NO FLAMES PLEASE! IF YOU DON'T LIKE THIS YOU DON'T HAVE TO READ IT, NO ONE IS MAKING YOU! IN DOING THAT YOU WASTED MINUTES OF YOUR LIFE THAT YOU'RE NOT GOING TO GET BACK, WHICH YOU COULD HAVE SPENT READING SOMETHING YOU DO LIKE. IF YOU DISLIKE THIS THERE ARE PLENTY OF OTHER FICTIONS TO READ.
Welcome all to the third chapter of The Scarlet Emperor. While I was trying to work on this, I was beating off plot bunnies. I never knew that plot bunnies are such vicious creatures. All them were assaulting me with ideas for the Good Samaritan and another couple of story which I have been planning in my head but won't get round to writing just yet, because two at the same time is enough.
Now this story was supposed to end at chapter three, but as usual the best laid plans of mice and men rarely come to fruition so this story will be as long as it needs to be.
This how the nobility is structured in this story:
Emperor and the imperial family.
Duke/Duchess - One per province.
Marquis/Marchioness - Two per province.
Earls/Countess- Four per province
Viscount/Viscountess - Five per province
Baron/Baroness - Six per province
Lords/Lady
Knights
Gentlemen
I don't own the Finder series or any of its characters.
Chapter 3 – The Road to Komaru Pass
Akihito stood in the courtyard of the governor's residence waiting for the emperor to finishing conversing with some of his men, he looked around for Byakuya when he'd arrived but he hadn't seen him. Asami had chosen to remain in the governor's mansion for the time being. It was in a good defensive position, on top of a hill and with a fast running river on one side. Akihito had heard that the emperor had received invitations from the local nobility to stay with them. However he had declined, stating that in the governor's residence he felt closer to his ordinary subjects, and welcomed the opportunity to see the reforms to the civil services he had instigated for himself. He did however inform them that when he was next on progress he would make sure to visit them. Which made some of the nobles groan because they all know just how expensive it is to cater to royalty when there are on a royal progress.
Asami's message also reminded the nobles that they may have the bloodlines and the titles, but he had two things they didn't have. First he had the armed forces, the numbers of the imperial army and navy outstrip anything the nobles have and second he has the people. Asami Ryuichi the Tenth has an innate ability to connect with the common people. In a way that has never been seen before. The people feared him but at the same time loved him. He was a man, who like his famous ancestor united a divided people, brought law and order where there had been chaos and bloodshed, he worked to improve the lot of the common people. The people did not want a return to the days of civil war. As long as he continued to successfully temper his cruelty with charity they would stand with him. As a ruler the Scarlet Emperor wields an iron fist in a velvet glove.
Asami turned to face Akihito and Akihito bowed "Your majesty"
"Takaba- san I hope you have good news for me?"
"I have news for you majesty whether it is good is down to you your majesty"
Asami looked up at the sky and shaded his eyes "Let's go inside Takaba-san." They made their way flanked and followed by Asami's personal guards. As he passed people parted and bowed in deference. Takaba hated to admit it but the emperor had an indefinable superiority. It lay in nothing that he said or did. It was just simply there. And worse of all Akihito found that he couldn't even hate him for it. It was just such a natural part of him. They made their way to the governor's study "I imagine that Ichihara will be glad to see the back of me of me."
"I'm sure that is not true your majesty."
Asami threw back his head and laughed "I've commandeered his study, his rooms and I'm causing a fair amount of disruption to otherwise well run administration. Ichihara is good and capable man, but he hasn't the courage to tell me I'm being a nuisance, few men would. Did you get in contact with Tora?"
"In a manner of speaking yes. I got in contact with one of his group, who happens to be based in the Rookery." The Rookery of any city or town was for no better the word the slum district. The buildings were all dense packed together, back to back, haphazardly packed on top of each other. The streets are narrow, twisting and dark. Rubbish and filth line them. You live in the Rookery because you can't afford to live anywhere else, or because you've fallen and there is no place lower to fall to. The Rookery in Harakeen also formed the red light district. Just like its siblings in other town and cities. It's a place rife with crime and where ever predilection is catered to no matter how sordid. "That is a dangerous place to venture to Takaba san."
"Well being 'The One Who Loves People' has its advantages, plus I called in a favour. Tora does know that you're in Rokuhara and he will meet with you, but you must come to him." Akihito paused he waited for the invertible objection, the sound of disgust of being dictated to by a commoner. When it didn't come Akihito continued "If you want to meet Tora, we must get to Komaru pass, from there will be escorted to Tora. We have four days from tomorrow to get there"
"We?"
"Yes I'm to accompany you, I'm to guide you to the pass. I've already planned the route" Akhito handed to the emperor a scroll with his planned route on it.
"How long will it take to reach Komaru Pass?"
"From here it'll take three days, the extra day is helpful, these mountain areas have bad and unpredictable weather. If we are not there by sundown on the forth they will presume that we have decided not come. I would also request that a messenger bird is sent to Marquis Samehada at Black Rock so that we'll be able to spend the second night there. "
"I see." Said Asami sounding a little lost in thought "When do you want to leave?"
