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Ranger’sApprentice10:TheEmperorofNihon-Ja

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Author:Flanagan,John,1944–Title:TheemperorofNihon-Ja/JohnFlanaganISBN:9781741664485(pbk.)Series:Flanagan,John,1944–Ranger’sapprentice.10.Deweynumber:A823.4

CoverillustrationbyJeremyRestonCoverdesignbywww.blacksheep-uk.comMapsbyAnnaWarrenandMathematics

CONTENTSCoverTheRanger’sApprenticeSeriesCopyrightImprintPageTitlePageMap:AraluenanditsNeighboursMap:NorthernNihon-Ja

OneTwoThreeFourFiveSixSevenEightNineTenElevenTwelveThirteenFourteenFifteenSixteen

SeventeenEighteenNineteenTwentyTwenty-oneTwenty-twoTwenty-threeTwenty-fourTwenty-fiveTwenty-sixTwenty-sevenTwenty-eightTwenty-nineThirtyThirty-oneThirty-twoThirty-threeThirty-fourThirty-fiveThirty-sixThirty-sevenThirty-eightThirty-nineFortyForty-one

Forty-twoForty-threeForty-fourForty-fiveForty-sixForty-sevenForty-eightForty-nineFiftyFifty-oneFifty-twoFifty-threeFifty-four

EpilogueAcknowledgementsAbouttheauthor

Toscana‘Avanti!’

The command rang out over the sun-baked earth of the parade ground and the triplefilesofmensteppedouttogether.Ateachstride,theiriron-nailedsandalshitthegroundinperfectunison,settinguparhythmicthudding,whichwascounterpointedbytheirregularjingle of weapons and equipment as they occasionally rubbed or clattered together.Already,theirmarchingfeetwereraisingafaintcloudofdustintheirwake.

‘You’dcertainlyseethemcomingfromquiteadistance,’Haltmurmured.

Willlookedsidelongathimandgrinned.‘Maybethat’stheidea.’

GeneralSapristi,whohadorganised thisdemonstrationofToscanmilitary techniquesforthem,noddedapprovingly.

‘Theyounggentlemaniscorrect,’hesaid.

Haltraisedaneyebrow.‘Hemaybecorrect,andheisundoubtedlyyoung.Buthe’snogentleman.’

Sapristi hesitated. Even after ten days in their company, he was still not completelyaccustomed to the constant stream of cheerful insults that flowed between these twostrangeAraluans. Itwas difficult to knowwhen theywere serious andwhen theywerespeakinginfun.SomeofthethingstheysaidtoeachotherwouldbecauseformayhemandbloodshedbetweenToscans,whosepridewasnotoriouslystrongerthantheirsenseofhumour.He lookedat theyoungerRangerandnoticed thatheseemed tohave takennooffence.

‘Ah,SignorHalt,’hesaiduncertainly,‘youaremakingajoke,yes?’

‘Heismakingajoke,no,’Willsaid.‘Buthelikestothinkheismakingajoke,yes.’

SapristidecideditmightbelessconfusingtogetbacktothepointthatthetwoRangershadalreadyraised.

‘In any event,’ he said, ‘we find that the dust raised by our soldiers can often causeenemiestodisperse.Veryfewenemiesarewillingtofaceourlegionsinopenbattle.’

‘Theycertainlycanmarchnicely,’Haltsaidmildly.

Sapristiglancedathim,sensingthatthedemonstrationsofarhaddonelittletoimpressthegrey-beardedAraluan.Hesmiled inwardly.Thatwouldchange ina fewminutes,he

thought.

‘Here’s Selethen,’ Will said and, as the other two looked down, they could see thedistinctivelytallformoftheArridileaderclimbingthestepsofthereviewingplatformtojointhem.

Selethen, representing the Arridi Emrikir, was in Toscana to negotiate a trade andmilitarypactwiththeToscanSenate.Overtheyears,theToscansandArridihadclashedintermittently, their countries separated only by the relatively narrow waters of theConstantSea.Yeteachcountryhaditemsthattheotherneeded.TheArridihadreservesofredgoldandironintheirdesertsthattheToscansrequiredtofinanceandequiptheirlargearmies. Evenmore important, Toscans had become inordinately fond of kafay, the richcoffeegrownbytheArridi.

Thedesertdwellers,for theirpart, lookedtoToscanaforwovencloth–thefinelinenandcottonsonecessaryinthefiercedesertheat–andfortheexcellentgradeofoliveoiltheToscansproduced,whichwas far superior to their locallygrownproduct.Plus therewasaconstantneedtoreplenishandbringnewbreedingstocktotheirherdsofsheepandgoats.Animalmortalityinthedesertwashigh.

Inthepast,thetwonationshadfoughtoversuchitems.Butnow,wiserheadsprevailedand they had decided that an alliance might be mutually beneficial for trade and forsecurity.ThewatersoftheConstantSeawereinfestedbycorsairsinswift,smallgalleys.They swooped on merchant ships travelling between the two countries, robbing andsinkingthem.

SomeintheregionevenlookedbackregretfullytothetimewhenSkandianwolfshipsusedtovisitthesewaters.TheSkandianshadraidedaswell,butneverinthenumbersthatwereseenthesedays.Andthepresenceof theSkandianshipshadkept the incidenceoflocalpiratesdown.

Nowadays,theSkandiansweremorelawabiding.TheirOberjarl,Erak,haddiscoveredthatitwasfarmoreprofitabletohirehisshipsouttoothercountrieswhoneededtosecuretheirnationalwaters.Asaresult,theSkandianshadbecomethedefactonavalpoliceinmanypartsoftheworld.TheToscansandArridi,withnosignificantnavalforcesoftheirown,haddecided,aspartoftheiragreement,toleaseasquadronofwolfshipstopatrolthewatersbetweentheirtwocoastlines.

AllofwhichwerethereasonswhyHaltandWillhadspentthepasttendaysinToscana.The longstanding enmity between the two countries, accompanied by the inevitablesuspicionoftheother’sintentions,hadledbothsidestoagreetoaskathird-partynationtoactasarbitratorinthetreatythatwasbeingputinplace.Araluenwasacountrytrustedbyboth Arrida and Toscana. In addition, the Araluans had close ties with the SkandianOberjarlanditwasfeltthattheirinterventionwouldbehelpfulinformingarelationshipwiththewildnorthernseamen.

It was logical for Selethen to suggest the inclusion of Halt andWill in the Araluandelegation. He had includedHorace in the request as well, but duty had takenHoraceelsewhere.

The actual wording and conditions of the treaty were not the concern of the two

Rangers. They were simply here to escort the chief Araluan negotiator – AlyssMain-waring,Will’schildhoodsweetheartandoneofthebrighternewmembersoftheAraluanDiplomaticService.

Shewaspresently lockedawaywith theArridiandToscan lawyers, thrashingout thefinedetailsoftheagreement.

Selethen dropped gratefully into a seat besideWill. The three companies of Toscanlegionnaires – thirty-three to a company, with an overall commander making up thetraditionalToscancenturyofonehundredmen–pivotedthroughasmartrightturnbelowthem,changingfromathree-abreastformationtoanextendedeleven-abreast.Inspiteofthewiderformationtheirlineswerestillgeometricallyperfect–straightasaswordblade,Willthought.Hewasabouttovoicethethought,thenhesmiled.Thesimilewouldn’tbeaccuratesofarasSelethen’scurvedsabrewasconcerned.

‘Howarethenegotiationsprogressing?’Haltasked.

Selethenpursedhis lips. ‘Asallsuchthingsprogress.Mychamberlain isaskingforareduction of three-quarters of a per cent on the duty to be charged for kafay. Youradvocates,’ he said, includingSapristi in the conversation, ‘areholdingout fornomorethanfive-eighthsofapercent.Ihadtohaveabreakfromitall.SometimesIthinktheydothisbecausetheysimplyliketoargue.’

Sapristi nodded. ‘It’s always the way. We soldiers risk our lives fighting while thelawyersquibbleoverfractionsofapercentagepoint.Andyettheylookuponusaslesserbeings.’

‘How’sAlyssmanaging?’Willasked.

Selethenturnedanapprovinglookonhim.‘YourLadyAlyssisprovingtobeanislandofcalmandcommonsenseinaseaofdispute.Sheisvery,verypatient.AlthoughIsensethatshehasbeentemptedtowhackmychamberlainovertheheadwithhissheafofpapersonseveraloccasions.’HelookeddownatthethreeToscancompanies,nowreformingintothreefiles.

‘Adestra!Doppiodicorsa!’

Theorderwasgivenbythecenturycommander,whostoodinthecentreoftheparadeground. Instantly, the companies turned right, reformed into three files, then broke intodouble time, the thudof their sandals and the jingle of equipment sounding louder andmoreurgentwiththeincreaseinpace.Thedustrosehigheraswell.

‘General Sapristi,’ Selethen asked, indicating the tight formations, ‘this precisiondrillingmakesforquiteaspectacle.Butisthereanyrealbenefittogainfromit?’

‘Indeedthereis,Wakir.Ourfightingmethodsdependondisciplineandcohesion.Themenineachcenturyfightasoneunit.’

‘Once a battle begins,mymen fight largely as individuals,’ Selethen said.His voiceindicated that he saw little value in this style of co-ordinated, almost machine-likemanoeuvring. ‘Of course, it’s the commander’s job to bring his forces into the mostadvantageouspositiononthefield.Butafterthat,Ifindit’salmostimpossibletocontrolthemasindividuals.Besttoletthemfighttheirownway.’

‘That’s why all this drilling is necessary,’ Sapristi replied. ‘Our men becomeaccustomedtoreactingtoorders.Itbecomesinstinctive.Weteachthemafewvitaldrills,andpractisethemoverandover.Ittakesyearstotrainanexpertwarrior.Constantdrillingmeanswecanhavealegionreadytofighteffectivelyinlessthanayear.’

‘Buttheycan’tpossiblylearntobeexpertswordsmeninsoshortatime?’Willasked.

Sapristishookhishead.‘Theydon’thaveto.Watchandlearn,RangerWill.’

‘Alt!’Thecommandrangoutandthethreecompaniescrashedtoastopasone.

‘Acloudofdustandalineofstatues,’Willmused.

Acrosstheparadeground,atrumpetblaredandwarriorsbegantoappearfrombehindthe buildings there. They moved quickly to form an extended line of battle – not asdisciplined or as rigidlymaintained as the century’s formation. They were armed withwoodenpracticeswords–long-bladedswords,Willnoticed,androundshields.Roughlyone-quarterofthemcarriedrecurvebowsinadditiontotheirswords.

At a command, the ‘enemy’ began to advance across the parade ground. The lineundulatedassomesectionsmovedfasterthanothers.

‘Trerige!’shoutedthecenturycommander.HaltglancedaquestionatSapristi.

‘Formthreeranks,’thegeneraltranslated.‘Wedon’tusethecommontongueforfieldcommands.Nosenseinlettingtheenemyknowwhatyouhaveinmind.’

‘Noneatall,’Haltagreedmildly.

Moving smoothly and without any undue haste, the three companies trotted intoposition,threeranksdeepandthirty-threewide.Therankswereseparatedfromeachotherbyaboutametreandahalf.

The enemy force halted their advance some sixty metres from the rigid lines oflegionnaires.

The wild-looking enemy tribesmen brandished their weapons and, at a shoutedcommand,thoseamongthemwithbowssteppedforward,arrowsreadyonthestring.Theobservers heard the faint sound of fifty arrows rasping against the bows as they weredrawnbacktothefullestextent.Atthesametime,thecenturioncalledhiscounterorder.

‘Tartaruga!Pronto!’

Ninety-nine man-high, curved shields came round to the front, with a rattle ofequipment.

‘Tartarugameans“tortoise”,’Sapristiexplained.‘Prontomeans“ready”.’

Theenemycommandershoutedanorderandthearchersreleasedaraggedvolley.Asthefirstarrowspedaway,theToscancenturionbellowed:

‘Azione!’

‘Action,’translatedSapristi.

Instantly, the soldiers reacted. The front rank crouched slightly, so that their shieldscoveredthemcompletely.Thesecondandthirdranksteppedclose.Thesecondrankraised

theirshieldstoheadheight,interlockingthemwiththoseofthefrontrank.Thethirdrankdidlikewise.Thehundredmenofthecenturywerenowshelteredbyabarricadeofshieldstothefrontandaroofofshieldsoverhead.

Secondslater,thevolleyofarrowsclatteredagainstthem,bouncingoffharmlessly.

‘Justlikeatortoise,’Willobserved.‘Whoaretheenemy?’

‘They’reallwarriors fromneighbouringcountriesandprovinceswhohaveelected tojoinourempire,’Sapristirepliedsmoothly.

Haltregardedhimforamoment.‘Didtheyelecttojoin?’heasked.‘Orwasthedecisionmadeforthem?’

‘Perhaps we helped a little with the decision-making process,’ the Toscan generaladmitted.‘Inanyeventtheyareallskilledandexperiencedwarriorsandweusethemasauxiliariesandscouts.Theyareextremelyusefulfordemonstrationsof thiskind.Watchnow.’

Theattacking forcehad stoppedat thepoint fromwhich theyhad fired thevolleyofarrows.The general pointed towhere a group of orderlieswere running onto the field,eachonecarryingaroughoutlineofamancutfromlightwood.Therewereatleastonehundred of them,Will estimated. He watched curiously as the men placed the uprighttargetsinplace,thirtymetresfromthefrontrankofthelegionnaires.

‘Forthepurposeofthedemonstration,’Sapristisaid,‘we’llassumethattheenemyhasreached this position in their advance. We don’t use real warriors for this part of theexercise.It’stoocostly,andweneedourauxiliaries.’

Theorderlies,manyof themglancingnervouslyat the still ranksof legionnaires, ranfromthefieldoncetheirtargetswereinposition.

Willleanedforwardeagerly.‘Whathappensnow,General?’

Sapristiallowedhimselfasmallsmile.

‘Watchandsee,’hesaid.

Nihon-Ja,somemonthsearlierHoraceslidthescreentooneside,grimacingslightlyasheeasedthedooropen.Bynow,hehadlearnedtohandletheselightwoodandpaperstructurescarefully.InhisfirstweekinNihon-Jahehaddestroyedseveralslidingpanels.Hewasusedtodoorsthatwereheavyandneededsomeefforttogetthemmoving.Hishostswerealwaysquicktoapologiseandtoassurehimthattheworkmanshipmusthavebeenfaultybutheknewtherealreasonwashisownclumsiness.Sometimeshefeltlikeablindbearinaporcelainfactory.

Emperor Shigeru looked up at the tallAraluanwarrior, noticing the extreme care hetookwiththedoor,andsmiledingenuineamusement.

‘Ah, Or’ss-san,’ he said, ‘you are most considerate to spare our flimsy door fromdestruction.’

Horace shook his head. ‘Your excellency is too kind.’ He bowed. George – an oldacquaintanceofHorace’sfromhisdaysintheWardatRedmontandhisprotocoladviseronthisjourney–hadimpresseduponhimthatthiswasnotdoneoutofanysenseofself-abasement.TheNihon-Janbowedtoeachotherroutinely,asamarkofmutualrespect.Ingeneral,thedepthofthebowfrombothsideswasthesame.However,Georgehadadded,itwaspolitic tobowmuchdeeper to theEmperor thanyoumightexpecthimtobowtoyou.Horacehadnoproblemwith thecustom.HefoundShigeru tobeafascinatingandgracious host, well worthy of deference. In some ways, he reminded Horace of KingDuncan–amanforwhomHoracehadthedeepestrespect.

TheEmperorwasasmallman,muchshorter thanHorace.Itwasdifficult toestimatehisage.TheNihon-Janallseemedmuchyoungerthantheyreallywere.Shigeru’shairwastingedwithgrey,soHoraceguessedthathemustbeinhisfifties.Butsmallashemightbe, he was amazingly fit and possessed a deceptive wiry strength. He also had asurprisinglydeepvoiceandaboominglaughwhenhewasamused,whichwasoften.

Shigeruclickedhistonguelightlyasasignalthattheyoungmandidn’tneedtoholdthepositionanylonger.AsHoracestraightenedup,theEmperorbowedinreply.Helikedthemuscularyoungwarriorandhehadenjoyedhavinghimasaguest.

IntrainingsessionswithsomeoftheleadingNihon-Janwarriors,ShigeruhadseenthatHoracewashighlyskilledwiththeweaponsofhisowncountry–thesword,longerandheavierthanthecurvedNihon-Jankatana,andtheroundshieldthatheusedsoeffectively.Yet the young man showed no sense of arrogance and had been keen to study andcomplimentthetechniquesoftheNihon-Janswordsmen.

That was the purpose of Horace’s mission. As a Swordmaster in Araluen, and as apotentialBattlemaster,itmadesensethatHoraceshouldbefamiliarwithaswidearangeoffightingtechniquesaspossible.ItwasforthatreasonthatDuncanhaddespatchedhimonthismilitarymission.Inaddition,DuncancouldseethatHoracewasbecomingbored.AftertheheadyexcitementofhisclashwiththeOutsidersincompanywithWillandHalt,itwaseasyfor theyoungmantobecomeimpatientwith thehumdrumroutineof lifeatCastle Araluen. Much to the chagrin of Duncan’s daughter, Cassandra, who enjoyedHorace’scompanymoreandmore,hehadsenthimonthisfact-findingmission.

‘Lookatthis,Or’ss-san,’Shigerusaid,beckoninghimforward.

Horacesmiled.NoneoftheNihon-Janhadbeenabletomasterthepronunciationofhisname.Hehadbecomeused tobeingaddressedasOr’ss-san.Afterafewearlyattempts,Shigeruhadcheerfullyadoptedthesimplifiedversion.NowheheldouthiscuppedhandstoHoraceandtheyoungmanleanedforwardtolook.

Therewas a perfect yellow flower nestled in theEmperor’s palm.Shigeru shookhishead.

‘See?’hesaid.‘Hereweare,withautumnuponus.Thisflowershouldhavewitheredanddiedweeksago.ButtodayIfoundithereinmypebblegarden.Isitnotamatterforthoughtandwonder?’

‘Indeed it is,’Horace replied.He realised thathehad learnedagreatdeal inhis timehere – and not all of it aboutmilitarymatters. Shigeru, evenwith the responsibility ofrulingavariedand, insomecases,headstronggroupofsubjects,couldstill findtimetowonder at the small occasions of beauty to be found in nature.Horace sensed that thisability led to theEmperor’s enjoying a great deal of inner peace and contributed in nosmallmeasuretohisabilitytofaceandsolveproblemsinacalmandunflusteredway.

Havingshowntheflower tohisguest, theEmperorkneltandreturnedit to theneatlyrakedarrayofblackandwhitepebbles.

‘Itshouldremainhere,’hesaid.‘Thisiswhereitsfatedecreedthatitshouldbe.’

ThereweresteppingstonesthroughthegardensothattheEmperorandhisguestcouldavoid disturbing the symmetry of the raked stones. It was like a stone pond, Horacethought. Hewas aware that eachmorning, the Emperor would rake the pebbles into aslightly different pattern. A lesser man might have had servants perform this task, butShigeruenjoyeddoingithimself.

‘Ifeverythingisdoneforme,’hehadexplainedtoHorace,‘howwillIeverlearn?’

NowtheEmperorrosegracefullytohisfeetoncemore.

‘I’mafraidyourtimewithusiscomingtoanend,’hesaid.

Horace nodded. ‘Yes, your excellency. I’ll have to return to Iwanai.Our ship is duethereattheendoftheweek.’

‘We’llbesorrytoloseyou,’Shigerusaid.

‘I’llbesorrytogo,’Horacereplied.

TheEmperorsmiled.‘Butnotsorrytoreturnhome?’

Horace had to smile in return. ‘No. I’ll be glad to get home. I’ve been away a longtime.’

TheEmperorgesturedforHoracetofollowandtheyleftthepebblegardenandentereda perfectly cultivated grove of trees.Once theywere off the stepping stones, therewasroomforthemtowalksidebyside.

‘I hopeyour triphasbeenworthwhile.Haveyou learnedmuchwhileyouhavebeenwithus?’Shigeruasked.

‘Agreatdeal,yourexcellency.I’mnotsurethatyoursystemwouldsuitAraluen,butitisaninterestingone.’

Nihon-Jadrewitswarriorsfromasmall,eliteupperclass,knownastheSenshi.Theywereborntobetrainedintheartoftheswordandbegantheirtrainingfromanearlyage,to thedetrimentofmostotherformsof learning.Asaresult, theSenshihadbecomeanaggressiveandwarlikesect,withasenseofsuperiorityovertheotherclassesofNihon-Jansociety.

ShigeruwasaSenshi,buthewassomethingofanexception.Naturally,hehadtrainedwith the katana since boyhood and he was a competent, if not an expert, warrior. AsEmperor,itwasexpectedthatheshouldlearntheseskills.Buthehadwiderinterests–asHoracehadjustobserved–andacompassionateandinquiringsidetohisnature.Hewasgenuinelyconcerned forwhatwereheld tobe the lowerclasses: the fishermen, farmersandtimberworkerswhowereregardedwithcontemptbythemajorityofSenshi.

‘I’mnotsurethatwecanmaintainitasitisformuchlongerinthiscountryeither,’hetoldHorace.‘Orthatweshould.’

Theyoungwarriorlookedsidelongathim.HeknewthatShigeruhadbeenworkingtoimprove conditions for the lower classes, and to give them a greater voice in how thecountrywas governed.Hehad also learned that these initiativeswere highly unpopularwithasignificantnumberoftheSenshi.

‘TheSenshiwillresistanychange,’hewarnedtheEmperorandtheoldermansighed.

‘Yes.Theywill.Theyliketobeincharge.Thisiswhyitisforbiddenforthecommonpeople tocarryarmsor learnanyweaponskills.Theyfaroutnumber theSenshibut theSenshimakeupfortheirlackofnumbersbytheirskillwithweaponsandtheirferocityinbattle.It’stoomuchtoaskuntrainedfishermenorfarmersortimberworkerstofacesuchdeadlyopponents.Ithashappenedinthepast,ofcourse,butwhentheworkersdidprotest,theywerecuttopieces.’

‘Icanimagine,’Horacesaid.

Shigerustoodalittlestraighter,heldhisheadalittlehigher.‘ButtheSenshimustlearn.Theymustadapt.Theycannotcontinuetotreatthepeople–mypeople–asinferiors.Weneedourworkers,justasweneedourwarriors.Withouttheworkers,therewouldbenofoodfortheSenshi,notimberfortheirhomes,nofirewoodtoheatthemorfortheforgesthat create their swords. Theymust see that everybody contributes and there should begreaterequality.’

Horace pursed his lips. He didn’t want to reply because he sensed that Shigeruwas

setting himself an impossible task. With the exception of the Emperor’s immediateretainers, the majority of Senshi had shown themselves to be fiercely opposed to anychangeinthecurrentsystem–particularlyifitgaveagreatervoicetothelowerclasses.

Shigerusensedtheyoungman’shesitation.‘Youdon’tagree?’heaskedmildly.

Horaceshruggeduncomfortably.‘Iagree,’hesaid.‘Butmyopiniondoesn’tmatter.Thequestionis,doesLordArisakaagree?’

Horace had met Arisaka in the first week of his visit. He was the overlord of theShimonseki clan, one of the largest and fiercest groups of Senshi warriors. He was apowerfulandinfluentialmanandhemadenosecretofhisopinionthattheSenshishouldremainthedominantclassinNihon-Ja.HewasalsoaSwordmaster,regardedasoneofthefinestindividualwarriorsinthecountry.HoracehadheardrumoursthatArisakahadkilledmorethantwentymeninduels–andevenmoreintheinternecinebattlesthatflaredfromtimetotimebetweentheclans.

Shigerusmiledgrimlyatthementionofthearrogantwarlord.‘Arisaka-sanmayhavetolearntoagreetohisEmperor’swishes.Afterall,hehasswornanoathtome.’

‘ThenI’msurehe’llhonourthatoath,’Horacesaid,althoughhehadgravedoubtsaboutthematter.Asever,ShigerusawpastthewordsthemselvesandrecognisedtheconcerninHorace’svoice.

‘ButI’mbeinganimpolitehost,’hesaid.‘Wehavea little timeleft togetherandyoushouldenjoyit–notspenditworryingovertheinternalpoliticsofNihon-Ja.PerhapswecanridetogethertoIwanai?I’llhavetobeleavingheresoontoreturntoItomyself.’

They had spent the pastweek relaxing in the informal atmosphere of the Emperor’ssummerlodge,atthefootofthemountains.HisprincipalpalaceandseatofgovernmentwasamagnificentwalledfortressinthecityofIto,aweek’sridetothesouth.Theirtimeat the lodgehadbeenpleasantbut,asShigeruhadnotedearlier,autumnwas forcing itswayacrosstheland,withitscoldandblusterywinds,andthesummerlodgewasnotthemostcomfortableaccommodationincoldweather.

‘I’denjoy that,’Horace said,pleasedat theprospectof spendinga fewmoredays inShigeru’scompany.HewonderedatthebondofrespectandaffectionthathefeltfortheEmperor.PerhapsithadtodowiththefactthatHoracehadgrownupasanorphan,andsohe was drawn to Shigeru’s understated strength, gentle wisdom and unfailing goodhumour. In someways, the Emperor reminded him of Halt, although his smooth goodmannerswereamarkedcontrasttotheRanger’softenacerbicnature.Hegesturedtothecarefully cultivated trees around them, their leaves now blazing yellow and orange toheraldautumn.

‘IshouldtellGeorgetostartmakingpreparationsforthetrip,’hesaid.‘I’llleaveyoutocontemplateyourtrees.’

Shigeru,inhisturn,gazedatthepatternsofdarktrunksandblazingleavesaroundhim.Helovedthepeaceandsolitudeinthisgarden,farawayfromtheself-servingpoliticsofthecapital.

‘Theirbeautywillbesmallrecompenseforthelossofyourcompany,’hesaidsmoothly

andHoracegrinnedathim.

‘Youknow,yourexcellency,IwishIcouldsaystufflikethat.’

ToscanaAcommandrangacrosstheparadegroundandWillwatchedtheroofofshieldsdisappearasthelegionnairesloweredthembacktotheirnormalposition.

Then, in response to another command, the second and third ranks took a pacebackwards.Eachmancarriedalongjavelininadditiontotheshortswordheworeonhisrightside.Nowthemenintherearrankreversedtheirgrip,turnedsideonandraisedthejavelins to the throwing position, right arms extended back, the javelins balanced overtheirrightshoulders,aimingupwardsatanangleofaboutfortydegrees.

‘Azione!’

Thirty-three rightarmscameforward, thirty-three right legs stepped into thecastandtheflightofjavelinsarcedawaytowardsthewoodentargets.Theywerestillontheirwaywhenthesecondrankrepeatedtheaction,sendinganotherthirty-threeprojectilessoaring.

Therewasnoindividualaim–eachmansimplycasthisweaponatthemassoftargetsinfrontofhim.Willrealisedthatinarealbattle,theoptimumdistancewouldbedecidedbythecenturycommander,whowascallingtheorders.

The first volley arced up, then pitched down as the heavy iron heads of the javelinsovercametheforceofthethrow.Therewasarolling,splinteringcrashasthejavelinshithome.Halfof themstruck thegroundharmlessly.Theotherhalf smashed into the lightwooden targets, knocking them to the ground. A few seconds later, the second flightarrived, with similar results. Within the space of a few seconds, nearly a third of thehundredtargetshadbeensplinteredanddemolished.

‘Interesting,’Halt said softly.Will glancedquickly at him.Halt’s facewas impassivebutWillknewhimwell.Haltwasimpressed.

‘Thefirstblowisoftendecisive,’Sapristitoldthem.‘Warriorswhohaveneverfoughtourlegionsbeforeareshakenbythissuddendevastation.’

‘Ican imagine,’Selethensaid.HewaswatchingkeenlyandWillguessed thathewasimaginingthoselethaljavelinscrashingintoacompanyofhislightcavalryatfullgallop.

‘Buttoday,forthesakeofdemonstration,our“enemy”willbeovercomewithrageandwillgoonwiththeattack,’thegeneralcontinued.

Ashespoke,thewildmassofenemywarriorsmoveduptothepointwherethetargetshadbeen savaged and splintered.Now theybrandished their swords and charged at the

wallofshields.

The solid crash as they hit the wall carried clearly to the observers. The front rankswayedalittleundertheinitialimpact.Thenitsteadiedandheldfast.Lookingcarefully,Will could see that the second row had closed up and were actually pushing theircomradesforward,supportingthemagainsttheinitialimpactofthecharge.

The tribesmen’s swords flailed in swingingarcsat thebig square shields.But for themostparttheywereineffective–andtheyweregettingineachother’sway.Bycontrast,the short wooden practice swords of the legionnaires began to flicker in and out likeserpents’tonguesthroughnarrowgapsintheshieldwall,andtheobserverscouldheartheshouts of rage and pain from the attackers. The demonstration might be using bluntwoodenweapons,butthosejabbingimpactswouldbepainfulandthelegionnairesweren’tholdingback.

‘Howcantheysee?’Willasked.Themeninthefrontrankwerecrouchedlowbehindthebarrierformedbytheirshields.

‘Theycan’tseeverywell,’Sapristitoldhim.‘Theyseeanoccasionallegorarmortorsothrough the gaps and they stab out at them.After all, aman hit on the thigh or arm isrenderedasineffectiveasmuchasamanstabbedthroughthechest.Ourtroopsjustploughforward,jabbingandstabbingatanythingtheyseeontheothersideoftheirshields.’

‘That’swhyyourmendon’tneedtobeexpertswordsmen,’Willsaid.

Thegeneral smiledappreciativelyathim. ‘That’s right.Theydon’thave to learnanyadvancedtechniquesofstrikeandparryandriposte.Theyjuststabandjabwiththepointofthesword.It’sasimpletechniquetolearnandafewcentimetresofthepointdoesjustasmuchdamageasawidesweepingblow.Nowwatchasthesecondrankaddtheirweighttotheadvance.’

Theperfectlyalignedfrontrankwasedgingslowlyforward,crowdingtheenemyandforcingthemback.Nowthesecondranksuddenlyrushedforward,oncemoreaddingtheirweight and impetus to those of themen in front of them, and the extra drive sent theenemystaggeringback,buffetedandshovedbythehugeshields,jabbedandharassedbythe darting short swords.Then, having gained a brief respite, the formation stopped.Alongwhistleblastrangoutandthesecondrankturnedinplacesothattheystoodback-to-backwiththefrontrank.Anothersignalonthewhistleandthefrontrankpivotedtotheirleft,whilethesecondrankpivotedright.Eachpairofmensteppedinasmallhalf-circle.Withinafewseconds,thefrontrankhadbeenreplaced,allatonce,bythefreshmenfromthesecondrank.Theformerfrontrankerspassedback throughthe thirdrank,whotooktheir place behind the new front row. The attackers now faced totally fresh opponents,whiletheformerfrontrankhadachancetorecoverandredresstheirlosses.

‘That’sbrilliant,’Willsaid.

Sapristinoddedathim.‘It’sdrillandco-ordination,’hesaid.‘Ourmendon’tneedtobeexpertswordmasters.Thattakesalifetimeoftraining.Theyneedtobedrilledandtoworkasateam.Evenarelativelyunskilledwarriorcanbeeffectiveintheseconditions.Anditdoesn’ttakelongtolearn.’

‘Whichiswhyyoucanmaintainsuchalargearmy,’Haltsaid.

Sapristi switched his gaze to the older Ranger. ‘Exactly,’ he replied.Most countriesmaintainedarelativelysmallstandingforceofexpertwarriorsasthecoreoftheirarmy,callingon less-skilledmenatarms to fillout thenumbers in timeofwar.TheToscans,however, needing to maintain order in their spreading empire, had to have a largepermanentarmyoncallatalltimes.

Selethenfingeredhischinthoughtfully.Hislefthandhadstrayedunconsciouslytothehilt of his sabre as he watched. Sapristi glanced at him, pleased to see that thedemonstration had had a sobering effect on the Arridi leader. It didn’t hurt, Sapristithought,forToscana’snewallytoappreciatethemightoftheToscanlegions.

‘Let’sgoand takea lookat the results,’Sapristi said.He roseand led thewaydownfrom the reviewing platform to the parade ground, where the two forces, thedemonstration now complete, had drawn apart. The legionnaires still stood in theirmeasuredrows.Theattackingforcemilledaboutinaloosegroup.

‘Wehadthepracticeswordsdippedinfreshpaint,sowecouldmeasureresults,’Sapristitoldthem.Heledthewaytotheenemygroup.Astheydrewcloser,HaltandWillcouldseearms,legs,torsos,necksspatteredwithredblotches.Themarksweretestimonytothenumberoftimesthelegionnaires’woodenswordshadfoundtheirmark.

The attackers’ longer swords had been coated with white paint. Looking now, theAraluans could see only occasional evidence that these swords had struck home.Therewerecriss-crosspatternsand randomsplotchesofwhiteon the shieldsand someof thebrasshelmetsofthelegionnaires,butthemajorityofmeninthecenturywereunscathed.

‘Very effective,’ Selethen told the general. ‘Very effective indeed.’Already, his agilemindwasatwork,figuringwaystocounteractaforceofheavyinfantrysuchasthis.

Halt was obviously having similar thoughts. ‘Of course, you’ve chosen perfectconditionsforheavyinfantryhere,’hesaid,sweepinganarmaroundtheflat,openparadeground.‘Inmoreconstrictedcountry,likeforestland,youwouldn’tbeabletomanoeuvresoefficiently.’

Sapristi nodded in acknowledgement. ‘True,’he said. ‘Butwechooseourbattlefieldsandlettheenemycometous.Iftheydon’t,wesimplyinvadetheirlands.Soonerorlater,theyhavetofaceusinbattle.’

Willhadwanderedawayfromthegroupandwasstudyingoneofthejavelins.Itwasacrudeweapon,he saw.Thesquarewoodenshaftwasonly roughlyshaped– justaveryordinary,minimallydressedpieceofhardwood.Thepointwasequallyutilitarian.Itwasathickrodofsoftiron,abouthalfametrelong,hammeredflatattheendandsharpenedintoabarbedpoint.Agroovehadbeencutdownonesideoftheshaftandtheheadhadbeenslottedintoitandboundinplacewithbrasswire.

Sapristisawhimlookingatitandwalkedovertojoinhim.

‘They’renotpretty,’hesaid.‘But theywork.Andthey’reeasyandquicktomake.Infact,thesoldierscanmaketheirown,atapinch.Wecanturnoutthousandsoftheseinaweek.Andyou’veseenhoweffectivetheycanbe.’Heindicatedtherowsofsmashedandsplinteredtargets.

‘It’sbent,’Willsaidcritically,runninghishandalongthedistortedironhead.

‘And it can be straightened easily and used again,’ the general told him. ‘But that’sactuallyanadvantage.Imagineoneof thesehittinganenemy’sshield.Itpenetrates,andthe barb holds it in place. Then the head bends, so that the handle is dragging on theground.Tryfightingeffectivelywithnearlytwometresofironandwooddraggingfromyourshield.Iassureyou,it’snotaneasythingtodo.’

Willshookhisheadadmiringly.‘It’sallverypractical,isn’tit?’

‘It’sa logicalsolutionto theproblemofcreatinga largeandeffectivefightingforce,’Sapristitoldhim.‘Ifyoupittedanyoftheselegionnairesinaone-on-onebattleagainstaprofessionalwarrior, theywouldprobablylose.ButgivemeahundredunskilledmentodrillforsixmonthsandI’llbackthemagainstanequalnumberofwarriorswho’vebeentraininginindividualcombatskillsalltheirlives.’

‘Soit’sthesystemthat’ssuccessful,nottheindividual?’Willsaid.

‘Exactly,’Sapristitoldhim.‘Andsofar,nobodyhascomeupwithawaytodefeatoursysteminopenbattle.’

‘How would you do it?’ Halt asked Selethen that night. The negotiations had beenfinalised,agreed,signedandwitnessed.Therehadbeenanofficialbanquettocelebratethefact,with speeches and compliments on all sides.NowSelethen and theAraluan partywererelaxingintheAraluans’quarters.ItwouldbetheirlastnighttogetherastheWakirwasduetoleaveearlythefollowingmorning.Selethenhadbroughtsomeofthetradegiftkafaywithhimandhe,WillandHaltwereallsavouringthebrew.Nobody,Willthought,madecoffeequiteaswellastheArridi.

Alyss sat by the fireplace, smiling at the three of them. She liked coffee, but forRangers, and apparently theArridi, coffeedrinkingwas close to a religious experience.Shecontentedherselfwithagobletoffresh,citrus-tastingsherbet.

‘Simple,’saidSelethen.‘Neverletthemchoosetheconditions.AsSapristisaid,they’veneverbeendefeated inopenbattle.Soyouneed fightamore fluidactionagainst them.Catchthemwhenthey’reonthemoveandinfile.Hitthemontheflankswithquickraids,beforetheycangointotheirdefensiveformation.Oruseartilleryagainstthem.Thatrigidformationmakes foraverycompact target.Hit itwithheavybolts fromamangonelorrocksfromcatapultsandyou’dstarttopunchholesinit.Onceitlosescohesion,it’snotsoformidable.’

Haltwasnodding.‘Iwasthinkingthesame,’hesaid.‘Neverconfrontthemhead-on.Ifyou could get a force of archers behind them without their realising it, their tortoiseformationwouldbevulnerable.

‘Butofcourse,’hecontinued,‘theyrelyontheirenemies’senseofoutragewhentheyinvade a country.Very few armieswill have the patience to carry out a running battle,harassingandweakeningthemoveraperiod.Veryfewleaderswouldbeabletoconvincetheir followers that thiswas the bestway.National pridewould forcemost to confrontthem,totrytoforcethembackacrosstheborder.’

‘Andwesawwhathappenswhenyouconfrontthem,’Willsaid.‘Thosejavelinswereeffective.’Boththeoldermennodded.

‘Limitedrange,however,’Selethensaid.‘Nomorethanthirtyorfortymetres.’

‘Butquitedeadlyatthatrange,’Haltsaid,agreeingwithWill.

‘It seems tome,’ saidAlysscheerfully, ‘that thebest course to takewouldbeoneofnegotiation.Negotiatewiththemratherthanfightthem.Usediplomacy,notweapons.’

‘Spokenlikeatruediplomat,’Haltsaid,givingheroneofhisraresmiles.HewasfondofAlyss,andherbondwithWillmadehimevenmoreinclinedtolikeher.Shebowedherheadinmockmodesty.‘Butwhatifdiplomacyfails?’

Alyssrosetothechallengewithouthesitation.‘Thenyoucanalwaysresorttobribery,’shesaid. ‘A littlegold in therighthandscanaccomplishmore thana forestofswords.’Hereyestwinkledasshesaidit.

Selethenshookhisheadinadmiration.‘YourAraluanwomenwouldfit inwell inmycountry,’hesaid.‘LadyAlyss’sgraspoftheskillsofnegotiationisfirstclass.’

‘Irecallyouweren’tquitesoenthusiasticaboutPrincessEvanlyn’snegotiatingskills,’Haltsaid.

‘IhavetoadmitImetmymatchthere,’hesaidruefully.InhispreviousencounterwithAraluans,hehadtriedtobamboozleEvanlynintheirhagglingoveraransompaymentforOberjarl Erak. The princess had remained totally un-bamboozled and had very neatlyoutwittedhim.

Alyss frowned slightly at the mention of Evanlyn’s name. She was not one of theprincess’sgreatestadmirers.However,sherecoveredquicklyandsmiledagain.

‘Womenaregoodnegotiators,’shesaid.‘Weprefertoleaveallthesweaty,unpleasantdetailsofbattletopeoplelikeyour–’

She was interrupted by a discreet knock at the door. Since this was a diplomaticmission, shewas in fact the leaderof theAraluanparty. ‘Come in,’ she called in reply,thenaddedinalowervoicetotheothers,‘Iwonderwhat’shappened?Afterall,it’salittlelateforcallers.’

Thedooropenedtoadmitoneofherservants.Themanglancednervouslyaround.Herealisedhewasinterruptingaconversationbetweentheheadofthemission,twoRangersandthemosthigh-rankingrepresentativeoftheArridiparty.

‘Myapologiesforinterrupting,LadyAlyss,’hebeganuncertainly.

Shereassuredhimwithawaveofherhand.‘It’sperfectlyallright,Edmund.Iassumeit’simportant?’

The servant swallowed nervously. ‘You could say so, my lady. The Crown PrincessCassandrahasarrivedandshewantstoseeyouall.’

Nihon-JaThewindhadpickedupsincetheyhadlefttheEmperor’ssummerlodgethepreviousday.Nowitwaskeeningthroughthevalleyastheyrodecarefullydownthenarrowtrackthatangleddownoneside,andgustingstronglyas itwasfunnelledbetweentheconstrictinghillsthatformedthevalley.Thetreesaroundthemseemedtohaveadoptedapermanentleantooneside,soconstantwastheforceofthewind.Horacepulledhissheepskincollaralittlehigheraroundhisearsandnestledgratefullyintoitswarmdepths.

Heglancedup.The skywas a brilliant ice blue, but alreadyheavygrey cloudswerescuddingacross it,sendingbandsofshadowflittingsilentlyacross the landscapebelow.Tothesouth,hecouldseeadarklineofsolidcloud.Heestimatedthatitwouldbeuponthem by early afternoon and it would probably bring rain with it. He consideredsuggesting that theymightmakecampfor thedaybefore the rainadded its force to thewind.Therewasnoneedtorushtheirjourney–theportofIwanaiwaswithineasyridingdistance–andhedidn’trelishtheideaofpitchingtentsinadrivingrainstorm.Bettertogetthemupwhilethepartywasstilldryandshelterinsidethemthroughthedeterioratingweather.

The trail they were following levelled and widened for a hundred metres or so, soHoraceurgedhishorsealongsidethatoftheEmperor,whowasridingimmediatelybeforehim. Shigeru, huddled deep in his own fur robes, sensed the presence beside him andlookedaround.Hegrimacedattheracingcloudsoverheadandgaveasmallshrug.

Horacepulledhiscollardowntospeak,feelingtheicybiteofthewindonhisfaceashedidso.

‘Doyouthinkitwillsnow?’hecalled,pitchinghisvoiceabovetheconstantbatteringofthewind.

Shigeru looked at the sky again and shook his head. ‘It’s a little early in the year.Perhapsinaweekortwowe’llgetafewlightfalls.Then,inamonth,therealsnowwillbegin.Butwe’ll be far away fromhere by then.Oncewe’re out of themountains, theweatherwon’tbesosevere.’Heglancedagainattheominouscloudfront.

‘Plentyofrainthere,however,’hecontinuedcheerfully.

Horacegrinned.VerylittleseemedtofazeShigeru.Manyrulerswouldhavespentthemorning complaining loudly about the cold and the discomfort, as if their complaintswouldactuallyservetoalleviatethesituationandasiftheirattendantsshouldbeabletodosomethingaboutit.NottheEmperor.Heacceptedthesituation,knowingthathecould

donothingtochangetheweather.Besttoendureitwithoutmakinglifemoredifficultforthosearoundhim.

‘Perhapsweshouldmakecampearly,’Horacesuggested.

Shigeru was about to reply when a cry from one of their point riders caught theirattention.

Inadditiontoafewhouseholdservants–andofcourseHoraceandGeorge–Shigeruwastravellingwitharelativelysmallscreenofbodyguards.OnlyadozenSenshiwarriors,under the command of Shukin, the Emperor’s cousin, had accompanied him to thesummerlodge.Again,Horacethought,itwasameasureofthemanhimself.Shigeruhadlittlecause to fearattack.Hewaspopularwith thecommonpeople.Theyknewhewasworkingtoimprovetheirlotandtheylovedhimforit.Previousemperorshadnotenjoyedsuchesteemandithadalwaysbeennecessaryforthemtosurroundthemselveswithlargepartiesofarmedmenwhentheytravelledthroughthecountryside.

Oneof theSenshihadbeenpostedwell aheadof thegroupas apoint rider.Anotherthreewere grouped some tenmetres ahead ofHorace and theEmperor. The remainderwerestationedbehind.Onthisnarrowtrail,therewasnoroomforoutridersontheirflank,althoughtheywouldbedeployedoncethepartyreachedthevalleyfloor.

Theriderwhohadcriedoutnowhelduphishand,bringing themainparty toahalt.Horaceheardaclatterofhoovesandawarningcallfrombehindhim.Glancingback,heedgedhishorsetoonesidetoallowShukinandfouroftheguardstoedgepasthim.TheEmperordidthesame.

‘What’s theproblem?’ShigeruaskedShukin, as theescort leader trottedpast.OutofdeferencetoHorace,andtoavoidtheneedfortranslation,hespokethecommonlanguage,notNihon-Jan.

‘Idon’tknow,cousin,’Shukinreplied.‘Kaeko-sanhasseensomething.I’llreportonceI’vespokentohim.Pleasewaithere.’

He glanced over his shoulder, reassuring himself that the fourmen remaining in therearguardhadmoveduptoformacloserscreen,thenrodeon.

Without conscious thought, Horace’s left hand dropped to his scabbard, angling itslightly forward so that, if the need arose for him to draw his sword, he could do soquickly.Histrademarkroundshieldwasstillslungonhisback.Noneedtochangethatatthemoment.Hecouldshrugitroundintopositioninasecondortwoifrequired.

