I don't own the Finder series or any of characters.

NO FLAMES. NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO READ THIS IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT.

Hello it good to be back. Just to let you all know the reason as to why I haven't updated for a while is because I was working off my notice period at work and I'm now attending university, and part of my course includes a work placement. So I have limited writing time.

I don't think this chapter is going to be as long some of the previous ones. It's really here to set up later events. I got a few new ideas so it's required some re-planning on my part.

Influences on this chapter:

The life of William the First of England, AKA William the Conqueror, AKA William the Bastard. He was illegitimate, his father was the Duke of Normandy and his mother a Tanner's daughter.

Legend of the Galactic Heroes

Game of Thrones

The Prince by Machiavelli – which has influenced the whole of this fiction.

Lord of the Rings

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

Chapter 5 – A man's right. A man's belief.

The group departed at dawn, the sound of leopards marking their territories rang sent them on their way. Alizgarth was silhouetted against the rising sun, after a while they lost sight of the ruined castle. They rode south back towards the residence of Governor Ichihara.

Asami was aware of Akihito's eyes burning into the back of his head, they hadn't spoken to each since last night. Asami had to give Akihito full points for his stamina. Last night they made love until the early hours. Asami was interested to see how Akihito would react to him after last night, after all it was Akihito who said that last night meant nothing. So Asami decided to do the same just to see what kind of reaction that elicited from Akihito, the result was stolen glances and Akihito's occasional proud piercing look. All this to Asami was a novelty, last night Akihito was a shameless as a backstreet whore, now he was blushing like a virgin bride on the wedding night. At the moment Akihito seemed to be avoiding Asami, but at the same time Asami kept catching Akihito stealing glances at him. But at the same time he was trying not to be seen by Asami or anyone else. It was clear that Akihito was in two minds if he wanted Asami or not.

Akihito's behaviour from Asami's point of view was refreshing. After a while having people throw themselves or being thrown at you gets boring, and the sex means nothing because you know what their true motives are. It felt good to sleep with someone who had no ulterior motive, who had slept with him because sex was all they wanted.

Akihito rode a little behind Asami, the emperor had not said a word to him since last night and hadn't said much to anyone else all morning. He seemed to be deep in thought. Akihito told himself that he was not bothered at all that the emperor had said anything to him, and he didn't want to talk to him anyway. After all he was the one who told Asami that last night was a one off that meant nothing at all. And well Asami had so many important things to think about that he shouldn't be surprised that the emperor said nothing to him Akihito thought to himself. Akihito spent his time on journey back talking with Byakuya and Gin. Byakuya had a great deal to say, he'd never left Harakeen before, or seen the sea or travelled along mountain passes. He couldn't wait to see more of the world.

The journey back was a lot better than journey going. The weather was fine, it was all clear blue autumn sky and pale sunshine. As they journeyed through the countryside they passed farms and villages, and all could see for themselves the how the aid programme designed by Prime Minster Kirishima was being implemented. Buildings were being reconstructed and supplies were being delivered. Akihito also saw a few prisoners he recognised from the regional jail working the fields, he was glad to see his suggestion had be taken up by the governor.

Asami did make them stop at a few villages and farms as he wished to speak with the aid workers and with the people themselves. Just like upon his entrance into Harakeen these people would never forget the fact, they not only got to see their emperor and hear him speak, but some of them actually got to speak with him. Asami knows that he has the love and support of the common people, and that he shouldn't take it for granted, and little acts like this can be used to fuel that love. He knows that a ruler, even absolute ones can't rule without the consent of the people. Akihito was very surprised to Asami having a very detailed discussion with a tanner on different treatment methods for various animal hides. What Akihito didn't know was Asami's mother's family made their money in tanning, so Asami knows a thing or two about the business.

They then rode hard for the next two days. The plan to deal with Duke Amasawa had been set in motion from before Asami had departed. Amasawa had to be dealt with as quickly as possible. Not only to set an example of what happens to those who defy the royal authority, but also because winter is coming. Asami knew his cousin Seiya could easily shut himself in his fortress and ride out the whole winter, if he had enough supplies. Asami's men on the other had would succumb to cold and disease trying to besiege the Eyrie. That was why he sought out Tora, he would use any means he had to bring about a swift and decisive victory.