"Dawn tomorrow your majesty."
"Then I will make the necessary arraignments. Is there a stipulation on how many men I can bring?"
"No but I would say that too large a party would slow us down. And Komaru Pass is extremely narrow a small force could hold back an army in it."
"I understand, Takaba san why don't you spend the night the here?"
"Unfortunately I cannot sire, I have to make arrangements to cover for my absence at Sanctuary. If there are any problems with the route please contact me."
"No matter then." Said the emperor with a smile "Now I'm sure you'd like to see Byakuya before you go."
Akihito was escorted outside to a spot on the riverbank, there was Byakuya with another man in the livery of the Emperor's personal guard giving Byakuya an archery lesson. Byakuya took aim and hit the target, Akihito applauded and Byakuya looked up. The boy looked at the man and said something, Byakuya handed him the bow, ran up to Akihito and threw his arms around Akihito who hugged him back. They sat on the grass watching the swift water if the river flow by. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you what was going to happen or say goodbye it all happened rather fast." Said Akihito nervously.
"It's ok Aki-nii it not like you could say no. And I know you just wanted to help me and you have. After meeting you getting to serve my lord is the next best thing that has happened to me. I mean truthfully how far in life would I have really have gotten? I was at the bottom of the pile. I still am at the bottom of the pile, but it's a much better pile than I was in before. I'm not mad, I'm grateful." Said Byakuya.
Akihito breathed a sigh of relief he was prepared to live with Byakuya hating him, but he'd hoped that he wouldn't have to. "Ambitious aren't you?"
"Unashamedly so, but my lord says that ambition is a double edged sword. It can build you up but it can bring you down to, so you must walk the middle ground."
"So you're getting on alright then?" Akihito looked at the livery Byakuya wore, it was the same black and dark red of the emperor's personal guard.
"Yes." The boy said with a smile "Well once we get back the capital all those stuck up court nobles and their servants I'm sure well have something to say, but I don't care. This my opportunity I'm not giving it up." Byakuya blazed with determination.
"And you're being treated well?"
"Very so stop worrying, let me tell you what happened after we left Sanctuary."
FLASHBACK.
Asami and his entourage rode into the courtyard of the governor's residence. Asami dismounted Shadow and lifted Byakuya down, Asami began to walk toward the entrance to the main building, and he looked over his shoulder "Keep up Byakuya." Byakuya scrambled up the steps after Asami. As they made their way along the corridors Byakuya couldn't help but turn his head left to right, his eyes were as big as dinner plates trying to take in as much of his new surroundings as possible. The richly decorated though outdated interior of the governor's mansion was an eye opener for Byakuya. He knew that people lived like this, but people like him would never actually got to see it. He looked at the broad back of the man whose wake he was following 'If this is the way a governor lives, what must an emperor live like?'
The emperor threw open a pair of double doors, he walked into his commandeered study, sat down and put his feet up. "Fetch Hinamori and leave us." He said to his guards. The men filed out the room leaving Asami and Byakuya alone "Come here." Said Asami and he motioned with his hand "Closer." Byakuya approached slowly, cautiously. "Do you know why I picked you?"
"No your majesty."
"My lord. All my personal staff refer to me as my lord. Now do you know I picked you?"
"No my lord."
"Better. Well firstly I made a deal with Takaba san in exchange for certain information I agreed to take you into my household. We both agreed that I could do more for your future. What was done was done in your best interests, you do understand that don't you Byakuya?"
"Yes my lord." Said the boy solemnly. Byakuya is nothing if not a realist. He knew when an opportunity came along you had to seize it with both hands, before some else did however he wished he had got the chance to say good bye to Akihito. As it was more than likely he would never see him again.
"The second reason is that you're a nonentity. I don't mean it as an insult, what I mean is that unlike my previous page you have no connection to any noble house or clan. You have no division of loyalty, you have no one to spill secrets to."
"What happened my lord to my predecessor?"
"He had unfortunate accident on the way to Kessel, his horse threw him and he hit his head on a rock. I expect total loyalty, in turn I am loyal to my men and reward them accordingly, providing they have the ability and the inclination to apply. Your intelligent and ambitious, but be careful ambition is a double edged sword. It can raise you up or bring you crashing down."
Before Byakuya could reply there was knock at the door "Enter Ryuzaki Byakuya meet Hinamori Gin." Byakuya looked up at the pleasant faced older boy who had a dusting of freckles across his nose. "Gin, Byakuya is to be my new page. Which should please you to no end, as you no longer have to do two jobs. I want you to instruct him in his duties and look after him. Find him somewhere to sleep, he'll have to wear his predecessor's clothes until we can get him some of his own. And go see Suoh have him draw up a training schedule, it'll have to be mostly physical than academic that'll have to wait until we get back home." Asami got to his feet and looked down at Byakuya "You'll be worked and worked hard. So I hope you're not afraid of hard work are you?" A small smile crept across his lips.
Byakuya grinned back "Not at all my lord."
END OF FLASHBACK.
"Byakuya."
"Yes?"
"Can you make me a promise?"
"What is it?"
"This will probably never happen, but if you ever feel you have to choose between me and the emperor promise me you'll pick the emperor."