Shigeru’shorseshifteditsfeetnervouslyastheguardsrodepast.TheEmperorpatteditsneck and spoke soothingly to it and thehorse settled.Then theEmperor slumpedmorecomfortablyinthesaddle,lookedatHoraceandshrugged.

‘I imagine we’ll hear what’s going on in a moment or two,’ he said. His mannerindicatedthathewassurethiswasafalsealarm,thathisguardswerebeingover-cautious.He gazed after Shukin as his cousin reined in beside the Senshiwarriorwho had beenriding point. There was a brief discussion, then both Shigeru and Horace saw Kaekopointing to something further down the valley, where the trail zigzagged back toaccommodatethesteepslopeofthehillside.

Shukintrottedbacktoreport.

‘There’s a rider coming. It’s one of your household staff, cousin.Andhe seems in ahurry.’

Shigerufrowned.Itwouldtakealotofbringoneofhisofficialstaffoutinthissortofweather.

GeorgeedgedhishorseuptoHoracenow.GeorgewasatrainedscribeandattorneyandhehadmadeacomprehensivestudyofthewaysoftheNihon-Jan.Thiswasnothisfirsttriptothecountry.Becauseofhisknowledgeoflocalmatters,hehadbeensentonthistripwithHoracetoobserveandadvisetheyoungwarrioronmattersofprotocol,andtoupdateadictionaryoftheNihon-Janlanguagethathehadwrittentwoyearsago.

Georgecouldbealittlestuffyandfullofhimselfattimesbuthewasessentiallygood-heartedandhehadprovidedexcellentadvicetoHoraceonthejourney.Horacehadbeengladtohavehimalong.

‘Whyarewestopping?’heasked.

Horacejerkedathumbfurtheralongthetrail.‘There’sarider.Amessenger,probably.Bestifwewaitforhimtocometous.’

‘Amessenger?Whoisit?IsLordShigeruexpectingamessage?Doweknowwhatit’sabout?’ George’s questions came tumbling out before Horace had a chance to beginanswering.

Horace shook his head and smiled at his old childhood companion. ‘I don’t know. Idon’tknow.And…Idon’tknow,’hesaid.HesawGeorge’sshouldersrelaxasherealisedhisquestionshadbeenunreasonable.‘Iimaginewe’llfindoutwhenhecomesuptous.’

‘Ofcourse.Sillyofme,’Georgesaid.Hesoundedgenuinelyaggrievedthathehadlethismaskofprofessionalcalmslipthewayithad.

‘Don’tletitbotheryou,’Horacesaid,thenhecouldn’thelpparrotingoneofGeorge’soft-repeatedcatchcries.‘Afterall,ifyoudon’task,you’llneverlearn.’

Georgehadthegracetoallowathinsmile.Heneverlikedbeingtheobjectofjokes.Hefeltitunderminedhisdignity.

‘Yes,yes.Quiteso,SirHorace.’HisslightemphasisonHorace’stitlewasevidencethathefeltHorace’ssallyhadbeenunnecessary.

Horaceshruggedtohimself.Livewithit,George,hethought.

Therattleofgallopinghooveswasclosernow.Theriderhadreachedthesharpelbowturn in the trail andwasheadingup the lasthundredmetresor so towards them.AcallfromShukinsawthefourwarriorsaheadofthepartymakeroomonthetrailtoletthenewarrivalthrough.

Hedrewlevelwith theEmperorandShukinanddidhisbest tobowfromthesaddle.Thatwasodd, thoughtHorace.He’dbeenaroundShigerulongenoughtoknowthat theproperetiquettecalledfortheridertodismountandthenkneel.Themessage,whateveritis,mustbeurgent.

Georgehadnoticedthebreachofnormalbehaviouraswell.‘Something’sgonewrong,’hesaidquietly.

Themessenger was speaking rapidly to Shigeru now.He kept his voice low so thatthosearoundtheEmperorcouldn’thearhim.HoracesawtheEmperorandhiscousinbothstiffenintheirsaddlesandsitalittlestraighter.Whateverthemessage,ithadtakenthemby surprise. And the surprise seemed to be an unpleasant one. Shigeru halted themessenger’sflowwithaquickwordandturnedinthesaddletobeckonthemforward.

Quickly,HoraceandGeorgetrottedtheirhorsesuptojointhesmallgroup.

‘Tell us again,’ Shigeru said. ‘But speak the common tongue so that Or’ss-san canunderstand.’

HoracenoddedhisthankstoShigeru.Thenthemessengerspokeagain.Inspiteofhishasteinarrivinghere,hespokecalmlyandclearly.

‘LordShigeru,Or’ss-sanandGeorge-san,therehasbeenarevoltinIto.ArevoltagainsttheEmperor.’

Nihon-JaHoracefrowned,puzzled.Georgeevidentlyfeltthesame.Heleanedforwardtoquestionthemessenger.

‘ButwhywouldthepeopleturnontheirEmperor?’heasked.‘TheyloveLordShigeru.’

Itwasn’tidleflatteryorthesortofsycophancythatyoumightexpecttoheararoundaruler.BothHoraceandGeorgehadseenampleevidenceofShigeru’spopularityas theyhadtravellednorthwithhimfromthepalace.ButShigeruwasshakinghisheadatthem,alookofimmensesadnessonhisnormallycheerfulfeatures.

‘Notthepeople,’hesaidbitterly.‘TheSenshi.LordArisakahasledhisclaninarevoltagainstmyrule.They’veseizedthepalaceatItoandkilledmanyofmysupporters.TheUmakiclanhasjoinedthem.’

TheseweretwoofthemostpowerfulandinfluentialSenshiclansinthecountry.HoraceandGeorgeexchangedhorrifiedglances.ThenGeorgeaddressedtheEmperor.

‘But,yourexcellency,theseclanshavesworntheirobediencetoyou,surely?Howcantheybreakthatoath?’GeorgeknewthatamongtheSenshiclass,anoathwasinviolable.

Shigeru’slipsweredrawntogetherinatightlineandheshookhishead,unabletospeakforthemoment,overcomewithemotion.ItwasShukinwhoansweredforhim.

‘TheyclaimtheEmperorhasviolatedhisownoathbytryingtoraiseupthecommonpeopleagainsttheirbetters.Theyclaimhehasbetrayedhisclass–theSenshiclass–andisnolongerworthytobeEmperor.’

‘Andasaresult,’Shigeruaddedbitterly,‘theiroathofloyaltytomeisworthless.Iamtheoath-breaker,notthey.’

‘But…’ Horace hesitated, searching for the right words. ‘You’re not “raising up thecommon people”. You’re simply trying to make their lives better, by recognising theirvalue.HowcanArisakagetawaywithsuchadistortionofthetruefacts?’

Shigerumet the youngman’s gaze. He had regained a little control now and spokeevenly.

‘Or’ss-san, people will believe half-truths and distortions if they coincide with whattheywant tobelieve. If they reflect their fears.TheSenshihavean irrational fear that IwanttotakeawaytheirpoweroverthepeopleandArisakahastradeduponthatfear.’

‘ButArisakadoesn’tbelieveithimself?’Georgesaid.

‘Arisaka believes something else,’ Shigeru replied. ‘When the previous emperor diedwithoutanheir,ArisakabelievesheshouldhavebeenchosenasEmperorinmyplace.’

‘He’sbeenbusyformonths,’Shukintoldthem,hiscontemptforthetraitorArisakaalltooobviousinhisvoice,‘sowingfearanddissentamongtheSenshi,spreadingtheliethatmy cousin is betraying his class and planning to give the common people power overthem.Hiscampaignhasbeensuccessful,itseems.’

‘Likeallsuccessfullies,itisbasedonthetiniestgrainoftruth,’Shigerusaid.‘Idowantthepeopletohaveagreaterstakeinthewaythecountryisgoverned.Arisakahasblownthatoutofallproportion.’

Horaceturnedtothemessenger.HerecognisedhimnowasoneofthesenioradvisershehadseenattheItopalace.‘Yousaidtwoclanshadjoinedthisrevolt,’hesaid.‘Whatabouttheothers?WhatabouttheEmperor’sclan?’

‘ManyoftheEmperor’sclanaredeadalready.TheytriedtoresistArisaka,andhismenkilled them. They outnumbered them five or six to one. Those who aren’t dead arescatteredandinhiding.’

‘Andtheothers?’Georgeasked.‘TheMeishi,theTokoradiandtheKitotashi?TheyowenoallegiancetoArisaka.’

‘NoneofthemcanstandagainsttheShimonsekiontheirown.Andeachiswaitingtoseewhat theotherswilldo.Sofar,all theywillsayis that ifwhatLordArisakasays istrue,thenperhapshisactionsarejustified.’

George snorted indisgust. ‘If andperhaps,’he said. ‘The languageofprocrastinationanduncertainty.That’sjustpeoplelookingtojustifytheirownlackofaction.’

‘Arisaka has the momentum,’ Horace said. As a soldier, he understood the value ofswift and determined action that presented possible dissidents with a fait accompli. ‘Ifthey’d resistedat theverybeginning,Arisakamightnothavegotawaywith it.Nowhehascontrolofthepalaceandtheballisrolling.It’stoolatetostophimeasily.’HelookedatShigeru.‘Thequestionis,yourexcellency,whatareyouplanningtodoaboutit?’

Shigerupausedthoughtfullyandglancedatthemessenger.‘WhereisArisakanow?’

‘He’sheadingnorthfromthecapital,yourexcellency.Heplanstotakeyouprisoner.’

Shukinandtheemperorexchangedaquickglance.

‘Howfarbehindyouishe,Reito-san?’Shukinaskedandthemessengershrugged.

‘Probably several days. He didn’t set out immediately. But there are some survivorsfromtheroyalarmynotfarbehindme.Theycouldbehereinafewhours.’

‘Howmany of them?’Horace asked quickly.Without any conscious decision on hispart,hewasbeginningtothinkaboutthepossibilityofaquickcounterattack,butReito’snextwordsdispelledtheidea.

‘Onlyfortyorfifty,’hereplied.‘AndArisakahasatleastthreehundredmenwithhim.’

Horacenodded,chewinghislipthoughtfully.Shigeru’sarmyhadbeenasmallone.Heruledbyconsensus,not force.Whichwaswhy,he thought,Arisaka’scouphadbeenso

successful.

‘Allthemorereasonforustopausehereforafewhours,’Shigerusaid,takingchargeofthesituation.‘Arisakawon’tbehereforseveraldays.Butmysoldierswillarrivesoon.Weshouldjoinupwiththem.Andwhilewe’rewaiting,wecandecideonournextmove.’

Theymovedoffthetrackontoasmall,levelmeadowbesideit.Themenfromtheescortpitchedtwopavilions–oneforthecommandgroupandonefortherestoftheparty.Theywouldn’t be camping overnight so all that was neededwas temporary shelter from theweatherwhiletheywaitedforthesurvivorsofShigeru’sarmytoarrive.

Andwhiletheleadershadtimetoconsiderthesituationandmaketheirplans.

Awovenbamboomatwasplacedoverthedampgroundinsideonepavilionandalowtableandfivestoolsplacedonit.Shigeru,Shukin,Reito,HoraceandGeorgesataroundthe table. An orderly placed several pots of green tea and handle-less porcelain cupsbeforethem.Horacesippedgratefullyatthetea.Itwasn’tasgoodascoffee,hethought,butanyhotdrinkinthisweatherwaswelcome.

Thecanvaswallsofthepavilionshookinagustofwindandthefirstrainrattledagainstthem.

‘North,’Shukinwassaying.‘Wehavetoheadbacknorth.’

‘Logical, sinceArisakaandhisarmyare in thesouth,’Horacesaid. ‘But is thereanyotheradvantageinthenorth?Doyouhavealliesthere–clansyoucouldraisesothatyoucouldfaceArisaka?’

Shigerushookhishead.‘TherearenoSenshiclansinthenorth,’hesaid.‘TherearetheKikori,that’sall.They’renotwarriors.’

His two countrymennodded agreement.ButHoracewantedmore information. ‘WhoaretheKikori?’

‘Timber workers,’ George told him. ‘They work in among the tall timber in themountains.Theirvillagesarescatteredeverywhere.’

‘Ifthey’retimberworkers,they’llbefitandstrongandthey’llhaveaxes,’Horacesaid.‘Andthey’llknowhowtousethem.Couldwerecruitthemassoldiers?Wouldtheyfightforyou,yourexcellency?’

ShigeruandShukinexchangedglancesandtheEmperorshookhishead.

‘Theywould.They are intensely loyal.But Iwon’t ask them to. They’re not trainedwarriors,Or’ss-san.Arisaka’smenwouldmassacrethem.Ican’taskthemtofightwhentheyhavenohope.’

GeorgeleanedforwardandtouchedHorace’ssleeve,drawinghisattention.Headded,in a lowered tone, ‘There’s another problem,Horace.TheKikoriwould fight.But theywouldn’t believe theyhad any chance against theSenshi – because they’dbelieve theyhavenorighttofightthem.’

‘Noright?Whatdoyoumean?Ofcoursethey–’

‘It’samatteroftheirmindset.They’vespentcenturiesbelievingtheyareinferiortothe

Senshi.Shigeru-sanistryingtoturnthataroundbutitwilltakealongtimetodoit.Justasthe Senshi are conditioned to believe they are superior to the other classes, theKikoribelievetheSenshiaretheirsuperiors.Theymightgointobattleagainstthem.Butthey’ddoitexpectingtolose.’

‘That’scrazy,’Horacesaid.ButhecouldseethereasoninGeorge’sstatement.

‘You’reasoldier,Horace.Wouldyouleadanarmyintobattleifthemenexpectedtobebeaten?Evenworse,ifthementhoughttheyhadnorighttowin?’

‘Isupposenot.’Horace’sshouldersslumped.Foramoment,hethoughthehadseenapossiblecourseofaction,butGeorgewasright.Anarmythatbelieveditwasdestinedtolosewouldbemarchingtoitsdeath.

‘There are the Hasanu,’ Shukin was saying thoughtfully. ‘And Lord Nimatsu is anhonourableman.Hewouldn’tturnhisbackonhisoathofallegiance.’

‘The Hasanu are certainly fighters,’ Shigeru said. ‘But to the far north, with anenormousmountainrangeseparatingusfromthem.Itwouldtakeweeks,monthseven,toreachthem.AndIhavenoideahowtheywouldrespond.Theyarestrangepeople.’

‘Iftheyarepeople,infact,’Reitoputin.

Shigerugavehimalookofrebuke.‘Don’tbelievetheoldsuperstitions,Reito,’hesaid.‘TheHasanuare…unusual,shallwesay?ButI’mconvincedthey’rehuman.’

‘Who are the Hasanu?’ Horace whispered to George. ‘Are they another clan ofwarriors?’ButGeorgewasshakinghishead,apuzzledlookonhisface.

‘I’veneverheardofthem.They’renotaclan.I’msureIknowallofthem.’

Beforetheycouldpursuethematteranyfurther,Shukinspokeinanauthoritativetone.

‘Whether or not we can muster forces for a counterattack against Arisaka, our firstcourse is to make sure the Emperor is safe. We have to head north back into themountains. We won’t ask the Kikori to fight, but they’ll be willing to hide us fromArisaka.’

Shigeru was nodding agreement. ‘Perhaps not themost gallant course of action,’ hesaid.‘Butcertainlythewisest.IfwecanevadeArisaka’smenforamonthortwo,winterwillbehereandtheweatherwillprotectus.’

‘There’s always the fortress atRan-Koshi,’Reito suggested and theEmperor andhiscousinlookedathimquickly.

‘Ran-Koshi?’saidShukin.‘Ialwaysthoughtthatwasamyth.’

Reitoshookhishead.‘Manypeopledo.ButI’msureit’sreal.Theproblemis,howtofindit.’

‘Whatisthisfortress?’Horaceasked.

‘Ran-Koshiisafortressthat’sspokenofinanoldfolktale,’Shigerutoldthem.‘That’swhyShukindoubteditsexistence.It’ssaidtobehighinthemountains,inahiddenvalley.Many hundreds of years ago, there was a civil war over the rightful succession to thethrone.’

‘Notunlikenow,infact,’ShukinsaidgrimlyandtheEmperorglancedathim.

‘Precisely,’he said, then turnedback to the twoAraluans. ‘TheeventualwinnerusedRan-Koshi as his power base. It was said to be an impregnable fortress, withmassivewallsandadeepmoat.’

‘Soundslikethesortofplaceyoucoulduse,’Horacesaid.

Shigerunoddedthoughtfully.‘Itwouldbederelictbynow,’hesaid.‘Ifitexistsatall.’

‘Ifit’sthere,thereisonegroupofpeoplewhowillknowwhereitis,’Reitosaid.‘TheKikori. They’ve spent generations combing the mountains for groves of trees, thenbuildingtrailstobringthefallenlogsdowntothelowcountry.Theyknoweveryinchofthenorthernmountains.’

‘Thenwhyhavetheyneverrevealeditslocation?’Shukinsaid.

Shigeruinclinedhisheadtowardshiscousin.‘Whyshouldthey?’hereplied.‘Overtheyears,theKikorihavehadlittlereasontolovetherulingclassofthiscountry.Iftheyknewthissecret,IdoubttheywouldhavetoldtheSenshiaboutit.Theywon’tfightthewarriorclass,butthere’snoreasonwhytheyshoulddoanythingtohelpthem.’

‘Goodpoint,’Horacesaid.‘Soallwehavetodoisheadnorth,contacttheKikori,andtakeshelterinthismythicalfortress?’

Shigerugavehimagood-humourednod.AfterhisfirstshockatthenewsofArisaka’streachery,hehadrecoveredsomeofhisnormalspirits.

‘Perhapsweshouldtakeitonestepatatime,Or’ss-san,’hesaid.‘OurfirstpriorityissimplytoevadeArisaka,andforthat,Iagreethatwehavetoheadnorth.ButI’mafraidyouwon’tbecomingwithus.’

Horaceopenedhismouthtoreply,feltGeorge’shandonhisarmandstopped.

‘We’re on a diplomatic mission, Horace,’ George said quietly. ‘We have no right tointerfereininternalmattersamongtheNihon-Jan.’

That statement broughtHoraceup short.His first instinct onhearing aboutArisaka’srebellionhadbeentohelptheEmperorfindawaytodefeatthetreacherouswarlord.Now,herealised,hehadnorighttodoanysuchthing.Hesatback,confused.ShigerusawtheconflictonhisfaceandofferedHoraceasadlittlesmile.

‘George-sanisright.Thisisnotyourbattle.Youareobserversinourcountryand,justasIcan’tasktheKikoritofight,Ican’texpectyoutoriskyourlivesonmybehalf.Youshouldreturntoyourownland.’

‘Itmight be better ifOr’ss-san andGeorge-san also avoidedArisaka’smen,’ Shukinsaid.‘TheShimonsekimaynotunderstandthenicetiesofdiplomaticimmunity.’

Shigeru looked at his cousin. Shukinmade a good point, he thought. Arisaka’smenwouldhavetheirbloodup.Theywouldbearrogantandargumentative,andHoracemightwellbeprovokedbythemifheencounteredthem.TheywouldknowtheyoungAraluanwasafriendoftheEmperorandtheywouldknowhewasawarrior.Betterifheavoidedcontactaltogether.

‘There is a secondary road to Iwanai a little north of here,’ he said. ‘It’s not aswelltravelledas themainroad.Infact, it’smoreofamountaintrack.Butyou’dbebetter totakeit,Ithink.Perhapsyoushouldaccompanyusthatfar,thenleaveus.’

Horace shook his head helplessly.He knew theywere right but he hated to desert afriendindanger.

‘Idon’tlikeit,yourexcellency,’hesaideventually.

‘NeitherdoI,Or’ss-san.But,trustme,it’sforthebest.’

Nihon-JaAnhourpassedwithoutanysignoftheremnantsoftheEmperor’sarmy.Shukincametoadecision.

‘Wecan’twaitanylonger,cousin.EveryminutewedelayletsArisakagetclosertous.’

‘Idon’tlikedesertingmymen.Theyfoughtinmyname,afterall.It’sapoorrewardforthemifIabandonthem,’Shigerureplied.

‘PoorerstilliftheyseeyoutakenbyArisaka.Reito-sancanridebackandleadthemtojoinus.Wecanarrangearendezvous.Butrightnow,youmustgetontheroadagain.’

‘ReitosaidthatArisaka’smenwereseveraldaysbehindhim,’theEmperorpointedout,butShukinwasunconvinced.

‘Hismain army, yes.But in his place, Iwould have sent out fast scouting parties tosearch for you. They could be upon us any time. After all, the survivors from the Itogarrisonaretravellingonfootandbringingtheirwoundedwiththem.They’llbemovingalotslowerthanamountedscoutingparty.’

Reluctantly, Shigeru agreed. The men from the escort began to dismantle the twopavilionsandpackthemaway.ReitoandShukinputtheirheadstogetheroveramapandagreedonarendezvouspointwhereReitoshouldleadthesurvivors.

‘Wait for us here,’Shukin told him, pointing to a villagemarkedon themap. ‘We’llmakecontactwithyou.’HewasalltooawareofthepossibilitythatReitoandtherestofShigeru’smenmightbefollowedandcaptured.Bestiftheycouldn’ttellArisakaexactlywheretheEmperorhadgonetoground.Reitomethisgaze,understood,andnodded.

‘Lookforusinafewdays,’hesaid.Then,bowinghastilytoShigeru,hemountedhishorseandrodeoffdownthetrailtothesouth.

Theothersmountedand turned theirhorses’headsnorth, startingbackalong the trailthathadbrought themdownfromthesummer lodge.Afterafewkilometres, theycameacrossanothertrailthatbranchedofftothewest,andleddownintothevalleys.

Shukin,ridinginthelead,reinedinhishorseandwaitedwhileHoracecaughtupwithhim.Heindicatedthenewtrail.

‘We’lltakethistrack.Itwillleadustotheturn-offforIwanai,whereyou’llleaveus.’

Horacenoddedunhappily.‘Ihatetoleave,’hesaid.‘IfeelasifI’mdesertingyou.’

Shukinleanedoverandgraspedtheyoungwarrior’sforearm.‘Ican’timagineanyoneI’dratherhavebymyside,Or’ss-san,’hesaid.‘ButastheEmperorsays,thisisnotyourfight.’

‘Iknowthat,’Horacereplied.‘ButIdon’thavetolikeit.’

Shukinsmiledgrimly.‘Lookonthebrightside.Atleasttherainhasstopped.’

Thenhespurredhishorseintoacanterandrodetoresumehispositionattheheadofthelittlecolumn.

George moved up to ride beside Horace. He shifted in his saddle, standing in thestirrups to ease his achingbackside.Georgewasnot an accomplished rider andShukinhad been pushing the pace for the last few hours. The attorney had been bounced andjouncedcontinuallyinthesaddleandhewassurehisbehindwouldbeblackandblue.Histhighmuscleswereachingandcramped.Hisdiscomfortwasphysical,butheknewthatHoracewasfeelinganacutementalanguishthatwasjustasbadandhewantedtotakehisfriend’smindoffit.

‘Arewenearlythere?’heasked,hidingasmileashevoicedtheage-oldcomplaintofchildrenonajourney.

Horacecouldn’thelpgrinninginreturn.‘Youdidn’tsignupforthis,didyou?’hesaid.‘YouprobablythoughtitwouldallbepolitemeetingsandformalbanquetsinthepalaceatIto.’

‘Tootrue,’Georgereplied,withsomefeeling.‘Itneveroccurredtomethatwe’dspendour time galloping up and downmountains on tracks that a self-respecting goatwouldavoid. If I’d…Look out!’ he yelled suddenly and leaned over in the saddle to shoveHoracetooneside.

Horace heard a savage hiss as something flew past his face,missing him by inches.Thenhe sawGeorge swaying, a long arrowburied in the upper part of his arm.As hewatched,Georgeslidsideways fromhissaddleand thuddedonto the rough,churned-upearthofthetrack.

Their attackers came out of the trees on either side.The initial volley of arrows hadtakendownthreeoftheescort,aswellasGeorge.Nownineswordsmenchargedinatthesmallparty.Horacedrewhisswordandshruggedhisshieldround intoposition,his leftarmslippingthroughthestrapsandfindingthehandgripwiththespeedoflongpractice.

Itwasawell-stagedambush,hethought.Theenemyhadlettheadvancepartygopast,pouredinavolley, thenchargedoutofthetreeswhilethesmallcolumnmilledaboutinconfusion.

ThreeoftheattackersconvergedontheEmperor,whowasridinginthemiddleofthecolumn, a few metres ahead of George and Horace. One grabbed the reins of theEmperor’shorse,andasShigerudrewhisswordandstruckathim,themanduckedunderthe horse’s neck to avoid the blow. Instantly, the other two were on the Emperor likejackalsonadeer.Theygrabbedhisarmsandpulledhimfromthesaddle,theswordfallingfromhishandashehit theground.Hisretainerswerecaughtbysurprise,engagedwiththeothersixattackers.

Horacemadehisdecisioninasplitsecond.Hisnormalinstinctwouldbetoattackonhorseback.Buthewasn’tridingKickerandhehadnoideaifthishorsehadbeentrainedforbattle.Besides,theEmperorwasonthegroundandhe’drisktramplinghim.Hethrewalegoverthepommelanddroppedtotheground,dashingforwardtoprotectShigeru.

Oneof theSenshihadraisedhisswordina two-handedgrip,aimingadownstrokeatthe helpless Emperor. Horace’s sword was heavier than the katana that the Nihon-Janwarriors used. But it was also longer and Shigeru’s attacker didn’t factor that in. HethoughthehadjustenoughtimetokillShigeruandturntofacetheonrushingwarrior.Hefelt a moment of surprise when Horace’s horizontal stroke took him in the rib cage,exposedasheraisedtheswordhigh,andsmashedthroughhislacqueredleatherarmour.Thenhefeltnothing.

Horacesensedratherthansawthesecondmanswingingadiagonaloverheadcutathimfrom the left. He pivoted in that direction and his shield seemed to move of its ownvolition, intercepting the razor-sharp bladewith a ringing clang.He felt the super-hardsteelof thekatana bite intohis shield, sticking for a fractionof a second.As it did,hesteppedforward,crampingthemanforspace,andkickedflat-footedinto thesideofhisknee.Theman’s leg collapsed under him and he stumbled forwardwith a shrill cry ofpain.AquickthrustcutoffhiscryandhefellatHorace’sfeet.

In a fight againstmultiple enemies, itwas fatal to face inonedirection for too long.Horacespunonehundredandeightydegrees,shieldraised,justintimetoblockathrustfromthe thirdman– theonewhohadseized theEmperor’s reins.BeforeHoracecouldretaliate,themanthrewuphisarmswithachokingcry.

He fell to his knees, shock and surprise onhis face.Behindhim,Shukinwaspoisedwith his sword ready for another stroke. But it was unnecessary. The assassin pitchedforward,facedowninthewetearth.

Horace lookedaroundquickly.The rearguardhadclosedupandwere takingcareoftwootherSenshiattackers.Heheardthecrashingsoundofsomeonerunningthroughtheundergrowthonthedownhillsideofthetrack.Atleastoneoftheirattackershadgotaway.

Shukinsheathedhissword.ThenhehelpedShigerutohisfeet.

‘Areyouallright,cousin?’heaskedanxiously.

Shigeru brushed his concern aside. ‘I’m covered in mud and winded, but otherwiseunharmed–thankstoOr’ss-san.’HesmiledhisgratitudeattheyoungAraluan.

Horaceshookhishead.‘I’mgladtobeofservice,’hesaid,alittleformally.Horacewasalwaysuncomfortablewhenpeople thankedhim fordoingwhathe considered tobenomore than his job. He sheathed his sword. The senior man from the rear guard hadapproachedandwastalkingtoShukininrapidNihon-Jan.

‘AretheyArisaka’smen?’HoraceaskedtheEmperor.

Shigeru nodded. ‘That’s the Shimonseki crest,’ he said, indicating a stylised owlemblazonedontheattackers’breastplates,overtheheart.

Shukinmovedbacktojointhem.

‘Mycorporalcountednineofthem,’hesaid.‘Twogotaway.Mymenkilledfourothers,Or’ss-sanaccountedfortwoandIfinishedofftheseventh.’Hecastacontemptuousglanceat the sprawled figures on the track, then grudgingly had to admit that the attack hadnearlybeensuccessful.‘Theywerewellorganised.Twopartiesofthreemovedtocutofftheadvanceandrearguards,whiletheremainingthreeattackedyou,cousin.Idon’tthinktheyreckonedonOr’ss-san’sskillwithasword.Thatwastheirmainmistake.Welosttwomenandonewaswoundedinthevolleyofarrowstheyfired.’

HiswordsbroughtaterriblerealisationtoHorace.

‘Ohgod!’hecried.HeswungroundandranbackalongthetracktowhereGeorgehadfallenfromhissaddle.Inalltheaction,hehadforgottenaboutthescribe.Hisheartsurgedwith relief as he saw the thin figure sitting upright beside the muddy track, painfullynursing his right arm, still impaled by a long, white-feathered arrow. His sleeve wassoakedwithbloodandhisfacewaspale–palerthannormal–buthewasalive.Horacedroppedtoonekneebesidehim.

‘George!’hesaid,thereliefevidentinhisvoice.‘Areyouallright?’

‘No!Iamnot!’Georgerepliedwithconsiderablespirit.‘Ihaveawhackinggreatarrowstuckthroughmyarmandithurtsliketheverydickens!Howcouldanybodybeallrightinthosecircumstances?’

Impulsively,Horacewenttotouchthearrow,butGeorgejerkedaway,thenhowledastheabruptmovementsentpaincoursingthroughhisarm.

‘You saved my life, George,’ Horace said gently, remembering how his ganglycompanionhadshovedhimawayfromthearrowaimedathim.

Georgegrimaced.‘Well,ifI’dknownitwasgoingtohurtlikethis,Iwouldn’thave!Iwouldhavejustletthemshootyou!Whydoyoulivethisway?’hedemandedinahigh-pitched voice. ‘How can you bear it? This sort of thing is very, very painful. I alwayssuspectedthatwarriorsarecrazy.NowIknow.Infuture,I…’

Whatever it was he planned to do in the future, Horace never discovered. At thatmoment,shockedbythepainofthewoundandweakenedbythelossofblood,George’seyesrolledupwardsandheslidoverontohisside.

HoracelookedroundtofindShukinstudyingthewoundedscribe.

‘Mightbeagood thing,’ theSenshi leader said. ‘We’llget thatarrowshaftoutwhilehe’sunconscious.’

George remainedunconscious fora fewminutes.But itwasenough time forShukin,andtheEmperor’shealer, toremovethearrowfromthewound.Theyappliedasalvetotheentryandexitwoundsandboundhisarmwithcleanlinen.Shukinobservedtheresultwithasatisfiedlook.

‘Itshouldhealcleanly,’hesaid.‘Thesalvewilltakecareofanyinfection–althoughthearrow was new and seemed clean enough. He will have a sore arm for some weeks,though.’

As if on cue, George’s eyes fluttered open. He looked around the concerned faces

lookingdownonhim,thenfrowned.

‘Myarmhurts,’hesaid.Horaceandtheothersburst intorelievedlaughter,whichdidnothingtoassuageGeorge’sfeelings.Heregardedthemindignantly.

‘Itmaybefunnytoallyouheroicwarriortypes,’hesaid.‘Iknowyouallmakeahabitofjustshruggingoffthissortofthing.Butithurts.’

Horace gently helped him to his feet and led him to where his horse was waitingpatiently.

‘Comeon,’hesaid,helpinghiscompanionintothesaddle.‘We’veawaytogoyet.’

Hewasglad thatGeorge,normallyagarrulouscompanion,didn’t feel like talkingastheyrode towards the junctionwith the track toIwanai.Horacehada lot to thinkaboutandhewantedtopreparehiswordscarefully.HeknewGeorgewouldarguewithwhathehad in mind and he knew that George was trained in logic and the ability to expressthoughtsclearlyandprecisely.

Eventually, the time came when the Emperor and Shukin reined in their horses andindicatedasteep,narrowtrackleadingdownhilltothesouth-west.

‘Youleaveushere,’theEmperorsaid.‘It’saboutaday’sridetoIwanaithisway.Idoubtthatyou’llrunintoanymoreofArisaka’smenonthetrail.Takecarewhenyoureachtheport,however.Stayoutofsightasmuchasyoucanuntilyou’reaboardyourship.’

‘Oneofmymenwillguideyou,’Shukinsaid.

ButHoraceshookhishead.‘NotoneofyourSenshi,’hesaid.‘Aservantwillbefine.Youneedallthefightingmenyouhavewithyou.’

Shukinnodded,acknowledgingthewisdom.‘Goodpoint.Verywell,oneoftheservantscanguideyou.’

Horace sat silently as George made his farewells. The Emperor, he noticed, lookedquizzicallyathimwhile thiswashappening,perhapssensingwhatHoracehad inmind.Eventually,Georgeslappedthereinsonhishorse’sneckandturnedhisheadtowardsthesteep,narrowtrack.

‘Comeon,Horace.It’stimetogo.’

Horaceclearedhisthroatuncomfortably.

‘That’sthething,George,’hesaid.‘I’mstaying.’

Toscana‘Evanlyn?Here?Whatonearthcanshepossiblywant?’Willaskedofnooneinparticular.Hecouldnever thinkof theprincessbyher realname.HehadmetherasEvanlynandsharedsomanydangersandadventureswithherunderthatnamethatshewouldalwaysbeEvanlyninhismind.

Alyss’simmediatereactionwasoneofsuspicion.She’sheretobargeinbetweenWillandme,shethoughtpeevishly.SheknewthatWillandtheprincesshadbeenverycloseinthepast–andremainedso–andthismadehersuspecttheworstofEvanlyn.Shethoughtof her by that name as well because it made it easier to dislike her. If she thought ofEvanlynbyherrealname,Cassandra,shehadtoacknowledgethatshewasthePrincessRoyalofAraluenandaffordher the respectdue to that rank.AsEvanlyn, shewas justanothergirl,tryingtogetherhooksintoAlyss’sboyfriend.

After that first knee-jerk reaction,Alyss recognised that shewas beingunreasonable.EvenEvanlynwouldn’tgo to somuch trouble simply to interposeherselfbetweenWillandherself, she realised.Theremust be someother,more important, reasonbehindhersuddenarrival.WasEvanlynheretocancelAraluen’sagreementtothetreatyconditions,andnullifythehardworkthatAlysshadputintothenegotiationsoverthepastfivedays?PerhapsAraluanpolicyhadchanged towards the treatybetweenArridaandToscana? Itwouldbeextremelyawkwardifthatwerethecase–afterall,thetreatyhadbeensignedandratifiedandshehadwitnesseditonbehalfoftheAraluancrown.

‘Perhapswe should inviteher in andaskher,’Halt saidmildly, in response toWill’squestion.HehadseenthefurrowsofconcentrationonAlyss’sfaceandhehadashrewdideaastothethoughtsthatweregoingthroughherhead.Butitwouldn’tdotoleavethePrincessRoyalcoolingherheelsintheanteroomwhileAlyssgotoverherpique.

‘Ofcourse,’ the tallblondegirlsaid,gatheringher thoughts,annoyedwithherself foractinginsuchanunprofessionalmanner.‘Pleaseshowherin,Edmund.’

The attendant, who had been hovering anxiously, aware that he was keeping theprincesswaiting,noddedgratefullyandwithdrew,leavingthedooropen.Afewsecondslater,hereappeared,standingasideastheirvisitorentered.

‘TheLadyEvanlyn,toseeyou,’heannounced.

Halt frowned. The princess only used that name when she travelled unofficially orincognito. Halt knew it reminded her of a time when her life and behaviour weren’tconstrainedbyroyalprotocolandcourtprocedures.Herosenowandsteppedforward,his

handsouttoher.Asanoldfriendandadviser,hedidn’tfeeltheneedtobowtoher.Afterall,ifshechosetobeincognito,shewouldn’texpectanyroyaltreatment.

Shesmiledwhenshesawhimandtookhishandsinhers.‘Hello,Halt,’shesaid.‘It’sgoodtoseeyou.’

‘Youtoo,mylady,’Halttoldher.

Evanlynglancedaroundtheroom.HersmilefadedslightlyasAlyssrosetogreether.

‘Welcome,yourhighness,’Alysssaid.

Evanlynwavedthetitleasideimpatiently.‘Notonthistrip,please,LadyAlyss.I’mnottravelling inmyofficialcapacity.Evanlyn isgoodenough.’HergazemovedonandhersmileregaineditsoriginalwarmthasshesawWill.

‘Hullo,Will,’shesaidandhesteppedforwardtohugher.HeknewAlysswouldn’tlikeit,buthehadagenuineaffectionforEvanlynandhewasn’tgoingtopretendotherwise.HeandEvanlynhadgonethroughtoomuchtogetherforhimnottogreetherthatway.Atthesametime,hewaswiseenoughtomakethehugabriefone.

‘WelcometoToscana,’hesaid.

ButEvanlyn’sgazehadswepton.Theroomwasn’tbrightlylitanditwasonlynowthatshemadeouttheidentityofthefourthpersonpresent.

‘Seleyel’then!’shesaid,thepleasureevidentinhervoice.‘Howwonderfultoseeyou!’Selethen,noticinghercorrectpronunciationofhisname,madetheritualArridigreeting,touchinghishandtohismouth,browandmouthagain,andbowingslightly.

‘LadyEvanlyn.Iamdelightedtoseeyouagain.’Hepaused,thenadded,withamockfrown,‘UnlessyouhavediscoveredthatIoweyoumoney?’

Sheshookherhead,laughingathissally.Then,realisingthattheotherswerestandingby,waiting tohearwhyshehadarrivedsounexpectedly, shegestured to thechairsandcouchesaroundthecentraltable.

‘Please.Sitdown,everyone.Ineedtotalktoyou.’

Selethenhesitatedastheothersresumedtheirseats.

‘Perhaps I should leaveyou?’he suggested, sensing that thismightwell be aprivatematterfortheAraluans.ButEvanlynconsideredhissuggestionforasecondortwo,thenshookherhead.

‘Noneedforyoutogo,Selethen.Thisisnothingsecret.’Shenoticedthecoffeepotonthetableandadded,‘I’dhappilykillforacupofcoffee,however.It’sbeenalongtrip.’

‘Of course! My apologies!’ Alyss leapt to her feet again, irritated that her sense ofhospitalityhadbeenfoundwanting.Nodoubtaboutit,Evanlyn’ssuddenappearancehadflustered her. She quickly poured Evanlyn a cup and handed it across the table. Theprincesssmiledgratefully,theirmutualantipathyforgottenforthemoment.

‘Thanks,Alyss,’ she said.Her omissionof the formal ‘LadyAlyss’was sign enoughthat her gratitude was genuine. Alyss nodded acknowledgement and resumed her seat.Evanlyntookadeepdraughtofthecoffee,thenlookedappreciativelyatthecup.

‘Itakeityousuppliedthiscoffee,Selethen?’

Hesmiledandshedrankagain,drainingmostof the remainingbeverage.Sheset thecupdown,pausedforasecondortwotogatherherthoughtsandplungedin.

‘Longstoryshort,’shesaid.‘Horacehasgonemissing.’

Therewere exclamationsof surprise around the room.Willwas the first tovoice thethoughtsofallofthem.

‘Missing?’hesaid.‘Missingwhere?’

‘Nihon-Ja,’Evanlyn told them. ‘My father sent himon amilitarymission some timeago.HewastopresenthimselfattheEmperor’scourt–hehadlettersofintroductionfrommy father – and then spend some time studying Nihon-Jan military techniques andweapons.’

‘What’shappened?Howdidhegomissing?’Willasked.

‘Tobeaccurate,Idon’tknowwhat’shappened.Look,letmeexplain,’shesaid,hastilycuttingoffWill’snextquestion.‘HoracewastravellingwithGeorge–’

‘GeorgeCarter?GeorgefromtheWard?OurGeorge,youmean?’Willinterrupted.Ashesaid‘OurGeorge’hemadeacirclinggesturethatincludedhimselfandAlyss.

HaltraisedaneyebrowathimashesawtheimpatienceonEvanlyn’sface.‘Perhapsoneof those interjections would have been sufficient,’ he said, ‘since they all relate to thesameperson.’

Evanlynnoddedgratefullyathim.‘That’sright,’shesaid.‘YourGeorge.HewastheretoadviseHoraceonprotocolandtoactasaninterpreter.’

Halt cocked his head to one side. ‘But the common tongue is spoken in Nihon-Ja,surely?’

Evanlyn shrugged. ‘Not as widely as in other countries. The Nihon-Jan have keptthemselves a little…isolated…over the centuries. Andmy father thought it might be adiplomatictouch,’shenoddedinAlyss’sdirection,‘if theEmperorwasaddressedinhisownlanguage.’

Alyssnodded.‘Wetrytodothatwhereverpossible.’

‘Istilldon’tseewhatHoracewouldhopetolearnfromtheNihon-Janaboutweaponsandmethods,’Willsaid.‘Afterall,he’saSwordmasterhimself.’

‘The Nihon-Jan warriors – they call them Senshi – use a different technique,’ Haltinterjected. ‘And their swordsmiths have perfected amethod ofmaking extremely hardblades.OurRangerweaponmakerslearnedsomeoftheirtechniquesmanyyearsago.’

‘Isthatwhyyoursaxeknivesaresoincrediblyhard?’Alyssasked.Itwasawell-knownfactthatsaxeknivescouldputanotchintothebladesofnormalswords.

‘It’satechniquewhereseveralironrodsareheatedandbeaten,thenfoldedandtwistedtogether to form a compositewhole.Over the years,we’vemade it a practice to adoptgoodideasfromanywherewecanfindthem,’Halttoldher.

‘Our swordsmiths inDimascar developed a similar technique for creating extra-hardblades,’Selethenputin.

‘You’retalkingaboutDimascareneblades,Iassume?’Haltsaid.‘I’veheardofthembutneverseenone.’

‘They’reveryexpensive.Notmanypeoplecanaffordthem,’Selethentoldhim.

Halt nodded thoughtfully, filing the information away for future reference. Then heturnedbacktoEvanlyn.‘I’msorry,Evanlyn,we’redigressinghere.Pleasegoon.’

‘All right. Just tocoveranyfurther interruptions…’She lookedmeaningfullyatWill,whichheconsideredtobealittleunfair.Afterall,ithadbeenHaltandSelethenwhohadprattledonaboutsuper-hardswordblades,nothim.Buthisindignationwentunnoticedasshecontinued.

‘Itakeityou’reallfamiliarwiththeSilasianCouncil’sfastmessagesystem?’

Theyallnodded.TheSilasianCouncilwasacarteloftradersbasedintheeasternpartof theConstantSea.They facilitated trade by instituting a central credit system so thatfundscouldbetransferredbetweencountries,withouttheriskofactuallysendingmoneyoverland or by sea. In addition, they had realised some years prior that fastcommunicationscouldbeasbeneficialtotradeasefficientmoneytransfers.Theyhadsetupanetworkofcarrierpigeonservicesandexpressriderstotakemessagesalmostfromoneendoftheknownworldtotheother.Distancesthatmighttakeweeksforashiporaridertocovercouldbetraversedinamatterofdays.Ofcourse,theservicewasextremelyexpensive,butinemergencies,manyusersfeltitwasworththecost.

‘WereceivedamessageviathatservicefromGeorgeseveralweeksago,’Evanlynsaid.‘ItwasonlybriefandhesentitfromaportontheOoghlyRiverinIndus–whichisprettymuch theeastern limitof themessageservice.Apparently, therewasa rebellionagainsttheEmperorofNihon-Ja,andHoracegotcaughtupinit.TheEmperor’sforcesarebadlyoutnumbered and he’s a fugitive. When last seen, he was heading north into themountains,tohideoutinsomelegendaryfortress.Horacehasgonewithhim.’

Will sat back and whistled slowly. It would be just like Horace, he thought, to getinvolvedinsuchanidealisticventure.

‘Andwhatareyouplanningtodo?’heasked,althoughhethoughtheknewtheansweralready.Evanlynturnedasteadygazeonhim.

‘I’mgoingtofindHorace,’shesaid.

Nihon-JaHorace’sannouncementmetwithahailofprotestsfromtheothers.MostvocalofallwasGeorge.

‘Horace,youcan’t stayhere!Don’tyouunderstand?Wehaveno right to interfere ininternalNihon-Janpolitics!’

Horace frowned at his countryman. ‘This is a little more serious than just politics,George,’hetoldhim.‘Thisisarebellionagainstthelawfulruler.Youcan’tpassthatoffasamatterofpolitics.It’streasonforastart.’

Georgemadeanapologeticgesture towards the twoNihon-Jan leadersstandingcloseby.Herealisedthathiswordscouldbedeemedasundiplomatic.

‘Myapology,yourexcellency,’hesaidhastily.‘Imeantnooffence.’

Shigeru nodded. ‘None taken,George-san. I understand your point of view.Whetherthisisacaseofpoliticsortreason,it’saninternalNihon-Janmatter.’

‘That’sright,’GeorgesaidandheturnedbacktoHorace.‘It’snotasifAraluenhasanysortofformal treatywith theEmperor.YouandIweresimplyhereasdiplomats.We’regranted freedom of movement throughout the country but we have to maintain ourneutrality.Ifwegetinvolved,ifwetakesides,we’llinvalidatethosecredentials,’hecried.‘Don’tyouunderstand?Wesimplycan’taffordtodothat!’