When the party reached Governor Ichihara's residence they parted company. Yasatora Rokuro would be staying with Akihito at Sanctuary so they made their way back to Harakeen. Over the next few days life for Akihito had returned to normal, he didn't see much of Rokuro who came and went and often in the dead of night, and he didn't hear anything from the emperor. That was until one day a messenger arrived after breakfast summoning both Akihito and Rokuro to the emperor's presence.

Upon their arrival they Ichihara's residence transformed into a military installation. Horses and troops milled around like ants, runners were coming and going, and wagons were being loaded and unloaded. Akihito had never seen a battle before, but if this chaos was the result of just the preparations he didn't want to imagine what the actual event was like.

War was a thing that Akihito had never experienced in his life time. Sure he'd seen skirmishes and fights, but never actually had he experienced war. With all these people thronging around him the full weight of what the situation was dawning on Akihito. The full knowledge of how everyone not just in Kessel but beyond would be effected by what would happen at the Eyrie. That the blood, blast and fire of war was inevitable. That people would die. They would die for the beliefs of two men. And Akihito wanted to shout, scream at the ridiculousness of all, but that wouldn't stop what was going to happen. War was coming,unstoppable as a snow storm. He realised all he could do was support those who would go into battle as best as he could, and pray that those he cared for would be alright. Akihito thoughts were broken by Byakuya who had made his way over to him and Rokuro to lead them inside.

Asami had commandeered Ichihara's study, the only addition to the large room which over looked the river were large pin boards attached to the wall. Each of them was covered in documents, maps and diagrams, some of them were connected by coloured threads. Around a large wooden table was spread a detailed map of the area around the Eyrie. Around the table stood Asami, Suoh, Kurosaki Kyo and Governor Ichihara. The heavy doors slammed shut "Good" said Asami "Now that we're all here let's begin. Gentleman the Eyrie must be taken before winter. I don't need to tell you why. Plus my cousin's disobedience may prove inspirational to other misguided individuals. By now I'm sure you're all aware of the recent troop movements, as no doubt is my cousin." Troops that were converging on Kessel were from imperial barracks in nearby regions. "As we speak more troops are coming by ship from Dragon's keep."

Akihito pondered on Asami's words and agreed with him about using his own forces to deal with this rebellion. No doubt some of the other nobles had offered to help the emperor deal with the errant Duke, but it was obvious they had been refused. It was clear the emperor wanted to put down this insurrection himself and show any other nobles who had designs on his throne just what kind of forces they would be up against if they even so much as thought about stepping out of line. "For the time being Governor your residence will serve as logistical supply headquarters for the army. You'll assist Major Mogami." Even though Ichihara was nervous at this prospect of this new role and having his home taken over by the emperor was annoying, but the politician in him knew not to let an opportunity to impress pass him by.

"Kurosaki give us your report on the caverns."

He cleared his throat and began "My lord the cave system is as vast as Tora said there are many different exits and entrances. I couldn't begin to say exactly how deep it runs into the earth. It full of dead ends and crevasses. It's almost pitch black, which makes it difficult to navigate your way through. There are a few points in which natural light does filter down from above, but they are few and far between. There are also underground rivers and lakes. With my guides it took just over four days to reach the Eyrie from where we entered. We did not enter the Eyrie but I can confirm that entrance to the cellars of the Eyrie have not been blocked off, there not even being guarded. I will say my Lord that caves are difficult to move around, my guides used lamps and sticks to find their way through. My Lord the team entering the caverns will have to carry enough fuel. Also it took us longer than my guides thought because a tunnel had collapsed and we had to take an alternative route."

"What did you think of your guides?"

"Skilled warriors and they were at home in the caverns, they didn't seem at all phased by the dark or by their way being blocked by a rock slide."

"Of course forgive me interrupting your majesty, but those of us who know the secrets of the caverns are inducted at a young age. Because we use the caverns as a means to move around undetected we all build up mental maps of the caves, which must constantly be updated."

"Have you ever lost anyone?" Asked Kurosaki

"Yes four people but it's not like they didn't know what they were getting into."

"My lord I believe for the success of this operation we will need the Yasatoras with us when we enter the caves."