Byakuya looked at his older brother figure in total confusion "What? That would never happen!"
"Anything in life is possible. And I know that the chances of some conflict between me and him occurring are miniscule. But I want you to promise me anyway, no house has room for disloyal servants. I love you like a little brother and I want the best for you. I want you to have chance to change your so called fate, that's why I made a deal with his majesty. So please make me this promise and stick to it no matter what."
"Is that really what you want?"
"Yes. You're a survivor Byakuya, promise me you will do what you have to do secure your own safety and your survival. Even if it means you have to turn your back on me."
"All right if it's what you want. I swear. I swear to be loyal to my lord. And that my loyalty to him will come above loyalty to anyone else."
Akihito yawned and rubbed his eyes, he's accustomed to early starts but he'd only ever gotten up before dawn on a handful of occasions. There was a brisk north wind blowing. Akihito hoped that the emperor and his men would be ready to leave without delay. Any delay would put them behind schedule. The first night they would spend on the road but the second would be spent at the home of Marquis Samehada Dan, from who they had received word via messenger bird that he would be glad to receive them. This was not a prospect that filled Akihito with any amount of pleasure. Samehada is as slippery as an eel. Then there was his eldest daughter Rangiku, who no doubt would be trotted out by her father like some prize winning pony to be displayed in front of the emperor. Lady Samehada Rangiku is beautiful and in possession of a large dowry. Akihito knew the perfect word to describe her, it's usually only used inside a kennel. When they were children she got her brothers to throw Akihito in a pig sty. Her exact words were "If you want associate with peasants you should smell like one."
Akihito shook his head, he had better things to think about than that harpy in human skin. When he reached the governor's mansion he found Asami and his men including Byakuya all ready to go. The route that he selected cut out the main roads, instead they would travel cross country. Kessel is a region comprised of moorlands, mountains and coast. It's as beautiful as it is harsh. They rode hard and fast, stopping only to eat and rest the horses.
Yesterday Asami looked over maps of the area, studying the route Takaba Akihito had planned and he noticed that the route would take them right past Alizgarth the family seat of the Takaba clan. Asami wanted to know more about Akihito, in fact he wanted to know everything. He wanted know what exactly went into to creating this most unique of individuals. And home is one of the forces in life that shapes use the most. Asami had found out that Alizgarth had burned to the ground not long after Akihito's father had died. Akihito had transferred the family documents to regional archives during the time his father was dying, and the very last of them of were shipped to archive the day before the fire.
The first day's ride was uneventful, as they rode past Alizgarth, Asami got his first look at the castle. All that was left of Alizgarth were the double walls, along with the burnt out remains of the main keep and watch towers. Alizgarth itself was situated on a prominence, which overlooked a valley. The slope itself was covered in Alizarin trees, crowned in all their glory with rich red leaves. Making the ruin look like it was still on fire. Apart from a few shepherds grazing sheep there was little else to see. They had made camp on the edge of a small wood, Takaba had expected the guards to pitch an ornate tent for the emperor, but however the emperor unrolled a bedding roll and slept on the ground just like the rest of them.
When he awoke the next morning he couldn't see the emperor or Byakuya but since he could see about half of the twenty men that Asami had brought, he reasoned that they must be nearby and safe. Two of the guards were preparing breakfast, he offered to help but they say they could handle it. So he decided to go check on Tsuki. The white mare nuzzled his neck in greeting, she was getting old and he had been worried that she wouldn't be able to cope with the journey. But he needn't have worried. For Tsuki was just as proud as her owner and if horses could talk she would have told him she was not going to be out done by a bunch of cocky youngsters. Together horse and rider had set a punishing pace. Nevertheless no one complained not even Byakuya, for Asami and his men though the whole thing was reminiscent of their days fighting in the civil war. "Takaba-sama."
Akihito turned around "Hinamori-san." Hinamori Gin was seventeen, according to Byakuya had at one point been the emperor's page and that Hinamori-san was helping him learn his new duties, as well as helping him adjust to his new life. The former page had been promoted to the emperor's personal guard, and was the youngest member. "Takaba-sama my lord requests your presence."
"Of course lead the way."
Hinamori lead Akihito through the trees, Akihito couldn't see the other guards be he had no doubt that they were there. Akihito could hear the sound of running water, then they came to waterfall "My lord I've have Takaba-sama." Called out Hinamori. Akihito watched as the emperor who had been showering at the base of falls, dived into the water. Akihito turned his head and saw that Hinamori had disappeared 'I didn't even hear him leave.' Asami swam towards the bank and rose from the water like a denizen of the sea. Akihito noted the signs of past battles etched onto his body. He had burn scars, some scars that looked like they had been inflicted by arrows and blades. There was one long, thin scar that started just under his right pectoral and travelled all the way down to… "Takaba-san."
Akihito thoughts were broken "Yes, yes your majesty you wished to see me."
"Yes. I wanted to know if you still own Alizgarth and the land around it."
"Yes but you've seen for yourself it's a ruin, its completely uninhabitable."
"What happened?"
"There was a fire, no one knows how it started and thankfully no one was killed or seriously hurt."