‘Asamatteroffact,Idounderstand,’Horacesaid.‘Butit’salittlelatetostartworryingaboutwhatwillhappenifwetakesides.I’mafraidI’vealreadydoneit.’

Georgefrownedathim,notunderstanding.‘Idon’t–’

Horace cut him short. ‘While youwere having your little nap beside the track backthere,’hesaid,‘IkilledtwoofArisaka’ssoldiers.Ithinkhemightseethatastakingsides,don’tyou?’

Georgethrewhishandsoutinagestureofbewilderment.‘Youwhat?Whatcouldhaveledyoutodosuchanincrediblystupidthing,Horace?Surelyyouknewbetterthanthat!Why?Justtellmewhy?’

TheEmperorcoughedpolitelybeforeHoracecouldanswerandsteppedforwardtolayacalminghandonGeorge’sforearm.

‘Perhapsitwasbecausetheyweretryingtokillmeatthetime,’hesaid.

George, once again, looked suitably chastened. As an expert on protocol, he wasn’tperformingsowell,hethought.Horace,seeingGeorgemomentarilystumpedforwords,followeduphisadvantage.

‘Ijustdidn’tthink,George,’hesaid,withahintofasmileflickeringatthecornerofhismouth.‘IshouldhavecheckedthroughourcredentialstoseewhatIshoulddoifsomeonetriedtokilltheEmperor.But,gosh,IjustdashedinandstoppedthemthebestIcould.’

Shukin began to smile as well. But the Emperor’s next words quickly dispelled theexpressionfromhisface.

‘Infact,Arisakamightwellviewtheactofsavingmylifeasabiggeraffrontthanthekillingofhistwomen,’Shigerusaid.

‘Hisexcellencyisright,’Shukinagreed,allseriousnessnow.‘ThatwillestablishOr’ss-sanashisswornenemy.Arisakadoesn’tliketohavehisplansthwarted.’

George looked from one face to another, desperately trying to see away out of thispredicament.

‘Buthedoesn’thavetoknowaboutit,surely?We’remilesfromanywhere,inaremoteforestonamountain!Who’sgoingtotellhim?’

‘Maybe,’Horacesaid,‘theambusherswhoescapedwillmentionit.IknowIwould,intheirplace.’

George, seeing the ground crumbling under his feet, shook his head in disgustedresignation.

‘Oh,great!’hesaidwearily.‘Youletwitnessesgetaway!Ifyouweregoingtojoinin,Horace,whydidn’tyoumakeacompletejobofit?’

Horacefrownedathim.‘Areyousayingthatourdiplomaticstatuswouldbeinbettershape if I’d killed twice as many of Arisaka’s men?’ he asked. The logic of George’spositionseemedtoescapehim.

‘No. No. No,’ George said, finally accepting the inevitable. ‘Well, I suppose you’vemadeourbed.Nowwejusthavetolieonit.’

A silence fell over the small group. Shukin and the Emperor exchanged awkwardglances.Horace lookedat themandnoddedalmost imperceptibly.He sensedwhat theywerethinking.

‘Iwonderwouldyouexcuseusforamoment,yourexcellency?’hesaid.

Shigeru inclinedhisheadandHoracegestured forGeorge to ridea fewmetresawayfromthegroupgatheredroundtheEmperor.Georgefollowedhim,lookingmystified.

‘Whatisitnow?’heaskedassoonastheywereoutofearshot.‘WhatelsedidyoudowhenIwasunconscious–becauseIwasunconscious,youknow.Ihadawhackinggreatarrowstuckinmyarm!’Headdedthelastwithalittleheat.Horace’sjokingreferencetohis‘littlenap’hadstruckarawnerve.

Horacemadeaplacatinggesture.‘Iknow.Iknow.I’msorryIsaidwhatIdid.Afterall,youdidsavemylife.’

George looked a littlemollified.Thereweren’t toomany peoplewho could claim tohaveachievedanythinglikethat,hethought.Horacenormallydidn’tneedanyoneelsetosavehislife.Hewasprettyskilledatdoingitforhimself.Nowhethoughtaboutit,Georgefoundhimselfwondering ifevenhis formerwardmate,WillTreaty, famousashemighthavebecome,hadeveractuallysavedHorace’slifeinsuchadefinitemanner.

‘Well,yes.Allright.Butwhatdidyouwanttotalkabout?’

‘George,’Horacebegan,thenhesitated.‘There’snotactfulwaytoputthis,soI’ll justcomeoutandsayit.You’renotstaying.’

‘Well,ofcourseIam!’Georgeexploded.‘Ifyou’restaying,I’mstayingwithyou.I’myour friend. Friends don’t run off and desert other friends just because there’s a bit ofdanger!Allright,Icarriedonaboutmyarmhurting.ButI’mnotafraid,Horace.I’mnotsome kind of cowardwho’ll go slinking off and leave you to face the danger on yourown!’

Horacewasnoddingasthescribedeliveredthisimpassionedresponse.Georgewasn’tacoward,heknew.Farfromit.Butfactswerefactsandtheyhadtobefaced.

‘George,’hesaidcalmly,‘you’reseriouslyinjuredwiththatarm.Butevenifyouwereinperfecthealth,youwouldn’tbeuptothejourneywe’reabouttoundertake.’

‘Don’tworryaboutme!’Georgesaid,withconsiderablespirit,regardlessofthefactthathisvoicewouldcarryclearlytotheNihon-Janwarriorsafewmetresaway.‘I’llkeepupall right. Iwon’t hold youback!’But he sawHorace shakinghis head again and, deepdown,Georgeknewthatthetallyoungwarriorwasright.

‘Youwouldn’twanttoholdusup,’Horacesaid.‘AndIknowyou’dtryyourbest.Butyou’re not cut out for this sort of life, George. For starters, you’re not a good enoughrider.’

‘I…’Georgestopped.Heknewitwastrue.

‘You’re riding the slowest horse in the group,’Horace pointed out. ‘If the rest of ushave to come down to his pace, youwill be slowing us down. It won’t be your fault,George.ButifShigeruisgoingtoescapeArisaka,we’regoingtohavetoridefastandliverough.Andifwe’rewaitingforyourslowhorseallthetime,we’reputtingtheEmperor’slifeatrisk.Surelyyoudon’twantthat?’

HoracethoughtitwasmoretactfultoblamethehorseforGeorge’spotentialtoslowthegroupdown.ItwastrueuptoapointbutGeorgesawthroughthedevice.Hehadaslow,oldhorsebecausehewasapoorriderandaslow,oldhorsewasallhecouldhandle.

Hehunghisheadmiserably.‘I’mjustnotgoodenough,amI?’hesaidinalowvoice.

Horacereachedoverinthesaddleandpattedhisshoulder.

‘It’snotthatyou’renotgoodenough,’hesaid.‘You’rejustnottrainedforthissortoflife. You’re at home in diplomatic meetings, working out complex treaties betweencountries,andincourtrooms,comingupwithabrilliantargumenttosavesomebody’slifeorproperty.That’swhatyou’regoodat.That’swhatyou’vetrainedfor.Ontheotherhand,this iswhat I’ve trainedfor.’Horaceswepthisarmaround themountainouscountryside

that surrounded themashe said thewords.Georgewouldn’tmeethisgaze.Hisnarrowshouldersroseandfellasheheavedadeepsigh.

‘Iknow,’hesaidfinally.

‘Besides,IneedyoutogetwordbacktoAraluen,sothey’llknowwhat’sbecomeofme.Ican’tjustdisappearoffthefaceoftheearthwithouttellingpeoplewhereI’vegone.’

GeorgeraisedhiseyestomeetHorace’sthen.‘Youthinkyou’regoingtodiehere,don’tyou?’hesaidquietly.‘Youdon’tthinkShigeruhasachance.’

Horaceshookhishead.‘George,InevergointoanyfightthinkingI’mgoingtolose.’

‘Butyousaidyoucan’tjustdisappearoffthefaceoftheearth.Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeyou’retooconfident.’

Horacegrinnedathimthen.‘That’sthetroublewithyouattorneys,’hesaid.‘You’retoodarnedliteral.Let’sjustsaymydisappearancewillbeatemporarymatter.’

George’sfacewasscrewedupashismindmovedrapidly.‘IfIcouldgetwordtoWillandHalt,’hesaid,‘theymightcometohelpyou.Infact,they’dsurelycometohelpyou.’

‘It’sagreatidea,’Horacesaidsadly.ThethoughtofhavingthetwoRangersbyhissideinthisaffairwasanextremelyattractiveone.‘Butit’sapipedream.It’lltakeyoumonthstogetallthewaybacktoAraluen.Bythattime,thingsherewillbewellandtrulysettled–onewayoranother.’

ButnowGeorgewasbubblingoverwithenthusiasmforhisidea.

‘No!No!No!Idon’thavetogetall thewayback!IonlyneedtogettoIndus!Fromthere,IcanusetheSilasianfastmessageservice.That’llgetwordtothemwithinafewdays!’

Horace looked at his companionwith new respect. ‘You see?’ he said. ‘That’s whatyou’regoodat.Thinking.Comingupwithideas.Letmetellyou,ifyoucangetwordtoWillandHalt,you’llbedoingmuchmoregoodthanifyousimplystayedherewithus.’

‘Andgotintheway?’Georgesaid,grinningnow.Horacereturnedthegrin.

‘Exactly.’HeofferedhishandtoGeorge,whotookitandgrippeditwarmly.Beforehereleasedhisowngrip,Horaceadded,‘Oneotherthing.Iwillneverforgetthatyouofferedto stayhere,George. It tooka lotmorecourage foryou tooffer that than it tookme. Iappreciateitand,whenIgethome,I’llbelettingpeopleknowaboutit.’

Georgefinallyreclaimedhishandandmadeasmallself-deprecatinggesture,althoughHorace’swordshadwarmedhisheart.

‘Well…youknow. Itwasn’tmuch. Imean…wewerewardmates,weren’twe?That’swhatwardmatesdoforeachother.Theysticktogether.Nobigdeal.’

‘Verybigdeal,’Horacesaidfirmly.‘AndIwon’tforgetit.’

Toscana‘ThenI’mcomingwithyou!’Willsaidimpulsively.

Halt smiled tohimself at the instant response.Hehadexpectedno lessofhis formerapprentice.Horace,afterall,wasWill’sbestfriend.Theyhadgrownuptogether,foughtsidebysideandsavedeachother’slivesonnumerousoccasions.

EvanlynfavouredWillwithawarmsmileaswell.‘Iwassureyou’dsaythat,’shesaid.‘MyfathergavemepermissiontoaskforyourhelponthismissionbutItoldhimthere’dbenoneedtoask.Thanks,Will.I’llfeelalotmoreconfidentwithyoubymyside.’

‘Ofcourse,I’llcometoo,’Haltsaid, thenaddedwitharaisedeyebrow,‘That’s ifI’mneeded?’

‘LadyPaulinesaidyou’dsaythat,’Evanlyntoldhim.‘Shesaidyoushouldgowithherblessing.’

Will glancedquickly at hismentor, not surehowHaltwould react to the assumptionthatheneededLadyPauline’spermissiontojointheexpedition.TheHaltheknewofoldwould have come up with some pithy reply to the effect that he was quite capable ofmaking his own decisions, thank you verymuch.Hewas a little surprised to seeHaltsmilefondlyatEvanlyn’swords.

‘Well,that’sarelief,’Haltsaid,withouttheslightesttraceofirony.

NowitwasWill’s turn to raiseaneyebrow–anexpressionhehadstudiouslycopiedfromHaltovertheyears.Thingshadchanged,hethought.

Alyssclearedher throatnervouslyand they turned to lookather.Therewasabrightspotofcolourineachofhercheeks.

‘I’d like to come too,’ she said. ‘Horace is oneofmyoldest friends.HehelpedWillrescuemefromCastleMacindawandIowehimfor that.Besides,you’llneedsomeonewhocanspeakNihon-Jan.’

Thewordswerephrasedasa suggestion.Buther tone leftnodoubt that theywereafirmstatementofintent.Shewasn’taskingpermission.ShewastellingEvanlynthatshewasn’tlettinghergoswanningofftotheothersideoftheworldwithWill.Notthistime.

‘Yes,LadyPaulinesaidyou’dsaythat,too,’Evanlynsaiddryly.ShewishedshecouldreassurethetallgirlthatshehadnodesignsonWill,otherthanfriendship.ShecouldseethatAlysscouldbeavaluablefriendandallytoher–notjustinthiscasebutintheyears

tocome–andshewishedtherewassomewayshecouldbreakdownthebarrierbetweenthem.Maybethisjourneymightgivehertheopportunity.

Haltthoughtitmightbebestifhesteppedin.‘Itsoundslikeagoodideatome,’hesaid.‘Alyssisahandypersontohavearound.’

Alyssremainedflushed.Shehadbeenpreparedtoarguethepointandhadn’texpectedEvanlyntogiveinsoeasily.Atthebackofhermind,asmalldoubtformed.Maybeshehad been judging Evanlyn too harshly. But she forgot the thought asWill asked her aquestion.

‘DoyouspeakNihon-Jan?Whendidyoulearn?’

Sheshrugged,feelingherpulsesettlebacktonormalnowthattherewasnolongeranyquestionaboutheraccompanyingtheparty.

‘I’vebeenstudyingthelanguageforayearorso,’shereplied.‘MostlyusingGeorge’stranslations.I’mnotfluentbutIcangetby.’

Willraisedbotheyebrows.‘Well,youlearnanewthingeveryday,’hesaidreflectively.

‘Inyourcase,that’snoexaggeration,’Haltsaid,completelystraight-faced.

Willpursedhislipsinannoyance.He’dhavetolearnnottogiveHaltopeningslikethat,he thought. Then another question occurred to his grasshopper mind and he turned toEvanlyn.

‘Howdowegetthere?Howdidyougethere,bytheway?’

HeheardHalt’sdeepsighandknewhe’ddoneitagain.

‘Doyouever,’ theolderRanger saidwithgreatdeliberation, ‘manage toask justonequestionatatime?Ordoesitalwayshavetobemultiplechoicewithyou?’

Willlookedathiminsurprise.‘DoIdothat?’heasked.‘Areyousure?’

Haltsaidnothing.Heraisedhishandsina‘SeewhatImean?’gestureandappealedtotheothersintheroom.Selethenwasamusedbythebyplaybetweenthetwo.And,sincethe enjoyment of this sort of obscure, trivial debate was very much part of the Arridicharacter,hecouldn’thelphimself.Hehadtojoinin.

‘Halt,’hesaid,‘Icouldbewrong,butIthinkyouwerejustguiltyofthesamefault.I’msureIheardyouasktwoquestionsjustthen.’

‘Thankyouforpointingthatout,LordSelethen,’Haltsaidwithicyformality.

Will grinned at the Wakir, who gravely inclined his head to Halt. Then WillrememberedthatEvanlynhadn’tansweredeitherofhisquestions.

‘Sohowdidyougethere?’heremindedher.

‘IusedtheSkandiandutyship,’shetoldhim.

ThetreatybetweenAraluenandSkandiahadbeeninforceforsomeyearsnowandwasregularlyupdated.OneofthelatestclausesstationedaSkandianwolfshipeachyearatabase on the coast ofAraluen,with its crew at the disposal of theAraluanKing. Sincewolfshipswereamongthefastestcraftintheworld,itwasavaluableaddition.Inreturn,

King Duncan paid a fee to Skandia and granted favourable trading terms to otherwolfships seeking to buywater, firewood and provisions. In reply to other nations likeIberionandGallica,whocomplainedthatDuncanwashelpingtheSkandianstoraidtheircoastlines,theKingmerelyshrugged.

‘Nosystemisperfect,’he’dsay.‘Andbesides,theycouldalwayspaytheSkandiansnottoraid.’

Whichwas,ofcourse,true.

‘Iimaginewe’lltakethewolfshipontoNihon-Ja?’Haltsaid.

Evanlyn nodded. ‘My father has given permission for that. It’ll be faster than anycommercialvesselwecouldcharter.Andbesides,GundariseagertoseeNihon-Ja.He’dbethefirstSkandiantovisitthere.’

‘Gundar?’Willsaid.ItwasafairlycommonnameamongSkandians,heknew,buthecouldn’thelphopingthatitwasanoldfriend.Evanlynwasalreadynodding.

‘Yes.It’sGundarHardstriker’sship.He’seagertoseeyouandAlyssagainandhehasacrewmanwhosaidnothingwouldstophimfromrescuingtheGeneral.IassumehemeansHorace?’

Will and Alyss exchanged amused glances. ‘Yes. That’s what Gundar’s crew callHorace.SoundsasifNilsisstillwithhim,’Willsaid.

‘He’ll be a handy person to have along,’ Alyss put in, recalling Nils Ropehander’smassivebuildandferociousskillwithabattleaxe.

‘AnySkandianishandytohavearoundifthere’safightintheoffing,’Haltsaid.Then,changingthesubject,heturnedtoEvanlyn.‘IsthereanyneedforyoutopresentyourselftotheToscanEmperor’scourt?Doyouhaveanyofficialdutiestoattendto?’

Evanlynshookherhead.‘Officially,I’mnothere.That’swhyI’mtravellingastheLadyEvanlyn.Sono,I’mfreetocomeandgo.’

‘Then I suggestwe do go, and as soon as possible.We’ve alreadymade our officialgoodbyes.We’ll get a good night’s sleep and get down to the docks first thing in themorning.’

‘You can takemy room,LadyEvanlyn. I’ll sleepononeof the couches,’Alyss saidquickly.ButEvanlynshookherhead.

‘We’llsharetheroom,Alyss,’shesaidfirmly.‘Idon’twantanyspecialprivileges.Wemayaswellgetusedtoit.Awolfshipistoosmallforallthatnonsense.’

Alysswasastuteenoughtorecogniseanolivebranchwhenshesawone.ShesmiledatEvanlyn–agenuinesmileforthefirsttime.

‘It’llbemypleasuretosharewithyou,’shesaid.

The others had risen now and Selethen shook hands with them all as he bade themfarewell.

‘Good luck to you,’ he said. Then he added, a little wistfully, ‘It sounds like aninteresting trip. I’m tempted to joinyou.Horace is a friendofmineaswell.But…’He

madeagracefulhandgesture,dismissingtheidea.

Haltnodded.‘You’dbewelcometojoinusanytime,Selethen.Butyouhaveyourowndutiestoattendto.Weunderstand.’

SelethenmadetheArridigestureofgreetingandfarewell,touchinghishandtomouth,browandmouthagain.

‘Yes,’ he said finally. ‘I have my duty, and it’s a hard mistress. But as I say, I amtempted.’

Hesmiledatthemallandlefttoreturntohisownquarters.

Theyarrivedatthedocksjustafterfirstlight.Gundar’swolfship,namedWolfwillinWill’shonour,wasmooredalongsidethe jetty.Will frownedashecaughthisfirstsightofher.He’d seen the shipwhen she’d been launched. But now therewas something differentabouther.

‘Somethinglooksodd,’hesaidthoughtfully.

Haltwas studying the ship too. ‘Have theymoved themast?’ he asked of no one inparticular.‘ItseemsalittlefurtheraftthanIremember.’

‘Andwhere’sthecross-tree?’Willasked.Normally,thesquare-riggedcross-treewassetseven-eighthsof thewayup themast,with thebig square sailbrailedupon itwhen inport.Wolfwill’smastwas bare, aside from a complicated arrangement of rigging at themasthead,andwhatlookedtobeapairofcarefullyrolledsailslyingforeandaftonthedeckatitsbase.

‘AllIknow,’Evanlynsaid,‘is that it’s thefastestshipI’veeversailedon.Look,herecomesGundar.Youcanaskhim.’

Shepointedtowhereafamiliarfigure,hugeasallSkandianswere,wasrollinginhisseaman’swalkalongthejettytowardsthem.

‘WillTreaty!’hebellowed, startling thegulls fora fifty-metre radius intosquawking,screechingflight.Willbracedhimselfasthehugefigureapproached.Heknewwhatwascomingbuttherewaslittlehecoulddoaboutit.

Sureenough,Gundarswepthimoffhisfeet inabreath-drainingbearhug.Willcouldonlygruntagreetingashefelthisribsonthevergeofgivingway.

‘Gorlog’sbeard,boy,butit’sgoodtoseeyou!Ihopedwe’drunacrosseachotherwhenErakassignedusasthedutyship.Howhaveyoubeen?Whathaveyoubeenupto?’

‘Le’goan’ I’ll try…tellyou,’Willmanaged togruntbreathlessly.Finally,Gundarsethimdown.WillstaggeredasGundarreleasedhim,andhisfriendswerealittlealarmedatthegroaningintakeofbreaththatwasWill’sfirst,reflexiveresponseashisemptiedlungsdesperatelysuckedairbackin.

Then,sightingAlyss,thehugeseafarerseizedherhandinoneofhisenormousfistsandplantedasmacking,clumsykissonit.

‘LadyAlyss!’heboomed.‘Howcanyouhavegrownmorebeautifulthanyouwere?’

Evanlyn,ithastobeadmitted,poutedalittleatthis.Gundarhadnevercommentedonher looks and she was aware that alongside the elegant blonde girl, she was a little…tomboyish.

Alysswasgrinningdelightedlyathim.‘Ah,Gundar,Iseeyouhaven’tlostanyofyourcourtlycharm.You’dturnagirl’sheadwiththatsilvertongueofyours.’

He beamed at her, then turned his attention to the grey-bearded, slightly built figurestandingbehindher.

‘Andyoumust be the famousHalt?’ he said. ‘I expected someone a little larger,’ headded,halftohimself,asheadvanced.

Halt,experiencedinthewaysofSkandians,retreatedatthesamepace.‘Yes.I’mHalt,’hesaid.‘AndIneedallmyribsintact,thankyouverymuch.’

‘Ofcourseyoudo.’Insteadofbear-huggingHalt,Gundarcontentedhimselfwithafirm,manlyhandshake.Halt’seyesglazedashefelthisfingersandknucklescrushedinsidetheisland-sizedfist.HeshookhishandpainfullyasGundarfinallyreleasedit.

‘Any friend of Erak’s is a friend of mine!’ Gundar glanced around curiously. ‘Butwhere’sthatshaggyponyofyours,Will?’

‘WeleftourhorsesinAraluen,’Willtoldhim.

Sincethetriphadbeenintendedasabrief,ten-daymissiontotheToscancapital,therehadbeennogoodreasontobringTugandAbelard.TheyhadbeenleftinthecareofOldBob,theRangerCorpshorsebreeder.Now,Willwasn’tsureifheregrettedthatdecisionornot.He’dliketohaveTugwithhim,buttheseajourneytoNihon-Jawouldbealongone,farlongerthananyTughadundertakenbefore.Therewouldbelittlechanceofgoingashoretoexercisethehorses,andhewasn’tsurehowtheywouldhavecoped.

Similarly,Ebony,Will’sdog,hadbeenleftbehindwithLadyPauline.Ebonywasonlyhalf trained and he felt her boisterous behaviourmight cause problemswith the ratherstarchyToscanofficials.

Gundarnoddedvaguely.HehadnoideaofthesoulsearchingthathadgoneonwiththetwoRangersbeforetheydecidedtoleavetheirhorsesbehind.Heglancedupthequay.

‘Andwho’sthisLennyLongshanks?’hesaid.‘Ishewithyou?’

The four Araluans turned quickly to look back up the jetty. Striding purposefullytowardsthem,apackslungoveroneshoulder,wasatall,slenderfigure.

‘Temptationgottoostrong,’Selethentoldthemashecamecloser.‘Idecidedtocomewithyou.’

Nihon-JaAfterGeorgeleftthemandheadeddownthebacktrailtowardstheportofIwanai,Shukinpickedupthepace.

Now, as theykept their horses in a steady canter along the narrow,muddymountaintrack, Horace realised just howmuch George had been slowing them down and felt aguiltysenseofreliefthathe’dconvincedhisfellowcountrymantogohisseparateway.

Therestoftheparty,allofthemskilledhorsemen,managedeasilyandthelocalponies,somewhat smaller than the battlehorse that Horace was used to, were sturdy and longwinded.Bestofall,he thought,ashismount slithered, slidand then recoveredhimself,theyweresure-footedbeasts,wellusedtothesesloping,roughmountaintrails.

Oneof theescortnoticed the stumbleand sawHorace suddenly situp straight in thesaddlebeforethehorserecoveredhisfooting.Herodeupclosebesidehim.

‘Leaveittothehorse,Or’ss-san,’hesaidquietly.‘He’susedtothissortofterrainandhe’llmanagebyhimself.’

‘So I noticed,’ Horace said, between clenched teeth.When the uneven ground gaveunderhishorse’shoovesagain,heforcedhimselftoremainlooseandsuppleinthesaddle,insteadoftighteninghismusclesandbracinghimself,andtryingtohaulthehorse’sheadbackupagain.Thehorsegruntedasherecovered.Horacehadtheuncomfortablefeelingthat itwas a grunt of grudging appreciation, as if the horsewere saying to him:That’sbetter.Justsiteasily,youbigbagofbones,andleavetheworktome.

Hereachedforwardandpattedthehorse’sneck.Theanimalrespondedbyshakingitsheadandmane.

Theyrodeon,maintainingasteadycanterforhalfanhour,thenlettingthehorseswalkand trot for the next twenty minutes. It was similar to the forced march pace of theRangers,whichHoracehadlearnedfromHaltandWillintheirtravelstogether.Andwhileatfirsthebegrudgedthetimespentattheslowerpace,heknewthatinthelongruntheywouldcovermoredistanceinadaythisway.

Thesunwasamilkypresence,glowingweaklythroughthescuddinggreycloudsthatpassedoverthem.WhenShukinjudgeditwasprettywelldirectlyoverhead,hesignalledahaltataspotwherethetrailwidenedandformedasmall,levelclearing.

‘We’lleatandrestforashorttime,’hesaid.‘That’llgiveusandthehorsesachancetorecover.’

Theyunsaddled thehorses and rubbed themdown. In thisweather, itwouldn’t do toleavethesweatonthemtodryandcoolinthechillwind.Whilethiswasgoingon,threeoftheservantsunpackedfoodfromthepannierstheycarriedbehindtheirsaddles.Bythetimetheridershadtendedtotheirhorses,thefoodwasready,andtheservantshadafiregoingtomaketea.

Horaceacceptedaplateofpickles,smokedtroutandspicedricerolledintoballs,andmade hisway to a level patch of ground.He hunkered down on a fallen log, groaningslightly as his knees and thighs let himknowhowhard they had beenworking. Itwaspleasanttorestforafewminutes,hethought.Hejusthopedthatthebriefstopwouldn’tbeenoughtolethismusclesstiffen.Iftheydid,thefirsthalfhouronthetrailagainwouldbetorture.Heresolvedtogetupandwalkaroundtheclearingoncehehadeaten.

Thefoodwasgood.Light,tastyandwithawelcometang.Horacelookedatthesizeofthehelpingonhisplate.TheNihon-Janwere,onthewhole,asmallrace.Hefelthecouldhavehappilydealtwithamuchlargerportionoflunch.Thenheshruggedphilosophically.Healwaysthoughtthat,whereverhewasandwhateverhewasgiven.

Shukin, having checked that Shigeru needed nothing, had done a quick tour of thetemporary camp, ensuring that all the men were eating and none of the horses haddevelopedproblems.Then,whenhewassatisfied,aservanthandedhimaplateof foodandhesankdownonthelogbesideHorace.TheAraluannotedglumlythatShukin,usedto sitting cross-legged on the ground since childhood, showed no sign of stiffness ordiscomfortashesat.

‘Howfardoyouplantogotoday?’Horaceaskedhim.

Shukin screwed up his face as he considered the question. ‘I had hoped to cross theSarinaki River,’ he said. He indicated the direction they had been travelling in. ‘It’sanothertwentykilometresuphillfromhere.There’sawaterfallwithacrossingjustaboveit.’

‘Weshouldbeabletomakethatdistance,’Horacesaid.‘We’vegotanotherfivehoursofdaylight,atleast.’

‘Dependingonthetrail,’Shukintoldhim.‘It’srelativelyeasygoingatthemomentbutitgetssteeperandrougherinafewkilometres.Thatwillslowusdown.’

‘Hmmm.Thatcouldbeaproblem.And if it rains, the trackwillgetmore slippery, Isuppose?’Horaceasked.

TheSenshilordnodded.‘Itcertainlywon’thelp.Butifwecan,I’dliketogetacrosstheriverbeforedark.’

ThatmadesensetoHorace.Crossingariverjustupstreamofahighwaterfallcouldbeadifficultanddangerousbusiness.Andanywaterfallinthismountainousterrainwouldbeahighone,heknew.

‘Thecrossing’stricky,isit?’heasked.

Shukinpushedouthisbottomlipandmadeaso-sogesturewithhishand.‘It’snottheeasiest,’headmitted.‘ButIhaveanotherreasonforwantingtogettherebeforedark.Thespotcommandsaviewof thecountrybelowus.I’d likethechancetoseeif there’sany

signofArisakaandhismen.’

Travellingastheywere,surroundedbyhigh,densetreesoneithersideofthetrail,theycould gather little knowledge of what was going on behind them.Horace realised thatShukinwas feeling the inevitable uncertainty of any leader conducting a retreat from asuperior force. He needed to know where their pursuers were – how close they were,whether theywere gainingon the small party that travelledwith theEmperor.Runningblind,astheywere,wasarecipefortensionanduncertainty.Youneverknewwhenarmedwarriorsmightburstoutofthetrees,yellingtheirbattlecries,swordspoisedtostrike.

Justastheyhadthatmorning.

‘Andifwedon’tmaketheriver?’Horaceasked.Itwasallverywelltoplanforthebestpossiblecircumstances.Buttheworstpossiblehadtobeconsideredaswell.

Shukinshrugged.‘There’sasmallvillagenotfarfromthefalls.We’llshelterthereforthenight.’

Therain,whichhadbeenabsentforalmostanhour,beganagainashespoke.Itwasalight,mistingrain,deceptiveinitsintensity.Itseemedharmlessenoughatfirstbutitwasconstant and unremitting.After ten to fifteenminutes of this,Horace knew, cloaks andtrousers would become saturated, so that the water, no longer being absorbed by theweave, would flow off and run down into boot tops. It didn’t take long under theseconditionsforapersontobecomesoddenandmiserable.

‘Well, if we don’t make the falls,’ Horace said philosophically, ‘at least we’ll havesomewheredrytosleeptonight.’

Therainturnedthesurfaceof thetrail toaslippery,glue-likeconsistency.Thehorseslurchedandstumbledupwards,occasionallycausingHorace’shairtostandonendashecaught glimpses of the dizzyingdepths belowhim,when the screen of trees beside theroadthinnedfromtimetotime.

Evenmore serious, the thick, stickymud built up on the horses’ hooves, forcing theriderstostopfrequentlyandclearthemessaway.

HesawShukinglancingmorefrequentlyatthepale,waterydiscthatmarkedthesun’sposition. The Senshi lord’s face was fixed in a frown now. It was midafternoon andHorace,eventhoughhewasn’tsurehowfartheyhadtravelled,knewitwasnothinglikethe distance they would have to cover if they were to cross the river in daylight.Eventually,withaslumpingofhisshoulders,Shukinseemedtocometothesameopinion.Hehelduphishandtostopthelittlecolumnandedgedhishorsebackdowntheslopetowhere the Emperor sat patiently. Horace urged his own horse closer to join in thediscussion.

‘Wewon’tgetacrosstherivertonight,’Shukinsaid.

Shigerupursedhislipsindisappointment.‘You’resure?’heasked,thenhewavedanypossibleanswerasideashecorrectedhimself.‘Ofcourseyou’resure.Youwouldn’thavesaidit,otherwise.’

‘I’msorry,cousin,’Shukinsaid,butShigerurepeatedthedismissivewaveofhishand.

‘You’vedoneeverythingpossible,’hesaid.‘Ican’tblameyoufortherain–orforthismud.’

Heglancedmeaningfully down at the irregular balls ofmud that encased his horse’sfeet.Ashedidso,oneofhisservantsslippedfromhissaddleandhurriedforwardtocleanthe stickymass away.Shigeru lookeddown at theman as he bent over the horse’s leftforefoot.

‘Ishouldsendhimawayanddothatmyself,’hesaidruefully.‘Amanshouldattendtohisownhorse.’Hepaused,thenallowedhimselfawearygrin.‘ButI’mjusttoodamnedtired.’

Horace smiled in return. ‘It’s good to be theEmperor,’ he said andShigeru regardedhimcynically.

‘Ohyes indeed.Lookat theexcellent time I’mhaving.Warm,comfortable travellingconditions.Plentyofgoodfoodanddrinkandasoftbedattheendofthetrail.WhatmorecouldIask?’

HeandHoracesharedthesmalljokebutShukinloweredhisgaze.‘I’msorry,cousin,’hesaidbitterly.‘Youdon’tdeservethis.’

Shigerureachedoverinthesaddleandlaidagentlehandonhiscousin’sshoulder.

‘I’m sorry,Shukin,’ he said. ‘I’mnot complaining. I knowyou’re doingyour best tokeepmesafe.I’llbegratefulforastrawbedinaleakyhutinsomesmallvillagetonight.’

‘Unfortunately,thatseemstobewhat’sinstoreforus,’Shukinagreed.‘Alittlefurtherup this rise, theroad levelsoutandforks.Left leads to thefallsand thecrossing.Rightleadsustoatimbercutters’village.We’llturnright.’

‘Onething,’Shigeruaddeddoubtfully.‘Willthisrainhaveanyeffectonthecrossing?Whatif itcausestherivertorise?Shouldweperhapstrytogetthereevenif it isinthedark?’

ButShukinshookhisheadwithoutanysignofuncertainty.‘It’snotheavyenoughforthat.Thewaterdoesn’tbuildupbecauseitescapessoeasilyatthefalls.’

Shigeru smiled at his cousin, understanding how heavily the responsibility for hisEmperor’ssafetyandwellbeingwaslyingontheSenshi’sshoulders.

‘Well,myfriend,there’snosenseinbemoaningwhatwecan’tachievetoday.Let’sgetonwithwhatwecanachieveandfindthisvillage.AsOr’ss-sanmentionedearlier,atleastwe’llhavesomewheredrytosleeptonight.’HeincludedHoraceinthesmile.

Shukinnoddedandturnedtoissueacommandtothesmallcolumn.Astheymovedout,Horacenoticed thatShukinnowhadadetermined set tohis shoulders.Not for the firsttime, Horace reflected on how the Emperor’s good-humoured, unselfish response tosetbacks could inspire so much more loyalty and effort from his subordinates thanblustering and bullying could ever achieve. It was a valuable lesson in leadership, hethought.

Itwasanotherdifficult twohoursonthetrail,riding,slithering,slidingandstumblingbeforetheyreachedlevelgroundoncemore.Shukincalledabriefhaltwhilehorsesand

mencaughttheirbreathforafewminutes.Heconsultedhismap,withoneofhistroopsholdingawaterproofcapeoverhim.Therewasbarelyenoughlighttoseethedetailsonthesheet,Horacethought,buttheSenshiwarriorfoldedthemapawayandpointeddownthetrail.

‘Tenmoreminutes,’hesaid.

A little while after, they saw the glimmer of lights through the trees, flickeringintermittently as branches, moving in the wind, interposed themselves between them.Then,abruptly,theywereinaclearing,atthebeginningofasmallgroupofthatched-roofcabins.Warmyellowlightglowedthroughthewaxed-paperwindowpanesofthehousesandsmokecurled fromseveralchimneys.The smellofwoodsmokespoke toHoraceofwarmroomsandhotfoodandtea.Suddenly,hewaseagertodismount.

As he had the thought, he became aware of movement in his peripheral vision. Helookedtothesideandsawdoorsslidingopenasdarkformsmaterialisedonthewoodenporchesthatfrontedthehouses.

The villagers were emerging from their homes to welcome the strangers who hadarrivedamongthem.

Atleast,Horacehopedtheywereplanningawelcome.

Wolfwill had been sailing east for two days, and Toscana was far behind them. Thestrangelyriggedship,withacurvingtriangularsailwhoseboomwassetatasteepangletotheverticalmast,wasswoopingeagerlyoverthesmallwaves,withthewindonherbeam.Thesailhadbeentrimmedrightrounduntilitscurved,swellinglengthwasalmostparalleltothelineoftheshipitself.Therigginghummedwiththewindoftheirpassageandthedeckvibratedslightlyunderneaththeirfeet.Itwasanexhilaratingfeeling,puttingWillinmind of one of the low-flying seabirds that accompanied the ship for hours each day,planingeasilyjustabovethesurfaceofthesea,withhardlyanyperceptiblemovementoftheirwings.

TheAraluansandSelethenweregatheredintheprow,leavingthemaindeckclearforthesailorstoworkthemastandsails.Withthiswindandthisspeed,therewasnoneedforrowers,althoughtheshipcouldmounteightlongoarsaside,incasethewindshoulddrop.

EvenHalthadjoinedthem.Wisely,noneofthemcommentedonthefactthatthiswasthe first they had seen of him in the past two days. Evanlyn,Alyss andWill knew thedelicatenatureofHalt’s stomach in theopeninghoursof any sea journeyand theyhadappraisedSelethenofthegrey-beardedRanger’stouchinessonthesubject.

Halt eyed them balefully. They were all being so obvious about not mentioning hissuddenreappearancethatitwasevenworsethaniftheyhadcommented,hethought.

‘Ohgoon!’hesaid.‘Somebodysaysomething!Iknowwhatyou’rethinking!’

‘It’sgoodtoseeyouupandabout,Halt,’Selethensaidgravely.Ofallofthem,hewasthemostcapableofkeepingastraightfacewhenhesaidit.

Haltglaredattheothersandtheyquicklychorusedtheirpleasureatseeinghimbacktohisnormalself.Buthecouldsee thegrins theydidn’tquitemanage tohide.HefixedaglareonAlyss.

‘I’m surprised at you,Alyss,’ he said. ‘I expected no better ofWill andEvanlyn, ofcourse.Heartlessbeasts,thepairofthem.Butyou!Ithoughtyouhadbeenbettertrained!’

Whichwasaparticularlybarbedcomment,seeinghowAlyss’smentorhadbeennoneotherthanLadyPauline,Halt’sbelovedwife.

Alyssreachedahandoutandtouchedhisarmgently.

‘Halt,Iamsorry!It’snotfunny,you’reright…Shutup,Will.’ThislastwasdirectedatWillashetried,unsuccessfully,tosmotherasnigger.‘Thereisnothingfunnyaboutmaldemer.It’saseriousbusiness.’

Haltwasalittletakenabackwhenheheardthat.Hethoughthehadnothingmorethanseasickness.Anannoyingproblem,admittedly,butonethatpassedwithinadayortwoofbeingatsea.ButAlyssseemedtobelieveitwassomethingfarmoreexotic.Andthemoreexoticanillnesswas,themorelife-threateningitmightbe.

‘Malldy-mur?’hesaidwithatwingeofanxiety.‘WhatisthisMalldy-mur?’

‘It’sGallican,’Alyss toldhim.Shehadused thephrasebecausesheknewhowmuchHalthatedtheword‘seasick’.Ifonewerewise,thewordwasneverevenutteredinHalt’spresence.Sheglancedattheothersbuttheyofferednohelp.Noneofthemwouldmeethergaze.Yougotyourselfintothis,theyseemedtobesaying.Nowyoucangetyourselfout.

Haltwasright,shethought.Theywereheartlessbeasts.

‘Itmeans…“seasick”,’shefinishedweakly.

‘IthoughtyouspokeGallican,Halt,’saidEvanlyn.

Hedrewhimselfuprightwithsomedignity.‘Ido.MyGallicanisexcellent.ButIcan’tbeexpectedtomemoriseeveryobscurephraseinthelanguage.AndAlyss’spronunciationleavesalittletobedesired.’

Theothershastenedtoagreethatno,hecertainlycouldn’t,andyes,herpronunciationcertainlydid.Haltlookedaroundthem,feelingthathonourhadbeensuitablyrestored.Ithastobeadmittedthat,inasneakingway,whilehehatedthediscomfortofseasickness,oncehewasoverit,heenjoyedtheattentionandsympathythatitcreatedamongattractiveyoungwomenlikeEvanlynandAlyss.AndhelikedthefactthatWilltendedtowalkoneggshells around himwhen the problemwasmentioned.KeepingWill off balancewasalwaysdesirable.

Thingstookadownwardturn,however,asGundar,seeingHaltuprightforthefirsttimeintwodays,stumpedupthedecktojointhem.

‘Back on your feet then?’ he boomed cheerfully, with typical Skandian tact. ‘ByGorlog’stoenails,withalltheheavingandpukingyou’vebeendoing,Ithoughtyou’dturnyourselfinsideoutandpukeyourselfovertherail!’

Atwhichgraphicdescription,AlyssandEvanlynblanchedandturnedaway.

‘Youdopaintaprettypicture,Gundar,’WillsaidandSelethenallowedhimselfasmile.

‘Thankyouforyourconcern,’Haltsaidicily.Ofallpeople,Skandiansseemedthemostintolerantofseasickness–or,ashenowknewit,malldy-mur.HemadeamentalnotetogetGundaronhorsebackassoonas theyreachedNihon-Ja.Skandianswerenotoriouslybadriders.

‘So,didyoufindAlbert?’Gundarwenton,unabashed.EvenHaltwaspuzzledbyhissuddenapparentchangeofsubject.

‘Albert?’heasked.Toolate,hesawGundar’sgrinwideningandknewhe’dsteppedintoatrap.

‘Youseemedtobelookingforhim.You’dleanovertherailandcall,“Al-b-e-e-e-e-e-r-t!”IthoughthemightbesomeAraluanseagod.’

TheothershadtoagreethatGundar’sdrawn-outenunciationofthenamesoundedverymuchlikethesoundofHalt’sdesperate,heartfeltretchingovertheside.Haltglaredattheseawolf.

‘No.Ididn’tfindhim.MaybeIcouldlookforhiminyourhelmet.’

Hereachedoutahand.ButGundarhadheardwhathappenedwhenSkandianslenttheirhelmetstothegrim-facedRangerwhileonboardshipandhebackedawayapace.

‘No.I’mprettysurehe’snotthere,’hesaidhurriedly.

Selethen, ever the diplomat, thought it might be time to get everybody’s minds offHalt’sstomach.

‘This isan interestingship,captain,’hesaid toGundar. ‘Ican’t rememberseeingonequitelikeit.AndI’veseenmanySkandianwolfshipsinmytime,’headdedmeaningfully.

Selethen was theWakir, or local ruler, of one of Arrida’s coastal provinces. He’dusually seen wolfships while they were engaged in raiding his towns. Gundar wasoblivioustothereference.But,asSelethenhadsuspected,likeanySkandian,hewaseagertotalkabouthisship.

‘She’safineship!’heenthused.‘Builthermyself,uponthebanksofariverinnorthAraluen – remember,Will?’He looked toWill for confirmation.Gundar and his crew,havingbeenshipwreckedonthenorthcoast,hadbeenconscriptedbyWilltoassisthiminthe siege of Castle Macindaw. As a reward for their services, they had been grantedpermissiontostayinAraluenwhiletheybuiltanewshipforthejourneyhome.Willhadalsobeeninstrumentalinmakingsurethattimber,cordage,canvas,tarandothermaterialsweresuppliedtothematthebareminimumprice.

‘Irememberwellenough,’Willagreed.‘Butshewassquare-riggedthen.Thisnewsailarrangementissomethingquitedifferent.’

‘Ahyes,theHeronsailplan. It’s reallysomething,’Gundaragreed.‘Wekept thehullandchangedthemast,sailsandrigging.’

‘WhydoyoucallittheHeronsailplan?’Alyssasked.

Gundarbeamedather.HehadmetAlyssatMacindawaswell,andbeenrewardedbyakissonhisbeardedcheekwhentheywerereacquaintedinToscana.Gundarwaspartialtobeing kissed by beautiful blondes. But he sensed there was something between thisparticularoneandWill,sohetookthingsnofurther.

‘It’snamedfortheoriginalshipriggedthisway.TheHeron.Notreallyashipatall–she was only three-quarters the size of a wolfship. But the mast and sail plan were abrilliant new arrangement. Itwas the brainchild of a youngSkandian lad.A genius, hewas.’

‘I’dheardhewashalf-Araluan,’Haltputindryly.

Gundareyedhimforamoment.MostSkandians thesedayschose to forget that theyhadsneeredatthedesignwhentheyhadfirstseenit.

‘Maybehewasandmaybehewasn’t,’Gundarsaid,thencontinued,withatotallackoflogic, ‘But it was the Skandian half that came up with the design. Everyone knows

Araluansknownothingaboutships.’

‘Really?’Haltsaid.

Gundarglaredathim.‘Well,ofcourse.That’swhysomanyofthemstartheavingtheirgutsuptheminutetheystepaboard.’

Willsawtheconversationheadingbackintodanger.‘Sotellusaboutthisdesign.Howdoesitwork?’

‘Themostimportantpartofitisthatitletsussailintothewind,’Gundartoldthem.

‘Intothewind?’Haltsaid.‘Howcanthatbepossible?’

Gundarpuckeredhisfaceinafrown.Hewasreluctanttoadmitanyshortcominginhisship,butheknewthatifhedidn’tanswertruthfully,hisaudiencewouldseethroughhisboastingeventually.

