco made a move to follow them but found him being restricted by an iron grip on his arm.
His brown eyes met Menesku's frigid gray ones.
"Where do you think you are going?"
Okay… Menesku was creeping him out.
"The lady will be perfectly safe."Menesku informed him in artic accents "And you will do exactly as you were ordered."
"And why would I obey anybody?"Faraco jerked his hand away.
"Because that anybody just happens to be the Emperor of Konon.".
"You mean the other guy was the emperor?" Faraco gulped " As in Prince Hotohori?"
"I did not know that there were any other Prince Hotohoris "Menesku's firm lips twitched a little."So do you have a name or must I call you boy?"
Faraco glared at Menesku "I have a name. It is Faraco."
Menesku face hardened "Faraco. "He repeated the name in his mind "You are Tankana's brother!"
For some reason Faraco found it hard to meet Menesku's gray eyes .His face was very pale "Yes I am!"He replied almost defiantly "So what?"
Menesku looked at his downcast face, the half starved body, the tattered clothes, and the bruises. The boy had been in hiding for over a month, evading some of his best men, the boy must be skillful; still it must have been unpleasant to be hunted! He concluded that Faraco was about seventeen years old. That was old enough to go to war .He also understood that Faraco had idolized his older brother and the disillusionment he suffered was more than any torture that could be inflicted upon the boy .He gave a cynical smile. War is always about disenchantment…
"Faraco, before you decided to escape Lord Hotohori had decided to overlook your families tarnished reputation and give you a second chance. You have been presented with that opportunity again. Do not make him regret his kindness. "Menesku's voice was sharp but it was not as cold as before.
Faraco raised his head, his eyes held tinge of frightened hope. "Do you speak the truth ?"
Menesku raised an eyebrow "You shall hear it presently, from his own mouth."
He turned to go "Come "
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