"That is most fortunate indeed." Akihito may have a brilliant poker face but Asami could tell there was something he wasn't saying, that there was more to the burning down of his ancestral home that he letting on. "I want to buy Alizgarth from you."
"Buy it your majesty?"
Asami stepped closer to Akihito "Yes I want to buy it. I don't have permanent base in this part of the empire, with what has happened I want to change that."
"Your majesty doesn't need to ask…"
"Yes, I know you could just gift it to me but I wouldn't accept it. The money that you make from the sale would no doubt aid all your endeavours at Sanctuary. Plus it's your family home, you grew up there no doubt you have fond memories of the place. I won't force you to sell if you don't want to, just think about it we'll talk on the matter again later." The emperor smiled. A small smile. The type of smile that Akihito had seen before, it was one that said he was about to played with. In the same way a cat plays with a mouse. Akihito was surprised that he'd managed to hold a conversation with the man. He stood there unashamedly in all his glory and Akihito's brain was short circuiting, because he was thinking thoughts he shouldn't be thinking at all. Out of nowhere he felt Asami's hand brush his cheek "You look flushed Takaba-san." Asami's hand then moved to Akihito's forehead "Perhaps you have a fever"
Akihito knew that fire can burn, that so to can ice, and for the first time he discovered that flesh can also burn. How could one touch ignite that much feeling? A feeling that crashed upon him like a wave upon the rocks. It just seemed to have come out nowhere, but he knew that it was part of him, a part of him that had never been fully awoken. Desire was nothing new to him, nor were lovers for he had those in the past, but this feeling was something new. It was he hated to admit beyond anything he'd ever felt before. "Perhaps you need to cool down Akihito." Akihito felt Asami's other hand encircle his wrist. "Why don't you join me" Asami smiled this time flashing his teeth. Akihito thought that his knees would buckle. Asami's teeth were even, strong and white. They were the teeth of a relentless predator. Of a creature wolfish, carnivorous and untamed.
Asami took a step back into the water, drawing Akihito with him. "My lord, my lord, Kurosaki-san says that breakfast is ready." Said Byakuya as he came running towards them, in his arms were a fresh set of clothes for the emperor. Asami's hands away dropped away "Thank you Byakuya. You should go and get some breakfast Takaba-san." Asami turned his attention to Byakuya and Akihito walked back to camp. 'Being attracted to him doesn't mean anything! He's, well he's him! Who wouldn't be attracted to him at least physically? He's bored that's all. He away from all those pretty ladies and gentlemen of the court, so he's having some fun at my expense. He just looking for something to pass the time. Well it won't be me! Nothing is going to happen I won't let it. And once he's got that into his head that'll be the end of that. What I feel doesn't matter its nothing I can't control.'
The party set out immediately after breakfast and rode towards the coast, by midday they could see the sea on the horizon, this was especially exciting for Byakuya because he had never seen the sea before, and couldn't wait to get a closer look. As they rested and watered the horses Akhito stole a glance at the emperor. The emperor hadn't said a word to him since their encounter earlier that morning. Whatever was going on with him Akihito firmly placed the blame on his majesty. Akihito knew it wasn't him, he knew that he couldn't seduce a rock let alone a human being, he wasn't brave enough to initiate first contact all his past lovers had come on to him. Those hadn't true love affairs they were a way for him exercise his curiosity, they were not built on any overwhelming or deep feeling. Maybe the emperor wasn't fully human, after all the Asami were said to be descended from a dragon and a god. Maybe it was because of the current situation that the emperor hadn't made another advance; not that it would be successful Akihito had decided firmly upon that. Anyway once they got to Black Rock the emperor would no doubt have his hands full with Lady Rangiku. Normally Akihito wouldn't have inflicted her on his worst enemy, but this was a special case. "Takaba-sama."
Akihito looked up "Yes Kurosaki san?" Kurosaki Kyo was a member of Asami's personal guard and wore the same black and dark red colours that Byakuya did. But of course he wore more in the way of body armour. The first time Akihito had met the man he was wearing a mask. By the time they had got onto the open road he removed, and Akihito now understood why he wore a mask. The mask covered his face leaving only his eyes exposed, but you could make out scars that ran from his forehead to underneath the mask. Kurosaki had scars that crisscrossed his face, it looked like he had been slashed repeatedly, and also part of his nose was missing. His mask no doubt protected him from all the stares and whispers he undoubtedly would receive. One other thing that Akihito had discovered about the man was that he told the dirtiest jokes that Akihito had ever heard (and he had heard good number of them), Akihito was informed by the other men that Kurosaki told the filthiest jokes between here and Edrin's Point. "What can you tell us about the Samehada family? The archive at the governor's mansion didn't have much on them."
Everyone turned their attention to Akihito "That's no real surprise, most clans will put as little information as possible in the public domain. I don't really know the family. The Marquis has been a widower for a few years now. He has five children, two sons and three daughters. We will most likely meet his eldest two children his son Sai and his daughter Rangiku."
"Do you like family Takaba-san?" Asked his majesty.
"Your majesty I don't know them well enough to like or dislike them."
Asami smirked "I see please carry on Takaba-san."