‘Notreallyintothewind,’headmitted.‘Wecansailacrossit,graduallymakinggroundagainstit.We’reabletomoveatanangletothewindsowecanstillmakeprogresswhenit’sonourbow.Nosquare-riggedshipcandothat.’

‘So that’swhyyouwere constantly changingdirectionyesterdaywhen thewindwasagainstus?’Selethenasked.

‘That’sright.Wemovediagonallytothewind.Thenafterawhile,weswitchandgotheotherway,graduallyzigzagginginthedirectionwewant.Wecallittacking.’

‘Why?’Alyssaskedandhefrownedagain.He’dneverqueriedwhythemanoeuvrehe’ddescribedwascalledtacking.Gundarwasanacceptingperson,withanon-inquiringmind.

‘Because…that’swhatit’scalled,’hesaid.‘Tacking.’

Wisely,Alysspursuedthematternofurther.Willhidasmallsmilewithhishand.HeknewAlyssandknewthatGundar’sanswerwastotallyinadequatetoherinquisitivemind.Hethoughtitbesttheyshouldmoveon.

‘Sohowdoesitactuallywork?’heasked.Gundarlookedathimgratefully.Thisparthecouldexplain.

‘Well,theyoungSkandianladwhodesignedit,’heglaredquicklyatHalt,daringhimtochallenge the inventor’s nationality again, ‘had spent a lot of time studying seabirds,particularlytheshapeoftheirwings.Hethoughtitmightbeagoodideatostiffenthefrontedgeofthesaillikeabird’swing,andshapethesailitselfsoitwastriangular,notsquare.

‘Soheshortenedthemainmast,thendesignedthatflexiblecurvedboomyouseethatsitsontop.Theboomstrengthensandsupportstheleadingedgeofthesailsothatwecanfaceitintothewind.Atraditionalsquare-riggedsailwouldsimplyflutterandvibrateandloseitsshape.Butwiththeboom,thesailformsasmoothcurvesothatwecanredirectthedriving forceof thewindmuchmore efficiently.The result is, the ship canmove at anangletothedirectionthewindisblowingfrom.Ineffect,wecansailagainstthewind.’

He paused, seeing a few questioning faces, then amended his statement. ‘All right.Acrossthewind.Butit’sahugeimprovementontheoldsquaresail.That’sunusableoncethewindisanyfartherforwardthandeadabeam.’

‘But you’ve duplicated that thin top boom and the sail,’ Evanlyn said. And shewasright.Onthedeck,lyingforeandaft,wasanotherboom,withitssailfurledaroundit.Itlayontheoppositesideofthemasttotheboomthatwascurrentlyinplace.

Gundar favouredherwithasmile. ‘That’s thebeautyof thisdesign,’he toldher. ‘Asyoucansee,thesailiscurrentlyonthestarboardsideofthemast,withthewindcomingfrom the port side, so it’s blown away from the mast into a perfect curve. When wetack…’HeglancedquicklyatAlyssbutshekeptherexpressionblank.‘Thewindwillbeon the starboard side, forcing the sail against themast, so that the perfect wing shapewouldbespoiled.Soweriganotherboomandsailontheportside.Then,whenwetack,welowerthestarboardsailandraisetheportsail.Thetwoarelinkedbyropethroughapulleyatthemasthead,sothattheweightofonecomingdownactuallyhelpsusraisetheotherone.’

‘Ingenious,’Haltsaidatlength.

GundarHardstrikersmiledmodestly.‘Well…mostofusSkandiansare.’

Shukinheldupahandandthesmallpartyofhorsemendrewrein,stoppinginthecentralclearedspaceamongthehouses.

The villagers were wary, but with the long-ingrained habit of respect for the Senshiclass,theywaitedsilentlyforthenewcomerstostatetheirbusiness.

They edged a little closer, forming a loose circle around the horses. Some of thevillagers, Horace noted, were carrying heavy blackwood staffs, while others held axesloosely.Butnoneofthemakeshiftweaponswerebeingbrandishedinthreateninggestures.Theyweresimplykeptcloseathandwhilethevillagerswaitedtoseewhatmighthappennext.

Shukin,whohadbeenridingafewmetresaheadofthegroup,turnedinthesaddle.

‘Comeforwardandjoinme,please,cousin,’hesaidquietlytoShigeru.

ShigeruurgedhishorseforwarduntilheandShukinwereontheirown,inthemiddleofthegroupofwaitingKikori.ItwasacourageousmoveonthepartoftheEmperor,Horacethought.Up till thatmoment, he had been safely surrounded by his group ofwarriors.Now,iftroublestarted,hewasvulnerabletoattackfromallsidesandhisescortwouldnotbeabletoreachhimintimetosavehim.

Therainbegantomistdownagain,patteringsoftlyonthethatchedroofsandformingmistyhaloesaroundthehanginglanternsundertheeavesoftheverandahsthatfrontedthecabins.AcoldtricklerandownthebackofHorace’scollarandheshifteduncomfortablyinhissaddle.Itwasonlyasmallmovementbutevenso,adozenpairsofeyesswungtohiminstantly.Hesettledback inhissaddleandremainedstill.Gradually, thewaryeyesreturnedtoShukinandShigeru.

‘Kikoripeople,’Shukinbegan.Hisvoicewasdeepandauthoritative.Hedidn’tspeakloudly,butsuchwasthetimbreofhisvoicethathiswordscarriedclearlytoeveryoneintheclearing.‘Today,agreathonourhascometoyourvillage.’

Hepaused,hisgazescanning thewaiting timberworkersand their families.Hefeltatwingeofdisappointmentashesawthedisbeliefintheireyes.TheywerecynicalofanySenshiwarriorwho told them theywere about to receive a great honour.Usually suchstatementswerethepreludetoaseriesofdemandsontheirhomes,theirfood,theirtimeandtheirwellbeing.Behonouredbecauseyoucangiveuswhateverweaskfor–afterall,weplantotakeitanyway.

Sadtosay,itwasthewaytheworldhadalwaysbeenbetweenthetwoclasses.

He sought for the words necessary to convince them that he and his men were notseekingtoimposethemselvesonthevillage.Theywereaskingforhospitalityandshelter,yes. But they would pay. They would treat the villagers fairly. Any such reassurancewould likely fallondeafears,heknew.TheKikorihadyearsofexperienceofarroganttreatmentatthehandsoftheSenshiandnonumberofsoftwordscouldchangethat.

Ashehesitated,hefeltalighttouchonhisforearm.

‘PerhapsIshouldtalktothem,cousin,’saidShigeru.

Shukin hesitated. Even in such humble surroundings, Shigeru should be accorded acertainlevelofesteem.Andthatmeantthatheshouldbeannouncedproperly,withallhistitlesandhonours,sothatthepeoplecouldgreethimrespectfully.

Hedrewbreath tosaysomethingalongthoselineswhenherealisedthatShigeruwasalreadyswingingdownfromthesaddle.TheEmperorgrinnedatthemannearesttohim,aheavilymuscled,thicksettypewhohadobviouslyspenthislifetimeswingingthemassiveaxethatheheldlooselyinhisrighthand.Theman’sfacewassetinastubborn,unsmilingexpression.Hehadthelookofaleaderabouthim.Hewastheonetowinover,Shigeruknew.

‘Aaaah!’ theEmperor said,withdeep relief ashe rubbedhisbuttocks. ‘That feels sogood!’

Thetimberworkercouldn’thelpasmall,surprisedsmileforming.HewasdisarmedbyShigeru’s ingenuous statement and informal manner. They were far removed from thehaughtydemeanouroftheSenshithatthetimberworkerhadencounteredinthepast.

Shukin watched anxiously from his saddle, his eyes fixed on that massive axe. Hedesperatelywantedtomovehishandclosertothehiltofhisswordbutheknewthatwouldbeamistake–possiblyafatalone.Attheslightestsignofaggression,thistableaucouldexplodeintobloodshed.

Shigeru,however, seemed tohavenosuchmisgivings.Hesteppedcloser to theman,bowedtohim,andheldouthishandingreeting.

‘What’syourname?’heasked.

The timber worker was taken aback. This Senshi was offering to clasp hands infriendship,anunprecedentedgesture.Andhehadbowedfirst–atotallyunexpectedsignofpoliteness.Hestarted toreachforShigeru’shand,realisedthatheheld theaxeinhisownrighthandandshifteditawkwardlytohisleft.Thenhehesitated,glancingdownathiscallusedhand,stillstainedwithdirtandtreesapfromtheday’shardwork.

Shigerulaughed,adeepboomingsoundthatwasgenuinelyamused.

‘Don’tworryaboutme!’hesaid.‘I’mnotsuchafragrantflowermyself!’Andheheldup his own palm, dirt and travel stained, for them all to see. ‘Just don’t crushmy tinyfingersinthatmassivegripofyours!’

A muted ripple of amusement ran through the watching villagers. Horace sensed acertainlesseninginthetension.ThetimberworkergrinnedinreplyandreachedforwardtoclaspShigeru’shand.

‘IamEiko,’hesaid.

Shigerunodded,filingthenameaway.HoraceknewtheEmperorcouldbeintroducedtoanothertwentypeoplethisnightandhewouldrememberalltheirnamesafterhearingthemonce.ItwasaskillthatShigeruhaddemonstratedonmorethanoneoccasion.

Eiko now cocked his head to one side expectantly, wondering if the Senshi wouldrespondwithhisownname.Ifhedid,itwouldbeafirst.Senshinormallyproclaimedtheirnames loudly, expecting lower classes to respond with respect and awe. In Eiko’sexperience,theydidn’texchangenamesinfriendshipwithKikoriaxemen.

Shigeruheldthepausejustlongenoughtomakesurehehadeveryone’sattention.Thenhereclaimedhishand,shakingitalittleinjokingdeferencetothestrengthofEiko’sgrip.

‘Nicetomeetyou,Eiko.I’mShigeruMotodato.’

Therewasan intakeofbreath fromtheassembledvillagers.Ofcourse theyknewthename.TherehadbeenrumoursthatShigeruwasvisitinghismountainlodge,nottoofaraway.And they had heard other rumours over the past few years. Itwas said that thisEmperorwasafriendof the lowerclasses, thathespokeeasilyandfreelywithfarmers,fishermenandwoodcutterswhenheencountered them, refusing to standonhisdignity,andtreatingthemasfriends.

‘Oh,’Shigerusaid,asifaddinganafterthought,‘sometimespeoplerefertomeas“theEmperor”.’

Heturned,grinningatthepeoplearoundhim,andcontrivedinthatmovementtoallowhis outer robe to open, revealing theMotodato crest on the left breast of his tunic – astylised bunch of three red cherries. It was the royal crest, of course, recognisedthroughoutNihon-Ja.

Nowthewhisperedintakeofbreathbecameageneralchorusofrespectandeachofthevillagersbowed theirheadsanddropped tooneknee indeference to theEmperor.Theyhadnodoubtthatthiswashe.ItwasanoffencepunishablebydeathforanyoneotherthantheEmperororhisentouragetoweartheroyalemblem.Theycouldn’tconceiveofanyonebeingfoolishenoughtodoso.

ButnowShigeru stepped forward among them.He selected an elderlywoman,grey-hairedandstoopedfromalifetimeofhardwork,reacheddownandtookherhand,gentlyassistinghertorise.

‘Please!Please!There’snoneedforsuchformality!Comeon,mother!Upyoucome!Don’tgetyourselfallmuddyjustbecauseofme!’

The woman stood, but still kept her head lowered respectfully. Others in the crowdraised theirheadsasShigerureachedforward, tippingherchinupwithhishandso thattheir eyes could meet. He saw surprise mingled with respect, then a sudden glow ofaffectiononthelinedface.

‘That’sbetter!Afterall,you’veworkedhardallyourlife,haven’tyou?’

‘Yes,lord,’shemuttered.

‘Harderthanme,I’llbet.Gotanychildren?’

‘Eight,mylord.’

‘Eight?Mylord!’Shigerusaid,cleverlyrepeatingherphrasebutchangingtheinflectiontooneofawed respect.Laughter ranaround theassembledvillagers. ‘You’vedefinitelybeenworkingharderthanme!’

‘Andseventeengrandchildren,mylord,’saidthewoman,emboldenednowbyhiseasymanner.Shigeruwhistledinsurpriseandsmackedhisforehead.

‘Seventeen!I’llbetyouspoil’em,eh?’

‘Noindeed,LordShigeru!’sherespondedindignantly.‘Iftheyplayuponme,theyfeeltheflatofmyhandontheirbums!’

Herhandsflewtohermouthinhorrorassherealisedshe’dsaid‘bums’infrontoftheEmperor.ButShigerumerelygrinnedather.

‘Nothingtobeashamedof,mother.We’veallgotabum,youknow.’

Nowthelaughtergrewlouder.Shigeruturnedtothecrowdandmadeanupwardgesturewithhishands.‘Please!Please!Nobowingandscrapingneeded!Standup,allofyou!’

And they did, with a mixture of wonder and amusement at his easygoing, informalapproach.Theywere a cannygroup, difficult to deceive.And they sensed, as didmostpeople on first meeting Shigeru, that he was genuine. He liked people. He enjoyedmeetingwith themand laughingwith them.Therewas neither deceit nor conceit abouthim.

Instinctively,thevillagersmovedalittleclosertotheirEmperor.Buttherewasnothreatin themovement.They simplywanted a better viewof this legendary character. Itwasunknownforsomeonesoexaltedtovisitalittlevillagelikethisone–andlaughandjokewiththeinhabitants.

‘Thisisabeautifulvillage,’Shigeruwassaying,ashelookedaroundtherowsofneat,thatchedcabins.‘Whatdoyoucallit?’Heselectedayoungboyforhisquestion–aboybarelyinhisteens,Horaceguessed.

Theyoungsterwastongue-tiedforafewseconds.HestaredwideeyedathisEmperor,not believing that he had been addressed by such an important personage. A womanstanding beside him, probably hismother,Horace thought, nudged himwith her elbowandhissedsomethingathim.Thusencouraged,hestammeredoutananswer.

‘Wecallitmura,mylord,’hesaid.HistoneseemedtoimplythatShigerushouldhaveknownthat.TherewereafewmutedgigglesfromthecrowdbutShigerubeamedathim.

‘Andanexcellentnamethatis!’hesaid.Thevillagerslaughedoutloudoncemore.

Horacewas puzzled until one of the escort edged his horse closer and said in a lowvoice,‘MuraisNihon-Janfor“village”.’

‘Andistherebyanychanceahotspringsomewhereclosetothismura?’Shigeruasked.

Therewere several affirmativemurmurs from those aroundhim. Itwasn’t surprising.Therewere hot springs throughout thesemountains and, wherever possible, the Kikorisitedtheirvillagesnearthem.Horacefeltawarmglowofpleasureflowthroughhim.Hot

springsmeantahotbath.TheNihon-JanpeoplelovedhotbathsandHoracehadgrowntoenjoythecustomsincehe’dbeenhere.Afteradayofhardridingandsoremuscles, theideaofsinkingintoscaldinghotwaterandsoakingawaytheachesofthedaywasalmosttoogoodtobearthinkingabout.

Shigeru’sgentlehintseemedtohelpthevillagersremember theirsenseofhospitality.Anolderman,whohadbeeninthesecondrowofpeoplestandingaroundtheEmperor,nowsteppedforwardandboweddeeply.

‘Myapologies,LordShigeru! In theexcitementofseeingyou,wehaveforgottenourmanners. I amAyagi, elder of thevillage.Please, haveyourmendismount.Mypeoplewilltendtoyourhorsesandwewillpreparehotbathsandfoodforyouandyourmen.Wewouldbehonoured ifyouwillacceptwhatever roughhospitalitywecanofferyou. I’mafraiditwon’tbeworthyofanEmperor,butitwillbethebestwecando!’

Shigerureachedoutahandandlaiditonthevillageelder’sshoulder.

‘Myfriend,’hesaid,‘youmightbesurprisedatwhat’sworthyofanEmperorinthesetimes.’

Heturnedandsignalledforhismentodismount.Someofthevillagerssteppedforwardtotakethereinsoftheirhorsesandleadthemaway.AtAyagi’sbidding,othershurriedofftopreparefoodfortheirunexpectedguests.Horacegroanedsoftlyasheswungdownfromthesaddle.

‘Takemetothatbathandcolourmehappy,’hesaid,tonobodyinparticular.

‘Downsail,’Gundarordered.‘Rigtheoars,men.’

Whilethesailhandlersbroughtthelong,curvingboomanditsflappingsailbacktothedeck, thedesignated rowerswereunstowing thewhite-oaksweepsand fitting them intotheoarlocks.By the time the sailwas furledandwrappedaround theboom, the rowerswereontheirbenches.Theyspatontheirhands,rolledtheirshouldersandstretchedtheirmusclesinreadinessforthehardpullingthatlayahead.

Wolfwill rocked gently in the waves, a hundred metres off a low, featureless shore.Therewerenohillsortreesinsight.Justbarebrownsandandrockthatstretchedasfarastheeyecouldsee.Anddirectlyaheadofthem,whatappearedtobethemouthofasmallriverwasjustvisible.

‘Ready, skirl!’ called the lead rower. It was Nils Ropehander, Will noted withoutsurprise.Nilswasoneofthebulkiestandstrongestinthecrew.Hewasalogicalchoiceasleadrowerandhewouldsetacrackingpacefortheothers.

Hewasalsonot themost intelligentor inquiringofmenandWillhadnotedover theyearsthatthosequalities,orlackthereof,oftenwerethemarkofanexcellentrower.Withnothing else to distract his mind, such a man could concentrate completely on thenecessarysequenceandrhythmoftherower’scraft:Up,twist,forward,twist,down,back.

‘Sothat’sit?’Haltsaid,lookingkeenlyatthegapinthelow-lyingcoastline.‘That’sthemouthoftheAssaranyanChannel?’

Gundarhesitated.Heglancedat thesunand thehorizon, thendownat theparchmentcharthehadspreadonasmalltablebesidethesteerboard.

‘AccordingtothisGenovesanchartIboughtbeforeweleftToscana,that’sit,’hesaid.‘That’sassumingthatanyGenovesancoulddrawanaccuratechart.I’veheardtheirskillsliemoreintheareaofpeople-killingthanmap-making.’

‘That’strue,’Haltsaid.Genovesahadalongseagoinghistorybutinmorerecenttimesthecityhadbecomeinfamousforitshighlytrainedassassins,whoworkedashiredkillersthroughoutthecontinent–andoccasionally,asHaltandWillhaddiscoverednotlongago,inAraluen.

‘Genovesans aren’t so bad,’Will said. ‘So long as youmanage to shoot thembeforetheyshootyou.’

‘Let’sgoalittlecloser,’Gundarsaid.‘Oars!Giveway!Slowahead,Nils!’

‘Aye aye, skirl!’ Nils bellowed from his position in the bow of the ship. ‘Rowers!

Ready!’

Sixteenlongoarsroseasone,swingingsmoothlyforwardastherowersleanedtowardsthestern,settingtheirfeetagainstthestopsinfrontofthem.

‘Giveway!’Nilsshouted.Theoarsdippedintothewaterandtherowersheavedagainsttheir handles, with Nils calling a relaxed cadence for the first few strokes to set therhythm. Instantly, thewolfship came alive again, cutting through the calmwater as theoarspropelledherforward,asmallbowwavegurglingunderherforefoot.

‘You’replanning to row through?’Halt askedGundar,glancingat the telltale stripofwool at themasthead. It indicated that thewindwas slightly aft of the beam and he’dlearnedover thepast fewdays that thiswasoneof the ship’sbest and fastestpointsofsailing.Gundarnotedtheglanceandshookhishead.

‘We’d lose toomuchdistance to leeward,’hesaidbriefly. ‘Thischannel’s toonarrowforthat.We’dgoforward,ofcourse,butwe’dlosedistancedownwind.Havetomakeourwaybackagaintoosoon.Notaproblemintheopenwaterwherewehaveplentyofsearoom,butawkwardinaconfinedspacelikethis.’Hepeeredcarefullyatthecoastline,nowmuchclosertothem.

‘Nils!’theskirlcalled.‘Upoars!’

Theoarsrose,dripping,fromthewater.Therowersrestedonthem,keepingthebladesclear of the sea. Accustomed to physical work as they were, none of them was evenbreathinghard.Slowly, theshipglided toa stoponcemore, rockinggently in thesmallwaves.

Gundarshadedhiseyes,peeringatthenarrowopening–barelythirtymetreswide.Heglanced down at the chart and the navigation notes that had come with it, sniffed thebreeze,thensquintedupatthepositionofthesuninthesky.Willunderstoodthatthiswasallpartof the instinctivenavigationsystemthat theSkandiansreliedon.Someof them,OberjarlErak, forexample,weremastersof theart. It seemed thatGundarwasanotheradept.

Butobviously,itneverhurttoaskasecondopinion.TheskirllookedaroundandsoughtoutSelethen.Ofallofthem,hehadthemostknowledgeofthispartoftheworld.

‘Everbeenherebefore,Selethen?’heasked.

The Wakir shook his head. ‘I’ve never been this far east. But I’ve heard of theAssaranyanChannel,ofcourse.ThisiswhereI’dexpectittobe.Furthernorthandsouth,thelandbecomesmorehilly.’

Theyall followedhisgazealong thecoastline.Hewasright.Here, thecoastwasflatandlowlying.Oneitherside,northandsouth,thebrown,drylandroseintolowhills.

‘WhatexactlyisthisAssaranyanChannel,anyway?’Willasked.

Evanlyn,whohadstudiedtherouteoftheirjourneybeforesheleftAraluen,answered.‘It’sachannelthroughthenarrowestpartofthelandmasshere.Itrunsforfortyorfiftykilometres,thenopensintoanaturalwaterwaytotheEasternOcean.’

‘Anaturalwaterway?’Will said. ‘Areyousaying thispart isn’tnatural?’Hegestured

towardstheunimpressive-lookingrivermouthaheadofthem.

‘Peoplebelieve itwasman-made–hundreds,perhaps thousandsofyearsago. It runsstraightthroughthislow-lyingarea–that’swhyitwasbuilthere.’

‘Ofcourse,’Willsaid.‘Andwhobuiltit?’

Evanlynshrugged.‘Nobodyknowsforsure.WeassumetheAssaranyans.’ForestallingWill’snextquestion,shewenton:‘Theywereanancientrace,butweknowpreciouslittleaboutthem.’

‘Excepttheywereexcellentdiggers,’Alysssaiddryly.

Evanlyncorrectedher,butwithoutanysenseofsuperiority.‘Ortheyhadalotoftimeandalotofslaves.’

Alyssacknowledgedthepoint.‘Perhapsmorelikely.’

Willsaidnothing.Hestaredattheopeningtothechannel.Itseemedsoinsignificant,hethought. Then he thought of the labour involved in digging a fifty-kilometre channelthroughthisharsh,dryland.Theprospectwasdaunting.

Gundarseemedtocometoadecision.

‘Well,asmyoldmamusedtosay: if it lookslikeaduckandquackslikeaduckandwalkslikeaduck,it’sprobablyaduck.’

‘Verywise,’Haltreplied.‘Andwhatexactlydoyourmother’swordsofwisdomhavetodowiththissituation?’

Gundarshrugged.‘Itlookslikeachannel.It’sintherightplaceforachannel.IfIwerediggingone,thisiswhereI’ddigachannel.So…’

‘Soit’sprobablythechannel?’Selethensaid.

Gundargrinnedathim. ‘Either that,or it’s aduck,’he said.Then, cuppinghishandsroundhismouth,heyelledatNils.‘Let’sgetmoving,Nils!Slowahead!’

Theleadoarnodded.‘Oars!Ready!’

Againtherewasthesqueakofoarsintheoarlocksandtheinvoluntarygruntfromtherowersastheypreparedforthestroke.

‘Givewayall!’

Wolfwill surged forward again, gathering speed with each successive stroke, thensettlingtoasmoothglideacrossthewater.Gundar,eyessquintedinconcentration,leanedonthestarboardtillertolinethebowupwiththecentreofthechannel.

Theyfellsilent.Theonlysoundwasthecreakandgroanoftheoarsintheiroarlocksastheyswungupanddown,backandforth,inunison,andtheoccasionalgruntofexertionfrom one of the rowers. The sheer immensity of the task undertaken by those ancientpeoplesettledakindofaweuponthetravellersastheshipglidedsmoothlydownthedeadstraightchannel.

Ithad tobeman-made,Alyss thought.Nonatural riverwasever sostraight.As theymovedawayfromtheocean,thedullbrowndesertenvelopedthemoneithersideandthe

freshnessoftheseabreeze,lightthoughithadbeen,waslosttothem.Thechannelgrewwiderastheyprogressed,untilitwasnearlyonehundredmetresacross.Erosionoverthecenturies hadwidened the channel considerably.On either bank, the immediate groundlookedsoftandtreacherousforanothertwentymetresorso.

SelethennoticedAlyssstudyingtheground.

‘Step in that andyoumight not comeout alive,’ he said thoughtfully. ‘I’llwager it’squicksand.’

Alyssnodded.Shehadbeenthinkingthesamething.

The heat beat down on them, folding itself around them like a blanket. The airwasheavywithit.

Gundar spoke softly to two of the sailing crew. They hurried aft and slung bucketsoversidetohaulupwater.Thentheypassedalongtherowingbenches,tossingthecoolingwateroverthehard-workingmen.Afewoftherowersmutteredtheirthanks.

TheSkandians,experiencedtravellersastheywere,hadalldonnedlong-sleevedlinenshirts and had more of the same material fastened round their heads as bandannas toprotect themfromthesun. In thecoldernorthernwaters,Willhadoftenseen thembarechested,seeminglyimpervioustothecold.Buttheywereafair-skinnedraceandyearsofraiding in thewarmwaters of theConstant Sea had taught them to respect the burningpowerofthesun.

Theseawaterflungonthemsoakedtheirshirts,butWillnoticedthattheydriedwithinafewminutes.Herecalledhisownexperienceofthesun’spower,inthedesertofArridasomeyearsbefore,andshudderedatthememory.

Someofthecrewbusiedthemselvesriggingcanvasawningssothatthosenotengagedinrowingcouldshelterintheirshade.Itwasawelcomerelieftobeoutofthesun’sdirectglare.Buttheairitselfwasstillheavyandoppressive.Willglancedoverthestern.Therewas now no sign of the sparkling blue sea behind them.Only this brown river cuttingstraightthroughtheequallybrownsand.

‘Howlongisthetransit?’heaskedGundar.Forsomereason,hespokesoftly.Itseemedappropriateinthisoppressivestillness.

Gundar considered the question. When he replied, it seemed that he had the sameaversiontomakingtoomuchnoise.

‘Five,perhapssixhours,’hesaid.Thenhereconsidered.‘Couldbemore.Themenwilltiremorequicklyinthisheat.’

Actingon that thought,hegaveanorderand the relief rowingcrewbegan tochangeplaceswith the rowers.Theydid itgradually, apairofoars at a time,working forwardfromthestern.Thatway,theshipmaintaineditsmotionthroughthemurkybrownwaterbeneath them.Aseachpairof rowers relinquished theiroars to their replacements, theysprawledinstantlyonthedeckintheshadeoftheawnings.Theyweretired,butnowherenearexhausted,Willknew.He’dhadplentyofexperiencewithSkandiancrewsinthepast.Theyhadaninbredabilitytofallsleepalmostanywhere,almostimmediately.Inanhourorso,they’dberestedandreadytoreplacetheircompanionsattheoarsagain.

‘Wemightevenanchorinthechannelonceitgetsdark,’Gundarsaid.‘There’llbenomoonuntillongpastmidnightanditcouldbeagoodideatorestinthecoolhours.’

Willcouldunderstandthewisdomofthat.Thechannelmightbestraight,butwithnoreferencepointstoguidethem,thebrownwaterwouldmergewiththelowbrownbankseitherside.Theycouldpossiblyveeronesideortheotherandrunaground.

‘Notsuchagoodidea,’Haltsaidquietly.‘Wehavecompany.’

Ayagi and his people had been appalled at the news of Arisaka’s rebellion against theEmperor. The common people of Nihon-Ja thought of the Emperor as a personwhoseaccessiontothethronewasguidedandconsecratedbythegods.Torebelagainsthimwasanunthinkablesacrilege.

‘We are your people, Lord Shigeru,’ thewhite-haired village elder had said. ‘Tell uswhatyouwantustodo.We’llstandbesideyouagainstArisaka.’

Therehadbeenanindignantrumbleofassentfromtheothervillagers.Foremostamongthem,Horacehadnoted,hadbeenEiko,theheavilybuiltworkerShigeruhadfirstshakenhands with. Ayagi might be the village elder, but Eiko was obviously a person ofconsiderableinfluenceamongtheyoungerKikori.

‘Thank you, my friends,’ Shigeru had replied. ‘But at the moment I hope to avoidfurtherbloodshed.Allweneedisaguidetothevillageof…’HehadhesitatedandlookedtoShukinforthenameofthevillagehehadnominatedasarendezvouspointwithReitoandthesurvivorsofthearmy.

‘Kawagishi,’Shukinhadsaid.‘RiverbankVillage.’

Ayagihadbowed.‘Weknowthisvillage,’hehadsaid.‘Mynephew,Mikeru,willshowyouthewayinthemorning.’

Shigeruhadbowedfromhissittingposition.‘Thankyou,Ayagi.Andnowlet’shavenomore talkof this unpleasantnesswithArisaka.Let’s enjoy the evening.Doanyofyourpeoplehaveafolksongforusalltosing?’

Ahotbath,hotfood,dryclothesandawarm,drybedfor thenightworkedwondersonHorace’stiredbody.

Shortlyafterdawn,theEmperorandhispartywoke,breakfastedandpreparedtomoveoutoncemore.Therainhadstoppedduringthenightandtheskyhadclearedtoabrilliantblue.Horace’sbreathsteamedinthecoldairasheexhaled.Oneofthevillagewomenhadtaken his wet, travel-stained clothes during the night and cleaned and dried them. Thesameservicehadbeenperformed for the restof the travellers.Puttingoncleanclothes,stillwarmfromthefiretheyhaddriedinfrontof,wasadistinctluxury.

Therewastheusualbustleandconfusioninvolvedinsettingout.Theridersinspectedtheir girth straps.Weaponswere checked, belts tightened, armour adjusted.Aswas hishabit,Horacehadcleanedandsharpenedhissword thepreviousnightbeforeheslippedbetweenthewarmedbedcoverslaidoutonthemattingfloorofhisroom.Heguessedthat

eachoftheSenshihaddonethesame.

Astherestofthepartymounted,Shukinheldback.Hereachedintothepurseathisbeltandproducedahandfulofgoldencoins,eachstampedwiththetriplecherrycrest.

Ayagisawthemovementandbackedaway,holdinghishandsoutbeforehim.

‘No!No,LordShukin!Wedon’twant anypayment! Itwasourpleasure tohave theEmperorasourguest!’

Shukingrinnedathim.HehadexpectedthereactionbutheknewthattimeswerehardinthemountainsandtheKikorihadlittle tospare.HehadhisanswerreadyforAyagi’sprotestation.

‘TheEmperor,perhaps,’hesaid.‘ButnobodywouldexpectyoutoprovideforadozenhungrySenshi–orforamassivegaijinwiththeappetiteofablackbear!’

HeindicatedHoracewhenhesaidthis,grinningtomakesurethatHoraceknewhewasjoking. Horace shook his head ruefully. He couldn’t dispute the fact that he had eatenmorethananyoftheothersintheparty.Nihon-JanhelpingsseemedsosmalltohimandhewasfamouseveninAraluenforhisprodigiousappetite.

Thevillagerslaughed.HoracehadprovedtobeafigureofgreatinterestandpopularityamongtheKikori.Hewaspoliteandself-effacingandreadytojoininsingingtheirfolksongs–albeitwithmoreenthusiasmthanmelody.

EvenAyagismiled.Hissenseofhospitalitymadehimreluctanttotakethemoneybutheknewthatifhedidn’t,hispeoplewouldgoshort.WiththegoldShukinwasoffering,theycouldbuymoresuppliesatthemonthlymarketheldinoneofthelargervillages.

‘Wellthen,’hesaid,capitulatingwithgoodgrace,‘indeferencetothekurokuma…’

Heaccepted thecoinsandHoracewasgiven thenamebywhichhewouldbeknownamongtheNihon-Jan–Kurokuma,orBlackBear.Atthetime,however,hewasunawareofit.HewasbusyfasteningaloosestraponthebedrolltiedbehindhissaddleandmissedAyagi’sstatement.

ShukinbowedgracefullyandAyagireturnedthegesture.ThenheturnedandbowedtotheEmperor,withalloftheassembledvillagersdoingthesame.

‘Thank you, Ayagi-san,’ Shigeru said, raising his hand to them all, ‘and thank you,Kikori.’

Thevillagersremained,headsbowed,asthesmallpartyrodeoutofthevillage.

Mikeru,theelder’snephew,wasakeen-faced,slimlybuiltyouthofaboutsixteen.Herodeasmall, shaggy-hairedpony– thekind theKikoripeopleusedasbeastsofburdenwhen theygatheredwood.Hewas familiarwith the area, of course, and led themon amuch shorter route than the one shown on the map Shukin carried. They had beentravelling for less thananhourwhen they reached the ford in the river thatShukinhadhoped to cross the night before. They rode across in single file, the horses steppingcarefullyontheslipperystonesbeneaththeirhooves.ThewaterroseshoulderhighonthehorsesanditwasicycoldasitsoakedthroughHorace’sleggingsandboots.

‘Gladit’snotraining,’hemutteredasherodeupthefarbank,hishorseshakingitselfto

riditselfofexcesswater.Hewishedhecoulddothesame.

‘What was that, Kurokuma?’ asked one of the escort riding near him. The otherschuckledatthename.

‘Nothing important,’Horace said. Then he looked at them suspiciously. ‘What’s this“kurokuma”business?’

TheSenshilookedathimwithacompletelystraightface.

‘It’s a term of great respect,’ he said. Several others, within earshot, noddedconfirmation.Theytoomanagedtoremainstraight-faced.ItwasaskilltheNihon-Janhadperfected.

‘Great respect,’ one of them echoed.Horace studied them all carefully.Nobodywassmiling.ButheknewbynowthatthatmeantnothingwiththeNihon-Jan.Hesensedtherewasajokehewasmissingbuthecouldn’tthinkofawaytofindoutwhatitmightbe.Bestmaintainhisdignity,hethought.

‘Well,Ishouldthinkso,’hetoldthem,androdeon.

Shortly after crossing the river,Mikeru led them to a clearedpatchof groundon thesideof thetrail,setat theedgeofasheercliff thatdroppedawayintothevalleybelow.Thiswas the lookoutShukinhadwanted to reach.He,Shigeru andHoracedismountedandmovedclosertotheedge.Horacedrewinhisbreath.Thecliffedgewasabrupt,asifithadbeencutbyaknife.Themountaindroppedawayseveralthousandmetrestoavalley.Theycould see themountains theyhadbeenclimbingand,beyond them, the low-lyingflatlands.

Horace,whoneverenjoyedthesensationofbeinginhighplaces,kepthisdistancefromthecliffedge.ShukinandShigeruhadnosuchqualms.Theystoodlessthanametrefromthe awful drop, peering down into the valleys, shading their eyes against the brightmorningsun.ThenShukinpointed.

‘There,’hesaidbriefly.

Shigeru followed the direction of his pointing finger and grunted. Horace, standingseveralmetresawayfromtheedge,triedtocranehisneckandseewhattheywerelookingatbuthisviewwasobstructed.Shukinnoticedandcalledtohim.

‘Comecloser,Or’ss-san.It’squitesafe.’

Shigerusmiledathiscousin.‘Shouldn’tthatbeKurokuma?’

Shukinsmiledinreturn.‘Ofcourse.Comecloser,Kurokuma.It’squitesafe.’

Horaceshuffledclosertotheedge,instinctivelykeepinghisweightleaningbackawayfrom the drop.Bitter experience in the past had taught him that, even though he hatedbeinginhighplaces,hewasparadoxicallydrawntowardstheedgewhenhestoodonone,asifhefoundthedropirresistible.

‘Quitesafe,myfoot,’hemutteredtohimself.‘AndwhatisthisKurokumayouallkeepcallingme?’

‘It’satermofgreatrespect,’Shigerutoldhim.

‘Greatrespect,’Shukinechoed.

Horacelookedfromonetotheother.Therewasnosignoneitherfacethat theywerejoking.

‘Very well,’ he said, continuing to shuffle forward. Then, looking in the directionShukinindicated,heforgotallabouthishatredofheightsandtermsofgreatrespect.

Acrossthevastvalley,toilingupthetrailthatclungtoamountainsideoppositethem,hecouldmakeoutalongcolumnofmen.Thesunglintedhaphazardlyfromtheirequipmentastheymovedandthelightcaughtonhelmets,spearpointsandswords.

‘Arisaka,’Shukin said.He looked from the columnof tiny figures to the crest of themountaintheywereclimbing,thenacrossthenextseriesofridges.‘He’scloserthanI’dhoped.’

‘Areyousure?’Horaceasked.‘ItcouldbeReito,andthesurvivorsoftheroyalarmy.’ButShigerushookhishead.

‘Therearetoomanyofthem,’hesaid.‘Andbesides,Reito-sanshouldbeclosertous.’

‘Howfarawayarethey,doyouthink?’Horaceasked.Eventhoughhehadbeenridingthroughthiscountryside,hehadnoideahowfastalargepartycouldcoverground–andhehadnorealideawhatlaybetweenArisaka’sarmyandthemselves.

‘Maybefourdaysbehindus,’Shigeruestimated,butShukinshookhishead.

‘Closertothree,’hesaid.‘We’regoingtohavetomovefasterifwewanttoreachRan-Koshibeforetheycatchus.’

‘That’sifwecanfindRan-Koshi,’Horacesaid.‘Sofarnobodyseemstoknowwhereitis.’

Shukinmethisgaze levelly. ‘We’ll find it,’he said firmly. ‘Wehave to find itorwehavenochanceatall.’

‘Ayagi-sanwasconfidentthattherewouldbepeopleinRiverbankVillagewhowouldknowaboutit.Someoftheolderfolkinparticular,hesaid.’

‘Well,we’renotgettinganyclosertoitstandingheretalking,’HoracesaidandShukingrinnedappreciatively.

‘Wellsaid,Kurokuma.’

HoracetiltedhisheadandregardedtheSenshileader.‘IthinkIpreferthattoOr’ss-san,’hesaid.‘I’mnotabsolutelycertain,mindyou.’

‘It’satermofgreatrespect,’Shukintoldhim.

‘Greatrespect,’Shigeruconfirmed.

Horace’sgazeswitchedbackandforthbetweenthem.‘That’swhatmakesmeuncertainaboutit.’

Shigerugrinnedandslappedhimontheshoulder.‘Let’sgetbacktothehorses.Asyousay,we’renotgettinganyclosertoRiversideVillagewhilewestandheretalking.’

Theyreachedthevillageinanothertwohours.Astheyrodein,afamiliarfigurestrodeoutfrom one of the cabins to greet them. Horace recognised Reito, the Senshi who hadbroughtthemthenewsofArisaka’srebellion.HeglancedaroundthevillageandbecameawarethattherewereotherSenshithere,thesurvivorsfromShigeru’sarmyinIto.Manyof themwere injured,withbloodstainedbandageson theirwounds.Someweremovingaroundthevillage,oftenlimpingheavily.Buttoomanyofthemwerelyingstillonroughstretchersandlitters.HeheardShukinheaveadeepsigh.

‘We’regoingtobemovingalotmoreslowlyfromnowon,’theSenshileadersaid.

Therewas a lone horseman riding along the northern bank of theAssaranyanChannel,keepingpacewith theship,parallel to theircourse.Themanworewhite, flowingrobesandawhiteturbanonhishead,withawidetailofmaterialthatprotectedhisneckfromthesun.ItwassimilarinpurposetothekheffiyehthatSelethenwore,Willguessed.

‘Nowwhere do you suppose he came from?’Gundar asked, squinting to gazemorecloselyatthenewcomer.

‘There’sprobablyawadi justbehind that crest,’Selethen toldhim.Gundar lookedathim,uncomprehending,andheexplained,‘Ashallowgully.’

Earlier,theyhadbeenabletoseeforsomedistanceacrossthedesertoneithersideofthe channel. At this point, though, the bank rose a little, so that it was several metreshigherthanthewaterlevel.Now,theycouldseenofurtherthantheelevatedbanks.

‘Oh…yeah.Isee.’Gundarpaused.‘Whatdoyouthinkhe’supto?’

‘I should imagine nothing that’s good for us,’ Selethen told him. ‘Hello. He’s gotfriends.’

Threemore riders had appeared, seeming to rise out of the ground at the top of thebank.Theyjoinedwiththefirstriderinalooseformation.Noneofthemseemedtoshowanyinterestintheshipthatcontinuedtoglidealongthechannel,sixtyorseventymetresawayfromthem.Selethenhadbeenrightaboutthequicksand,Alyssthought.Theridersstayedwellbackfromthecrumbling,darker-shadedgroundattheedgeofthechannel.

Haltstudiedthemandcouldmakeouttheshortcavalrybowsslungacrosstheirbacks.Selethen’speopleusedsuchbows.Theywereeffectiveatcloserangebutlostpowerafterfiftyorsixtymetres.Still,therewasnoharminbeingprepared.

‘Will,’hesaidquietly,‘fetchourbows,wouldyou?’

Willgavehimaquickglance,thennodded.Theirbowswerestoredinthelow,enclosedsleepingquartersinthesternoftheship.Hehurriedawaytogetthem.

‘Expectingtrouble,Halt?’Evanlynasked.

TheRangershrugged.‘It’dbesillynot to,’hesaid.‘Unlessyoucansuggestareasonwhythosefourridersjusthappentoberidingalongbesideus.’

‘Seven,’Evanlyntoldhim.

Halt looked again to see that their number had indeed grown. He also saw thatEvanlyn’s slinghadappeared inherhandandwas swinging slowlybackand forth in a

pendulummotion.Therewasobviouslyamissile loadedintothepouchat itscentre.Hesmiledgrimlyather.

‘Bitfarforthatstonechuckerofyours,’hesaidandEvanlynshrugged.

‘You never know. Besides,’ she pointed past the bow, ‘the channel seems to benarrowing.’

They all looked forward then and they could see that shewas right. Sandbanks hadformedonthenorthernsideofthechannel,cuttingthewidthdownconsiderably.

Haltrubbedhisbeardashestudiedthem.‘Hmmm.Notsurethatthey’llbeabletocomeanycloser,evenwiththat.Thosebankslookprettysofttome.’

WillreturnedandhandedHalthisbowandaquiverofarrows.HehadhisownquiverslungoverhisshoulderandbothhisbowandHalt’swerealreadystrung.Haltnoddedhisthanksandflexedthebowstringexperimentally.

‘Maybeweshouldedgeovertothesouthbankanyway?’Selethensuggested.Thatside,they could see, was significantly clear of sandbars. The bank itself seemed to be cutstraightandclean,risingalmostverticallyfromthewatertoaheightoffiveorsixmetres.

‘It’sveryinviting,’Haltsaid.‘Perhapstoomuchso.’

‘You’reright,Ranger,’Gundartoldhim.Hissailor’seyes,usedtolookingforsignsofsubmerged obstacles, had detected several suspicious eddies on the surface on thesouthernsideofthechannel.‘I’dsaythereareobstructionsjustbelowthesurfaceonthatside,waitingforustogettangleduponthem.’

‘Sandbars,youmean?’Selethenasked.

Gundarshookhishead.‘Morelikelyspikesandlogsandheavycablessettostopusandholdusfast.’

‘Sotheladsbeyondtheridgeonthatsidecancomevisitusattheirleisure,’Haltputin.Hehadbeenstudying the southbank, suspiciousof the fact that the riderson thenorthbankhadrevealed themselves,and that thesouthernpartof thechannelseemedtooffersafety.Afewsecondspreviously,hehadcaughtaflashoflight,asifthesunhadbrieflyreflectedoffaswordorhelmet.Hewaswillingtobettherewereseveralscoreofwarriorsconcealedonthesouthbank,waitingforthemomentwhentheshipbecameentangledintheunderwaterbarriersthatGundarhaddetected.

He told the otherswhat he had seen and they all looked carefully at the south bank.Afterafewseconds,Willcaughtsightofasmallmovementaswell.

‘There’ssomeonethere,allright,’hesaid.

‘Andtherearequiteafewof them,’Selethenadded.‘There’s just thefaintesthazeofdustintheairwherethey’vebeenmovingintoposition.Notenoughwindtodisperseit.’

‘Iguesstheyexpectedourattentiontobefocusedontheriders,’Alysssaid.

Evenasshesaidit,thesevenhorsemenonthenorthbankspurredtheirhorsestomovea little aheadof the ship.Then they reined in andunslung their bows, fitting arrows totheirbowstrings.

HaltglancedwarninglyatGundarbuttheskirlhadseenthemovement.

‘Shieldsonthebulwarks!’hecalledandthereliefrowingcrewclambereddownintotherowingwellandseteightofthebigSkandianshieldsinbracketsonthebulwarktocovertherowers.Inmanyyearsofraidingandfighting,theSkandianshadbeenshotatbeforeandknewhowtoprotectthemselves.

‘Idoubttheyhavetherangetoreachus,’Haltsaid.‘Butitneverhurtstoplayitsafe.’