"And we will." Said Asami "Have you heard from your father?" He asked Rokuro

"Yes your majesty. I, my father and my brothers will accompany your men and Takaba-san into the caves and then into the Eyrie."

Byakuya who had been paying close attention to all that had been said "Where did you enter the caves."

"Here." Kurosaki showed him where on a map on the table."

Byakuya looked at it for a moment before saying "But wouldn't it be easier to enter somewhere closer to the Eyrie? That way it wouldn't take as long to get there."

"That's true but we couldn't risk being spotted by patrols from the Eyrie as according to my guides the other entrances are too close to the Eyrie." Replied Kurosaki. "However my Lord there is one problem. We surveyed the area in which the culvert in supposed to be, I know that idea was to pack the culvert with explosives and bring down the wall of the Eyrie but…"

"But what Kurosaki?" said Asami his eyebrow raised.

"A tunnel has be constructed protecting the culvert from above, to hide it from view would be my estimation, and it started off large enough for us to crawl through. But the closer we go the narrower and tighter the space got. We could still pack the tunnel with explosives, but since we wouldn't be able to get them close enough to the culvert itself I don't believe that we would be able to blow a hole in the wall."

Silence reigned for a few moments the person to break it was Byakuya "How wide is the tunnel towards the end I mean?

"About this wide and this high." With his hands Kurosaki made a space not much wider than a foot and a half.

Byakuya turned to Asami "I'll go. I'm about that wide. All someone has to do is pass the explosives to me."

Akihito looked wide eyed at the boy he thought of as a little brother. He didn't want him to be put in harm's way. This was far too dangerous for a child to be doing. Just as Akihito was about to open his mouth to protest he felt a hand on his shoulder. Akihito looked up and it was Rokuro he was shaking his head. Rokuro figured pretty easily what Akihito was thinking. Just like Akihito Rokuro thought that this mission was dangerous enough for adult, let alone a child but someone has to do it. Plus it would be unfair to mar what the boy saw as his opportunity to prove himself. Asami witness this little exchanged and chose to ignore it. He didn't want to send the boy into danger, but bringing the wall down was a crucial part of the plan to defeat his cousin. And everyone has their part to play. "Okay that'll be your job."

Byakuya beamed with pride at being trusted with such a vital part of the operation.

"Your majesty is there any new information on the Eyrie or the conditions inside?" enquired Governor Ichihara.

"I can tell you that morale is low, some soldiers are conscripts taken from farms and villages. The Eyrie's infirmary is currently full with solders from his previous encounter with my troops just outside Adric's Bay. The supplies of food and fuel in the fortress will last till early spring if properly rationed. To keep his men in line my cousin has taken to publicly executing any voice of dissent. All accept his wife who has confined to her rooms, as she spoke out against the cruel acts of his soldiers and his own actions. He has also done the same to his son, and refused to let her see him. No doubt as both a punishment and a means of control over her."

"How can be so sure of all this?" Asked Akihito

"I have my methods." Said Asami and he continued "This last piece of news was just received today to make sure that his supplies will last into spring, Duke Amasawa intends to expel people from the Eyrie. That includes a good portion of the servants, the camp followers and the soldiers in the infirmary."

"That son of a thousand fathers! It'll be winter soon! The mountains are tough enough for fit and healthy people, but for the sick or the unprepared it's a death sentence!" Exclaimed Akihito and the anger he felt could have burned cities.

Asami looked carefully at all those around the room "Gentleman what I'm about to tell you must not go any further than this room. Yasatora-san your father has already been informed and he has my permission to tell your brothers. If what I'm about to say gets out I'll know exactly who to blame." Said Asami's flashed a chilling smile. "My cousin believes that if he can out last a siege and prove that I can't defeat him outright, then others will flock to his banner. He is not the first nor will he be the last to challenge my authority, my right to be emperor. If I cannot take the Eyrie and bring my cousin to his knees then others will follow his lead and rebel against my authority. So I will us every weapon at my disposal to prevent that. You asked me Takaba-san how I could be so sure of the conditions inside the Eyrie, that easy because right now one of my very best spies is currently inside the Eyrie."

And that's me done for to today. I hope this was okay I feel a bit out of practice to be honest.