"The family is very young they have only been the incumbent rulers of these lands for some three hundred years. They are descended from pirates. I believe the original family died out and the Samehada were given the title as reward for services to the emperor. Black Rock is the family seat but most people know it as Shark's Tooth. You'll know why once we get there, Shark's Tooth occupies an island, when the tide goes out it's possible to ride out to the island." Akihito mused for a minute and then spoke again "The name Shark's Tooth is appropriate. I mean the family's name means 'Shark's skin', they use shark's as a motif in a lot of decoration, and the family emblem is a black shark on a grey background. There is one thing I know for sure just like Alizgarth and the Eyrie parts of Shark's Tooth aren't just built into or on top of the rocks, they are hewn from the rock itself. With Kessel and particularly Rokuhara being so mountainous its common practice."
They spent the rest of the day riding along the coastal roads. It was a grey day, the sky was nothing but a block of pale grey and an icy north wind was blowing. "We should be within sight of Shark's tooth soon." Called out Akihito. First all they could see was a shape, like the tip of a black spear. As they got closer and more of Shark's Tooth came into view, it became obvious how this fortress set in the sliver sea got its name. The island itself was little more than bare rock and shale beach, however it had a perfect natural harbour. Asami could make out at least one thick wall surrounding the fortress. There were several towers and buildings inside the wall, at the centre was one that stood head and shoulders above the rest. All of the structures were formed of the same dark stone, the tallest tower was cone shaped but the elements and human hands had worn away the rock, thus making the sides more curved. "I can see why they call this place Shark's Tooth." Said Byakuya, some of the others murmured in agreement.
"It can't be the easiest place to get supplies to." Commented Hinamori
"The sea is just as well stocked larder as the land." Replied Captain Touchi Hiro who at present the time was the ranking officer of the emperor's personal guard.
"You also can't forget its strategic significance." Said Asami. On a clear day such as this it was possible to see kingdom of Valaren. Which was ruled by the Arbatov family and the current ruler is King Mikhail the Second. The kingdom of Valaren and the empire do not have the easiest of relationships. At the moment both sides stick to an uneasy peace treaty. Shark's Tooth acts as a line of first defence/early warning in case of invasion. If Valaren's armed forces tried to invade by sea they would first have to deal with Shark's Tooth, the ships stationed there and those nearby. Asami turned to Akihito "Will we have to cross by ship?"
"No sire the tide has already began to go out, by sundown it should gone out completely and we'll be able to cross."
A little before sundown they rode out to Shark's Tooth. The party was greeted by Marquis Samehada Dan. He was narrow, thin, rather a gaunt looking man; who seemed to be devoid of any colour. His hair, skin, and eyes seemed to be nothing other than a dull grey. And when he smiled you got a good look at his teeth, which had been filed to a point. It was a family tradition of the Samehada clan for boys to have their teeth filed to a point.
Samehada cordially greeted Akihito, normally he would have just ignored Akihito but since he was part of the emperor's retinue he couldn't. Akihito returned the greeting with equally cold civility. Akihito's mother once told him that courtesy was a weapon. That it didn't matter what either side thought of each other, if one side treated the other with courtesy the other side must respond in kind. If they didn't they risked being seen poorly by polite society. The marquis had even deigned to smile at Akihito, who wished he hadn't besides the fact that the man's teeth crept him out, when Samehada smiled what little nose he had disappeared making him look even more like a shark.
As Byakuya was laying his lord's clothes out for dinner Asami asked him "What do think of Samehada?"
"I think he is a calculating man, a man who is looking to improve his family's station. I think he wants to be the next Duke of Kessel."
"And what do you base conclusion on?"
"The marquis has power, but I don't think he gets much in the way of actual respect. The other nobles respect his rank but not him. I don't think he likes Akihito nii-san much, he was polite but you could tell by the look in his eyes. Aki-nii may have the lower rank but he has a much older bloodline. The Samehada clan is a young dynasty and people have haven't forgotten that the Samehada's are the descendants of pirates. Plus they were gifted with the title, it wasn't theirs to begin with. And he did keep trying to press for details as to what we're doing in the area, and he kept offering his help."
Asami nodded and sat down on a stone window seat, that over looked the sea. Since wood was at a premium many of the objects, fixtures and fittings of Shark's Tooth were made of stone. So the majority of wooden items were imported, like the bed in Asami's room. "How could he become duke?" asked Asami. He watched as the wheels turned in Byakuya's head. Asami believed that asking questions and getting the boy to think for himself was the best way for him learn, just like with Gin he wasn't going to spoon feed the boy. "Well my lord he could marry into the Amasawa family, the current duke does have a six year old son. However that would mean that one of his descendants and not him would become duke, and that plan would take some time to come to fruition and I think don't Samehada-sama is that patient. Nevertheless if he could connect his family to the older and more powerful Amasawa it wouldn't hurt. Conquest isn't an option. The only other way I can think him for him to become duke would be for you to give him the title."
Akihito looked in the mirror and straightened his collar, though he had given up the trappings of nobility, he did still have some clothes that would pass muster in such exalted company. There came a knock at the door "Enter." A servant stepped into the room.