They heard the familiar clatter and hiss of the arrows leaving the bows and arcingthrough theair towards the ship.AsHalthadpredicted, the rangewas toogreat for theshortbows.Sixofthearrowsfellharmlesslyintothewater.Theseventhstruckthehullametreabovethewaterlinebut,devoidofenergy,itdroppedawaywithadullsplash.

‘Outofrange,’Willsaid.‘Youwereright.’

‘I’mnotsureiftheyreallymeanttohitusorjustdivertourattention,’Haltreplied.‘Buteitherway,Ithinkwemightshowthemit’sabadideatoridealongthere.’

He nocked an arrow to his own bowstring. Will did the same. The riders releasedanothervolley,whichagainfellshortofWolfwill.

‘Taketheoneatthebackwiththepurpleturban,Will.I’lltaketheonebesidehim,’Haltsaidquietly.Willnodded.

‘Now,’ said Halt and they brought their bows up, drew and released in almost onemovement.

The two arrows, one black and one grey, shot away, climbing into the hot air, thenarcingdown.

The ridersHalthadsingledoutwere in theactof shootingagainwhen the two long,heavyarrowshisseddownandstruckthem.Halt’stargetyelledinpain,droppinghisbowandclutchingatthearrowthathadsuddenlyslammedintohisupperarm.Themaninthepurple turbanmadeno sound.He toppled sidewaysoutofhis saddle andhit thebrownsandwithadullthud.

Therewereyellsofconfusionastheirfivecompanionsscatteredinpanic.Themessagewas all too clear.Their ownvolleys had fallen short of the target,while the two returnshotshadhittargetsattherearoftheirgroup,farthestfromtheship.Whichmeantallofthemwerewithineasyrange.Suddenly,theyfeltvery,veryexposed.Theywheeledtheirhorsesawayfromthebankandrodeoverthecresttosafety,theriderlesshorsefollowingthem.

Onlythemaninthepurpleturbanremained,lyingunmovingonthesand.

Afewsecondslater,themenonthesouthbankseemedtorealisethattheirambushhadbeendetected.Theyappearedabove the crest of thebank,wavingweapons andyellinginsultsandcursesattheshipasitglidedarrogantlyby.Therewereovertwoscoreofthem,raggedly dressed and armed with an assortment of swords, spears and daggers, withseveralshortbowsamongthem.Thebowmenshotafewraggedvolleysbuttheywereallwellshortoftheship.WilllookedatHalt,thenglanceddownatthebowinhishands,butthebeardedRangershookhishead.

‘Leave them,’Haltsaid. ‘Theycan’thurtusandnowtheyknowit’ssafer to leaveusalone.’HeturnedtoGundar.‘Allthesame,itmightnotbeagoodideatoanchoranywheremidstreamforarest.’

Thesunwassettingasternofthem,agiantballturnedbloodredbythetinyparticlesofsandthathunginthedesertair,whentheyslippedquietlyoutoftheAssaranyanChannelintotheBloodSea–anarrowgulf that ledeventuallyto thewidespacesof theEasternOcean.

‘Iguess that’swhere thenamecomesfrom,’Willsaid, jerkinga thumbat thewater’ssurfacebehindthem.

Theintenseglowofthesunsetwasreflectedinthesurfaceofthewater,turningittothesamespectacular redcolour, shimmeringand shiftingon thewavesas they trappedandreflectedthelastlightofthedaysothatthewateritselflookedlikeaseaofblood.

Agentle seabreezesprangup from thesouthonce theywereseveralhundredmetresoffshore.Itwaswarm,butnonethelesswelcomeafterthestultifyingheatthathadengulfedthemastheyrowedthroughthechannel.

‘Makesail,’Gundarordered.Intheabsenceofroaringwindandwaves,hecouldgivehiscommandsinamuchcalmervoicethanhisnormalbellow.Thesailhandlershurriedtounfurl theportsailandhoist theslenderboomthatsupported it to themasthead.As thewindcaughtthecanvasanditbelliedout,hegavemorequickorders.

‘Sheethome.Inoars.’

Thelongoarsrose,dripping,fromthewater.Therewereafewsecondsofclatteringandbangingastherowersdrewtheminboardandstowedthemalongthelineoftheship.Atthe same time, the sailing crew hauled in on the sheets controlling the triangular sail.Initiallybellyingout loosely in thewind, itnowhardenedintoasmooth,efficientcurveandthepassengersfelttheharnessedthrustofthewindtakeeffect.Wolfwillheeledalittletoport,thenGundarleanedhisweightonthetiller,headingtheshipatrightanglestothewind.

‘Loosenoff,’hecalled.Hecouldsensethatthesail,sheetedtootightly,wascausingtheshiptoheelfurtherthanwasnecessaryandthiswascostingthemspeed.Wolfwillsteadied,camealittlemoreupright,thenswoopedoveralong,slowswelllikeagull.

Gundarlookedaroundathispassengersandcouldn’thelpgrinningatthem.

‘I never get tired of that!’ he said and they smiled in return. The ship’smotionwasexhilarating, particularly after the hours of heat and tension as they passed through theAssaranyanChannel.

‘So what can we expect from the Blood Sea, Gundar?’ Will asked the big, burlySkandian.

Gundar braced the tillerwith his hip and spread theGenovesan sailing notes on thesmallcharttablebesidehim.Heconsultedthecarefullyletteredscriptforafewminutes,thenlookedupatWill.

‘Atthistimeofyear,weshouldhavesteadywinds,’hesaid.‘Althoughinamonthortwothere’dbeagoodchanceofbeingbecalmed.’

Sailors,Willnoted,alwayswantedyoutoknowtheworstnews,evenwhenthingswerelookinggood.

‘And,’ Gundar continued, ‘the notes say to avoid other ships as much as possible.Apparentlytheseahereiscrawlingwithpirates.’

‘Pirates?’Haltasked.

Gundarnodded,jerkingathumbatthenotes.‘That’swhatitsayshere.Pirates.’

Haltraisedbothhiseyebrowsforonce.

‘Pirates,’hesaid.‘Oh,goody.’

‘Yes. I know theway toRan-Koshi,’ the timberworker told them. Shukin andShigeruexchangedaquickglance.Theyhadbegun to fear that thefabledfortressofRan-Koshiwasjustthat–afable.Now,itseemed,theymighthavefoundaguide.

‘You’ve been there?’Shukin asked. Itwas one thing to say youknewwhere a placewas,anotherentirelyifyou’dactuallybeenthere.

‘It’swherewegetoursuppliesofthefragranttimber,’thevillagersaid.

Shigerufrowned,wonderingwhattreeshemeant.

Seeingtheexpression,Shukinsaidquietly,‘Camphorwood.’

Toru, the villager, nodded. ‘Yes. I’ve heard it called that.’ He saw the relievedexpressionsonthefacesofthetwoSenshiandaddedawarning.‘It’sadifficultplacetogetto.You’llhavetogoonfootfromhere.Horseswillnevermanagethemountaintrails.’

‘Thenwe’llwalk,’ Shigeru saidwith a smile. ‘Imay be the Emperor, but I’m not afragilelittleflower.I’vedonemyshareoftravellinghard.’

‘Youmayhave.Butwhataboutthose?’Torusaid,sweepinghishandaroundtheclearedcommunal space at the centre ofRiversideVillage. The threemenwere seated on lowstoolsonthepolishedwoodverandahofthevillageheadman’shouse.Theheadman,Jito,hadsummonedTorutospeaktotheEmperorwhenhelearnedthattheSenshipartywereseekingtheancientfortressofRan-Koshi.

Now,atToru’sgesture,ShukinandShigerulookedattherowsofinjuredmengatheredaround the square.At least a thirdof theSenshiwhohadescapedArisaka’s armywerewounded–someofthemseriously.Manywouldhavetotravelonlittersorstretchers,andeventheoneswhocouldwalkcouldonlytravelslowlybecauseoftheirwounds.

‘Ourvillageheadmanwouldoffertolookafterthemhereifyouaskedhim,’Torusaid.‘Butyouwouldbecausinggreathardshiptothevillagersifyoudidso.’

Shukinmadeanapologeticgesture,touchinghishandtothemoneypurseathisbelt.

‘Naturally,wewouldpay,’hesaidbutTorushookhishead.

‘Winter isnearlyhere.Thevillagershave stockpiledbarelyenough food to last themthroughthecoldmonths.Theycan’teatmoneyandtherewouldn’tbeenoughfoodinthelocalmarketsforthemandtheseextrapeople.’

Ithadbeenadifferentmatterat thepreviousvillage,Shukinthoughtgloomily.There,the villagers only had to provide for a dozen people for one night.He knewToruwas

right. They couldn’t ask a small village to care for and feed thirty wounded men forseveralmonths.And in anycase,hewas reluctant to leave theSenshibehind.Manyofthemwould recover and thatwouldprovideShigeruwithanucleusof trainedwarriors.Not an army, perhaps, but a start towards one.They couldn’t afford to abandon such apotentialforce.

‘Thewoundedwillcomewithus,’Shigerusaid,interruptingthem.Histoneshowedthatthere would be no discussion. ‘We’ll just have to manage. And we’ll have to movequickly.’

Torushrugged.‘Easilysaid.Notsoeasilydone.’

Hewas respectful to the Emperor but not in awe of him. TheKikori were practicalpeopleandhe sawno reason toagreewithShigeruwhenheknewhewaswrong.ThatwouldnotbedoingtheEmperorandhismenanyfavours.

‘Nevertheless,wewilldo it,’Shigeru said. ‘Perhaps someof the strongermenof thevillagewouldactasstretcherbearersforus.Again,wewouldpay.’

Toru considered this.The season forwoodgatheringwas over. Someof the youngermenmightbewillingtosupplementtheirincome.Hardcashlikethatcouldbesetasideforthewarmermonths,whenthemarketswouldhavemoreitemsforsale.

‘That’spossible,’heagreed.Everthebargainer,hewasabouttoaddthatthemenwouldbe entitled to charge extra for the hardship of leaving their homes and families andtrekkingthroughthemountainsintheoncomingwinterweatherwhenraisedvoicesfromtheedgeoftheforestdistractedthemall.

They turned to look and saw a group of people emerging from the trees. Roughlytwentyofthem,andKikori,bytheirdress,Shukinthought.Thenhefrowned.Thethicksetmanleadingthegroup,anaxeheldcasuallyinhishand,lookedfamiliar.

‘Strangers,’Torusaid.‘Whatbringsthemhere,Iwonder?’

Helookedpointedlyatthetwocousins.Histhoughtprocesswasobvious.Onewayoranother,theyhadbroughtthestrangerstoRiversideVillage.ThenShukinrecognisedtheleaderofthenewcomersanditseemedthatToruwasright.

‘It’sEiko,’hesaid,risingfromhislowstool.

ShukinandShigerusteppeddownoff theverandahandwalked towardsEikoandhiscompanions. Toru followed them as other members of the village gathered around thenewcomers.TheKikoriweren’taparticularlygregariouslot.Individualvillagestoleratedtheir neighbours but tended to keep to themselves. Each group had their own secretsourcesof timberand theyguarded the locationsof these resources fromoutsiders.Thevillagersgreetedthestrangerspolitely,butnoteffusively.

Theheadmansteppedforward.

‘IamJito,headmanofRiversideVillage.Whatbringsyouhere,stranger–andhowcanwehelpyou?’Histoneleftnodoubtthathisofferofhelpwasaformalityonly.

Eikobowedpolitely–aquickloweringoftheheadthatwasallprotocoldemandedforavillageheadman.

‘Greetings,Jito-san.MynameisEiko.’Then,lookingpastJito,hesawtheEmperorandShukin,easilydistinguishedfromthevillagersintheirSenshirobes.Thistime,hebowedmoredeeply.‘Greetings,LordShigeru.’

JitolookedsharplyattheEmperorasheheardEiko’swords.Hewasnotentirelyhappyto have evenmore strangers descend upon his people. Thewounded Senshi had put aheavystrainonRiversideVillage’sresources.Atatimewhentheyshouldbemakingfinalpreparationsforthecomingwinter,thevillagersweredistractedbyhavingtocareforthewoundedwarriors.

‘Goodmorning,Eiko. Is theresomekindofproblem?’TheEmperor’skeeneyeshadnoticedthatsomeofthenewcomerswereinjured.Halfadozenwerebandagedandthreeotherswerebeingassistedbyfriends.

‘Youknowthesepeople,mylord?’Jitoaskedsuspiciously.

Shigerunodded.‘Theyofferedustheirhospitalitylastnight.I’mafraidthatmayhavecost themdearly.’The last statementwas really aquestion toEiko,but evenbefore thevillageranswered,Shigeruthoughtheknewtheanswer.

Eikonodded.‘That’strue,LordShigeru,’hesaid.‘Butnofaultofyours.Arisaka’smenreachedourvillageafewhoursafteryouweregone.’

Shigeruheardaquickintakeofbreathfromhiscousin.

‘ButwesawArisaka’sarmy!Theyweretwoorthreedaysbehindus!’Shukinsaid.

‘His main force, yes. This was a scouting party who had come on ahead. A dozenwarriors,wellmountedandtravellinglight.’Eiko’slipcurledincontempt.‘Solightthattheydidn’tbotherbringing theirown supplies.They simply tookwhatever theywantedfromourpeople.’

TherewasamurmurfromtheRiversideVillagerswhowerelisteningtothisexchange.Itwasamixtureofangerandfearinequalamounts.Inthepast,theyhadallexperiencedthe depredations ofmarauding Senshi parties. Eiko acknowledged their reactionwith ameaningfulnod.

‘You’rerighttoworryaboutit,’hesaid.‘They’recheckingallthevillagesintheregion.They’llbeherebeforetoolong.’

Thatstatementevokedastormofexclamationsfromthevillagers.Somewereofamindto abandon the village and hide in the forest. Others wanted to stay and protect theirbelongings.Jitohelduphishandtostillthebabbleofexcitedvoices.

‘Bequiet!’heshoutedandthevoicesdiedawaytoanembarrassedsilence.‘Weneedtoplan calmly, not run around like headless chickens.’He lookedback toEiko. ‘Someofyourmenareinjured.ItakeittheseSenshididn’tsimplystopatstealingsupplies?’

Eikoshookhisheadbitterly.‘No.Theysearchedthevillageforanythingofvalue–astheyusuallydo.And–’

‘Andtheyfoundthecoinswegaveyourheadman,’Shigerufinishedforhim,hisfacegrim.

‘Yes, lord.Theysaw the royalcreston thosecoinsandwanted toknowhowwehad

comebythem.’

Horace had been a silent spectator to all of this. After days of hard riding, he hadindulged in the practice of all experiencedwarriors to catch up on sleepwhenever theopportunityarose.Hearingthevoicesfromthevillagesquare,hehademerged,rubbinghiseyes and pulling on a shirt as he came.He had been in time to hearEiko’s account ofeventsandheremembered thecoinsShukinhadgiven to theAyagi, theheadman.Theyweregold,whichwouldhavebeenenoughtoraisesuspicionsinsuchapoorvillage.Butto compound theproblem, theyhadbeenclearlymarkedwith theEmperor’s symbolofthreecherries.Theycouldonlyhavecomefromonesource.

‘Ayagi-san refused to tell them where he had got the coins,’ Eiko continued. ‘Theykilledhim.Thentheyranamokthroughthevillage,burningcabins,killingwomenandtheoldpeople.’Heindicatedhiscompanions.‘Someofusmanagedtoescapeintotheforestintheconfusion.’

Shigerushookhisheadbitterly.‘Heshouldhavetoldthem,’hesaid.‘Theywouldhaveknownanyway.’

‘Perhaps,LordShigeru.ButAyagiwasaproudman.Andhewasloyaltoyou.’

‘SoI’mresponsibleforhisdeath,’Shigerusaidinatired,defeatedvoice.

EikoandJitoexchangedquickglances.TheindividualKikorivillagesmighttreateachotherwithsuspicion.ButtheyweretruetotheancientwaysandtheywereunitedintheirloyaltytotheEmperor–boththeconceptandthemanhimself.

Jitosaidfirmly,‘Youwerenotthecause,LordShigeru.Theblamelieswiththeoath-breaker,Arisaka.TheseactionshavesethimagainsttheKikori.’

‘If anyonewas to blame, it wasme,’ Eiko said. The painwas all too evident in hisvoice.‘Wewatchedlikecowardsfromtheforestastheykilledourpeopleanddestroyedourvillage.Wedidnothing!’

Shukinshookhishead.‘Youcouldn’tdoanythingagainsttrainedSenshi,’hesaid.‘Andlosingyourownliveswouldn’thavehelpedyourpeople.’

Horacehadbeenedgingforwardthroughthecrowd.Now,hedecided,itwastimeforhimtotakepart.

‘NorwouldithavehelpedyourEmperor,’hesaid,andalleyesswungtohim.‘HeneedsmentohelphimfightArisaka,nottothrowawaytheirlivestonopurpose.’

He sawEiko’s shoulders straighten and sensed the new resolve in the stocky timberworker.Amurmurofassentranthroughthepeopleofbothvillages.Yearsofresentmentattheirhigh-handedtreatmentbytheSenshiweresuddenlyfocusedintoanopportunityfordefiance–anopportunitycentredonthepersonoftheirEmperor.

‘Well said,Kurokuma!’ Shukin called to him, smiling. He turned to the assembledKikori.Hetoocouldseethenewsenseofpurposeinfusingthem.Thetallgaijinhadanexcellentsenseoftiming,hethought,andanexcellentchoiceofwordstofirethespiritsofthesepeople.

‘Wedoneedyou.TheKikoriwillbe the loyalheartof theEmperor’snewarmy.We

willtrainyou.Wewillteachyoutofight!’

A roar of enthusiasm and defiance greeted these words. Many felt that arrogant,overbearingSenshisuchasArisakahadenjoyedtheirownwayfartoolonginNihon-Ja.Evenwithout the cold-bloodeddestructionof the neighbouringvillage,Arisaka’s act oftreason towards the Emperorwas enough to harden their hearts against him. But therewere still some who favoured caution. As the cries of defiance died down, one olderwomanvoicedtheirthoughts.

‘ButwhatifArisaka’smencomehere?We’renotreadytofightthemyet.’

Horacesaw thedoubtbegin to spreadamong theKikori.Theydidn’tbelieve in theirownabilitytofacearmedSenshiwarriors.Buttheywereforgettingoneimportantfact.HesteppedforwardintotheclearspacearoundtheEmperor,EikoandJito.

‘Yousaidtherewereadozeninthescoutingparty?’heasked.

Eikonodded.‘Adozen.Maybeafewmore.’

Horacesmiledattheanswer.HelookedaroundtheassembledgroupofSenshiloyaltothe Emperor – a dozen in his immediate bodyguard and at least another twenty-fiveuninjuredsurvivorsfromthebattleatIto.

‘Itseemstome,’hesaid,‘thatforoncewehaveArisaka’smenseriouslyoutnumbered.’

Evanlyn and Alyss were practising their fencing skills on the foredeck, under thesomewhatbemusedeyeofSelethen.

Evanlyn’s exploits in Skandia and Arrida in recent years had been widely reportedthroughoutAraluen–shewas,afterall,thecrownprincessandenjoyedacertainamountof celebrity.As a result,manyAraluanwomen and girls had been influenced to take agreaterinterestinweaponskills.Alysswasoneofthese,buthermotivationwentbeyondfollowing what was currently seen to be fashionable. She had been more than a littlefrustrated by her inability to defend herself effectively when she was captured by thetraitorknightKerenatCastleMacindaw.Shehaddeterminedthatshewouldneverletthathappen again. This new emphasis onmartial skills was evidenced by the fact that herdagger, part of the Courier uniform, had changed from a narrow, needle-pointedceremonialdesigntoamorepractical–andmorelethal–heavy-bladedfightingknife.

Inaddition,shehadtakentopractisingthejavelinandtowearinga lightweightsabrewhileonassignments.Itwasastyleofswordrapidlygainingpopularitywithgirlsherage.Evanlynhadasimilarweaponand,whentheydiscoveredthefact,itwasonlylogicalthattheyshouldpractisetogether.

Logical,perhaps.Butnotwise.

Oneoftheship’screwhadcarvedwoodenpracticeweaponsforthemandthetwogirlsbegan a daily training routine. Selethen had offered his services as an instructor andrefereeafterwatchingthefirstfewsessionsandbothgirlshadacceptedtheoffer.

‘Verywell,’hesaidnow,‘fightingpositions,please,ladies…’

‘That’sdebatable,’HaltsaidinanundertonetoWillastheystoodwatching.Anumberoftheoff-dutycrewhadgatheredtowatchaswell.Therewasacertainenjoymenttobehadinwatchingtwoextremelyattractivegirlstryingtospliteachother’sskullsopenwithwoodenswords.

‘The“fighting”partorthe“ladies”part?’Willrepliedwithagrin.

Halt lookedathimandshookhishead. ‘Definitely the“ladies”,’hesaid. ‘There’snodebateaboutthe“fighting”.’

Willshrugged.Heknewthattherewasanedginesstothegirls’relationshipandthatithadsomethingtodowithhim.Whythatshouldbesowasbeyondhim.

‘Weaponalittlehigher,Evanlyn,’Selethensaid.‘Youtendtodropyourguardtoolow.’

Hewaitedassheadjustedthepositionofhersword,thenglancedatAlysstoseeifshe

wasready.Theblondegirlhadanedgeovertheprincessinskill,hehadnoticed.Probablybecauseshehadamorefocusedapproach toherswordsmanship.Whenshepractised,asmall furrow formed between her brows, evidence of the concentration and sense ofpurposeshewasputtingintohermoves.Evanlyn,ontheotherhand,wasalittleslapdashin her approach. She had taken lessons in the sabre for some time, but neverwith anyparticulardedicationtotheweapon.ShewasfasterthanAlyss,butAlyss,tallandathletic,hadalongerreachandstride,andEvanlyntendedtoletherselfgetoffbalancetoooften.

‘Begin,’Selethensaid,withasenseofresignationinhisvoice.Hehadafairideawhatwasabouttohappen.

Evanlyn lunged forward to attack, asheknew shewould.Shewas too impulsive, hethought,tooinclinedtowanttogetthingsstarted,withoutanypreliminarysparring.

Alyssknewittoo.ShehadwaitedcalmlyforEvanlyn’srapidattack.Sheswayedtooneside as Evanlyn lunged, deflecting the thrusting wooden blade past her body. Evanlynstaggeredslightly,losingherbalance,thenAlysscutbackwithaquickwristmovement,laying her own blade across Evanlyn’s knuckles with a crack thatmade the spectatorswince.MoneychangedhandsamongthewatchingSkandians.

‘Ow!Ow!Damnit!’Evanlynyelled.Herswordclatteredtothedeckandshenursedherbruised hand, glaring at Alyss. Then she turned angrily to Selethen. ‘She did that onpurpose!’

ButbeforeSelethencouldreply,Alysschimedinwithequalvehemence,colourflaringintohercheeks.‘Well,ofcourseIdiditonpurpose!That’swhywe’repractising,isn’tit?Todothingsonpurpose?Orarewetryingtopractiseaccidentsandflukes?’

‘Please, ladies,’ Selethen began.Hewas unmarried and so had little experiencewithwomen.Hewasbeginningtowonderifheeverwantedany.

‘Butit’strue,Selethen!’Alyssprotested.‘Shealwaysleavesherselfopentothatreply.’

‘Whichyoualwaysmanagetomake,’Evanlynsaidangrily,takingherswordfromthegrinningSkandianwhohadretrieveditforher.‘Thankyou,’shesaidbriefly.

Theseawolfleanedalittleclosertoher.

‘Kickher in the shins next time,Princess,’ he said in awhisper. ‘I’ve gotmoneyonyou.’

Alyssfailedtonoticetheexchange.ShewasstillappealingtoSelethenastherefereeofthebout.‘Imean,she’sgottolearn,hasn’tshe?Ifthiswasarealfight,shewouldn’tgetado-over.Shewouldn’thaveahand.’

‘On the other hand,’ Selethen said, instantly regretting the words as he heard theSkandianssniggerattheunintendedpun,‘ifyousimplydothateverytime,wewillneverprogresspastthispoint,willwe?’

Alyssseemedtoconsiderthepoint.Then,reluctantly,sheagreed.‘Verywell,Selethen.Ifyousayso.’SheturnedtoEvanlyn.‘Allright,Princess,yourhand’sofflimitsfromnowon.’

Will shookhisheaddespairingly. ‘Oh,Alyss,Alyss,Alyss,’hesaidunderhisbreath,

justloudenoughforHalttohearhim.

Wisely,thebeardedRangersaidnothing.

‘Don’tdomeanyfavours,’Evanlynsaid,throughgrittedteeth.Sheflexedherhandonthesword’shilt,tryingtoeasethepaininherbruisedknuckles.

Selethenlookeddoubtfullyatthetwogirls.Bothhadhighcolourintheircheeksnow.

‘Perhapsweshouldcallitaday?’hesuggested.

‘Youcan,’Evanlynsaid,hereyesfixedonAlyss.‘Idon’tfeellikeit.’

Alysssmiledather,asmilecompletelydevoidofgoodhumour.‘Well,neitherdoI,’sherepliedsweetly.

Therewasalongpause,thenSelethenacceptedtheinevitablewithaneloquentshrugoftheshoulders.

‘Allrightthen–ladies.’HeglancedatHaltandrolledhiseyesattheword.Haltnoddedgravely.‘Positions…’

Selethen noted that Evanlyn’s guard positionwas correct this time. Perhaps shewilllearn fromall this andnotgo rushing into the fight,he thought.Andperhaps theGreatBlueWhalethattheSkandiansbelievetocausetherisingandfallingtidewillleapfromtheocean,sproutwingsandflyinacirclearoundtheship.

‘Begin,’hesaidinaresignedtone.

And there went Evanlyn, like an arrow from a bow, springing across the deck andswingingaseriesofrapidoverheadcuts–backhand,forehandandbackhandagain.Thestrokeswere clumsy but her speedmade up for the fact.Alyss, expecting another longthrust,wascaughtbysurpriseandforcedtogiveground,backingawayandparryingtheblowsdesperatelywithherownblade,sothataseriesofclacksandcracksrangoutacrossthedeck.

There was a low murmur of encouragement from the Skandians who had backedEvanlyntowin.Itshouldbenotedthattheyhadonlydonesobecausetheirshipmateshadofferedgenerousoddsofthreetoone–hardtoresistinatwo-personcontest.

ButthenEvanlyn’simpulsivenessgotthebetterofher.AtthepointwheresheshouldhaveseenthatAlysshadrecoveredherownrhythmandweatheredtheattacksuccessfully,shepersistedwithonestroketoomany.Unabletosustainthelightningspeedofherfirsthalf-dozenblows,shehadslowednoticeablyandAlyss,nowbackincontrol,flickedherfinalstroketotheside,thenthrewinanotherwristyback-hander.

Thistime,however,herbladecrackedpainfullyoffEvanlyn’selbow.

‘Ooooow!’Evanlynscreeched.‘Yougreatganglycow!’

Thesworddroppedtothedeckoncemore.Herarmandhandwerenumbandtingling.Alyss’sriposte,whether intentionallyornot,hadcaughtheronthenerveat thepointoftheelbow.

‘Alyss!’Selethensaidangrily.‘Weagreed–’

‘Weagreed thatherhandwasoff limits,’Alyss said, all injured innocence. ‘I hit herelbow,notherhand.Ifwe’regoingto…Ooooowwwwoooooooh!’

Thesuddenhowlofagonywaswrungfromherasshefeltasearingpain inherrightleg.Evanlyn,cradlinghernumbrightarmwithherleft,hadsteppedinandswungherboothardintoAlyss’sshin,tearinghertightsandscoringalong,shallowwoundontheedgeofthebone.Alyss,her facewrinkled inpain,hobbled sideways to thebulwarkand restedagainst it.SheglaredatEvanlyn, thenglanceddownand realised she still hadherownswordinherhand,whileEvanlynwasunarmed.Shestartedforward.

‘ENOUGH!’Haltbellowed.

Alleyesturnedtohiminsurprise.EventheSkandianslookedimpressedatthevolumehe’d mustered. Halt looked angrily at the two girls, both nursing their injuries, eachfuriouswiththeother.

‘Will you two stop squabbling and squalling like apair of spoilt, self-centredbrats?’Haltcontinued.‘Iamsickandtiredofit.Bothofyoushouldknowbetter.’

Alyss’s eyes dropped from his and she stood, shamefaced, before him. Evanlyn,however,wasstillangry–andreadytoassertherowndignity.

‘Isthatso,Halt?MayIremindyouthatthisparticular“spoilt,self-centredbrat”isyourroyalprincess?’

Halt spun round on her. His eyes were glittering with fury and Evanlyn, in spite ofherself,tookapaceback.ShehadneverseenHaltsoangry.

‘Royal princess?’ he said with contempt. ‘Royal princess? May I suggest, royalprincess, that you tell that to someonewho gives a flying fig about it? If youweren’tnearlyfull-grown,I’dputyouovermykneeandtanyourbacksideforyou!’

Evanlynwasscandalisedbytheidea.‘Ifyoulaidhandsonme,myfatherwouldhaveyouflogged!’

Haltsnortedderisively.‘Ifyourfatherwerehere,he’dholdmycloakwhileIdidit!’

Evanlynopenedhermouthtoreply,thenpaused.Truthbetold,knowingherfather,shethoughtHaltwasprobablycorrect.

‘Nowforgod’ssake,willyoutwostartbehavinglikeaprincessandaCourier?’Halttoldthem.‘Ifyoudon’t,I’llhavetothinkaboutsendingWillhome.’

‘Me?’Willsaid,hisvoicebreakingintoahigh-pitchedsqueakofindignation.‘What’sitgottodowithme?’

‘It’sallyourfault!’Haltshoutedirrationally.

Andashesaid it, the twogirls realisedhewas right. JealousyoverWillwasmakingthembehavelikelittlechildren.Alysswasthefirsttorespond.Shethoughtthatwasonlyfair, as she’d been the one most at fault. She dropped the sword, took a step towardsEvanlynandheldoutherhandinpeace.

‘I’m sorry, Evanlyn. I behaved atrociously,’ she said miserably. Her sincerity wasobviousandEvanlyn,whowasquicktoanger,wasequallyquicktoforgiveandtoseeher

ownfaults.Shetookthehand.

‘Myapologiestoo,Alyss.Ishouldn’thavekickedyou.Isyourshinallright?’

Alysslookeddowntowhereatrickleofbloodwasrunningdownhershin.‘Notreally,’shesaid,withalopsidedgrin.‘ButIguessIdeservedit.’

‘Noguessingaboutit,’Haltsaid.‘Youdefinitelydeservedit.’Butheregardedthegirlskeenly and nodded in satisfaction. He was all too aware of the tension that existedbetween them and he’d known this daywould come, sooner or later. Better to have itsoonerandbedonewithit,hethought.Whenhespoke,hisvoicehadlosttheharshedgeofhispreviousstatements.

‘Perhapswe should forego further fencing lessons for awhile,’ he said and the girlsnodded.

Selethengaveadeepsigh.‘I’mforthat.’

Therewasanawkwardpause.Finally,itwasGundarwhobrokeit.

‘Idon’tknowifanyone’sinterested,’hesaidtentatively,‘butthereappearstobeapirateshipheadingourway.’

ThepartyofSenshiridersemergedfromtheforestinaraggedformationanddrewreininthesmallcommunalareaofRiversideVillage.

Nothingstirredinthevillage.Theforestbirds,whichhadgrownsilentwiththenoisypassageofthestrangers,graduallybegantosingagaininthetreesaroundthelittlecircleof cabins.The small river that ranon the far sideof thevillage, andgave theplace itsname,gurgledandchuckledovertherocksinitsshallows.Thenoiseseemedabnormallyloudinthesilence.

The lead rider twitched his reins impatiently, glaring round at the silent, seeminglyemptyhuts.

‘Kikori!’ he shouted. ‘Show yourselves!Wewant food and drink andwewant themnow!’

The forest seemed to swallow his voice. Therewas no reply, only the birds and theriver.

‘There’snoonehere,Chui,’saidoneoftheriders,usingtheleader’srankoflieutenant.Theofficerglaredatthemanwhohadspoken.Hewastired.Hewassaddlesore.AndhewasbecomingincreasinglyangrywiththesedamnedKikori,whoeitherrefusedtoanswerhis questions or fled into the forest at the first sign of him and his men. Time theseinsolentpeasantsweretaughtagoodlesson,hethought.

He dismounted stiffly, taking a few paces to stretch his tiredmuscles.Riding in thismountainousterrain,withitsconstantswitchingofslopesandangles,wasanexhaustingbusiness.

‘Dismount,’hetoldhismenandtheyfollowedhisexample.Hejerkedathumbatthemanwhohadspoken.

‘You. Go and search those cabins.’ He indicated three of the larger cabins, groupedtogether and facing onto the common ground. ‘You gowith him,’ he ordered a secondwarrior.

The two men, hands on the hilts of their long swords, strode with a stiff-leggedswagger.Theymountedthestepsoftheclosestpairofcabins.Thefirstmankickedopenthedoor,shatteringthedoorpostsothatthedoorhungcrookedlyfromoneleatherhinge,andstrodeinside,hismuddybootsmarkingandscratchingthecarefullypolishedwoodenfloor.ItwastheultimateactofarroganceamongtheNihon-Jantoenterahomewithoutremovingshoes.Thoseoutsideheardhisbootsringingonthefloorashemovedthroughthecabin.Afterashortwhile,heappearedatthedoorway.

‘Empty!’hecalled.

Theothermanhadbeensearchingthenextcabinandnowhetooreappeared.

‘Samehere,Chui!’hesaid.‘They’veallgone,itseems.’

Thelieutenantmouthedaquietcurseattheabsentvillagers.Nowheandhismenwouldhave to forage for food in the village, and prepare it themselves.Thatwasn’twork forSenshi, he thought. It was work for the peasants who were born to serve them. Hereflected angrily that the villagerswould probably have hidden their stores before theyfled.Moretimewasted.Moreinconvenience.

‘Allright!’hesaidcurtly.‘Burnthosecabins!’

The cabins, judging by their prominent position, probably belonged to elders of thevillage.Well, they’d learnnot tomakeaSenshiwarriorstandwaitingwhenherequiredtheirservice,he thought.Therewasa lightbreezeblowingand theoddswere that ifheburned the three cabins he’d indicated, the flames would spread to the rest of thebuildings,destroyingthevillagecompletely.Toobad,hethoughtharshly.Nexttime,theymightn’trunawayiftheyknewthiscouldhappen.

Themenhadtakenalanternfromtheverandahofthelargestcabinandtheywerenowbusywithflintandsteeltolightit.Oncetheyhadasourceofflame,they’dfashionroughtorchesandusethemtosetthetimberandthatchcabinsalight.Thelieutenantrubbedhisbackwithhisclenched fists, stretchingaway thestiffness.He’denjoyseeing thecabinsburn,hethought.Italwaysgavehimacertainfeelingofsatisfactiontoseeabuildingflareup,theneventuallycollapseinuponitselfinapileofsmokingash.

Themenhadtwobundlesofstrawandkindlinggatherednowandtheysetthelantern’ssmallflametothem,lettingthemflareup.Theylookedquestioninglyattheirleaderandhemadeanimperiousgesturewiththebackofhishand.

‘Getonwithit!’

Astheyturnedtowardsthelargestcabin,avoicecalledfrombehindthem.

‘Lord!Please!Don’tburnmyhouse!I’mbeggingyou!’

A ragged figure, in a plainKikori robe, came running from the trees that circled thevillage.

Two Senshi moved to intercept him but the officer curtly told them to let the manthrough.Hestoppedafewmetresfromtheofficeranddroppedtohisknees,headbowed.

‘Please,lord.Don’tdestroyourvillage,’hesaidinaserviletone.

The officer’s hand dropped to the hilt of his sword and he took a pace closer to thekneelingfigure.‘Whoareyou?’

‘IamJito,lord.Iamheadmanofthisvillage.’

‘Howdareyoukeepmeandmymenwaiting!’theofficerragedathimandJito’sheadsanklower.‘Wherearethevillagers?’

‘Lord,theyranaway.Theywerefrightened.’

‘Andyoudidn’tstopthem?’

‘Itried,lord.Buttheywouldn’tlistentome.’

‘Liar!’Thewordwasshoutedandthekneelingmanflinchedattheviolencebehindit.‘Youarealiar!Youorderedthemtogo!Andyoutoldthemtohideanyfoodinthevillagefromme.’

‘No,lord!I…’

‘Liar!’Thewordwasshoutedevenlouder this time.Theofficerwasworkinghimselfup intoa frenzyofhate.Hismenexchangedglances.Theyhadseen thishappenbeforeandtheyknewwhatfatelayinstoreforthekneelingvillageheadman.

‘No,lord!Please…’

‘You are lying to me! And you have insulted me and my men! Where is yourhospitality?Where is therespectdue tomembersof theSenshiclass?YoufilthyKikorishouldbeonyourknees,beggingustoeatyourfoodanddrinkyourricewine.Wehonouryoubycomingtoyourvillageandyoushameyourselvesandinsultusbyrunningawayintotheforestlikethieves!’

‘No,lord!Please.Wewillbegladto–’

‘Shut your lyingmouth!’ the lieutenant screamed. ‘I’ll show you howwe deal withthieves.AndthenI’llburnyourvillagetotheground!’

Therewas a ringing hiss of steel against lacqueredwood as he drew his long swordfromitsscabbard,takingatwo-handedgrip.

‘Kneelstraightandbowyourhead,thief!’heshouted.

Finally, theheadmanseemed toaccept thatpleadingwoulddonogood.Hehadbeensittingbackonhishaunchesbutnowhekneltuprightandbowedhisgreyheadforward,resignedtothelieutenant’ssword.

The lieutenant raised the longweapon abovehis head, preparing to sweepdown.Heemitted a grunt of animal pleasure as he paused at the top of the stroke. Then thingshappenedveryquickly.

Thekneelingheadmansuddenlycameupontohisrightknee.Therewasanotherringinghiss andhis hand emerged fromunder the raggedKikori cloakwith a gleamingSenshishortsword.Usingthepurchaseofhisstill-groundedleftfoot,hethrustforward,buryingthebladeinthelieutenant’smidsection.

The lieutenant looked in startledhorrorathisattacker.Now,as the raggedcloakwascast aside, he saw that thiswas no elderly,whining villager. Itwas a fit, strongSenshiwarrior,hisblackhairpowderedwithashtomakeitlookgrey.Onthebreastofhisfineleathervestwasemblazonedatriplecherrysymbol.

Theswordfellfromthelieutenant’shandandhedoubledover,deadbeforehehit theground.Quickly,Shukinswitchedtheshortswordtohislefthand,stoopedandretrievedthelieutenant’slongerweapon.

Themenof the raidingpartyhadbeenstunned fora fewsecondsbutnow theydrew

swordsandpreparedtoavengetheirleader’sdeath.Theyweren’tcompletelysurehowithadhappened.Onemomentthevillagerhadbeencowedintosubmission.Thenext,theirofficerwas staggering and falling before him.Whatever had happened, the treacherousvillagerwoulddieforit.

Butevenastheymoved,otherfiguresappearedfromthetreesbehindthem,runningtoflankthemandcutthemofffromShukin.

Thetwomenwhohadbeensenttofirethecabinswereclosetohimandheturnedtofacethem.Heblockedthefirstman’scuteasily,flickingtheswordtoonesideand,inthesamemotion,cuttingbacksothathisownbladebitintotheman’sneck.Asthemanfell,Shukinblockedthesecondman’scutwiththeshortswordinhislefthand,thenspuntohisright,his longswordreachingbackoverhisrightshoulderaspartof themovementandtakingtheenemySenshihighinthechest.

Hesteppedclearasthemanfell,afewsecondsafterhiscomrade.

Now the remaining raiders had no time to avenge their fallen leader. They foundthemselvessurroundedbythirtyarmedSenshiwarriors,allwearingtheEmperor’screst.

Forafewbriefminutes,theclearingrangwiththeclashofswordsandthecriesoftheinjured.Arisaka’smenfoughtfiercely,but theyneverhadachance.Horace,assignedtoguardtheEmperorinoneofthesecondrowofcabins,watchedthefightcuriously.EachoftheenemywassurroundedbytwoorsometimesthreeofShigeru’smen.Yettheyneverattackedallatonce,choosinginsteadtoengagetheraidersinaseriesofsinglecombats.HeremarkedonthistotheEmperorandShigerusimplynodded.

‘Thisisthewayitisdone,’hesaid.‘It’snothonourabletofightthreeatatimeagainstoneman.Wewinorloseasindividuals.’

Horaceshookhishead.‘WhereIcomefrom,onceafightstarts,it’sallinanddeviltakethehindmost,’hesaid.HesawthatShigerudidn’tunderstandtheexpressionbuthemadenoattempttoexplain.

Gradually,thesoundsoffightingdiedawayasthelastofArisaka’smenwerecutdown.Buttheyhadn’tgoneeasily.FourofShigeru’swarriorsalsolaysilentonthebloodstainedsoilofthecommongroundandanothertwowerenursingwounds.

ShigeruandHoraceleftthecabinwheretheyhadbeenconcealedandmovedouttojoinShukin. Gradually, the villagers began to reappear, drifting back in from their hidingplacesintheforest.TheyregardedthefallenSenshiwithsomethinglikeawe.

Jito looked at Shigeru and inclined his head slightly. ‘This was good work, LordShigeru.’

Eikotoohadalookofsatisfactiononhisface.Thesewerethemenwhohadkilledhisfriends and neighbours and destroyed his village,while hewas forced to stand by andwatch.Itwasgood,hethought,toseetheshoewasontheotherfoot.

ButShigeruwaslookingtroubled.Heindicatedthebloodstainedformsontheground.

‘Arisaka will hear of this. He’ll hold you responsible and he’ll declare war on theKikoripeople,’hesaid.

Jitothrewadisparagingglanceatthedeadraiders.Hisshouldersstraightenedandhisheadcameupproudly.

‘Let him!Lead us toRan-Koshi and teach us to fight, LordShigeru.TheKikori aredeclaringwaronArisaka.’

Therewasagrowledmutterofagreementfromthepeopleofbothvillagesastheyheardhiswords.They gathered aroundShigeru, touching him, bowing to him, pledging theirloyalty.

ShukinandHoraceexchangedgrimsmiles.

‘Wehavemen,’Shukinsaid.

Horacenodded.‘Nowwejusthavetoturnthemintowarriors.’

Thepirateshipwasalong,lowgalley,narrowwaistedandmountingtwelveoarsaside.Shehad a smallmast and a square sail but for themoment the sailwas furled.As sheapproachedthewolfship,thetwobanksofoarsroseandfellinperfectunison.

‘Canweoutrunher,Gundar?’Haltasked.

As ever, Gundar glanced at the sky, the sail and the other ship, then sniffed the airexperimentallybeforeanswering.

‘As long as this wind holds, no problem,’ he said. He called an order to the sailtrimmersandtheyhauledonthesheets,bringingthesail toahardercurve.At thesametime,henudgedthetillerslightlysothatthebowoftheshipswungafewdegreestoport.Instantly,Willfeltatremorrunthroughthedeckastheshipleaned,thenaccelerated.

Haltwas rubbinghisbeard thoughtfully, stillwatching thepirategalleybehind them.Heestimatedthattherewerefortyorfiftymeninhercrewandhecouldseehercaptainleaningforwardtoyellencouragementtohisrowersasherealisedthattheywerelosinggroundtothisstrangeshipwithitstriangularsail.

‘Andifthewinddrops?’Haltasked.

Gundarshrugged.He,too,studiedthepiratecraft.

‘Twelveoars a side toour eight,’ hemused aloud. ‘Underoars, she’sprobably fasterthanus.’

Halt turnedthat informationover inhismind, thenadded,‘Andshe’snot likelytobetheonlyoneofherkindwesight.’

Gundarnodded.‘Thesailingnotessaythesewatersareinfestedwithpirates.’

TheRanger studied the pirate galley again.Under a renewed effort fromher rowingcrew, she hadmade up a little distance onWolfwill.But now, after that initial surge ofenthusiasm,theywerebeginningtodropbackagain.Wolfwill’soarswereshippedandatleasthalfhercrewwererelaxingontherowingbenches,outofsight.Chanceswerethatthepiratesthoughtshewasatrader,mannedbyonlyadozenorsomen.

‘Canyoulethercatchuptouswithoutthemrealisingyou’redoingit?’heasked.

Gundar,foronce,answeredimmediately.‘Easily,’hesaid,grinningevilly.‘Itakeityouwanttogivethemalittlesurprise?’

‘Something like that.’ Halt glanced at the men on the rowing benches. ‘Get yourweapons ready, but stay out of sight,’ he called. Hewas answered by at least a dozen

wolfishgrinsfromtheSkandians.Seawolveslovedafight,Haltthought.

Gundar,meanwhile,easedthebowalittlebacktostarboard,andcalledmoreorderstothesailtrimmers.Thesailcameeventauter,andtheshipheeledalittlefurther.Itlookedimpressive,buttherealitywasthatshecameoffherbestpointofsailingandlostspeedinthemanoeuvre.Thepiratesbegantogainonthemoncemore.Therewereadozenofthemgatheredintheprowofthegalley,yellingthreatsandwavingweaponsattheirquarry.

‘They’rearaggle-tailbunch,’Willremarked.‘Doyouwantmetostarttheballrolling?’

Hehadanarrownocked to thebowstringand thegalleywas ineasy rangenow.ButHaltshookhishead.