I'm now going to continue work on the next chapter of the Good Samaritan. Which is taking me a while to draft because of time, inclination and a lemon which I hadn't planned to write that found its way in, and which I'm stuck on half way through. But I will get there in then end:)

A/N

Asami doesn't believe in the 'Divine right of Kings' if he lost his throne he knows that because he wasn't strong enough to hold it, and that would be no one's fault but his own. But when he is speaking in public his does talk about his right to be Emperor, because he knows it sounds good. He uses it as a rallying point. Because he knows how especially the nobility place importance on hereditary right over personal ability.

Camp Followers – Families of soldiers following the army. From a historical POV some were providers of services that the army didn't provide such as laundry, cooking or sexual services.

The Amasawa

The Amasawa are the same as the other ducal families in that they are related to the Asami by blood and marriage. They for the last thirty years have been in somewhat of a decline in terms of power and influence. This is contributed to the misrule of the current Duke. The current Duke Amasawa Seiya is the emperor's first cousin. Asami's father and Amasawa's mother were siblings.

The Amasawa were a cousin clan of the Asami, they were very small and it took them a number of years to establish themselves in both numbers and prestige before General Amasawa Ren was award the province of Kessel and became the first Duke.

They have never been one of the richest families but they have been respected. And under their rule Kessel has been one of the most stable provinces.

Construction of the Eyrie began 725 years ago. It took twenty five years to fully complete it. And when invasion and civil war came the Amasawa would use it as a place to fall back to and ride out the storms. Both foreign and civil forces have tried to capture the Eyrie and none have succeeded. It's been a point of pride for the Amasawa that they have a fortress which is impregnable, that the only place in the empire that rivals it is the Dragon's Keep.

They are a prideful family, and honour means a lot to them. When Ryuutarou VII died his sister the Duchess Amasawa Misaki and her husband Ren fought against Ryuichi, they planned to put their son Seiya on throne. And by law Seiya did and does have a strong claim to the throne. But it was execution of Duke Ren, and the suicide of the Duchess that (Asami had her killed and it was made to look like suicide) ended their ambitions. Seiya became Duke because Asami wasn't that keen to upset the succession. And he knew that the people of Kessel would accept Ren's son as their new duke more readily than someone else.

After the civil war the Amasawa found themselves cash strapped, and they weren't very rich to begin with. This problem was solved by Seiya marring the eldest daughter of Earl Mayu Touma – Yuko. The Mayu make their money in cloth production, dying and exportation, and made a considerable fortune. Eager to climb the social ladder the Earl happily married his daughter to Seiya. And her dowry saved the Amasawa.

Seiya and Yuko's marriage has not been easy he is not the kindest or most faithful of husbands. Yuko had several miscarriages before her son Ren was born. Her inability to carry a child to term (until Ren's birth) opened her up to both ridicule and humiliation from her husband. To Seiya Yuko was what he wanted in a wife – meek, submissive and didn't talk back. Before her marriage Yuko was a bit of a wallflower. She wasn't downtrodden, she could hold her own if she had to and was more than capable of giving her own opinion. When she married Seiya her father made her promise to do everything she could to make her marriage a success. And if that meant putting up with Seiya's neglect and cruelty, and supressing her own personality then so be it. Yuko was brought up to know that she probably wasn't going to get to choose who she married, and she would be married to her family's advantage. So she put up with everything because that is what she brought up to do.

However this changed when Seiya rebelled against the emperor, Yuko spoke up against this course of action. And for her trouble she received many a black eye. At the moment Seiya is contemplating (because he really thinks he can win) putting his wife aside when he becomes emperor and marrying someone else.

Amasawa Yuko and Takaba Akihito are childhood friends, their fathers knew one another quite well. And at one point Akihito was considered as a possible husband for Yuko, but her family thought though the Takaba family was an old one they weren't a very rich one, so nothing ever came of it.

At the moment the Amasawa family is hauled up inside the Eyrie. The Eyrie isn't main residence of the Amasawa, their main residence is a castle called Red Hill. Named for the red stone that it's constructed from. Currently the Duchess and her son are confined to their rooms in the Eyrie. Seiya thinks that Yuko may turn traitor and so he's using their son to keep her under control.