"Dinner is about to be served, please follow me Takaba-sama."
The great hall of Shark's Tooth was in the main tower, the Tooth itself. There was two large roaring fire places. The room was lit by torches and tall iron candelabra. The four great chandlers that hung from vaulted ceiling were made of bone, the stark white colour of them stood out against the dark stone. The windows were high, little more than arrow slits. The walls were hung with tapestries. Some depicting the sea god and his court, others depicted sea battles the proud victories of the Samehada. The long table that stood in the centre of the room was made of the wood of the most famous warship built by the Samehada – The Kraken. And everywhere you looked there was the shark, the symbol of the family in all its lethal grace.
Akihito sipped his wine and looked over the edge of his goblet. He'd been sat across from the emperor. The emperor himself was between the Marquis and his daughter the Lady Rangiku. Also present at dinner was the Marquis' second son, his Major Domo, his Castellan, Vice Admiral Sawashiro who was in command of the imperial naval squadron stationed nearby, Captain Touchi, the Dowager Marchioness Samehada Mai and her companion Konosuke Hinata. The Dowager Marchioness was one of those women that you may not like, but most certainly respect. Akihito was seated between the Vice Admiral and Konosuke san, though the Admiral proved to be a better conversationalist than Konosuke. But considering that companion is a weird position in a household, not a servant but not family either Akihito wasn't surprised she didn't say much. At the moment Akihito was watching as Lady Rangiku flirted shamelessly with the emperor, though he didn't seem to be responding it didn't deter her. Lady Rangiku is considered a beauty. One admirer wrote whole sonnets about everything from the taper of her waist to the perfection of her teeth. She was famed for her pale, flawless complexion, ice blue eyes and a wealth of blue black hair. Akihito knew from past experience that she may look pretty but she had foul temper. However he knew he wasn't being entirely fair to her. Her ideas and views were ingrained into her from childhood, they would considered the norm in the upper echelons of the nobility to which she belonged to. No child can help their upbringing or the ideas instilled into them during that time. However the sight of her flirting, that irritating high pitched voice and her showing off her cleavage in a very low cut gown was revolting.
However Akihito refused to let this display ruin his enjoyment of the meal and he ate wholeheartedly. The marquis' mistral provided during and after dinner entertainment. He sang ballads praising the skill and bravery of the men who had sailed the seas. Lady Rangiku also sang, her was a song that told the tale of a merman and human women who fell in love, then who both came to a tragic end. All the time Akihito caught himself stealing glances at the emperor. He'd seen plenty of men fall for the lady in question. Akihito studied the emperor's face looking for any sign of infatuation. However Asami's face remained inscrutable.
Before the emperor retired for the night he walked along the battlements, accompanied by Akihito and his guards who followed at a discreet distance. They walked along the stone walls, the full moon hung in the night sky like a giant pearl, and it cast its pale rays on all that lay beneath. They walked in silence, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks broke the silence. The silence unnerved Akihito a little, and when he gets nervous he rambles; however protocol forbids him from speaking first. "You don't like the Samehada do you Akihito?"
"I told your majesty I do not know them well enough to either like or dislike them."
"Akihito in the short time I have known you have spoken with complete frankness, I expect nothing else when I ask you a question. The looks passing between you and the Lady Rangiku would have scorched stone. Did the lady break your heart?"
"Not at all sire. She was a bully and still is by all account. I dislike bullies intensely. She and her brothers tried to intimidate me, however that didn't work"
"No?"
"No any attempt to immediate me just makes my courage rise. I don't like them but that doesn't give me the right to colour your view of them. Your mind is your own, it is your right to make your own decisions and to come to your own conclusions."
They walked once again in silence until the emperor spoke once more "What do you know of the Duchess Amasawa? What manner of women is she?"
"I know her rather well. He father and mine were close friends. She is kind hearted, a peacemaker, she has a strong sense of honour and duty. She would not have gone along with her husband's treachery."
"Not even for the possible advancement of her son to the position of the prince?"
"Not even for that. If there is any person in the world unmoved by ambition it is her." Akihito looked his emperor in the eye trying to determine as to the point of this line of questioning. But he couldn't read Asami's eye, he could see nothing beyond that smile, a smile like that of sleepy python. A smile that equal measure attracted him and frightened him. "That is quite a testimony, I ask Takaba-san because I wish to know what kind of regent she would make."
"Regent?"
"Yes her son is underage is he not?"
"So you will not…"
"No Takaba san I don't intend execute her or her child. Nor do I intend to deprive the boy of his inheritance. He'll forgive me killing his father sooner than he would deprivation of his inheritance. Plus all the best families have had at least one family member executed."
Asami strode back to his room. He found Takaba Akihito to a most unique and entertaining individual. He knew that all through dinner Akihito had been sneaking glances at him, no doubt he wanted to see if Asami fell for the obvious charms of Lady Rangiku. It was pity that events made a proper pursuit of Takaba difficult. And it would be a pursuit, Akihito may be attracted to him but it was plain to see that Akihito would not easily surrender. Akihito was a new and fascinating diversion. Asami had some many people, but none of them were like Akihito. He possessed a quite determination that had the ability to roar like a lion and make itself heard.