‘Notyet.’HeglancedtowhereEvanlynandAlysswerestandingbytherail.Evanlynhadher sling ready, slowly swinging it back and forth.Alyss, he saw,had changedherpracticesabrefortherealthing.Shehaditbeltedaroundherwaist.

‘You two move back here,’ he said, indicating a position in the stern of the ship.Reluctantly,theyobeyed.Theymighthavearguedwithhimearlier,butbothofthemknewthatwhentheshipwasabouttogointoafight,Halt’sordersweretobeobeyedwithouthesitation.

‘Youcanknockafewoverwiththatslingaswegetcloser,’HalttoldEvanlyn.ThenheglancedatAlyss.‘Youwatchherbackincaseanyofthemgetonboard.’

Alyss nodded. ‘Is that likely?’ she asked, with a faint grin. She’d seen the fightingqualitiesofSkandians–particularlythiscrew–inthepast.

‘Idoubtit.’Then,addressingGundarandhiscrew,Haltlaidouthisplan.‘We’llturnupintothemastheygetcloserandtakethembowonbow.Grapplethem,thenboardthemoverthebowsanddisabletheirship.’

‘Whatabouttheircrew?’Nilscalledfromtherowingbenches.

‘Iftheygetintheway,disablethemtoo,’hesaidshortly.‘Getridoftheirmast,knockholesinthehull,thengetbackonboard.’

‘Youwantustosinkher?’GundaraskedandHaltshookhishead.

‘No.Iwantherbadlydamagedbutcapableofmakingitbacktoport.Iwantthewordtogooutthatthestrangeshipwiththeredfalconensign,’hegesturedtoEvanlyn’sensign,flyingfromthemasttop,‘ismannedbydangerous,hairymaniacswithaxesandistobeavoidedatallcosts.’

‘That sounds like us,’Gundar said cheerfully.And a rumbling growl sounded in thethroatsofthecrew.‘Jens,’hesaidnowtooneofthesailhandlers,‘youtakeeightmenupto the bows. Have grapnels ready and lead the boarding party when we’ve got hersecured.’

‘I’mgoingtoo,skirl!’ItwasNilsRopehander,fromhispositiononthefrontport-siderowingbench.Gundarnodded.

‘FirstfourrowsfromeithersidefollowJensaboardher,’hesaid.‘Butstayoutofsightfornow!’

‘ShowyourselvesonlywhenIgivetheword,’Haltcalled.‘Wewantthesightofyourlovelyfacestobeabigsurprisefortheselads.’

Again, a growl of assent from the crew. They lived for this sort of encounter,Willrealised.Severalofthemwerealreadychucklingatthethoughtofthepanicthatwouldfillthepirates’heartswhentheyrealisedthatthehelpless-looking,apparentlyunarmedsailingshipwasliterallyawolfinsheep’sclothing.Aseawolfinsheep’sclothing,infact.

‘Evanlyn,let’sseewhatyoucando,’Haltsaidquietly.Theprincessneedednofurtherurging. She already had an egg-shaped lead shot loaded into the pouch of her sling.Glancingaroundtomakesureshewasunimpeded,shewhirledtheslingup, let itcircletwice,thenreleasedandsenttheshotwhizzingonitsway.

Theycouldfollowtheflightoftheshotforafewseconds,thenlostitagainstthemassof the galley. But a second later, one of the shouting, gesticulating pirates in the bowsuddenlytoppledover,foldinguplikeanemptygarment.Hiscompanionssteppedawayin shock, silenced for a moment, then redoubled their threats and insults, urging theirrowerstogofasterandcatchthisinsolentintruder.Theywerearaggedgroup,asWillhadmentioned, wearing tattered white and coloured robes and dirty turbans. They weregenerally thinanddarkskinned.As theygrewcloser,Willcouldsee that theirweaponswere amixture of curved swords, dirks and knives. There seemed to be no uniformityamong themandWillguessed that theyweremoreaccustomed to slaughteringhelplesscrewsthanfightingtrainedwarriors.

HaltnoddedapprovinglyatEvanlyn’ssuccessfulshot.

‘Interesting.Justtwospins,’hesaid.‘InArridayouspuntheslingroundandroundalotmorebeforereleasing.’

‘I’vebeenpractising,’shesaid.‘Spinningittoomuchwarnsyourenemyandleavesyouexposedtoreturnshots.Theidealistogetmaximumvelocityinonespin,butI’mnotuptothatyet.’Shereachedintoaleatherpouchslungoverhershoulderandtookoutanotherofthespeciallyshapedleadprojectiles.Thedaysofusingriverpebbleswerelongpast.

‘ShallIdoanother?’

Haltregardedtheoncomingpirates,hiseyesslittedagainsttheglareofthesunfromthesea.

‘No.Ithinkwe’vestirredupthathornets’nestenough.Oncewe’vegrappledthem,youcanletflyatthatgrouparoundthetillerasmuchasyoulike.’HeturnedawaytoGundar.‘Anytimeyou’reready,skirl.’

Gundarjudgeddistanceandtheanglesandthesetofhissail.

‘Comingabout!’hebellowedandleanedonthetiller.Theshipswungneatly,thewindgoingoutofthesailassheturned,leavingthecanvasflappingwildly.

‘Down sail!’ he roared and the boom and sail thundered down to land on the deck.Hastily,twoofthesailingcrewgatheredtheflappingcanvasinoutoftheway.

On board the pirate galley there was a sudden silence as their quarry unexpectedlyswungroundtofacethem.

‘Show yourselves, sea wolves!’ Halt yelled and sixteen big, heavily armed menappearedfromtherowingbenchestosupplementthosealreadyinthebowoftheship.

The pirates, expecting to attack a dozen or so lightly armed sailors, suddenly foundthemselves facing at least thirty yelling, hairy denizens, all armed with double-headedbattleaxes.

Atthesamemoment,twograpnelssailedoutfromthebowoftheshipandthuddedintothewoodworkofthepirategalley.Thecaptain,aftatthetiller,startedtoscreamorderstohismentocuttheropesthatwerenowdrawinghisshipclosertotheforeigners’craft.Hegesticulatedtotherowerstobackwaterandpullthemawayfromthisunexpecteddanger.

Will heard a quick whizzing sound as Evanlyn whirled and cast again. The pirateskipperabruptlyrearedup,clutchinghisforehead,thencrashedoverbackwardsontothedeck.

Therewasagrindingcrunchasthetwoshipsdrewtogetherandtheyelling,battle-madSkandianspouredovertheirownbowandontothedeckofthegalley.Mostofthepiratesgathered in thebow tookone lookat thehugemenand theirhugeaxesand ran for thestern.Someofthemtookashorterescaperouteanddivedovertherailintothesea.Thefewwhoremained to fighthad little time to regret theirchoice.Theboardingparty, lednowbyNils,whohad forcedhiswaypast Jens, smashed through them, scattering theirlimpbodiestoeitherside.

Several of the boarders, directed by Jens, dropped into the rapidly vacated rowingbenches and smashed their axes into the hull’s planks below the waterline. Seawatergushed in through the massive rents they created. Satisfied with their work, they thenbusied themselves throwingoarsoverboard,while their companionshackedat the staysholdingtheship’slowmastinplace.Onemanswarmedupthemastitselfandreleasedthesail, then slid rapidly down again. The sail filled with wind and strained at the mast.Unsupported, themastwithstoodthepressureforafewseconds, thentherewasanuglycrackanditsaggedtoleeward,takingatangleofsailclothandcordagewithit.

GundarglancedatHalt.TheRangerhadbeenassessingthedamageto thegalleyandhercrew.Nearlyhalfthepirateswerekilledordisabledandtheshipwasalreadysettlingat the bow. Time to let the remaining piratesmake repairs and take news of this veryunwelcomeforeignshipbacktotheirlairsonthecoastline.

‘Bring’emback,’hesaidandGundarbellowedtohismen.

‘Backonboard!Seawolves!Backtotheship!’

Themenbegantoscramblebacktothebowofthegalley,clamberingfromthereuptoWolfwill,whichstoodhigher than thepirateship.Theircomradesonboardhelped themoverthebulwark.Nilswasthelasttocome.Initially,hewasfightingaone-manrearguardaction.Thenthepiratesseemedtorealisethattherewasnofutureincomingwithinreachof thatwhirling battleaxe and they left the deck to him.Annoyed,Nils spread his feet,brandishedhisaxeandyelledachallengeatthem.

‘Comeon,youraggedy-bumbackstabbers!Comefacearealpirate!’

Buttherewerenotakersandheactuallybegantoadvancedownthedecktowardsthem

again.

‘Nils!Getbackonboard,yougreatidiot!’

Gundar’sbellowcutthroughthefogofangerandbattlemadnessthatfilledNils’smind.Hestopped,shookhishead,thenturnedandgrinnedsheepishly.

‘Coming,skirl!’

Will had to smile. Nils sounded like a naughty boy answering his mother’s call todinner.

Nilsmadeonelast insultinggestureat thepirates, thenturnedandranlightlybacktothebows.Disdaininghelp,hesprangfromthepirate’sbulwarkbackaboard.

‘Cut the grappling ropes!’ Gundar called and two axes swung and thudded in quicksuccession,severingthetworopes.Nolongerfastenedtogether,theshipsbegantoslowlydriftapart.Gundarlookeddownatthelastfourranksofrowersoneitherside–themenwhohadremainedaboardWolfwillthroughthebrief,one-sidedbattle.

‘Outoars!Giveway!’heordered.As themenreacted instantly,Will realised that theSkandianshaddonethissortofthingmany,manytimesbefore.Wolfwillslowlygatheredsternwayunderthethrustoftheeightoars,andthegaptothepirateshipwidened.

‘Hoistthesail!’Gundarorderedandtheboomandsailransmoothlyupthemast.

‘Sheet home! In oars!’ he called and the sail handlers hauled in on the sheets andhardenedtheflappingsail tothewind.Wolfwill’sbowswungdownwindandastheskirlleanedonhistiller,shebegantogatherway.

Behindthem,thepirategalleywasbowdowninthewaterandhermenwereswarmingforwardtorepairthemassiveholessmashedinherplanksbeforeshewentunder.

Gundarnoddedinsatisfaction.Hismenhadperformedwell.Hejerkedathumbatthehalf-submergedpirateship.

‘Idoubtwe’llbehearingfromthemagain,’hesaid.

Selethenwaswatchingthewallowingshipashercrewworkedtostophersinking.

‘Youknow,’hesaidtoHalt,withoutanytraceofasmile,‘itmighthavebeensimplertohavethetwogirlsboardherwiththeirpracticeswords.’

Theyexchangedalonglook,thenHaltshookhishead.‘Ineededtoleavesomeofthemalive,’hesaid.

Witheachpassingday,theirnumbersgrew.AstheEmperor’spartyclawedandstumbledupthesteep,muddymountaintracks,climbingoneridge,descendingtheotherside,thenclimbingthenext,whichalwaysseemedtobesteeperandhigherthantheonebeforeit,more andmoreKikori quietly joined their group.Theywould emerge silently from thetrees, having travelled secret and dangerous paths known only to themountain people,makeasimpleobeisancetoShigeru,thenattachthemselvestothecolumn.

The leaders of the column learned,without toomuch surprise, that the Senshi patroltheyhaddefeatedatRiversideVillagewasnottheonlyadvancepartysentoutbyArisaka.Thereweremorethanhalfadozenothersmallgroupscombingthemountains,brutalisingthe Kikori, burning their villages and torturing their leaders in an attempt to learnShigeru’swhereabouts.

Thisbarbaricbehaviour,intendedtocowtheKikoriintosubmission,wasactuallyself-defeating.TheKikoriwereaprofoundlylaw-abidingpeopleandtheyplacedgreatvalueontheconceptoflegalandrightfulsuccessiontothethrone–eveniftheyhadneverseenthe Emperor himself. Shigeru was the rightful Emperor and their deeply felt sense ofmorality told them that he must not be deposed by force. Arisaka’s depredations onlyserved toconvince themthathewasawould-beusurper,whoseattempts togainpowerborderedonsacrilegeandmustberesisted.And,asacorollary to that,Shigerumustbesupported.

So,asvillageswereplunderedandburned, theKikori joinedShigeru’sparty, indribsanddrabs,untiltherewereseveralhundredofthem–men,womenandchildren–toilinguptheprecipitoustracksoverthemountains,helpingcarrythewoundedintheirlittersandbringing much-needed supplies of food with them. It was hard going, even for themountain-bred Kikori, and the need to carry the wounded slowed them down. Shukin,Shigeru and Horace were constantly aware that Arisaka’s main force was somewherebehindthem,closingthegapbetweenthemeachday.

‘Ifonlyweknewwherehewas,’Shukinsaid.Hehadcalledabriefhaltatnoonandthebearershadgratefullysetdown the littersandsprawledbeside the track.Some took theopportunity to eat a little of the food they carried.Others simply lay back, resting andregaining their strength, trying to let a few minutes’ respite ease the ache of strainedmuscles.

Without anythingbeing said,Horace hadbecomeoneof the small group leading thetrek. Shigeru had recognised his worth as an expert warrior and an experiencedcampaignerandwasgratefultohavesomeonesharetheburdenthathiscousinShukinhadassumed. Looking at his twomain supporters now, the Emperor smiled ruefully. They

werefarfromtheidealisedpictureofaroyalparty,hethought.Exhausted,mudstained,grimyandsoakingwet,theirrobesandtunicstorninadozenplacesbythornsandsharpbranchesalongthetrack,ladenwithroughpacksoffoodandblankets,theylookedmorelike a group ofwandering vagabonds than theEmperor and his two principal advisers.Then he glanced at the swords the twomen wore – Horace’s long and straight in theAraluanstyle,andShukin’skatana,shorter,doublehiltedandslightlycurved.Therewasnomudthere,heknew.Bothblades,insidetheirscabbards,werescrupulouslycleanandrazor-edged–aresultoftheirownerscleaningandsharpeningthemeachevening.

‘When do you expect the scouts to come back in?’Horace asked. Two days before,ShukinhadaskedforvolunteersamongtheKikoritogobackalongtheirtrailtolookforsomesignofArisaka’sposition.Therehadbeennolackofnumberswillingtotakeonthetaskandhehadsentfourofthefittestyoungermenbackdownthemountain.

‘It’lldependhowlongittakesthemtofindArisaka,’Shukinsaid.‘I’mhopingwehearfromthemlaterratherthansooner.’

Horacenodded.Ifthescoutsreturnedthisevening,hethought,theywouldhavegoodcausetoworry.AllowingforthefactthatthelightlyladenKikori,expertintraversingthiscountry, would travel much faster than Arisaka’s men, they would still have to traveldouble thedistance– thereandback. If they returned in thenext twelvehours,Arisakacouldn’tbemorethantwodaysbehindthem.

‘HowfarnowtoRan-Koshi?’Shigeruasked.

Shukinshruggedinreply.‘Torusaysaboutfiveleagues,asthecrowflies.’

Horacegrimaced.‘We’renotcrows,’hesaidandShigerusmiledtiredly.

‘More’sthepity.’

Fiveleagueswasovertwentykilometres,Horaceestimated.Buttravellingupanddownridges as they were, and traversing around rearing mountainsides, the distance theycoveredon thegroundcouldbe fiveor six timesasmuchas that and itwouldbehardgoing,alltheway.

‘We should be there in four days, if all goes well,’ Shukin said hopefully. NeitherHoracenorShigeru replied, althoughHorace couldn’t help askinghimself thequestion,whyshouldthingsstartdoingthatnow?

Theyheardvoicesraisedfurtherbackdownthecolumnandtheyallroseandturnedtoseewhatwascausingthedisturbance.Horacesawtwoyoungmentrottingtiredlyupthetrack,pasttherowsofrestingKikori,whocalledquestionstothemastheycame.Thetwoarrivalsshooktheirheads inanswer to thequestions.Unlikemostof the travellers, theywerelightlydressed,withoutheavyrobesorcloaks toprotect themfromthechillairofthemountains.Theyworebreechesandshirtsandstout leatherboots,andcarriedsmallpacksthatcouldhaveheldonlythebarestminimumoffoodandwater.Theyweredressedand equipped to travel quickly and Horace felt a cold hand close over his heart as herecognisedthemastwoofthescoutsShukinhadsentback.

‘Thisdoesn’tlookgood,’hesaid,notingtheseriousexpressionsonthearrivals’faces.Shukingruntedinreplyandthethreeofthemmoveddownthetracktomeetthescouts.

Theyoungmensawthemandredoubledtheirpace,droppingtoonekneeandbowingtheirheadsbeforetheEmperor.Gently,Shigeruputthemattheirease.

‘Please stand, my friends. This muddy track is no place for ceremony.’ He lookedaround and saw several interested bystanderswatching them, curious to knowwhat thescouts had discovered. ‘Can someone bring food and a hot drink for these men? Andwarmclothing.’

Several of the bystanders hurried away to do his bidding. The remainder crowded alittlecloser,eagertohearthereport.Shukinglaredatthemandwavedthemback.

‘Giveusroom,’hesaid.‘You’llhearthenewssoonenough.’

Reluctantly,theybackedaway,althoughtheireyesremainedrivetedonthesmallgroup.Shukinusheredthetwoscoutstothespotwherehehadrecentlybeenresting.

‘Sit down and rest first,’ he said.They sank gratefully to thewet ground, unslingingtheirpacks.OneofthembegantospeakbutShukinheldupahandtostophim.

‘Eatanddrinkfirst,’hesaid,asfoodandhotteawereplacedbeforethem.Thepeoplewho had brought the food stood by,wanting to linger and hearwhat the scouts had toreport. But Shukin’s quick glance and a jerk of his head moved them away. Horacerealisedthathisorderfor thementoeatfirstwasmore thansimplekindness.Hedidn’twantanyonetooverhearwhattheyhadtosay.

Thescoutsnoisilyslurpeddowntheirbowlsofrichporkbrothandnoodles.Astheyate,Horacesawthestrainandwearinessfadingfromtheirfaces.

Shukinwaitedtilltheyhadeatenmostofthenoodles.

‘YoufoundArisaka?’hesaidquietly.

Both men nodded. One, his mouth momentarily full of hot broth, looked to hiscompaniontoanswer.

‘Hisarmyisbarelyaday’stravelfromhere,’thescoutsaidandHoraceheardShukin’squickintakeofbreath.Shigeru,asever,seemedunmovedbythenews,simplyacceptingitforwhatitwas.

‘Aday!’Shukinrepeated,inatroubledvoice.Heranhishandsthroughhishair.Horacerecognisedthedistressinhisaction.BurdenedwiththetaskofkeepinghisEmperorsafe,Shukincouldseehisenemiesdrawingevercloser.‘Howcantheybemovingsoquickly?’

Thefirstscouthadgainedhisvoicenow.‘Arisakaisdrivingthemcruelly,mylord,’hesaid.‘HeisdeterminedtotakeLordShigeru.’

‘His men won’t thank him for it,’ Horace said thoughtfully but Shukin made adismissivegesture.

‘His men will accept it. They’re used to his lack of regard for their wellbeing.’ Helookedupatthescouts.‘Whereareyourtwocompanions?’

‘TheystayedbehindtowatchArisaka,’hewastold.‘Whenhegetswithinhalfaday’smarch,they’llcomeontowarnus.’

‘At the rate he’s catching up, that should be some time late tomorrow,’ Shukin said

thoughtfully.Heunrolled themapof themountains thatheandToruhaddrawnupandponderedit.Arisakawasadayawayfromtheirpresentposition.Iftheymovedoutnowandkeptmoving,theywouldextendthetimeitwouldtakehimtocatchthem,butevenso,hewasmakinggroundonthemtooquickly.

Helookedupandnoddedhisgratitudetothescouts.

‘Thankyouboth.You’vedonewell.Nowgoandgetwarmclothing anda little rest.We’llbemovingoutshortly.’

Theybowedandturnedtogo,buthecalledthemback.

‘AskToru tocomehere,wouldyou?’hesaid.Theynoddedand trottedaway.HoraceandShigerusaidnothingasShukinstudiedtheroughchart,tappinghisfingersonhischinashedidso.Afewminuteslater,Toruarrived.

‘Yousentforme,LordShukin?’

‘Yes.Yes.Nevermind that,’Shukinsaid,wavingawayToru’s formalbow.‘Sitdownhere.’

TheKikoriguidesanktohisknees,feetfoldedunderhim.Horaceshookhishead.Hecouldonlyhold that position for a fewminutes, thenhisknees and thighswouldbeginburning.Thelocals,heknew,couldsitcomfortablyforhoursinthatpose.

‘Arisakaisadayawayfromthispoint,’ShukintoldToru.Theguideshowednosignofemotionatthenews.‘Atthecurrentratehe’scatchingus,we’veprobablygotadayandahalf.Maybetwodaysifwepushthecolumnashardaswecan.’

HepausedtoletToruabsorbthisinformation.

‘HowlongdoyouthinkitwilltakeustoreachRan-Koshi?’

TheKikoriraisedhiseyestomeetShukin’s.‘Atourcurrentspeed,atleastfourdays.’

Shukin’sshoulderssank.HehadexpectedtheanswerbuthadbeenhopingagainsthopethatTorumighthavebetternews.

‘Thenwehavetofindsomewaytodelayhim,’Shukinsaid,afteramoment’sthought.

Toru’sfacebrightenedandhereachedforthemap,turningittowardshimandstudyingit.Thenhejabbedaforefingerataspot.

‘Here,lord,’hesaid.‘Thisravineisimpassable–exceptforasimplefootbridge.Ifwedestroyit,Arisakawillhavetotakealongdetour…alongthisridge…downanother,thenacross this narrow valley.And then he’ll have to regain all that lost ground.’His handsweptinalongcurveacrossthemap.‘Itwilltakehimatleasttwoweeks.’

Shukinnoddedinsatisfaction.‘Excellent.We’lldestroythebridge.Whenwillwereachit?’

Toru’sfacefellashesawthefaultinhissuggestion.‘Lord,thebridgeistwodaysaway.Arisakawillcatchusbeforewereachit.’

There was a long silence, then Shukin took the map and deliberately rolled it andreplaceditintheleathertubethatprotecteditfromtheelements.

‘Thenwe’llhavetobuyalittlemoretimealongtheway,’hesaid.

ThewesterncoastofNihon-Jalaybeforethemastheshiprockedgentlyonalong,glassyswell.

The flat landat thecoastquicklygaveway toa successionofheavily timberedhills.Behindthem,rangesofsteepmountainsrosehighintotheair,theirpeaksalreadycoveredinsnowandintermittentlyconcealedbyclouddrivenonthewind.

Itwas rough-lookingcountry,Will thought, ashe leanedon thebulwarkbesideHalt,studyingthisnewland.Afterweeksatsea,breathingthefreshnessofthesaltair,hewasconsciousofanewsmellbornetohimonthewind:charcoalorwoodsmoke,herealised.Theymustberelativelyclosetoatownorlargevillage,althoughatthemomentnonewasvisible.

‘There,’saidHalt,readinghisthoughtsandpointingtoalongcapethatthrustoutintotheseatothenorthofthem.Willpeeredatitbutcouldseenosignofbuildingsorpeople.ThenherealisedwhatHalthadbeenpointingatashemadeoutsignsofsmokehazeintheair.Judgingbytheextentofthesmoke,hethought,theremustbeasizeabletownbeyondthecape.

‘Is that Iwanai?’ he asked Gundar. The skirl went through his usual routine of airsniffing,sailcheckingandspittingovertheside.

‘We’vecomealittlesouth,’hesaid.HesoundeddisgruntledandWillsmiledtohimself.He’dseenenoughofSkandianskirls toknowtheypridedthemselvesonmakingperfectlandfalls–eveninplacesthey’dneveractuallybeenbefore.Afterweeksatsea,usingonlythe stars, instinct,hisnorthseekerneedleandacross staff,Gundarhadbrought them towithinafewkilometresoftheirdestination.

‘You’vedonewell,Gundar,’Haltsaidquietly.

Theskirl lookedathimandshrugged.‘Couldhavebeenbetter.’Hecheckedthewindtell-taleandleanedonthetillertobringthebowaroundtothenorth-west,settingacoursetoweatherthelongcapebeforethem.Wolfwillheeledtoport,thenbegantoswoopovertheswell.

‘WhatdowedowhenwereachIwanai?’WillaskedHalt.Forsolongnow,theseasidetowninthemiddleofNihon-Jahadbeentheirgoal.Nowtheywerenearlythere, itwastimetoconsidertheirnextcourseofaction.

‘According to the message George sent, the man who guided him down from themountainswillbeinthetown,’Haltsaid.‘Weneedtomakecontactwithhim.He’sloyaltotheEmperorandshouldbeabletotakeustohim.’

‘Aseasyasthat?’Willsaid.‘Wejuststrollashoreinastrangetowninaforeigncountryandask,“HasanyoneseenGeorge’sfriend,please?”’

EvanlynwasconsultingthemessageshehadreceivedfromGeorgesomanyweeksago.

‘HisnameisAtsu,’shetoldthem.‘AndtheyshouldbeabletoputusintouchwithhimataryokancalledtheShokaku.’

‘What’sa…ryokan?Andwhat’sashokaku?’Willaskedandshesmiledhelplessly.

‘Ihaven’tthefaintestidea,’shesaid.SheglancedatAlyssforhelp.TheblondegirlhadtakenacopyofthemessagewhentheyleftToscanaandhadbeenstudyingitinthepastfewdays,referringtothebookofNihon-JanwordsandphrasesthatLadyPaulinehadsenttoher.

‘Aryokanisaninn,’shetoldthem.‘Andshokakuisacraneofsomekind.’

‘Forliftingthings?’Willasked.

‘Forflying.Alargebirdtypeofcrane,’shecorrectedhim.‘Infact,asnearasIcanworkitout,shokakumeans“aflyingcrane”.’

‘Seems like a logical thing for a crane to do,’ Haltmused. ‘I suppose youwouldn’texpectittomean“ahikingcrane”or“awaddlingcrane”.’Hepaused,thenstudiedAlysscarefully for a few seconds. ‘Are you sure you’ll be able tomake yourself understoodhere?’

Alysshesitated.‘Prettysure.It’sonethingpractisingalanguagewithanotherforeigner,another to hear it spoken by the natives. But I’m fairly sure I’ll manage. One thing,though,’ sheadded. ‘I thinkwhenwegoashore looking for thisAtsupersonweshouldkeepthenumbersdown.’

ThetraceofasmiletouchedHalt’smouth.‘You’reright,’hesaid.‘Afterall,weareanexotic bunch, aren’t we? I suspect the sight of Selethen, Gundar andNils walking thestreetswoulddrawalotofattention.We’dbebettertokeepaslowaprofileaspossible.’

‘Soit’lljustbethefourofus?’EvanlynsaidandHaltshookhishead.

‘Three.Alyssbecauseshespeaksthelanguage.WillbecauseIwantsomeonetowatchmyback.’

‘But…’ Evanlyn began, her cheeks reddening. His unspoken words were all tooobvious.TherewasnousefulroleshecouldplayinthesearchforGeorge’sformerguide.Yetshehatedtheideaofbeingleftout.Evanlynhadakeensenseofcuriosityandalwayslikedtobeatthecentreofthings.

Haltraisedaneyebrowathernow.‘But?’herepeated.

‘Well,it’snotreallyfair,isit?’Evanlynprotested.‘Afterall,thisismyexpedition.’Thewordssoundedweakasshesaidthem.

‘Fairhasnothingtodowithit,’Haltreplied.‘Butyou’reright,itisyourexpedition…’

Beforehecouldcontinue,Evanlynseizedonhiswords,thinkinghemightbeshowingsignsofrelenting.

‘That’sright!Ifitweren’tforme,noneofuswouldbehere.’

‘Actually, I thinkcredit forgettingusheregoes toGundar,’Will interposed, and sheglaredathim.

Halt stepped in quickly to nip any further discord in the bud. ‘As I say, it is yourexpedition – and I’m sure you’d want to see it carried out in the most efficient waypossible.Correct?’

‘Well…ifyouputitthatway…ofcourse,’Evanlynwasforcedtoconcede.

‘Andthatmeansasmallpartygoingashoreinitially,’Haltsaid,histoneindicatingthatthiswastheendofthediscussion.Thenhisvoicesoftenedalittle.‘Bearwithmeonthis,Evanlyn.Iknowyou’reanxiousaboutHorace.’

WillwasalittlepuzzledbyHalt’swords.‘Nomoreanxiousthantherestofus,surely?’hesaid.

Halt turnedawayand raisedhis eyebrowsashisgazemetSelethen’s.Sometimes,hethought, his former apprentice could be remarkably slow on the uptake. He saw theArridi’sslownodofunderstanding.

‘Ithinkweallagree,Halt,’Selethensaid.‘Weshouldkeepalowprofileuntilweknowthe situationhere.AndyouRangers areverygoodat that.’He smiled atEvanlyn. ‘I’msuretherestofuswillhavethechancetoplayaroleinduecourse,Princess.’

Evanlyn gave in. Shewas disappointed, but she could see thatHalt’s decisionmadesense.Alargepartyofforeignersarrivingandaskingquestionswoulddrawattention.Andthatcouldleadtothelocalsbeingreluctanttogiveoutanyinformationatall.Iftherehadin factbeena rebellionagainst theEmperor, the situationcouldbeextremely touchy inIwanai.

‘You’reright,Halt,’shesaidandhenoddedacknowledgementofherbackingdown.

‘Nicetohearsomeoneelsesayingthatforachange,’Willsaidcheerfully.‘SeemsI’vesaidthosewordsanawfullotinmytime.’

Haltturnedableakgazeonhim.‘Andyou’vealwaysbeencorrect.’

Will shrugged and grinned at Evanlyn. Shewas reconciled now to the plan and shesmiledbackathim.Themostimportantthing,sherealised,wastofindoutwhereHoracehadgone.Itdidn’treallymatterwhofoundthatout,aslongastheydid.

Nihon-Jan sailors leaned on the railings of the ships to either side of them asWolfwillnosed carefully into a berth in Iwanai harbour.More than one of them cast suspiciousglances over the length of the wolfship. Her lines told them that she wasn’t a tradingvessel– thehullwas toonarrowtoallowforany largeamountofstoragebelowdecks.Shewas a fighting ship, they sensed.A raider.And as such, shewouldbe treatedwithreserve.Severalcaptains,watchingher slide in towards themole, tooknoteof thewolffigureheadatherprow.Appropriate,theythought,andresolvedtokeepaclosewatchonherallthetimeshewasinport.

‘Inoars!’Gundaryelled.Watercascadeddownovertherowersastheyraisedtheiroars

tothevertical,thenloweredthemandstowedthem.Theshipwascomingintothemoleatanangle,herbowpointingatthemiddleofthegapleftbetweentwootherships.Gundar,intentonhistask,easedthetillertotherightandthebowswungtoport.

‘Sternline!’hecalledandthesailorbesidehimsentthemooringlinecurlinghighintotheair to landonthemole. Instantly, threeshoremenseizeditandbeganhaulingonit.The ship’s stern swung into the pier and they took a turn around a wooden bollard,checkingherwayastheyheavedonit,allowingtheropetorunincreasinglyslowly.

‘Bow line away!’Gundar called.The second rope sailed in ahighparabola, andwashauled in in its turn. The ship had lost all forwardway now andwas sliding sidewaysthrough the water towards the pier. Four of the starboard-side rowers tossed wickerfendersoverthebulwark,lettingthemhangdowntoprotecttheship’splankingfromtheroughstoneofthemole.

The fenders creaked a protest as Wolfwill made contact with the land, the soundgradually diminishing to a few low squeaks as she stoppedmoving. Two of the ship’screw sprang ashore and supervised the fastening of the mooring lines. Gundar nevertrustedlocalshoreidlerstocarryoutthattask.Heletgoadeepbreathandturnedtohisexpectantpassengers.

‘Well,’hesaid,‘hereweare.’

Shukinfoundasuitablespotforhisplanmidwaythroughthefollowingmorning.

Theyhaddescendedadeepvalleybetweentwomassiveridges,andafast-runningriverran through the lowest point.The trail theywere following led to a shallow ford,wideenoughforonly twomen tocrossata time.On theupstreamsideof the ford, the rivertumbleddowna steep, rockycliff.Downstreamwasadeep,widepool.Either side, thebanksweresheerandsteep.Shukinpausedashesurveyedthesite,waitingforthelastoftheKikoritocross.Theywadedthroughthewaterwithdifficulty–theshallowwaterofthefordmadetheriverrunevenmorequickly.

‘Afewmencouldholdthisforhours,’hesaid.‘Arisaka’smencanonlycomeatustwoatatime.’

Horace surveyed the spot quickly. ‘Those high banks upstream and downstreamwillstopthemcomingashorethere.You’reright.Thisistheonlypointwheretheycancross.Theonlydangeris if there’sanotherfordsomewheredownstream,wheretheycouldgetacrossandflankyourposition.’

‘Evenifthereis,thetreesaretoothickforthemtomovedownstreamquickly.No,thisiswherethey’llhavetocross.’

Shigeruwas nodding. ‘Besides, it’s not inArisaka’s nature to look for an alternativecrossing,’ he said. ‘He’ll want to try to bull his way across the river here. He’s notrenownedforsubtletyandhehaslittleregardforthelivesofhismen.’

‘That’swhatIwasthinking,’Shukinsaid.

‘Wecouldreinforcethissidewithstakesdrivenintothesandoneithersideoftheford,’Horacesaid.‘That’dmakesuretheyhavetocrossonanarrowfront.’

‘Goodidea,’Shukinsaid.Heglancedaround,sawEikowatchingthemandpassedoninstructionsforsomeoftheKikoritocutandsharpenstakesfromthetreesandhammerthemintotheground,setatanangleandjuttingoutovertheriver’ssurface.Immediately,adozenmensetaboutthetask.

‘Helpstohaveskilledtimberworkerswithyou,’Horacesaidwithasmallgrin.

‘So,cousin,’Shigerusaid,choosinghiswordscarefully,‘yourplanistoleaveasmallpartyofmenheretoholdthefordanddelayArisaka’sarmyaslongaspossible?’

ButShukinwas shakinghis headbeforeShigeru finished speaking– as theEmperorhadsuspectedhewouldbe.

‘I’mnotleavingapartyofmenhere,’hesaid.‘I’mstayingwiththem.Ican’taskthemtodothisunlessI’mwillingtosharethedangerwiththem.’

‘Shukin,Ineedyouwithme,’Shigerusaidquietly.ButShukin’sfacehadadeterminedsettoitandHoracecouldseethathismindwasmadeup.

‘Mytaskistomakesureyou’resafe,’hesaid.‘ThebestwayIcandothatistodelayArisaka’smenandgiveyouachance to reach the fortressatRan-Koshi.You’llbe safethereoncethesnowscome.’

‘Andinspring?’Shigeruasked.‘DoyouthinkIwon’tneedyouthen?’

‘By that time, a lot of thingsmayhave happened.Believeme,Shigeru, I’ve thoughtaboutthisandthisisthebestwayIcanserveyou.Besides,oncewe’vedelayedthemlongenough,wecanslipawayintothetreesandrejoinyoulater.’

ThefactthatheusedShigeru’snameandneitheraformalorinformaltitlewasproofofthedepthofhisconviction.Andthepretencethatheandhismencouldescapethroughthetreesfoolednobody.

Shigerucontinuedtoregardhimsadly.‘Atleasthalfadozenotherwarriorswouldbewilling to command this rearguard,’ he said. ‘I understand that your personal sense ofhonourmightleadyoutodoit.Butthere’smorethanyourhonouratstake.’

‘That’strue.AndI’mnotdoingthisfromanymisguidedsenseofhonour.Butwhatdoyouimaginewillhappenhere?’

Shigerushrugged.‘Arisaka’smenwilltrytocross.Youandyourmenwillrepelthem.They’lltryagain.Eventually,theywillmakeitacross.Youcan’tholdthembackforever.’

‘That’s right,’Shukinsaid. ‘Andunfortunately, theadvantage thispositiongivesus isalsoadisadvantage.Theycanonlyattackus twoata timebut,bythesametoken,onlytwoofuscanfacethematanyonetime.Soit’simportantthatthemendefendingthefordare our best warriors. Do you know anyone in our group who could best me with asword?’

Shigeru went to answer, hesitated, then dropped his eyes as he realised that Shukinwasn’tboasting.Hewasspeakingthesimpletruth.

‘No,’hesaid.‘You’rethebestwehave.’

‘Exactly.And so Ihave thebest chanceofholdingoffArisaka’smen for the longestperiod.’

‘Eventually,ofcourse,Arisakawillrealisethis.He’llsendhisbestwarriorstofaceyouand,ifnecessary,he’llcomeatyouhimself,’Shigerusaid.

Shukinallowedhimselfagrimsmile.‘Andthatmightsolvetheentireproblem.’

Shigeru said nothing. They both knew that, as fine a warrior as Shukin might be,ArisakawasoneofthebestswordsmeninNihon-Ja.Inaone-on-onebattle,theoddswerevastlyinhisfavour.

‘I’ll staywith you,’Horace said suddenly, breaking the silence. But both his friendsshooktheirheads.

‘I can’t ask that,’Shigeru said. ‘It’s bad enough thatmycousin is ready todo this. Ican’taskanoutsidertosacrificehimselfaswell.’

‘Andbesides,Kurokuma,I’mdependingonyoutoadviseLordShigeruinmyabsence,’Shukin told him. ‘He needs an experienced soldier standing beside him. I can see nowwhy youwere sent to us. I can command this rearguardwith amuch clearermind if IknowtheEmperorwillhaveyourexperienceandknowledgetocallon.Youcanservehiminmyplace.Thatwillbeworthmoretomethanhavinganotherswordtohelpme.’

HoracedrewbreathtoarguebutShigerulaidahandonhisforearm.

‘Shukinisright,Or’ss-san,’hesaid,foregoingtheuseoftheHorace’sjokingnickname.‘I’llneedallthehelpIcanget.’

After a few seconds, Horace capitulated. He nodded sadly, eyes cast down to theground.

‘Verywell.’He looked up andmet Shukin’s gaze. ‘You can depend onme,’ he saidsimplyandtheSenshileadernodded.

‘Iknowthat,Or’ss-san.’

Horacelookedaroundforsomewaytobreaktheawkwardsilencethatfelloverthem.

‘Keepsomeofthosesharpenedstakesandhaveyourunengagedwarriorsusethemaspikes,’hesaid.‘YoucanstopsomeofArisaka’smenbeforetheyreachthebank.’

Shukinnodded,recognisingagoodidea.

‘Yousee?’hesaid,smiling.‘ThisiswhyIwantyoutostaywithShigeru.’

‘Justdon’tletyourideasofhonourgetintheway.StopArisakaanywayyoucan.Allright?’

‘Youhavemyword.Nowgivemeyourhand,Or’ss-san.It’sbeenapleasureknowingyou.’AllpretencethatShukinandhismenmightescapefromtheambushsitewasnowabandoned.HoracegrippedhishandandShukinembracedhimaroundtheshoulderswithhisleftarm.

‘There’sagiftforyouinmypack,’Shukintoldhim.‘It’swrappedinyellowoilcloth.Somethingforyoutoremembermeby.’

‘Idon’tneedanygifttorememberyou.Takecare,Shukin.’

Ashesaidthewordsandsteppedback,Horacerealisedhowridiculoustheywere.ButShukinmerelysmiled.ThenheembracedShigeru.ThetwomenmovedafewpacesawayfromHoraceandheturnedawaytogivethemamomentofprivacy.Theyspokesoftlyintheirownlanguage.Shukindroppedtooneknee,hisheadbowed,andShigeruplacedhisrighthandonhiscousin’sheadinbenediction.

Thentheprivatemomentwasover.ShukinrosetohisfeetandbrisklycalledthenamesofhalfadozenoftheSenshi.Theysteppedforwardashecalledthem.

‘We’restayingheretoswattheseannoyingmosquitoeswhoarefollowingus,’hetoldthem and they all smiled, then made stiff little bows towards Shigeru. No calling forvolunteers,Horacenoted.Thesemenwereallvolunteersanyway.

‘Now, cousin, you had best get on the move. You need to be at that bridge beforeArisakafindsanotherwayacrosstheriver.’ShukinhadreturnedtothepretencethattheywouldstopArisakapermanentlyatthisspot.

Shigeru nodded and turned away.Horace, after amoment’s hesitation, followed himandtheybeganthelong,difficultslogupthenextridge.

Behindthem,HoracecouldhearShukinissuinginstructionstohissmallparty,pairingthemoffinteamsoftwo.

Theridgetheywereclimbingwasoneofthehighestandsteepestsofar.Thetrackwascutintoitssideinaseriesofswitchbacks,sothattheycontinuallyreverseddirectionandpassed above the spot where Shukinwaited tomeet their pursuers – each time a littlehigher.Occasionally,inplaceswherethetreescleared,theycouldseethesmallfiguresbythefordquiteclearly.Shukinhaddespatchedoneofhismen to thefarsideof theford,sendinghimseveralhundredmetresbackupthetracktogivewarningoftheapproachofArisaka’smen.Theotherssaton thegrassbeside the ford, resting.Theirweaponswerekept close to hand, however. Once, Shukin looked up as they passed a clear spot andwavedtothem.

Reito,as theseniorsurvivingadviserofShigeru’sbodyguard,had takencommandofthe columnandkept pushing thepace as theywound slowlyupwards, zigzaggingbackand forthalong the faceof the ridge.Theywere two-thirdsof thewayup,andhad justreached another switchback in the trail, when one of the Kikori let out a warning cry,pointingacrossthevalleytotheridgeopposite.

Horacestopped,leaningheavilyonthestaffhehadcuttohelphimkeephisfootingonthesteep,muddytrail.Therainmisteddown,preventingthetrackfromeverdryingout.Itcameandwentinwaves,alternativelyshroudingtheminmist, thenpassingsothat theycouldseeclearlyacrossthevalley.Onesuchshowerhadjustgoneoverandnowtheairwasclearagain.HelookedacrossthevalleyastheKikoripointedandsawmovementonthemountain-sideopposite.

Tinyfiguresweremakingtheirwaydownthetrack.

‘Arisaka,’ he said quietly. This was no advance party. There were several hundredwarriorsand theyweremovingatabriskpace.Halfwayalong thecolumnhecouldseebanners waving in the brisk mountain wind. That would be the command party, hethought. Arisaka himself was probably there. He squinted, straining to see if he couldmakeouttheenemyleader,butitwasimpossibletopickoutanindividualfromthegroup.Evenifhecouldhavedoneso,thedistancewastoogreattomakeoutanydetail.

TheKikorihadcometoahalt,watchingthepursuingarmynervously.Inastraightlineacrossthevalley,theywerelessthanakilometreaway–althoughthedistancetheywouldhavetotraveltocatchupwasmanytimesthat.Butitwasunnervingtoseethemsoclose.

HecaughtReito’seyeandgesturedtotheoppositeridge.

‘They’removingfast,’hesaid.‘Fasterthanweare.’

Reito nodded. ‘Theydon’t havewounded to carrywith them,’ he said. ‘LordShukinwillslowthemdown,’headdedconfidently.

‘Maybe,’Horacesaid.HewonderedhowmuchtimeShukinwouldbeabletobuythem.‘Butlet’skeepmovinganyway.’

Reitoturnedawayandshoutedanorder.Thecolumnbegantomoveagain,slippingandslidinginthemud.Thoseattherearhadthehardesttime,asthesurfaceofthetrackwaschurnedbyhundredsoffeetbeforethem.Eyeswereturnedtowardsthefarridgeastheycontinuedupwards.Butthenthetreesblockeditfromsight.Horacewasn’tsurewhichhepreferred.Seeinghowclose theenemyweremightbeanunnervingexperience,butnotseeingthem,yetknowingtheywerethere,seemedworsesomehow.

Reitocalledaten-minutereststopandorderedachangeofstretcherbearers.Thosewhohadbeencarryingthewoundedsettheirburdensdowngratefullyandfreshbearerscametotakeovertheload.TherestperiodseemedtopassinaninstantandReitohadthemonthe move again. He moved up and down the column, sometimes chivvying the wearytravellers to greater efforts, sometimes joking and encouraging them as the situationseemed to demand. Horace thought wearily that Reito, with all his back and forthmovementalongthecolumn,wascoveringtwiceasmuchgroundastherestofthem.

TheywereclosetothetopoftheridgewhenShigerupointedtoarockyoutcrop,whereagapinthetreesaffordedaclearsightofthevalley.AsthegroupofKikoriandSenshitoiledupwards,heandHoraceclamberedontotherocksandlookeddown.

Thefordwasbelowthem.Onthefarside,Arisaka’smenweremassed.Asmallgroupofwarriorswas struggling across the river,waist deep in the swiftwater, to attack thedefenders. It was obviously not the first attack. Several bodies were slumped over thehedgeofsharpenedstakes thathadbeendriven into thegroundof the riverbank.Morewere visible, drifting slowly downstream in the deeperwater below the ford.The riveritselfwasstreakedwithredribbonsofblood.

Horace lookedcarefullybuthecould seeonly fourdefenderson thenear sideof thebank.HeheavedasighofreliefashemadeoutShukin’sblue-lacqueredleatherarmour.The Senshi leader was positioned now to meet the next attack. One of his men stoodbeside him, sword drawn. The others crouched behind them, each armed with a long,sharpened stake.As the attackers camewithin range, they thrust forward at the leadingmen.Oneof the attackerswasknockedoff balance and fell, to be swept away into thedeepwaterbesidetheford.Anotherswepthisswordattheprobingstakeandshatteredit.Instantly,thedefenderwithdrew,leavingShukinandhiscompanionroomtofightatclosequarters.

Swords flashed in thedimshadowsof thevalley.The soundof steel ringingon steelcarriedfaintlytothem,butitwasdelayedbythedistanceandoutoftimewiththeactionsofthemenbelow,makingHoracefeelstrangelydisoriented.

Fiveoftheenemyfellinthefirstrapidexchanges,Shukinaccountingforthreeofthem,andtheotherattackersdrewbacktothemiddleofthestreamtoregroup.ButnowHoracecouldseethatShukin’scompanionhadsunktohiskneesaswell.Oneoftheotherstossedasidehisstake,drewhisswordandsteppedupbesideShukin.Theinjuredmancrawledbacktothebank.Hemanagedtocreepafewmetresawayfromtheford,thenlaystill.

ShigerutouchedhishandtoHorace’sarm.

‘Look,’hesaid,pointing.

On the far sideof the ford, a figurewas stridingpurposefully into thewater.Hewasflankedbyatleasttenwarriorsandheworebrilliant,vermilion-colouredarmour.

‘Arisaka?’Horaceasked,althoughhealreadythoughtheknewtheanswer.

Shigerunoddedgravely.‘ApparentlyhethinksShukinhasdelayedthemlongenough.’

Horacelookedathisfriend.Shigeru’sface,normallysoenigmaticandcomposed,wasdrawnwithworry.

‘DoesShukinhaveanychanceagainstArisaka?’heasked.

Slowly,theEmperorshookhishead.‘No.’

The latest attackwas taking shapenow.The tenmenwithArisaka crowded forward,slashingandstabbing,inacompactmass.Shukinandhiscompanionmetthem,cuttingatthemsothatmenreeledawayinpainorfellandlaystillintheriver.Butsheerweightofnumberswaspushingthedefendersback.Theattackershadmanagedtogainafootholdonthebanknow,insidethehedgeofsharpenedstakes.MostofthemwereconcentratingtheireffortsonShukin’sassistant.Shukinlaunchedhimselfinaflankattackontheknotoffightingmen,andtwofellinquicksuccession.Buthehadtoturnasidetodoitandthatleft him vulnerable. Suddenly, the vermilion-armoured figure charged forward, shovingsomeofhisownmenaside,andShukinfoundhimselfflanked.HeturnedtofaceArisaka,parriedthegeneral’sbladeandcutbackwardswithhisown.Arisakarecoiled.

‘He cut him!’ Horace called excitedly. His hand gripped Shigeru’s shoulder. But theEmperorshookhishead.

‘Not badly,’ he said andHorace sawhewas right.Arisakawas advancing again andShukinwasforcedbackbythewheelingcircleoflightformedbyArisaka’sblade.

‘Becareful,Shukin!Rememberhewill…Aaaah!’

The cry of despair was torn from Shigeru as Arisaka launched a sudden, confusingattack.HestrucktwoblindinglyfastblowsatShukin,fromtheleftandtheright,swinginginahighdownwardstrokeeachtimeandwheelinginafullcircletogivehisswordextraforceandmomentum.AsShukinparrieddesperately,Arisakapirouettedforathirdstrike,andShukin’sbladewentupdefensivelyagain.But this time, theanticipatedblownevercame.Instead,ashewashalfwaythroughhisturn,Arisakareversedhisgripontheswordand delivered a lightning-fast backward thrust. Caught by surprise, Shigeru’s cousinstaggeredtooneside,hisswordfallingfromhishand.Hedoubledoverinagonyandfelltooneknee.

Almostcontemptuously,Arisakatookapaceforwardandstruckagain.

Shukinfell facedownon thesandyriverbank.Hedidn’tmove.Belatedly,delayedbythe distance, Shigeru and Horace heard the concerted yell of triumph that came fromArisaka’smen.

They had been kneeling towatch the battle and nowHorace put his hand under theEmperor’sarmandraisedhimtohisfeet.

‘We’dbettergetmoving,’hesaid.‘Wehavetousethetimehe’sboughtus.’

TheyhadbeenmooredalongsidethepierforseveralhoursbeforetheIwanaiauthoritiesshowedanyinterestinthem.HaltwaseagertogoashoreandbeginthesearchforAtsu,butheknewthiswouldbeamistake.

‘Never agood idea togo ashorebeforeyou’vepaidyourmooring fees,’Gundarhadtoldhim. Itwasnormalpractice inanyport towait forpermission to land–whichwasusuallygrantedafteraheftypaymenthadbeenhandedover. Ifhe ignored thatpractice,he’d only draw attention to his actions and might even be banned from further visitsashore.

Inthemidafternoon,apartyoffourSenshiwarriorsswaggereddownthequay,sendingthedocksideworkersand fishermenscatteringhurriedlyoutof theirway.TheyboardedWolfwillwithoutinvitationandtheirleaderconversedbrieflyinthecommontonguewithGundar. The five passengers watched proceedings from the cramped confines of thesleepingquartersinthestern.

Theleaderofthewarriorsseemeduninterested,evencontemptuous,whentheskirltoldhim the ship had travelled fromSkandia, and that the country laymany leagues to thewest.Itwasobviousthat,intheNihon-Janwarrior’seyes,aforeignerwasaforeigner,nomatterwherehecamefrom,andallforeignerswerebeneaththeinterestofamemberoftheSenshiclass.

After someminutes, theSenshi came to the realpurposeofhisvisit.HeandGundarbargained over a payment of harbour fees. When they eventually agreed on a figure,Gundar’sscowltoldtheSenshithathewasunhappywiththeamountbutknewhecoulddolittleaboutit.Thatseemedtoputthewarrioringoodspiritsforthefirsttime.Withasarcasticsmile,heacceptedthegoldcoinsGundarweighedout.Thenheandhiscohortsswaggered off in their stiff-legged strut, looking back at the ship and laughing at somecommenttheleadermade.

Oncetheyweresafelyaway,Haltandtheothersemergedfromthecabin.

‘I take it hedrove ahardbargain?’Will said,mindful of the scowling expressiononGundar’sfaceashehandedoverthemoney.Tohissurprise,theskirlemittedaboominglaugh.

‘Thatone?Hecouldn’tdriveabargainwithreinsandawhip!’hesaid,smilingbroadly.‘Hewassobusybeinginsultingaboutgaijins…’HepausedandlookedatAlyss.‘Whatisagaijin,anyway?’

‘It’saforeigner,’shesaid.

Gundar frowned thoughtfully. ‘Then why would he call me that? After all, he’s theforeigner,isn’the?’

Thevaguesthintofasmile touched thecornersofHalt’smouth.Nomatterwherehewas,Gundarwouldneverseehimselfastheinterloper.

‘So,abouttheharbourfees?’heprompted,andthesmilereappearedonGundar’sbroadface.

‘BarelyhalfwhatIwaswillingtopay!Thatladhasn’tbeeninthejobtoolong,I’dsay.’He chuckled to himself, remembering the discussionwith the arrogant but ineptSenshiofficial. ‘Incidentally, hekept sayinghewas collecting the cash for thehonourofLordArisaka.He’sthebantamroosterwho’sgivingtheEmperorgrief,isn’the?’

‘I do like theway you put it,’ Selethen interjected quietly. The strutting, stiff-leggedwarriors’mannerdidbringaroostertomind.ButHaltwasnoddinginanswertoGundar’squestion.

‘Yes. And that may explain why the fee was so small. Chances are, that particularofficialhasonlyhadthejobsinceArisakaseizedpower.’

Evanlynfrownedthoughtfully.‘IfArisaka’smenareinpowerhere,thatmightmakeitdifficulttomakecontactwithAtsu.’

Haltnodded.‘You’reright.Itmighttakealittlelongerthanweexpected.’HelookedatAlyss.‘Perhapsweshouldtakeacoupleofroomsinthisryokanofyours,theonewiththewaddlingcrane.’

‘That’s theflyingcrane,Halt,’she toldhim. ‘Butyoucouldberight.Thatway,we’llgiveAtsuachancetocometousunobtrusively.Hemightnotwanttobeseenboardingaforeignship.’

HaltturnedtoGundar.‘We’llgoashoretonightafterdark,’hesaid.‘Nosenseinlettingmore people than necessary get a good look at us.Will you be giving yourmen a runashore?’

Gundarnodded.‘They’veearnedit.ButI’llmakesuretheystayoutoftrouble.’

‘I’dappreciatethat.Wemayhavetostayattheinnformorethanonenight,sotrytokeepyourmenconfinedtothedockarea.Don’tletthemwanderfurtherafield.’

‘Mostofwhatthey’llwantwillbeinthedockarea,’Gundarsaid.‘Ifitfoamsandgoesinatankard,that’swhatthey’relookingfor.’

HaltturnedapologeticallytoSelethenandEvanlyn.‘I’mafraidI’mgoingtoaskyoutoremainaboardandstayoutofsightasmuchaspossible,’hesaid.Bothof themnoddedimmediately,understandinghisreasoning.

‘You’reright,Halt,’Selethenagreed.‘Toomanyexoticgaijinswanderingaroundwilldrawcomment,andthatmightfrightenourmanoff.’

EvanlynsmiledattheWakir.‘Doyouincludemeasanexoticgaijin?’sheaskedandhenoddedgravely.

‘Perhapsthemostexoticofall,mylady,’hesaid.

HaltwaspleasedtoseethatEvanlynhadacceptedhisdecisionthatsheshouldnotgoashore.Thatremindedhimofsomethingelsethathadbeenonhismind.

‘Alyss,doyouthinkyoumightdosomethingtomakeyourselfalittlelessexotic?’heasked.‘Iwasthinkingaboutyourhair,inparticular.’

She nodded agreement. ‘I’ve been thinking the same thing. I’ll get busy on it rightaway.’

Assheturnedaway,Evanlynsurprisedherbyasking,‘Canyouuseanyhelpwiththat?’

Alyss turned back and smiled at the princess. ‘I’d appreciate that,’ she said. ‘A girlalwayslikesasecondopinionwhenshetriesanewstyle.’

Thetwogirlsdisappearedintothesterncabinoncemore.Willwatchedthemgo,thenaskedHalt,‘Anythingyou’dlikemetodo?Growabeard?Learntowalklikearooster?’

‘Ifyoucouldstopaskingfacetiousquestions,that’dbeastart,’Halttoldhim.‘Butit’sprobablyalittlelateinlifeforyoutodothat.’

HaltandWillwerewaitingbythegangplankforAlysstoemergefromthecabin.ThetwoRangerslookedrelativelyanonymousintheirmottledcloaks,andwiththeircowlsdrawnuptoconceal theirfaces.Theirmassivelongbowscouldn’tbeconcealed,ofcourse,andHalthadwonderediftheyshouldleavethemaboard.Butthenhereasonedthattheyweregoing into unknown territory and he wasn’t willing to do that without his principalweapon.

ThehatchtotherearcabinslidopenandAlyssemergedontothedeck.

Sheworealong,darkcloak,alsowithacowlpulledupandmaskingherface.Shewastall–therewasn’talotAlysscoulddotoconcealthatfact.Butshewalkedstoopedover,andthathelpeda little.Whenshecameabreastof themandflickedbackthecowl,Willmutteredinastonishment.

Herlonghairwasgone,cutshorttoframeherface.Andwhereithadbeenagleamingblonde in colour, now itwas black – jet black.Alyss’s familiar face smiled out at himfrom this decidedlyunfamiliar frame.Andyet, therewas somethingdifferent about herface aswell.He peeredmore closely in the uncertain light of the gangway lantern andrealised that she had applied some kind of stain to her skin to darken her complexion,changingitfromitsnormalfaircolouringtoalightolivebrown.

‘Good grief!’ he said. It was disconcerting in the extreme. Shewas Alyss. But thenagain,shewasn’t.ItwaslikeastrangerwithAlyss’seyesandAlyss’sfamiliarsmile.

‘Not perhaps themost flattering reaction,’ she said, and he added to the list,Alyss’sfamiliarvoice.

‘Welldone,Alyss,’Haltsaidapprovingly.‘You’veworkedwonders.’

‘Evanlyndidmostofit,’Alysssaid,indicatingtheprincessassheemergedondeck.‘Icouldn’thavecutthehairbymyselfanditwasherideatostainmyskinadarkershade.’

‘Good grief,’Will said oncemore.Alyss frowned at him.Alyss’s familiar frown, hethought.

‘Mustyoukeepsayingthat?’shesaid.

‘But…howdidyoudoit?’Willasked,andAlyssshrugged.

‘I’maCourier,’ she said. ‘Weneverknowwhenwemighthave togoundercover, sopartofourstandardtravellingequipmentisadisguisekit.Skindye,haircolouringandsoon.WecutthehairshortbecauseIonlyhadasmallbottleofdarkhaircolour.’

‘Well,youwon’tbemistakenforalocal,’Haltsaid.‘Butyou’llexcitefarlesscommentthanyouwouldasyourusual,blondeself.’

Selethenhadbeeneyeingtheresultsofthegirls’workforsomeminutes.

‘Personally, since I’m used to ladies with darker skins, I find this new look quiteglamorousindeed,’hesaid.

Alysssmiledathimanddroppedasmallcurtsey inhisdirection.ShesawWilldrawbreath for another comment and said,without looking at him, ‘If you say “good grief”again,I’llkickyou.’

Sincethathadbeenwhathewasgoingtosay,hesaidnothing.

The three of them slipped down the gangplank and headed down the quay. As theyreachedthestreetthatranparalleltotheharbour,theyhesitated.

‘Rightorleft?’Haltasked.

‘Orstraightahead?’Willputin.Therewasabroadroadaheadofthem,flankedbythelightsofwhatmightbeshops,tavernsandbars.Itwasdifficulttotellasthesignswereallin incomprehensible Nihon-Jan characters. The road itself was erratic, zigzagginghaphazardly, and they could see numerous smaller roads and side alleys branching offfromit.Ofthethreechoices,straightaheadseemedthemostlikely,Haltthought.Hetookanuncertainpacetowardsinthatdirection,thenhesitated.

‘Whywillmennever ask directions?’ Alyss said. She had noticed a small group oflocalsperchedon theharbourwall, fishingrodsprotrudingoutover thedarkwater.Shestrode towards themnow and, as they became aware of her approach, she stopped andbowedpolitely.Oneofthefishermenscrambleddownfromthewallandbowedinreturn.Alyssspokequietlytohimforasecondor two.Therewasacertainamountofpointingandarmwaving,obviouslyindicatingasequenceofdirectionchanges.Thenthemanheldupthreefingers tomakesuresheunderstoodfully.ShebowedagainandturnedbacktowhereHaltandWillwerewaiting.

‘Whatdidhesay?’Willasked.

Shesmiledathim.‘HesaidmyNihon-Janwasexcellent.Thenhesortofspoiledthatbyadding“foragaijin”.Still,acompliment’sacompliment,Isuppose.’

‘Was your excellent Nihon-Jan good enough to understand his directions to therillokan?’Willaskedsarcastically.

‘That’sryokan,andyes,itwas.Straightalongthatmainroadtothethirdlantern.Thenleft,thenfourthright.There’llbeagraphicofacraneoutsidetheinn–aflyingone,’sheadded,forestallinganycommentfromHalt.TheRangersimplyshrugged.

‘SoIwasright.Itisthisway,’hesaidastheysetoff.

Thebuildingsweresetclosetogether,builtfromtimberandwiththatchedroofs.Doorsand windows were covered with sliding screens whose translucent panes showed thewarmyellowoflanternsshininginside.Haltsteppedalittleclosertooneandstudiedthesmallpanelsinthedoor.

‘It’spaper,’hesaid.‘Heavypaper.Probablywaxedoroiledtomakeitrainproof.Butitletslightthroughandpreservesprivacyatthesametime.Ingenious.’

‘Notsoingeniousifaburglarwantstogetin,’Willsaid.Thedoorsandwindowslookeddecidedlyflimsy,hethought.

‘Perhapsthelocalsarealllawabiding,’Alysscommented.

Theyreachedthethirdstreetlantern,whichhungfromapoleandswungfromsidetoside in the gusty wind, and turned left into a side street. The buildings on either sideseemedtocloseinontheminthenarrowconfinesofthestreet.Themainstreet,broadandwindsweptasitwas,hadbeenvirtuallydeserted.Butheremorepeoplehurriedalong,thewomen shuffling quickly in their long, narrow robes, men striding with a more openstride. Passers-by peered at them.Their clothesmarked themas strangers, even if theirfacesandfeatureswerehiddenbythedeepcowlstheyallwore.

They heard babbles of conversation and sudden gusts of laughter frommany of thebuildings they passed. Occasionally, doors slid open and figures emerged, callingfarewells back to their friends inside. As they emerged onto the street, they usuallystoppedtowatchthethreeforeignfigurespassingby,hurryingthroughtheshadows.Buttheirinterestwascursory.Inaseaportlikethis,thelocalswereusedtoseeingforeigners.

‘Itseemswe’rebeingnoticed,’Willsaidsoftly.Haltglancedsidelongathim.

‘Not asmuchas ifwecameblunderingdownhere in full daylight,’ he said. ‘Andatleastsofar,we’reonlybeingseenbythetownsfolk,notArisaka’ssoldiers.’

‘Maybetheydon’tcomedownthesesidealleysatnight.Howarewedoing,Alyss?’

Alyss’sface,intheshadowofhercowl,wascontortedinafrownofconcentration.Thesidestreetwasevenmoreerraticthanthemainstreethadbeen,twistingandturningandopeningontoalleysandsideentrances to thebuildings. Itwasdifficult tokeep trackofwhatwasactuallyastreetandwhatwassimplyablindalley.

‘Shutup. I’mcounting,’shesaid.Thenshepointed toanarrowopeningon theright.‘Thatlookslikeit.’

Theyplungedintothealley.Thereweremorepeopleonthestreetnowandtheyhadtojostletheirwaythroughtheslow-movingcrowdaspeoplestoppedtoreadwhatappearedtobemenuboardsoutsideeatinghouses.

‘S’mimasen,’Alysssaidrepeatedlyastheybrushedagainstpassers-by.

‘Whatdoesthatmean?’Willasked,astheyreachedastretchofstreetbareofanyotherpedestrians.HewasimpressedbyAlyss’sgraspofthelocallanguage.

‘Itmeans “pardonme”,’Alyss replied, then a shadowof doubt crossedher face. ‘Atleast,Ihopeitdoes.MaybeI’msaying“youhavethemannersofafat,rancidsow”.I’m

toldalotofthemeaningisinthepronunciation.’

‘Still, that could be a useful phrase to know,’ Halt said. But he’d noticed people’sreactionstoAlyss’sapologies.They’dsimplynoddedacknowledgementandgoneontheirway.Hewasprettysureshehadthecorrectword.He, too,wasimpressedwiththewayshewascoping.Paulinewouldbeproudofher,hethought,andmadeamentalnotetotellhiswifeaboutAlyss’slanguageskills.

‘There it is,’ thegirl said suddenly,pointing to a two-storeybuildingon theoppositesideofthestreet.Itwasmoresubstantialthanitsneighbours.Itswallswereconstructedofsolidlogs,withthespacebetweenthemfilledinwithclayormud.Therewereseveralofthewaxed-paperwindowsalongthefrontofthebuildingandfourmoreontheupperfloor,facingthestreet.Thedoorwasmadeofsolidwoodplanks.

Besidethedoor,projectingoverthestreet,wasasignboardbearingapaintingofabirdinflight.TherewereseveralNihon-Janideogramswrittenverticallydownthesignboard.

‘Thatlookslikeacrane,sureenough,’Willsaid,‘andit’sflying.’

Halt studied the board. ‘Could be a pelican,’ he said critically. ‘But let’s give it thebenefitofthedoubt.’

Leadingtheway,hepushedopenthedoor,tobeconfrontedbyawaveofwarmth.Hepausedforasecond,studyingtheroombeyond,thenledthewayinside.

Wet,muddyandexhausted,theEmperor’spartyfinallyreachedthenarrowfootbridge.

Horacepausedashelookedatit.Itwasaflimsystructure.Therewasanarrow,plankedfootpath, wide enough for only one person to pass at a time. Four heavy rope cablessupportedit:twooneithersideofthefootplanksandanothertwo,setametrehigherandfurtherapart, thatactedashandrails.Short lengthsof lighterropeweretiedinazigzagpattern from the lower cables to the higher, forming a flimsy side barrier to preventtravellers falling through.With thehandrailcablessetwiderapart than thefootpath, thebridgeformedatruncated,invertedtriangle.Whenhelookedattheyawningdropbelow,andnoticedthatthebridgewasswayingandvibratinggentlyinthewind,Horacedecideditwasnotastructurethatfilledhimwithoverwhelmingconfidence.

Horacedidn’tlikeheights.Buthegatheredhimself,tookadeepbreath,andsteppedoutontothenarrowplanks,graspingthesideropesfirmlyashedidso.

Theminutehisfoottouchedit,thebridgeseemedtocomealive,swayinganddippingas it described a giant circle in the air. Far below him, he heard the river rushing andtumblingovertherocks.Hastily,hesteppedbackontosolidland,realisingthathe’dbeahandicaptotheothers.TheKikori,usedtothissortofterrain,wouldmovemorequicklyacrossthebridgethanhecould.Theywouldbeheldupifhewentfirst.

‘I’llcrosslast,’hesaidandmotionedforthenearestSenshitoleadtheway.

Thewarrior stepped onto the bridge.He pausedwhile he absorbed the rhythmof itsmovement, then strode confidently across. Reito and several other Senshi followed,reachingthefarsidequickly.ThenShigerucrossed,followedbythefirsttwooftheKikoristretcherbearers.Theysteppedcarefullyontothebridge,movingmoreslowly,withbothmenhavingtoadapttothebridge’splunging,swoopingmotion.Eiko,whohadwatchedtheirprogress,calledasuggestiontothenextpairofstretcherbearers.Theystoppedandsettheirstretcherdown.Oneofthemslungthewoundedmanoverhisshoulderandsetoffacross the bridge. Horace could see that he moved faster this way. The second manfollowedhiscompanion,withthefoldedstretcherbalancedoverhisshoulder.

Thatsetthepatternformovingthewoundedacrossthegorge.Whentheyweresafelyover, the remainingKikori followed. Since theywere unhampered, they didn’t have towait foroneperson to crossbefore thenext followed.Soona steadilymoving linewasformedastheysteppedlightlyacrossthebridge.OncetheKikoriwereacross,theSenshiwarriors began to follow.They didn’tmanage the taskwith asmuch composure as theKikori,butbymovingcarefully,theyfoundthreeorfourcouldnegotiatethebridgeatonetimeandthegroupwaitingtocrossquicklydwindled.

Horacewaitedanxiously.Hehadnowwatchedthreehundredpeoplecrossthebridge,soanydoubtsastoitsstrengthweredispelled.Nowhespenttheremainingminutesinafeverofimpatience,watchingbackdownthepathforthefirstsignofArisaka’smen.

‘Kurokuma!It’stime!’

The lastofShigeru’sSenshipluckedathissleeve, indicating thebridgebehind them.Horacenodded.

‘Go,’hesaid.‘I’llberightbehindyou.’

Hewaiteduntiltheothermanwashalfwayacrossthebridgeandthensteppedontotheplanksoncemore.Hesettledhimself,adjustingtotheswoopingandswayingmotion,thenshuffled across, moving his feet carefully, placing them as close to the centre of thefootplanksashecould.Stillthemotionwasdisturbingandhestrugglednottolookdown.Amemorysuddenlyshot intohismind–ofWillatMorgarath’shugebridge inCeltica,runninglight-footedacrossthenarrowbeamswherethefootpathwasyettobelaid.

‘Wishyouwerehere,Will,’hesaidquietly,thenshuffledonwards.

Hewastwo-thirdsofthewayacrosswhenheheardthecryofalarmfromthefarside.Stopping, he twisted his upper body to look back over his shoulder.He could seemenrunningalongthetrackattherimofthegorge.Inanotherfiveminutes,they’dreachthebridge. He hadn’t expected them to catch up so soon and the thought struck him thatArisakamusthave sentyet another advanceparty forwardat top speed,unburdenedbyanythingbuttheirweapons.

‘Don’t stop,Or’ss-san!’ ItwasReito, shouting tohim from the far sideof thegorge.‘Keepmoving!’

Galvanisedintoaction,heplungedforward,carelessnowthathismotionmightsetthebridgemoving and swinging.He gripped the rope side rails fiercely, almost running toclearthebridge.HecouldseehalfadozenKikoristandingwherethehandlinesandcablesthatsupportedthebridgewereanchored,axesready.Behindhim,heheardmoreshoutingasArisaka’smengrewcloser.

‘Getaropeready!’heyelled.‘Alongrope!’

He lurched onto solid ground and turned to see the first of Arisaka’s men steppingcarefullyonto thebridge.Theyhesitatedat thewildmovement.Unlike theKikori, theyweren’tbornandbredinthismountainterritory.Buttheybegantoadvance,slowly.

TheKikori’saxesthuddedagainstthecablessupportingthebridge.Butthethickropewasbraidedtogetherandheavilytarred,andthetarhadhardenedtoanalmostrock-likeconsistencyovertheyears.ItwasgoingtobeaclosethingwhetherArisaka’smenwouldmakeitacrossbeforetheaxemencouldseverallfourcables.

Horace saw one of the Kikori standing by with a length of rope and beckoned himforward.

‘Roundmywaist!Quickly!’

Theman realisedwhat hewanted and stepped forward, fastening a loop of the ropearoundHorace’swaist,knottingitsecurelybehindhim.

‘Now pay it out as I go!’ Horace said. He shrugged his shield around, ran his armthroughthesupportstraps,anddrewhissword.Thenhetookadeepbreathandsteppedout onto the bridge again. The Kikori who had tied the rope now paid it out slowly,keepingalittleslackbetweenthemsothatHorace’smovementwasn’timpeded.Hecalledforhelpandthreeofhiscompanionsrantoassisthim.

Thistime,Horacemovedwithapurposeinmind.Anynervousnesshemighthavefeltwasoverborneby thenecessity toholdback theadvancingSenshicomingtomeethim.Horaceknewtherealdangeronsuchanunsteadyplatformwouldcomeifhelethimselftense up. He had to relax and ride the motion of the bridge. He was a superbly co-ordinatedathleteandnowhehituponthewaytorelaxthetensioninhismuscles.

‘Thinkyou’reonhorseback,’he toldhimself, and instantly,he foundhecouldattunehimself to theswirling,plungingmovementof thebridge.Headvancedfivemetresandwaited.ThefirstoftheSenshistoppedafewmetresshortofhim,lookinguncertainlyatthetallfigurewhorodethebridge,balancedlightlyontheballsofhisfeet.TheSenshihadnosuchsenseofease.Hewastenseandnervous,outofhiscomfortzone.Buthecameon,swingingaclumsyoverheadstrokeatHorace.

Horacetooktheblowwithhisshieldslanted,deflectingitratherthanblockingit.Asaconsequence,hisattackerfeltnoresistancetohisblowandstumbledforward,offbalance.Ashetriedtorecover,Horacemadeaquick,dartinglungeandtookhimintheleftthigh,throughthegapinhisarmourthere.

Withahoarsecryofpain,thewarriordroppedhisswordashisleftlegcollapsedunderhim,sendinghimlurchingintothethinwebofsideropes.Horrifiedasherealisedhewasabouttoplungethroughandfalltohisdeath,hescrabbledforahandhold.Themanbehindhimwas impededby theawkwardlysprawled, strugglingbody.Asheattempted to steppast, Horace advanced suddenly, shuffling quickly forward. The Senshi swung anawkwardcutathimbutonceagaintheshieldstoppedtheblow.Thebladebitintotherimandstuckthereforasecond.AstheSenshijerkeditfree,Horace’sreturnsidecuthithimintheside.

TheNihon-JanswordsweresharperandharderthanHorace’sblade.Buthisswordwaslongerandheavier and it crumpled the lacquered leatherbodyarmour theSenshiwore,crushingtheribsbehindit.Themangaspedinpain,lurchedagainstthesiderailandlosthisbalance,topplingovertofallintothemassivegorgebelowthem.

The nextman hesitated as both he andHorace felt a violent tremor run through thebridgeand the leftsiderailsaggeddownwards.Theyfacedeachother,eachwaitingfortheothertomakeamove.ButHoraceknewtimewasonhissidenow.

Onthebrinkofthegorge,ShigeruspokequicklytothemenholdingHorace’slifeline.

‘Takeaturnroundthattreestumpthere!’heorderedthem.‘WhenKurokumafalls,slowhimdownbeforetheroperunsout!’

They grasped hismeaning instantly and ran the rope around the stump –whichwasthick as aman’swaist.Theaxemenwereworking faster and fasternowand thebridgetrembledwitheachblow.Shigerusawtheenemysoldierclosest to thefarside turnandbegintorunback,yellingawarning.Hiscompanionsfollowedbuttheyweretoolate.The

bridgesuddenlyfellclear,spillingHoraceandthefourremainingSenshiintothedrop.

‘Lettheropeout!’Shigeruordered.Heknewiftheropesimplysnappedtight,Horacewouldswingagainsttheclifffacewithbrutalforce.Butastheropecametight,theKikoriletitrun,usingtheloopbelayedaroundthestumptoslowitandallowingHoracetodropclearintothegorge,belowtheoverhangwherethebridgehadbeenset.

Horace felt the bridge go, felt himself drop into space and his stomach rise into histhroat.Hewaitedforthesuddensnapoftheropejammingtight, thenrealisedwhatwashappening.Theropewastightbutyielding.Therewasnosuddenstopsohelethimselfgolimpandtriedtoturntofacethecliffface,sohecouldbreaktheimpactwithhisarmsandlegs.

Theoverhang,and thebelayedrope,savedhim. If thecliffhadbeensheer,hewouldhaveswung into it likeapendulum,at thebottomof itsarc,moving toofast topreventhimself being injured. But as he began to swing inwards, he was also still movingvertically,andhismomentumwasbeinggradually reduced.Hehit the rockwall twentymetresdown,withenoughforcetocrackaribortwoandjoltthebreathoutofhisbody.Hecursedastheimpactshockedtheswordfromhishandanditspunawayintothegiddydropbelow.ThenhefelttheropetighteningunderhisarmpitsastheKikoribegantodrawhimupwards.

Ashedrewclosertotherimofthegorge,hecouldseeShigeru’sanxiousfaceamongthosepeeringdownathim.Heusedhislegstofendhimselfofffromtheoverhangashereacheditandwaseventuallyhauledovertheedge,sprawlingonthemuddyground.Hemustlooklikealandedfish,hethought.

Shigeruseizedhisarm,theninstantlyreleasedhimasHorace’sinjuredribsflaredwithpainandhecriedout.

‘Areyouallright,Or’ss-san?’Shigeruasked.

Horacefelthissoreribsunderthemailshirtandgrimaced.

‘No.I’vecrackedmyribs.AndIlostmysword,damnit,’hesaid.

Incontrasttothenoisytavernsandrestaurantstheyhadpassedsofar,theinterioroftheryokanwasanoasisofcalmandquiet.

Halt,WillandAlyssfoundthemselvesinalargeentryroom,wallsandfloorfinishedinpolished timber. The sweet smell of beeswax hung in the air, evidence of constantpolishing.Itwasoverlaidbyamixtureofincenseandscentedwoodsmoke,thelatterfromafireplacesetagainstonesidewall,wherealogfiresentawarmglowthroughtheroom.This subdued lightingwas augmented by several hanging lanterns, each consisting of acandleburninginsideapaperglobe.Opposite thefireplace,andset insymmetry to it,asmallraisedpondsentreflectionsoflightribboningacrossthewalls.

The decor of the room was sparse but elegant. A large table faced them, with twobeautifullylacqueredboxes,oneateitherend,andaheavyjournalinthecentre.Writingimplementswerearrangedneatlybesidethejournal.Behinditwasaframedwallpainting–notapicture,butalargeNihon-Janideogram.Totheleft,atimberstaircaseascendedtothenextlevel,andawoodenrailedgalleryranroundfoursidesoftheopenspaceabovethem. Halt, glancing round, assumed that access to the guest rooms led off from thisgallery.

Therewasasinglestepinfrontofthem,sothatthemainareaoftheroomwasslightlyhigher than theentry.Willwent tosteponto the raisedareaandapproach the table,butAlysshadnoticed severalpairsof sandals rangedalong the lowerpartof the floor.SherecalledanitemfromGeorge’sbackgroundnotesonNihon-Jancustomsandstoppedhimwithahandonhisarm.

‘Justamoment,Will,’shesaid.‘Yourboots.’

‘Whataboutthem?’heaskedbutHalthadnoticedthediscardedsandals,andashelfofsoftslipperssettooneside.

‘Takethemoff,’hesaid.

‘It’saNihon-Jancustom,’Alyssexplained.‘Theydon’twearbootsinside.’

Haltwasalreadystrippingoffhisbootsandplacingthemagainsttheshelf.Helookedappreciativelyatthepolishedwoodfloor,thecolourofdarkhoneyinthefireandlanternlight.

‘Withfloorslikethese,I’mnotsurprised,’hesaid.

Will andAlyss followed suit. They stepped up onto the raised platform and selectedslippers.Theyallseemedtobethesamesize,buttheywereasimpleslipoverstyle,witha

mattingsoleandasoftfeltbandthatstretchedovertheinstepofthefoottoholdtheminplace.

‘Just aswellHorace isn’t here,’Will said. The youngwarrior’s big feetwould haveoverhungthecompactslippers.Theotherssmiledatthethought.Then,asifhehadbeenwaitingforthemtodontheslippers,amanemergedfromacurtaineddoorwaybehindthelongtable.Hestoppedandbowed.Thethreeofthemapproachedthetableandbowedinreturn.Itseemedalotofbowingwentoninthiscountry,Willthought.

‘HowmayI serveyou?’ themansaid.Hisvoicewassoftandslightlysibilant.AlyssglancedatHalt.Themanhadspoken in thecommon tongueandsheassumed thatHaltwouldconducttheconversationwithhim.Henoddedbrieflytoher.

‘Wewouldlikerooms,’hesaid.‘Fortwonights,possiblythree.’

‘Ofcourse.Thatwillnotbeaproblem.Youarefromtheforeignshipthatenteredtheharbourtoday?’

Haltnoddedandthemanopenedthelargebookonthetable.HepickedupwhatWillhadassumedtobeapenbutnowsawwasafinebrush.Hedippeditinaninkwellmadefrompolishedblackwoodandmadetwoneatentriesinthebook–whichwasobviouslytheregisterofroomsavailable.

‘Didyouwanttodine?’heasked.‘Thereisadiningroomdownstairs,orwecanserveyourmealinoneoftherooms.’

‘Ithinkintheroomupstairs,’Haltsaid.HeindicatedWill.‘MyassistantandIwilltakeoneroomandtheladywillhavetheother.Youcanservethemealinourroom.’

Themanbowed slightly. ‘Asyouwish. Is there anythingelseor shall I showyou toyourroomsnow?’

HaltexchangedaquickglancewithAlyss.Hewonderedifthemanalreadysuspectedthe reason behind their visit.After all, thiswaswhereGeorge had spent several nightsbefore he left Iwanai.He came to a decision and leaned forward, lowering his voice alittle.

‘Weweretoldthatwemightfindafriendhere,’hebegan.‘AmanbythenameofAtsu.Hecame–’

Hewasinterruptedbythesoundofthedoorslammingbackonitshingesbehindthem.TheyallturnedastwoSenshistrodeintotheinn,theirbootsringingloudonthewoodenfloor.Contemptuously, they ignored theslippersandstepped,hard-shod,onto the raisedinnerplatform.One,obviouslytheleader,wasapaceaheadoftheother.Theinnkeeper’seyes flickered briefly with annoyance but he quickly recovered and bowed to thenewcomers,hishandstuckedinsidehissleeves.

‘Bow,’Haltmutteredtohiscompanions.He’dfeltamomentarysurgeofapprehension,wonderingwhethertheinnkeepermightinformtheSenshithattheywereinquiringaboutAtsu.ButitwasobviousthatthemanwasnofriendtoArisaka’ssoldiers.

The Senshi made a derisive noise in his throat as they bowed deeply to him. Hedisdainedtoreturnthecompliment,thenturnedandfiredoffastreamofrapidNihon-Jan

attheinnkeeper.Willheardtheword‘gaijin’usedseveraltimes.HeglancedatAlyssandsaw she was frowning slightly as she tried to keep pace with the conversation. Theinnkeeperrepliedcourteously,withdrawingahandfromthesleeveofhisrobetoindicatehisguestswithagracefulgesture.

TheSenshiturnedtothem.SinglingoutHaltastheleader,hesteppedclosertohim–toocloseforpoliteness–andstood,feetapartandhandsonhips,studyinghim.Willnotedthesymbolonthebreastofhisrobe–aredowl.TheyhadlearnedthatthiswasthemarkofArisaka’sclan–althoughWillfelt theycouldalsobe identifiedbytheiroverbearing,arrogantmanner.

Halt,whocould appeardeceptivelyobsequious if theoccasiondemanded it, droppedhiseyes fromthedirect,challenginggazeof theSenshi.Themangruntedagain, seeingthesimpleactionasanactofweakness.

‘Gaijin!’ he said abruptly, jabbing a forefinger at each of them in quick succession.‘Fromthegaijinship?’

Halt inclined his head. ‘That is correct, lord,’ he said. He was sure the Senshi wasanythingbutalordbutitwoulddonoharmtocallhimthat.

‘Uncover your face in front of a Senshi!’ theman ordered. He reached forward andslappedthecowlofHalt’scloakbackfromhisfacewiththebackofhishand.Willdrewasharpbreath,surethatHaltwouldreactexplosivelytotheinsult.ButthebeardedRangermerely bowed his head again. The hand had made no contact with his face, merelycatching the brim of the cowl and knocking it back. The Senshi nodded to himself insatisfaction,thenturnedtoAlyssandWill.

‘Youandyou!Thesame!’

Theypushedbacktheircowls.AlyssbowedasshedidsoandWillfollowedsuit,gladthathisloweredheadwouldmasktheangerthatheknewwasshowinginhiseyes.

Whenhehadrecoveredhisequanimity,hestraightenedagain.

‘Whyareyouhere?’TheSenshihadturnedhisattentionbacktoHalt.

‘Wearehere to trade inprecious stones,’Halt replied. Itwas theanswerGundarhadgivenearlier in theday to theharbourofficial.Trading inpreciousstonesexplained thelackof largecargospaceonboard theship,andwentsomewaytowardsexplainingherspeedylines.Ashipwithacargoofjewelswouldneedtobefast,afterall.ButtheSenshireactedangrilytohisanswer,steppingevenclosertoshoutinhisface.

‘No!No!No!Whyareyouhere?’Hestampedhis foot, scuffingamark into thesoftpolish,andpointedatthefloor.‘Whyinthisryokan?’

The innkeeper intervened with an explanation in Nihon-Jan. His voice was low andrespectfulandhekepthisgazelowered,avoidingeyecontactwiththeangrySenshi.Thewarriorlistenedtotheexplanation,thenturnedhisgazeonthethreeAraluansandmadeacommenttohiscomrade.Theybothlaughedandthen,withacontemptuousgesture,theSenshiindicatedthathehadnofurtherinterestintheforeigners.Thetwomenturnedandstumpedoutoftheryokan,slammingthedoorshutbehindthem.

‘Andwhatwasthatallabout?’Willasked.

HehadaddressedthequestiontoAlyssbutitwastheinnkeeperwhoanswered.‘Itoldthemyouhadcomeforthebaths.Theryokanisbuiltoverahotspring.TheSenshicheckonthemovementsofallforeignersinthetown–theyenjoyshowinghowimportanttheyare. Someone must have seen you arriving here and reported it. There are informerseverywherethesedays,’headdedsadly.

‘That could make travelling north a little difficult,’ Halt said thoughtfully, and theinnkeepernoddedagreement.

‘Itwon’tbeeasy.’

‘Actually, after so longat sea, ahotbath sounds like agood idea,’Halt said.On thejourney,withfreshwateratapremium,theyhadbeenforcedtouseseawaterforbathing.

‘AndwhatwasMisterSmileyface’sclosingsally?’Willasked.‘Itseemedtoputthembothinsuchagoodmood.’

‘Hesaid,judgingbythewaywesmell,weneedabath,’Alyssreplied.WillraisedaneyebrowattheinsultbutHaltutteredashortlaugh.

‘Ifitwasn’tsotrue,Imightbeinsulted,’hesaid.Heturnedtotheinnkeeper.

‘Perhapswemightusethebathsfirst,theneat?’hesuggested.

Theinnkeepernodded.‘I’llshowyoutheway,’hesaid.‘Andwhileyou’rerelaxing,I’llsendamessengertoseeifAtsuisstillinIwanai.Hecomesandgoes.’

Before she left the others to go to the women’s bath area, Alyss gave them carefulinstructions.Thehotbathsthemselveswerenotforwashing.Theywereforsoakingandrelaxing.Accordingly, theywashedandrinsedoff inanannex,scoopinghotwaterfromtubsandpouringitoverthemselves,andthenplungedintothenear-scaldingwaterofthebath.Atfirst,itwasagony,butWillgraduallybecameaccustomedtotheheatandfeltitsoothing the aches and pains of severalweeks standing braced on a heaving, uncertaindeck and sleeping on hard planks. Reluctantly, he finally emerged, dried himself andwrappedhimselfinasoftrobetheryokanprovided.

AlysswaswaitingforthemwhenheandHaltreturnedtotheirroom.

Inthecentreoftheroom,alowtable,barelythirtycentimetresfromthefloor,hadbeenplaced in position. It was laden with bowls and plates and small, candle-fired foodwarmers.

Will lookedaroundhopefullyforachairbut, inkeepingwith theminimalistdecorofthe ryokan, there were none available. Alyss sat, resting on her heels, her legs foldedunderheratthetable.

Haltgroanedsoftly.‘Iwasafraidof this,’hesaid.‘Isupposewehavetosleeponthefloortoo.’

He’d noticed earlier that there were no beds in the room.When he’d enquired, theinnkeeperhadshownthemthickmattressesstoredbehindoneoftheslidingscreensthatmaskedacloset.

Willgrinnedathimashehelpedhimself toaskewerofgrilledchicken,covered inadelicious,salty,darksauce.

‘You’vebeensleepingonthegroundforyearswhenwecamp,’hesaid.‘Whendidyoubecomesofussy?’

‘Whenwecamp,’Haltreplied,‘weareoutintheopen.IacceptthatIhavetosleeponthegroundwhenIaminaforestorameadow.Butthisisaroomandthisafloor.WhenIamindoors,Iprefertosleepinabed.’Heremovedthelidfromapolishedwoodbowlandeyed the steamingbroth inside.Looking round, he could see no sign of a spoon, so hedrankdirectlyfromthebowl.‘Thisisactuallyverygood,’hesaid.

Alyss was helping herself to another dish – a broth of noodles heavily laced withshreddedpork.She lookedpuzzledat the twowoodensticks thatseemedtobe theonlyimplements,thenheldthebowlclosetohermouthandshovelledsomeofthenoodlesandporkinwiththesticks,slurpinginahighlyunladylikefashion.

‘Youknow,IratherhopeAtsudoesn’tshowupintoomuchofahurry.Icouldtakeafewmoredaysofthis,’shesaid.

Haltshiftedpositionforthethirdtimeinthirtyseconds,easingthestraininhisthighsbysittingsidelongononebuttock.

‘Tellthattomypooroldachingknees,’hesaid.

InspiteofHalt’searliergrumbling,thebeds–essentiallynomorethanthickmattressesspreadoutonthefloor–werequitecomfortable.

After they had doused the small lantern that lit their room, Will lay on his back,listening to Halt’s deep, regular breathing. As his eyes became accustomed to thedarkness,hecoulddiscernapalecrackoflightthatshowedattheedgeoftheslidingdoorleading to the gallery outside, although the innkeeper had dimmed the gallery lanternssomehourspreviously.

Thesliding,paper-panedwindowpanelwasopenandachillbreezeenteredtheroom.Willpulled thedown-filledbedcoverhigher aroundhis ears.The innkeeperhadofferedthem a small charcoal brazier to warm the room but they had declined. Both Rangerspreferredfreshair.

Not for the first time, he found himselfmarvelling at the amazing turns his life hadtakeninrecentyears.HeknewthatsomepeoplehehadgrownupwithhadneverstrayedmorethanakilometreortwofromCastleRedmontandothershadnevergoneoutsidetheboundariesofRedmontFief.EvenhiswardmateJenny,whowasnowafamouschef,hadbarelygonefurtherafield.

Yet here he was, on the far side of the world, having travelled through an amazingchannel in thedesert, cutbyunknown,ancienthands,onan ingenious shipdesigned tosailagainstthewind.Beforethis,hehadcrossedtheheaving,tossingStormwhiteSeaandseen the barren crags of Skorghijl, then travelled on to the snow-coveredmountains ofSkandia,wherehehadfacedthefierceridersfromtheEasternSteppes.

More recently, he had crossed the burning deserts of Arrida and made firm friendsamong the nomadsof theBedullin tribe.Hehad faced thewildScotti tribesmen in thenorth.Then,withHaltandHorace,hehadtravelledthelengthofClonmel,oneofthesixkingdomsofHibernia.