Perhaps when this was all over Asami would command Akihito's presence at court, and it would have to be a command. For Asami knew deep down anything less than a royal command would be unsuccessful. The thought of seeing Akihito matching wits and crossing verbal swords with his courtiers filled Asami with glee. And Akihito would be his territory, after all it is easier to mount a campaign in familiar territory. It then struck him he had the perfect reason to stay in Rokuhara – Alizgarth. Takaba would sell Asami was sure of that. He had a feeling that Akihito was more practical than sentimental, plus the money would aid his endeavours.
Asami decided that he himself would oversee the rebuilding of Alizgarth himself, of course Akihito's help would be needed so they would have to spend time together. Every noble residence had secret elements not listed in the official plans but known to the inhabitants. To fully restore the castle Akihito's help would be needed. Asami imagined the pleasing prospect of what would be; he could have simply commanded Akihito but he felt that there was little pleasure to be had in such a conquest.
Byakuya helped Asami to prepare for bed. "Will that be all my lord?"
"Yes you may go."
"My lord"
"Yes?"
"About your armour, your red armour."
"What about it?"
The boy shook his head and said "It's nothing my lord, goodnight."
Byakuya left. And Asami felt rather proud of the boy, few had worked out secret of his scarlet armour, and even fewer had tried to broach the subject. It was the events after the battle of Kastrate that cemented his reputation as the 'Bloody Bastard'. During the battle one of his allies switched sides, leaving Asami's forces outnumbered nearly three to one. Nevertheless Asami was victorious. The majority of the enemy fled the field. Those that didn't went on to wish they had. Asami had one in ten of the enemy troops killed and their blood collected. He then went on in full view of his captives to smear the blood of his amour. The majority of those soldiers went on to swear loyalty to Asami and joined his cause. The one that didn't were set free and carried the tale of what they had seen back with them. The sight of Asami in his scarlet armour terrified his enemies. It was said that some would rather commit suicide that give themselves up. It was said that he kept a supply of prisoners, and one was killed each day to maintain the amour's colour.
However if like Akihito, Byakuya and a few others you actually stopped and thought about those rumours you would soon realise that they are in part untrue. Even if one person was killed every day and the armour painted it would be impossible for it to retain its scarlet hue. The truth was that the armour had been painted with blood once and with red paint ever since. It suited Asami to let the rumours fly, it's what he wanted all along. Soldiers can be terrible gossips and he knew the tale of what he'd done would spread over the entire empire like wildfire. He wished for the love of his people, but he knew that for an emperor it is better to be feared than loved.
Akihito thought how lucky they were as the weather apart from it being horribly windy, the weather had been good. The sun was beginning to rise. The silhouette of the main tower of Shark's Tooth stood out in sharp contrast against the early morning sky. A ship took them from Shark's Tooth and they embarked on a beach. Once again they took to the road ridding hard. The whole of the Rokuhara region's northern sector is dominated by the Kierik Mountains. These mountains stretch all the way across the north of Kessel and continue till they reach coast in the west. Beyond these mountains is a large valley and beyond that is another mountain range which marks the border between the Asai Empire and kingdom of Valaren. There are roads that traverse the mountains, and smaller passes such as Komaru.
At around midday the party stopped to rest. They were now within sight of the Kierik mountains. "Takaba-san how much longer will it take to reach Komaru pass?" said Asami speaking to Akihito for the first time since they had left Shark's Tooth.
"We should reach the entrance to the pass in a few hours, where Tora's people will meet us. The pass itself is a narrow coastal road. It's hemmed in for the most part by rocks, but there is one especially dangerous section."
"What makes it so dangerous?"
"Your majesty the rock face disappears on one side, resulting in a rock wall on one side and a sheer drop on the other."
"I understand why you said that a small force could hold back thousands, according to the maps it's a perfect bottleneck. Where does it exit?"
"The pass brings you out on the other side of the Kierik Mountains."
The weather which had been good to them, but now threatened to turn against them as they made their way towards Komaru pass. Thick dark clouds began to roll towards them, blocking out the sun. The closer they got the more forbidding they looked. When they finally reached the entrance to Komaru pass it looked like something out of another world. Visibility was obscured due to dense mist, it was impossible to see more than few feet in front of you. The grey rocks were razor sharp and loomed above them, it looked as if at any minute the two sides would clash together and squash any unfortunate traveller that happened to be caught between them. "What now?" Asked Byakuya
Before anyone could answer him four pinpricks of light became visible in the gloom, steadily they grew brighter and bigger. And four men became visible, they wore dark grey cloaks with the hoods pulled down and their faces covered, the colour perfectly camouflaged them against the rocks. They each carried a quiver of arrows and a bow. But Asami and the other soldiers guessed rightly that they carried other weapons to, these men moved like warriors and they seemed perfectly at home in harsh terrain. They each carried a staff from which hung a lantern, one of them had a falcon perched on his arm. "I'm…"
"Takaba Akihito we know who you are." The man nodded at two of his companions and they moved to the rear of the party. "Two of us shall bring up the rear so that none of you become separated. You don't want to get lost here." Even muffled the voice sound vaugly familier to Akihito.
The man who had the falcon on his arm, removed its hood and let fly free "A message to Tora just to let him know that we've met you. We need time to prepare the camp, after all its not everyday royalty comes a calling." He said laughing a little. The two men in front of them turned and began to walk forwards, Asami was the first to spur his horse onwards this encouraged the others to do the same, particularly Asami's men who were extremely nervous about having to travel in such a place where it would even more difficult to ensure his majesty's safety. And like spirits they disappeared into the mist.
Rate, Review please. NO FLAMES.
Author notes – Below is extra information that I couldn't fit into the main story and just notes on some of inspirations for various elements of this chapter:
Alizgarth – The ancestral home of the Takaba Clan. It's based on the Château de Miolans AKA The Fortress of Miolans which is in a remote area of Savoy. It was private home and then a prison. One of its most famous prisoners was the Marquis de Sade.
Alizarin – Is a shade of red. I made up Alizarin trees there is no such thing.
Garth – An old word for garden.
Komaru Pass – Is first based on Thermopylea is Greece (If you know the story of King Leonidas or seen the film 300 or read the graphic novel you know where I'm talking about). And the second place is the Bosphorus (It's a strait that forms part of boundary between Europe and Asia). According to Greek legend at the Bosphorus is where The Symplegades AKA The Clashing Rocks could be found, large rocks which at random intervals would clash together and crush any ship that got caught between them.
Kierik Mountains – This Mountain range over a half of the northern border of the empire. There are roads that traverse it, but they are long, winding and slow. They are mostly used by traders. The mountain range is full of smaller, quicker but more hazardous routes like Komaru pass.
Kastarte – A key battle of the civil war. This was the battle that made Asami Ryuichi a serious contender for the throne. It's were for the first time he showed his true prowess as a military commander.
Valaren – The northern Kingdom of Valaren is ruled by the Arbatov family. Valaren and the Asai Empire have gone to war many times. These have been mostly territorial wars. With both sides laying claim to the northern regions of the empire. At the moment a peace treaty is in effect. The current King of Valaren is Mikhail the Second.
Edrin's Point – Is the furthest Eastern settlement in the Empire.
The Asami – The Asami clan according to legend is descended from a dragon call Kyujin, who was one of the illegitimate children of the Sea God. So the Asami clan claim ancestry to him to.
The Samehada– They are old family, but have only been recognised as noble clan for around three hundred years. They are descendants of pirates who sold their services to the Emperor in exchange for noble rank, this was during the civil war between Emperor Ryuichi the Seventh and his cousin ( and rightful heiress) Princess Asami Haruna. They don't have some respect that the other families have because dynastically they are babies compared to other families such as the Takaba and the Amasawa. Akihito gets more respect because of his lineage, even if though at the same time the nobles criticise his activities. The Samehada are only respected because of their rank.
They are the guardians of a very important area. If the Valarens invaded the western borders of the Asai Empire by sea they would have to pass Shark's Tooth, there is no other way to get to the main land without passing directly by Shark's Tooth or encountering a patrol boat. The Samehada have their own personal fleet stationed on the island and have close links to the Imperial navy who have nearby base. They are master ship builders and sailors, this has given them great wealth. They always try to marry into older more established clans (especially if they are cash strapped) to try to increase their influence and try to gain further acceptance by the other noble clans.
They emblem of the Samehada is a black shark on a grey background.
The Gods
The Sea God – Kalour
His form is humanoid but he is sometimes shown with a fish tail. A very tall, muscular man (Think of the Marvel Super hero The Sub Mariner but with very fair hair instead of dark) who is often depicted naked or with a loin cloth. Kalour though is always show with pointed teeth and this is where the Samehada adopted the tradition of filling the teeth of their men.
He is the god of the sea and storms. He represents the duality of the sea he can be very jovial and playful. Other times he is aggressive and wrathful. Sailors always carry on them gold and silver trinkets so that if they drown Kalour will be pleased.
His consort Nei-Ma was a human women that he fell in love with so he transformed her into the first mermaid, she then went on to become the goddess of lakes, rivers, springs etc. He then went on to use his powers of transformation to turn other sea creatures into merman and women. Kalour then built the underwater city of Lantea for them to live in and it is from here he rules. His chariot is pulled by dolphins and the city of Lantea is protected by two great dragons, who he raised by hand. This has led to him being connected to dragons.
Kalour is a warrior the spear being his weapon of choice. He often gets into conflict with the Earth Goddess, because she feels that his sea is eroding away her earth and taking parts of the earth away from her. Earthquakes and Tsunamis are said to be signs that these two deities are fighting.
Kalour does have a wandering eye he's fathered a great number of Illegitimate children, a couple of them are non-humanoid for instance Kyujin. When things like river's flood or lakes dry up these are said to be results of the punishment that Nei-Ma is handing out to her husband for cheating on her. Kalour and Nei-Ma have ten children. Their eight sons are the wind gods. Their eldest daughter Kathoth is the goddess of the moon and the controller of the tides, their younger daughter Nyla is the goddess of Night and the stars.