Sometimes,whenhethoughtabouthowmuchhehadseenanddoneinhisyounglife,hisheadswam.Andatthosetimes,hethoughtabouthischildhoodambitionofbecominga knight. How circumscribed his life would have been in contrast to this amazingexistence!HeknewthatmostoftheknightswhohadtrainedintheRedmontBattleschoolwithHoracehadneverleftAraluen’sfrontiers.

HewonderedifHalt,whohadseenallthesethingsandmore,everfeltthesamesenseofwonderandexcitementabouthislife.Withoutthinking,hespoke.

‘Halt?Areyouawake?’

‘No.’Theillhumourintheone-wordreplywasunmistakable.

‘Oh.Sorry.’

‘Shutup.’

Heponderedwhethertoapologiseagain,decidedthiswouldgoagainsttheinstructiontoshutupsoremainedsilent.Heglancedat theopenwindow.Thelightofahalfmoonwas beginning to creep through it. The samemoonwould be shining now on Horace,somewhere in themountains, he guessed.Thenheyawnedhugely and, shortly after, inspiteofhissenseofwonder,hefellasleep.

He’dbarelybeenasleepafewminuteswhenHalt’svoicewokehim.

‘Will?Areyouasleep?’

Hiseyesshotopen,instantlyalert.ThenherealisedtherehadbeennosenseofalarmorwarninginHalt’swordsandhistensedmusclesrelaxed.

‘Iwas,’hesaid,alittleindignantly.‘I’mnotnow.’

‘Good,’Haltreplied,atriflesmugly.‘Servesyouright.’

And thebeardedRanger rolledontohisother side,gathered thebedclothesunderhischinanddozedoff.

Asound.

Slight, barely audible. But outside the normal pattern of night sounds that Will’ssubconscioushadstudied,filedawayandlearnedtoignore.Hiseyeswereopenagainandhelistenedcarefully.Themoonnolongershonethroughtheopenwindow.Hemusthavebeenasleepforsomehours,hethought.

Halt’sbreathingremaineddeepandevenbutWillknewthathisteacherwouldbewideawake too. Rangers trained to maintain their breathing pattern even when awakenedunexpectedly, so that aprospectiveattackerwouldhavenowarning thathisquarrywasawakeandreadyforhim.

Another sound. The light, creaking noise of wood moving, ever so slightly, againstwood.Itwasthesoundofacarefultreadonthestairs,herealised.Sotheintruder,ifitwasanintruderandnotoneoftheryokanstaff,wasnotintheirroom.Movingslowlyandwithinfinitecaretomakenonoise,heraisedhimselfononeelbowandlaidthebedcoverback.Across the room, he saw the dim shadow of Halt doing the same thing. Halt raised awarninghand,signallinghimnot tomakeanyfurthermovement.Lyinglowtothefloorlikethis,itwouldbedifficulttorisewithoutmakinganynoise.Thegeneralconstructionoftheryokan’sinteriorwasexceedinglylight–withinterjoiningpanelsofwoodandoiledpaper and more panels of woven reed matting covering the wooden floors. Movablepanelslikethatwouldalmostcertainlyhavefreeplayinthemandwouldmakenoise–justasthestairsweredoing.Theyheardanothertwoslightsqueaksfromthestairwayasifinconfirmation.Will glanced down tomake sure his saxe knife and throwing knifewerenexttothemattress,ineasyreach.

Nowthattheyknewtherewasnointruderintheroom,therewasnoneedtocontinue

the pretence of deep breathing. They both breathed lightly, almost inaudibly, their earstensedforanysoundcomingfromoutside.

Willwasgrateful that theirroomwascloser to thestairwell thanAlyss’s.AnattackerwouldhavetopasstheirroomtogettoAlyss.Asoftscuffoffabricagainstthewall,thenanother slight squeak, told them that whoever it was had reached the gallery and wasmovingslowlyalongit.Theyfollowedtheslightsoundsthatmarkedhisprogressuntilthepale crack of light at the door panelwas obscured and they knewhewas outside theirdoor. The sounds ofmovement ceased andWill felt a sense of relief.Whoever itwas,Alysswasnotthetarget.

Hestrainedhisears,hisheadcockedslightlysidewaystowardsthedoor.Therewasagentlescratchingsound–fingernailsontheoiledpapersurface,heguessed.Hardlytheactofsomeonewhoseintentionwastotakethembysurprise.

Halt mimicked the sound, rustling his fingernails on the reed floor mat. There wassilence for a few seconds,with nomovement perceptible outside the door. Then a lowvoice,barelyaudible,hardlymorethanawhisper,cametothem.

‘IamAtsu.’

They exchanged a quick glance. Halt nodded to thewall beside the door.Will rose,makingaslittlenoiseaspossible,andmoved,barefooted,tostandbesidetheopening,hissaxeknifeinhishand.Haltremainedseatedonthemattress.

‘Comein,Atsu,’Haltsaidsoftly.

Thedoorscrapedopen.Afigurewasframedintheopening.Helookedleftandright,sawWillbesidethedoorwayandspreadhishandstoshowhewasunarmed.WillgesturedforAtsutogoforward,intotheroom,andhecomplied,slidingthedoorshutbehindhim.HemovedtowhereHaltsatsidewaysonthemattress,hislegscrossed,anddroppedtohisknees,facinghim.Hebowed.

‘Greetings,friends,’hesaid.

Willmovedfromthedoorwaynowandstoodtooneside,sohecouldobservethemanas he spoke toHalt.Hewas slightly built, shorter thanWill orHalt, butwiry.Hewasalmostbald,withjustafringeofhairaroundthesidesandbackofhishead.Heappearedtobeunarmed,buthecouldwellhaveaknifeconcealedunderthelongcross-overrobethatwasstandardattireformostNihon-Jan.

‘Doyoualwaysmovearoundsolateatnight?’Haltaskedhim.

Atsunodded.‘SinceLordArisaka’smenhaveimposedthemselvesuponus,itissaferformetoavoidthem.’

‘You helped anothergaijin recently,’Halt said. It was a statement, but it was also aquestion.IfthiswasnotAtsu,chancesarehewouldn’tknowthenameofthegaijinhehadbroughtdownfromthemountains.Atsuunderstoodthechallenge.

‘YouaretalkingaboutGeorge-san,’hesaid.‘FriendtoOr’ss-san.’

Haltfrownedmomentarily,notrecognisingthename.

‘Who?’hesaidsuspiciously.Thistime,Atsuenunciatedthenamecarefully.

‘Or’ss-san,’hesaid.‘Thetallgaijinwarrior.’

Willsuddenlydecipheredthename.Heknewthattheword‘san’wasaNihon-Jantermofrespect,addedasasuffixtoaperson’sname.Ifheignoredthat,hewasleftwith‘Or’ss’–andthatwasalittlemorerecognisable.

‘Horace,’hesaidquicklyandAtsuturnedhisheadtowardshimandbobbeditquicklyinaffirmation.

‘Yes.Or’ss-san,’hesaid.‘HesavedtheEmperor’slife.’

‘Did he now?’ Halt said thoughtfully. ‘I imagine that didn’t make him Arisaka’sfavouriteforeigner.’

‘No indeed.Arisakawasenragedwhenheheard.Or’ss-sankilled twoofhisSenshi.’Atsuallowedanoteofsatisfactiontocreepintohisvoiceasheaddedthelastcomment.

‘ThatsoundslikeHorace,allright,’Willsaid.

‘And our friend here doesn’t sound too heartbroken at the thought ofArisaka’smenleavingusforabetterplace,’Haltsaidwryly.

‘Whichmakesitmorelikelythatheis,infact,afriend,’Willagreed.

Haltpausedamoment, thinking.Willwould seem tobe right,he thought.But a fewmorequestionsmightbeinorder.

‘WhatelsecanyoutellusaboutGeorge?’hesaid.

Atsuconsideredthequestion,siftinghisthoughtstoensurethathisanswersadvancedhiscredibilityintheeyesofthesetwogaijin.

‘Heisnowarrior.Heisatalker.’

Willsmotheredasmalllaugh.‘ThatsoundslikeGeorge.’

Atsulookedathimagain.‘ButhesavedOr’ss-san’slifeinthemountains,’headdedandWillraisedhiseyebrowsinsurprise.

‘GeorgesavedHorace’slife?’hesaid,incredulous.

‘Wewereambushedinthemountains.OneoftheambushersshotanarrowatOr’ss-san.George-sansawitandpushedOr’ss-santooneside.ThearrowstruckGeorge-saninthearm.’

HaltandWillexchangedanotherglance.

‘AlyssdidsayGeorgementionedawoundinhismessage,’Willsaid.‘AlthoughthisbitaboutsavingHoraceisnewstome.’

‘Speaking ofAlyss,’Halt said, ‘perhaps you should fetch her. She should hearwhatAtsuhastosay.’

HistoneofvoicesaidthathewasnowconvincedthatthisreallywasAtsuandthathecouldprobablybetrusted.Willturnedtowardsthedoorbut,ashedidso,therewasalighttaponthedoorframeandtheslidingpanelopened,revealingAlyssintheNihon-Janrobeshehadbeenwearingearlier.

‘Doyou twoalwaysbellowat the topofyourvoices in themiddleof thenight?’shesaid.Then,catchingsightofthethirdfigureintheroom,hervoicelostitsjokingtone.‘ItakeitthisisAtsu?’

Itwasalogicalassumption,Willthought.Nooneelsewaslikelytobeintheirroomatthistimeofnight.

‘Indeeditis.Atsu,thisistheLadyAlyss.’

The small Nihon-Jan swivelled round on his knees and bowed from his kneelingpositiontoAlyss.

‘Hr’adyAriss-san,’hesaid.Alyss,diplomatthoughshewas,raisedaneyebrowattheunusual pronunciation of her name.Wait till she hearswhat hemakes ofHorace,Willthought,seeingtheexpression.

‘Delighted tomeet you,’Alyss said, her features under control again. She closed thedoorandcrossedtheroomtositontheendofHalt’smattress,herlegstuckeduptooneside.

‘CanAtsutelluswhathasbecomeofHorace?’sheaskedHalt.

‘Iwasabouttoaskhimthat,’theRangerreplied.ButAtsuneedednofurtherurging.

‘Or’ss-san has offered to serve Lord Shigeru, the Emperor ofNihon-Jan, against theusurper,Arisaka.TheyhavegatheredsomeofLordShigeru’smenandareretreatingintothemountains,headingfortheancientfortressofRan-Koshi.’

‘SotheEmperorhasanarmywithhim?’Haltasked.

Atsushookhishead.‘Noarmy.JustthesurvivorsofhismenfromthegarrisoninIto.Barelyfiftymen.TherearealsotheKikori,butthey’renoarmy.’

‘TheKikori?’Alyssasked.Shewasn’tfamiliarwiththeword.Atsuturnedtoher.

‘Timberworkersandwoodcutters,’hesaid.‘Theylive in themountainsandtheyareloyaltotheEmperor.Arisakamadethemistakeofraidingandburningtheirvillagesinhissearchfor theEmperor.Asaresult,hehasalienated theKikoriandmanyof themhavejoinedtheEmperor.’

‘Butthey’renotsoldiers?’WillaskedandAtsushookhishead.

‘Sadly,no.Buttheyknowthemountainslikethebackoftheirhands.IftheyarehidingtheEmperor,Arisakawillneverfindhim.’

‘What’sthisfortressyoumentioned?’

‘Ran-Koshi.It’salegendaryfortress,withhighwallsthataremanymetresthick.Evenwithasmallforce,theEmperorcanholditagainstArisaka’sarmyformonths.’

The three Araluans exchanged glances. Will and Alyss left it for Halt to voice thequestiontheyallwantedanswered.

‘SohowdowegettoRan-Koshi?Canyouguideus?’

TheirheartssankasAtsushookhisheadsadly.

‘It’ssaidtobesomewhereinthenorth-westernmountains.OnlytheKikoriwouldknowitslocationforsure–it’sbeensolongsinceanybody’sseenitthatmanypeoplesayit’salegendonly.’

‘Isthatwhatyoubelieve?’Alyssasked.

‘No.I’msureit’sreal.ButevenifIknewexactlywhereitisinthemountains,itwouldtakeweeks,evenmonths,togetthere.You’llbecrossingmountainouscountry,onehighridgeafteranother. It’s incrediblyslowgoingand,ofcourse,you’dbecaughtbywinterbefore you were halfway there. And you’ll be moving through territory controlled byArisaka’smen.’

Haltrubbedhischinthoughtfully.‘Doyouhaveamap?’heasked.‘Canyoushowustheapproximatearea?’

Atsunoddedquickly.Hereachedintohisrobeandwithdrewarollofvellum.HespreaditoutandtheycouldseeitwasachartofthenorthislandofNihon-Ja.

‘Ran-Koshiissaidtobeinthisarea,’hesaid,hisfingercirclingasmallareainthetopleft-handcorneroftheisland.It’swild,difficultcountry.Asyoucansee,it’sintheheartofthehighestmountainsanditbacksontothisenormouslake.Togetthere,you’dhavetotraverseallofthis…’

Hisforefingertracedarouteupthroughthecentreoftheisland.Themarkingsonthemap indicated that the route would take them through mountain country – steep andheavilyforested.Helookedup,apologetically.

‘AsIsaid,itwouldtakeweekstomakethattrip.AndIsimplydon’thavethetimetoguideyou.There is a resistancemovementgrowingagainstArisakaand I’moneof theorganisers.IsympathisewithyourdesiretofindOr’ss-san,butIhavemyowntasks.’

Haltstaredatthemapthoughtfullyforafewseconds.ThenhepointedtoaspotalittletothewestoftheareaAtsuhadindicated.

‘Ifwewere here, could youput us in touchwith peoplewhomight help us find theEmperor?TheseKikoriyoumentioned.’

Atsunodded.‘Ofcourse.ButasIsay,itwouldtakeweekstoreachthatspot–wemightnotevenmakeitifthesnowscome.AndIcan’tsparethattime.I’msorry.’

Halt nodded, understanding his predicament. He’d been considering the problem oftravelling through this hostile countryside controlled byArisaka’s forces ever since theencounterwiththetwoSenshi.Nowhethoughthesawananswer.

‘Canyousparefourorfivedays?’heasked.

Theywerenear theendof their journey.Horace trudgedwearilyup the rough trail thatwound along the floor of a narrow valley.On either side, steep, unscaleable cliffs rosehigh above them. The further they went, the narrower the valley became, until it wasbarelytwentymetreswide.Afewsnowflakesfluttereddownbuttheywereyettoseethefirstreallyheavysnowfallsofwinter.

ReitofinallycalledforareststopandthelongcolumnofSenshiandKikorislumpedgratefully to the ground, easing packs off their shoulders, lowering stretchers to theground. Itwas lateafternoonand theyhadbeen travellingsincebeforedawn.Theyhadtravelled long andhard everyday for thepastweek,withReitohoping tomaintain thelead they had gained over Arisaka’s force. Horace found a large boulder and leanedagainst it. His ribs were still aching from the impact with the cliff face. Shigeru’sphysicianhadboundthemforhimbuttherewaslittleelsehecoulddo.Timewouldbetherealhealer.Butnow themusclesprotecting thecracked ribswere stiff andsoreand theactionsofsittingandthenrisingagainwouldhavestretchedthem,causingsharppaintoflareagain.

‘Howmuchfurther?’heaskedToru.TheKikoriwhohadbeenguidingthemconsideredhisanswerbeforereplying.Horacecouldtellbyhisexpressionthathedidn’tknow,andhewasgladtheKikorimadenoattempttopretendotherwise.

‘Thisisthevalley.I’msureofthat.Howmuchfurtherwehavetogo…I’mnotsure.’

HoracecaughtReito’seye.‘Whydon’twegoaheadandreconnoitre?’hesuggestedandthe Senshi, after glancing once at Shigeru, reclining against the base of a large rock,nodded.SinceShukin’sdeath,ReitohadtakenhisresponsibilityfortheEmperor’ssafetyveryseriously.Itwasachargethatweighedheavilyuponhim.Shukin,along-timeclosefriendandrelativeoftheEmperor,hadfounditeasiertohandletheresponsibility.Hehadgrownusedtothetaskoveraperiodofyears.ButitwasallnewtoReitoandhetendedtobeoversolicitous.Now,however,consideringthesituation,hedecidedthatShigeruwouldbesafeenoughinhisabsence.

‘Goodidea,’Reitosaid.Hehitchedhisswordsupandturnedtofacethevalleybeforethem.Toru,without being asked, rose tohis feet aswell and the threeof them set out,walkingcarefullyoverthetumbledrocksandstonesthatlitteredthevalley.

Theyroundedaleft-handbend.Thenarrowvalleysnakeditswayamongthetoweringmountains,rarelycontinuinginonedirectionformorethanfortymetres.

Aheadofthemtheycouldseetheblankwallofrockthatmarkedanothertwist,thistimetotheright.Theytrudgedon,theirbootscrunchingontherocksandsandbeneaththem.

Noone spoke.Therewas nothing to say.The fortress ofRan-Koshiwas somewhereaheadofthem.Talkingaboutitwouldn’tbringitonecentimetrecloser.

Theyroundedthebendand,suddenly,thereitwas.

‘Isthatit?’Horacesaid,thedisbeliefevidentinhisvoice.

Reitosaidnothing.Heshookhisheadslowlyashestudiedthe‘fortress’.

Ahead of them, the valley floor straightened and ran up a steep incline. A hundredmetres away, a ramshacklewooden palisade, barely fourmetres high, had been thrownacrossthenarrowestpartofthevalley,wherethesteeprockwallsclosedintoleaveagapbarely thirty metres across. Beyond the palisade, the ground continued to rise and thevalleywidenedoutoncemore.Theycouldseeseveralruinedhuts,theirtimbersgreyandbrittlewithage,theirthatchedroofslongrottedaway.

Reito’sfacedarkenedwithanger.HeturnedtoToru.

‘This isRan-Koshi?’ he said bitterly. ‘This is themighty fortress thatwill protect usfromArisaka’sarmy?’

Forweeksnow theyhad sought this goal, thinkingof it as their final sanctuary, as aplacewheretheycouldrestandregathertheirstrength,wheretheycouldtraintheKikoritofight,protectedbythefortress’smassivewallsofstone.

Now here theywere,with nomore than a derelict line of logs and planks to shelterbehind.Onthe left-handside, thewesternside, thepalisadewasactuallyhalf-collapsed,Horacesaw.Adeterminedeffortbyanattackingforcewouldbringitcrashingdownandopenafive-metregapinthedefences,meagreastheywere.

Toruwasunmoved.

‘ThisisRan-Koshi,’hesaid.Hehadn’tbeenpresentatthediscussionweeksago,whenShigeruandShukinhaddescribedthemassive,fabledfortress.Hehadsimplybeenaskedif he could lead theway toRan-Koshi and he had complied.He had known thatRan-Koshiwasthissimplepalisadeacrossavalley–manyoftheKikoriknew–andhehadassumedthatsodidShigeruandhisfollowers.Therehadbeennoreasonforhimtothinkotherwise.HefacedtheangrySenshinoblemancalmly.

Reitomadeafrustrated,infuriatedgesturewithbothhands.Hefeltsuddenlyhelpless.Worse,hefelt thathehadbetrayedthetrust thatShukinandShigeruhadplacedinhim.They had struggled through themountains forweeks, carrying their wounded, fightingtheirwayuptreacherous,muddytrackswhereafalsestepcouldleadtodisaster.Shukinand his men had given their lives to buy them time. And they had done it, they hadenduredit,for…this.Foramoment,hewaswithinanaceofdrawinghislongswordandrunningtheKikoriguidethrough.Buthemasteredtheimpulse.HelookedatHorace,hisfacestricken.

‘WhatcanItelltheEmperor?’

But Horace, after his initial surprise, was nodding slowly as he studied the terrainaroundthem.

‘Tellhimwe’vefoundRan-Koshi,’hesaidsimply.Reitowenttomakeabitterreplybut

Horacestilledhimwitharaisedhand,thengesturedatthesheermountainsthatenclosedthemonallsides.

‘Thesearethemightystonewallsofthefortress,’hesaid.‘It’sthevalleyitself.Thisisthefortress.Noarmycouldscalethesewalls,orbreakthemdown.Thepalisadeismerelythegateway.’

‘Butit’sderelict!It’sfallingdownonitself!’Reitoburstoutindespair.

Horaceplacedacalminghandonhisshoulder.HeknewthereactionwascausedbythesenseofdutyandobligationReitofelttotheEmperor.

‘It’sold,butthestructureissoundenoughapartfromthewesternend–anditcanberebuilt,’hesaid.‘Wesimplyneedtoreplacesomeofthelargerlogsinthemainwall–andafterall,wehavetwohundredskilledwoodworkerswithus.’HeglancedatToru.‘I’dsayyourpeoplecouldputthistorightsinthreeorfourdays,couldn’tthey?’

‘Yes,Kurokuma,’ he said. He was glad that the gaijin warrior had seen the biggerpicture.‘Andwecanrebuildthecabinssothatwehavewarm,dryquartersforthewinter.’

Slowly,thesenseofanguishwasdrainingfromReitoashelookedattheirsurroundingswith new eyes.Kurokuma was right, he thought. No army could scale or breach thesemassivewalls.Andthepalisadewasamerethirtymetreswide–itcouldbeeasilyheldbythetwoorthreehundreddefenderstheyhadattheirdisposal.

AnotherthoughtstruckReito.‘Oncethesnowscome,thispasswillbemetresdeepinsnow.Anenemycouldn’tevenapproachthepalisadeinanynumbers,’hesaid.HeturnedtoToruandboweddeeply.‘Myapologies,Torusan.Ispokewithoutthinking.’

Torureturnedthebowandshiftedhisfeetuncertainly.HewasunaccustomedtohavingSenshiwarriorsapologisetohim,orbowtohim.Hemumbledareply.

‘Thereisnocallforyoutoapologise,LordReito,’hesaid.

ButReitocorrectedhim.‘Reito-san,’hesaidfirmly,andtheKikori’seyeswidenedinsurprise. The Senshi was eschewing the honorific of ‘Lord’ for the more egalitarian‘Reito-san’.Horacewatchedtheinterplaybetweenthetwomen.BynowhewasfamiliarwiththeetiquetteofformsofaddressandherealisedthegiantgulfReitohadjustbridged.Thatbodedwellforthecomingmonths,hethought.ItwouldbebettertohavetheKikoriaswillingpartners, rather than inferiorsubjects.Heclappedbothmenon theshoulders,drawingthemtogether.

‘Let’sgoandtellShigeruwe’vefoundhisfortress,’hesaid.

They made their way back down the valley to where the column waited for them.Horacewasconsciousofanewspringinhisstep.Afterweeksofclimbingandstaggeringonwards,theyhadreachedtheirobjective.Nowtheycouldrestandrecuperate.

Shigerusawthemcoming,sawthepositivebodylanguageamongthethreeofthemandroseexpectantlytohisfeet.

‘You’vefoundit?’hesaid.

Horace deferred toReito. The Senshi felt the responsibility of leadership deeply andHoracethoughtitonlyfairforhimtodeliverthegoodnews.

‘Yes,lord,’hesaid.‘It’sbarelyafewhundredmetresaway.’Hegesturedupthevalleybehindhim.‘ButLordShigeru,Ishouldtellyou.It’snot…’Hehesitated,notsurehowtoproceed.

Horace, seeing him falter, filled in smoothly for him. ‘It’s not exactly what weexpected,’hesaid.‘It’sanaturalfortressratherthanaman-madeone.Butitwillsuitourneedsjustaswell.’

For thefirst timeinmanydays,Shigerusmiled.Horacesawhisshoulders lift,as ifagiantweighthadbeentakenfromthem.

‘The entrance needs repairing,’ Horace continued. ‘But the Kikori will handle thateasily. And we can build huts and a proper shelter for the wounded.’ He was all tooconscious of the fact that thewoundedmen,who had travelledwithout complaint, hadbeenconstantlyexposedtothebittercold,sleetandsnowwhiletheyhadbeentravelling.Several had succumbed to their wounds already. Now, with the prospect of warm, dryquarters,theotherswouldhaveagreaterchanceofsurvival.

WordhadquicklytravelleddownthecolumnthatRan-Koshiwaswithinreach.Withoutanyordersbeinggiven,theKikoriandSenshihadrisentotheirfeetandwereformingupintheirmarchingorderoncemore.

‘Thankyou,Reito,’Shigerusaid,‘forbringingussafelythroughthemountainstothispoint.Nowperhapsweshouldinspectmywinterpalace?’

Theyclimbedthroughtheruinedwesternendofthepalisade,pickingtheirwaycarefullyoverthesplinteredtimber.Astheyemergedonthefarside,Horacestoppedinsurprise.

The valley widened out here, the ground still rising gradually. But there was aconsiderableopenspacebehind the timberwall.And theareawasdottedwithhutsandcabins.

‘Somebody’s been here recently,’ Horace said. Then, as they moved further up thevalley and he could see the condition of the buildings more clearly, he revised hisestimate.‘Maybenotrecently,’hesaidtoReito.‘Butcertainlyalotmorerecentlythanathousandyearsago.’

The timberof thebuildings, like thepalisade itself,wasgreyanddriedoutwithage.Theroofsweremadeofsplitshinglesandinmostcases,thesupportbeamshadcollapsed,leavingonlysectionsoftheroofsstillinplace.

Thenewcomersstaredaroundinwonder,puzzlingoverwhothemostrecentinhabitantsmight have been. Then one of the Kikori emerged from a cabin that he had beeninspectingandshoutedexcitedly.

‘Kurokuma!Here!’

Horacemovedquicklytojoinhim.Thecabinwaslargerthanmostoftheothers.Therewerenowindowspaces.Thewallswereblankandsolid,withjustadoorattheend.

‘Looksmorelikeawarehousethanacabin,’hesaidsoftly.Andashesteppedgingerlyinside,glancinguptomakesurethattheroofwasn’tabouttocomecrashingdownonhim,

hesawthathewasright.

Theinteriorwaslitteredwithold,decayingwoodenboxesandrottedscrapsofwovenfabric that might have been the remnants of food sacks. They were scattered in alldirections.Obviously,animalshadbeenatworkhereovertheyears,rummagingthroughthecontentsofthebuildinginsearchofanythingedible.Butwhatcaughthisinterestwasarackrunningdownthecentreoftheroom.

‘Weapons,Kurokuma!’saidtheKikoriwhohadcalledhim.‘Look!’

Therackheldoldweapons.Spears,pikesandsimpleswords–notthecarefullycraftedweaponsusedby theSenshi,butheavier, straight-bladedweapons.The leatherbindingsandwoodenshaftswererottenwithageandlookedasiftheywouldcrumbleatatouch.And themetal headswere pittedwith rust and age.Unusable,Horace saw at a glance.They hadn’t been good quality when they were new. He guessed they were iron, nottemperedsteel.Theywouldbemoredangerousnowfortheuserthananenemy.

‘Canweusethem?’theKikoriasked,butHoraceshookhishead.Hetouchedthebladeofoneoftheswordsandrustcameawayinredflakes.

‘Tooold.Toorusty,’hesaid.HeturnedtoReito,whohadfollowedhimintothecabin.‘Anyideawhomighthavebuiltallthis?’heasked,sweepingahandroundtheinterioroftheancientwarehouse.Reitosteppedforwardandexaminedoneoftheswords,notingthepoorquality.

‘At a guess, I’d say bandits or brigands,’ he said. ‘This would have made an idealhideout for them while they preyed on the Kikori villages and travellers through thevalleysbelow.’

‘Well,they’relonggonenow,’Horacesaid,wipingtracesofrustfromhisfingernails.

‘I think we’ll build our own cabins,’ he added. ‘I’d prefer to sleep at night withoutworryingthattheroofisgoingtofallonme.’

Theysetupcampin thewiderareabehind thepalisade.For themoment, theywouldshelter in tents,butHoracedirected the seniorKikori as towherecabinsandahospitalsheltershouldbelocated.Withsuchalargenumberofskilledworkmenathisdisposal,healsogaveinstructionsfortherenovationandreinforcementofthepalisadetobegin,withprioritytobegiventothecollapsingleft-handside.

He was glad to take this load off Reito’s shoulders, leaving him free to look afterShigeru’swellbeing.ReitowasaSenshibuthewasacourtier,notageneral,andHoracewasbetterqualifiedtoseetothedefenceofRan-Koshi.Hestrodeaboutthevalleywithanewenergyinhisstep,followedbyagroupofadozenKikorielders–theleadersfromthevillagesthathadjoinedtheirparty.Hewaspleasedwiththewaytheyquicklyacceptedhis right togiveorders.Evenmoregratifyingwas the fact that theywerewilling toco-operate with each other. Any intervillage rivalries that might have existed before weresnuffedoutbythecurrentsituation.

Oneofthempointedout that therewaslittle inthewayofheavytimberinthevalleyitself.Workpartieswouldhavetotravelbackthewaytheyhadcometofelltimberoutsidethevalleyanddragituptothefortress.

Horacenoddedacknowledgementofthefact.

‘Thentomorrowwewillrest,’hesaid.‘Afterthat,workstarts.’

The assembledKikori nodded agreement.A full day’s restwouldmake thework gofaster,theyallknew.

‘Getyourworkpartiesdetailed,’hetoldthem.TheseniorKikoriallgaveperfunctorybowsandhereturnedthemwithaquickbobofhisownhead.Interestinghowquicklyitbecameanaturalaction,hethought.Then,astheydriftedofftotheirrespectivegroups,helookedaroundforEikoandMikeru.Thetwowereneverfarawayandoverthepastweekshehadbecomeaccustomedtodetailingthemtospecifictasks.

‘Eiko, can you organise scouts to go back thewaywe’ve come and keepwatch forArisaka’sapproach?’

‘I’ll go myself,Kurokuma,’ the heavily built lumberjack said but Horace shook hishead.

‘No.Imayneedyouhere.Sendmenyoucantrust.’

‘WillIgowiththem,Kurokuma?’ItwasMikeru,theyouthwhohadguidedthemfromthefirstKikorivillageand,asaresult,hadescapedthebrutalattackofoneofArisaka’spatrols.Hewaskeenand intelligentandenergetic,always readyforsomething tobreakthemonotonyofthelong,hardmarch.HewastheidealpersonforthetaskHoracehadinmind.

‘No. I have something else I need you to do. Get three or four of your friends andexplorethisvalley.Findthesecretpathouttotheflatlandbelow.’

MikeruandEikobothfrowned,puzzledbyhiswords.

‘Secretpath,Kurokuma?Is thereasecretpath?’Mikeru lookedaroundtherockwallsthatenclosedthem.Theyseemedimpenetrable.Horacesmiledgrimly.

‘Thiswasafortress.Butit’salsoatrap.Adeadend.Nomilitarycommanderwouldputhismeninafortresslikethisunlesstherewasasecretwayout.Trustme.It’llbethereallright.It’llbenarrowandit’llbedifficultbutit’llbethere.Youjusthavetofindit.’

Wolfwill glided into the narrow cove under oars. Therewas no breath ofwind and thesurfaceofthewaterwascalmandglassy,marredonlybythesixteenripplingcirclesleftbyeachstrokeoftheoarsandthearrow-straightwaketheshipleftbehindher.

Fourdayspreviously,theyhadleftIwanaiandsailedupthewestcoastofNihon-Ja.AbrisksoutherlywindwasblowingandGundarhadraisedbothstarboardandportsails,andsheetedthemhomeouttoeitherside.Theystoodatrightanglestothehull.Inthisposition–Gundarcalleditgoose-winging–theyformedagiantMshape.Withthewindastern,hecouldusetwicethenormalsailarea.

Theseahadbeencalmandwiththisextrathrustbehindher,Wolfwillhadflownupthecoastline.AsHalthadseenwhenhestudiedthechart,threedays’easysailinghadsavedthem weeks, compared to the alternative – slogging over hundreds of kilometres ofmountainranges.AndtheyhadavoidedtheattentionofArisaka’spatrols.Nowtheyhadreachedthenorthernpartoftheislandandsomewhere,notfarinland,laythefortressofRan-Koshi.

‘That’sfarenough,I think,Gundar,’hesaidquietly.Gundarcalledanorder,alsoinamutedtone,andtheoarsceasedtheirconstantmotion.Itseemedrighttokeeptheirvoicesdown.Everythingherewassostill,sopeaceful.

At least, for themoment. Timewould tell what lay beneath the trees on the thicklyforestedshoreofthecove.Behindthefirstfewtree-coveredhills,themountainsbegantoriseagain,nowcoveredtohalfwaydowntheirheightinsnow.

Wolfwill drifted, seeming to rest on her own inverted image, while her crew andpassengersstudiedtheshoreline,lookingforsignsofmovement.

‘Haveyoubeenherebefore,Atsu?’Selethenaskedandtheguideshookhishead.

‘Not to this province, lord,’ he said. ‘So I don’t know the local Kikori. But thatshouldn’tbeaproblem.TheKikoriare loyal toEmperorShigeru. Iwill simplyhave tomakecontactwiththelocaltribes.’

‘Justsolongasyoudon’tbumpintoArisaka’smeninstead,’Haltsaiddryly.

‘Wedon’tknowthatArisaka’smenhavepenetratedthisfarnorth-west,’theguidesaid.

Halt shrugged. ‘Wedon’tknow theyhaven’t,either.Better toassume theworst.Thatway,you’renotdisappointedwhenitoccurs.’HaltturnedtoGundar.‘Ithoughtyoucouldcamponthatislandwepassed,ratherthaninhereonthemainland.’

Theskirlnodded.‘Mythoughttoo.Wecouldbehereforweeks,evenmonths,whilethe

winterpasses.We’llbesaferontheisland.’

IthadbeendecidedthatGundarandhismenwerenotgoingtoaccompanythemintothemountains.Acaptainwasalwaysreluctanttoleavehisshipforevenashorttime,andtheycouldbeatRan-Koshiformonths. Instead, theSkandianswould takeAtsuback toIwanai,thenreturntothispointandspendthewinterinacamp,beachingtheirshipandhaulingherhighabove the tidemark toprotecther fromwintergales.Theyplanned tobuildhuts in theshelterof the trees.Skandiansoftenwintered like thiswhile theyweretravelling. Gundar had re-provisioned the ship while they were in Iwanai so they hadplentyoffoodonboard.Plustheycouldcometothemainlandtohuntandfetchwaterifthere were none on the island. The island was a lucky break. Four hundred metresoffshore,itwouldprovidesecurityandearlywarningofanypossibleattack.

‘Putusashoreintheskiff,’Haltcontinued.‘Thengetouttotheisland.We’llcamponthebeachtonightwhileAtsutriestocontactthelocals.’

Fortyminuteslater,theshorepartywatchedasthewolfship’soarswentforwardononesideandbackontheother,pivotingtheneatcraftinherownlength.Thenbothbanksofoarsbegantopulltogetherandtheshipgatheredspeed,headingouttosea.Onthestern,Gundarwavedfarewell.

AsWolfwillroundedthepointanddisappearedfromsight,Willfeltstrangelyalone.Buttherewasnotimeforintrospection.Therewasworktobedone.

‘Right,’saidHalt.‘Let’sgetacampsetup.Atsu,doyouwanttowaittillmorning?Orwillyoutrytomakecontactwiththelocalstonight?’

Atsulookedatthelowsun.Therewasprobablyanhourofdaylightleft.

‘ItmightbebetterifIgorightaway,’hesaid.‘It’shighlylikelywe’vebeenseen,sothesoonerIcanmakecontactandexplainourintentions,thebetter.’

Halt nodded agreement andwhile the others set about erecting their small tents andgatheringstones fora fireplace,Atsu slipped into the forest.Willwatchedhimgo, thenturnedbacktothetaskoftighteningtheguyropeonhistent.Selethen,besidehim,wasunfamiliarwiththeAraluantentdesignandwaspuzzlingslightlyoverthearrangementofropesandcanvas.Willquicklymovedtohelphimgetthemsortedout.

‘Thanks,’saidtheWakir.Headded,withafaintsmile,‘Iusuallyhaveaservanttodothisforme,youknow.’

‘Happy to be of assistance,’Will told him. ‘So long as you break out some of yoursupplyofcoffee.’

‘Goodidea,’theArridirepliedandbeganrummaginginhispack.Hiscoffeebeansweresuperior to the onesWill and Halt carried. They hadmore flavour and were far morearomatic.Duringthetrip,theyhadallrationedtheirsuppliescarefully–coffeeseemedtobeunknowninNihon-Ja.ButnowWillthoughtitwastimetoenjoyagoodcup.

EvanlynandAlysshadfoundafreshwaterstreamalittleinlandfromthebeachandhadtakenthewaterskinsandcanteenstofillthemwithfresh,coldwater.Whiletheywaitedforthegirlstoreturn,WillandSelethensetaboutmakingafire.Halt,sittingwithhisbacktoalogandstudyingthemap,glancedupastheydidso.Willhesitated.

‘Areweallrighttohaveafire,Halt?’heasked.

TheolderRangerthoughtforamoment.‘Whynot?’hesaid.‘AsAtsupointedout,thelocalsprobablyknowwe’rehereanyway.’Heglanced towards the trees,where the twogirlswerevisible,fillingthecanteens.

‘Areyouexpectingtrouble?’Willasked,awarethatHalthadbeenkeepingawatchfuleyeoverthegirlsastheyworked.

Again,Halthesitatedbeforereplying.‘I’malwaysedgywhenI’minacountryIdon’tknow,’hesaid.‘Ifindit’sthebestwaytobe.’

‘It’scertainlykeptyoualivesofar,’Selethensaid,withahintofasmile.

Haltnodded.‘Yes.Sofarsogood.Plus,I’vebeenthinking…AtsuseemsconfidentthatalltheKikorivillageswillbesupportingtheEmperor.Butthere’snoiron-cladguaranteethatsomeofthemhaven’tgoneovertoArisaka.’

‘Doyouthinkthat’slikely?’WillaskedandHaltturnedhisgazeonhisyoungprotégé.

‘No.Butitispossible.We’regoingalotonAtsu’swordforthingsandwehavenowayofknowinghowgoodhisjudgementis.’

EvanlynandAlyssreturnedastheywerediscussingthis.Thegirlswereburdenedwithfilledcanteensandtwolargewaterskinsandtheycarriedtheloadbetweenthem.Evanlynglancedaroundthecampsiteapprovingly.

‘Whatacheerylittlehomeawayfromhome,’shesaidbrightly.

Alyss,whohadnoticed the sombreexpressionson the facesofSelethenand the twoRangers,added,‘Andwhatseriousfacesyou’reallwearing.Issomethingwrong,Halt?’

Haltsmiledather.‘Nowthatwehavewaterforthecoffee,no,’hereplied.‘Everythingisjustasitshouldbe.’

Theymadecoffee,thenWillsetaboutpreparinganeveningmeal.ThemarketinIwanaihadsuppliedthemwithseveralchickensandhesetaboutjointingthemandpreparingthemeatinamarinadeofoil,honeyandthedarksaltysaucethatwasastapleinNihon-Ja.

Atsuhadtaughthimhowtopreparerice,whichhehadnevercookedbefore,andhesetacoveredpotsteaminginthecoalsofthefirewhilehepreparedagreensalad,usingsmallonionsandgreenleavesthatresembledspinach.Asever,hehadhiscookingkitwithhim,withhisownpersonalstaplesthatwenttocreatealight,tangysaladdressing.

‘Nicetoknowamanwhocooks,’saidAlyss,sittingcomfortablybythefire,herbackagainstalogandherkneesdrawnup.

‘I’veheardyoucanwhipupaprettygoodmealtoo,Halt,’Evanlynsaid,gentlyteasinghim.

Halt tookanothersipofthecoffeetheyhadprepared.Hiseyessmiledatherovertherimofhismug.

‘It’spartofaRanger’straining,’hesaid.‘There’snolawthatsayswehavetoexistonhard tackandcoldwaterwhenwe’re in thefield.Agoodmealdoesa lot to restore thespirits. Some years back, Crowley had Master Chubb prepare a set of recipes and

instructionsforus.AllRangerapprenticesdoathree-monthcourseintheirthirdyear.’

‘Sowhatareyouplanningtowhipupforus?’Selethenasked.Hewassmilingbuthethoughtsuchacoursewasanexcellentidea.AsHaltsaid,good,simplefoodcouldgoalongwaytowardsmakingacampmorecomfortable.

Haltdrained the lastofhiscoffee.He lookedat thedregs inhismugwistfully.Foramomenthewas tempted tomakea freshpot.But theycouldn’tafford tosquander theirlimitedsupplies.

‘Iwon’tbecooking,’hereplied.‘WillenjoysdoingitandIwouldn’twanttospoilhisfun.’

Will looked up from where he was threading the marinated chicken meat onto thinskewersofgreenwood.

‘Besides,Halthasbeenknown toburnwaterwhenheboiled it,’he saidand theyalllaughed. He was about to add to the tale of Halt’s failed cooking attempts when hestopped,hiseyesfixedontheshadowsattheedgeofthetreesfringingthebeach.Helaiddowntheskewerhe’djustpreparedandrosetohisfeet,hishandgoingtothehiltofhissaxeknife.

‘We’vegotcompany.’

Therewerefiguresemergingfromthetrees.Roughlydressedinfurandsheepskinandallofthemcarryingweapons–spearsandaxes,mainly.

Theothersrosetotheirfeetaswell.Halthadhislong-bowinhishandandhequicklyretrieved his quiver from where it lay on the ground beside him, slinging it over hisshoulder.Inacontinuationofthesamefluidmovement,hetookanarrowfromthequiverandlaiditonthestring.Selethenlaidacautioninghandonhisforearm.

‘Therearetoomanyofthem,Halt.Thismightbeatimefortalking.’

Selethenwas right, theRanger saw.Therewere at least twentymen coming towardsthem.

‘Where the hell isAtsuwhenweneedhim?’Will said bitterly.Hewas scanning thetreesforsomesignoftheirguide,butwithnosuccess.HisownbowwasclosetohandbutSelethenwasright.Thereweretoomanyarmedmentomakeresistanceworthwhile.

Thenewcomersformedahalfcirclearoundthelittlegroupbythecampfire.Theireyeswerehard and suspicious.Halt laiddownhisbowand spreadhis hands in agestureofpeace.Followinghislead,Selethentookhishandawayfromthehiltofhiscurvedsabre.

Oneofthemenspoke.ButHaltcouldn’trecognisethewords.

‘Didyougetthat,Alyss?’heasked.Theblondegirlglancedquicklyathim,nottotallysureofherself.

‘It’sNihon-Jan,’shesaid.‘Butit’saprettystrongregionalaccent.Makesithardtopickup.Ithinkhe’saskingwhoweare.’

‘Logicalquestion,’Willsaid.

Thespeakerlookedathimandspatoutafewwords.Thetonewasobvious,evenifthe

meaningwasn’t.Hewasangry.

‘Best ifAlyss does the talking,Will,’Halt cautioned in a low voice. TheNihon-JanspeakerswunghisgazebacktohimbutasHaltwasobviouslytheleaderofthisgroup,hedidn’tseemtobeannoyedthathewastalking.

‘Askifhe’sseenAtsu,’hesaidandAlyssspoke,choosingherwords.Theothersheardtheword ‘Atsu’among them.TheNihon-Jan replieddismissively.ObviouslyhehadnoideawhoAtsumightbe.Herepeatedhisoriginalquestion,morepointedlythistime.

‘He’sstillaskingwhoweare,’Alysssaid.TherewasnoneedtotranslatethenegativereplytoherquestionaboutAtsu.

‘Tellhimwe’retravellers,’Haltsaidcarefully.‘Ourshipwasdamagedandthecrewleftushere.’

Alyss gathered her thoughts to frame the necessary sentences. The Nihon-Janspokesmangreetedherwordswithagrunt.Thenhefiredanotherquestion.

‘Hewants toknowwherewe’regoing,’Alysssaid.ShelookedatHalt.‘ShouldIsayanything about Shi–’ She stopped herself saying theEmperor’s name, realising that theNihon-Jan would probably recognise it. Instead, she changed her question at the lastmoment.‘About…theEmperor?’

‘No,’Haltsaidquickly.‘Wedon’tknowwhosesidethesepeopleareon.Just tellhimwe’relookingfortheKikori.’

Itwasatrickysituation.TheoddsweregoodthatthesemenwereopposedtoArisaka.Butitwasnocertainty.IfAlysstoldthemtheywerelookingforShigeru,theycouldfindthemselvesmadeprisonersbytheusurper.

Alyssbegan to translate the statement.But themanhadheard theword ‘Kikori’.Hepoundedhisownchest repeatedlyandshoutedat them.Theword‘Kikori’wasrepeatedseveraltimes.

‘Iassumeyouunderstoodthat,’Alysssaid.‘TheseareKikori.’

‘Thequestionis,whosesidearetheyon?’Evanlynasked.ButAlysshadnoanswerforthat.

Thenthemanturnedtohisfollowersandmadeaswiftgesture.TheKikorimovedinonthe camp site, surrounding the five foreigners and making imperious gestures. Themeaningwas obvious.Theywere to come along.Will noticed that theKikorimade noattempttorelievethemoftheirweapons,andtheygesturedfortheAraluansandSelethentopickuptheirrucksacksandothergear.WillmadeatentativemovetowardsoneofthetentsbuttheKikoriclosesttohimmadeanegativegestureandshoutedathim.Heseemedtorepeatthesamewordoveragain:Dammé!Dammé!

Willshrugged.

‘Iguessthetentstays,’hesaid.

Horacewasstudying thecollapsedwesternsideof thepalisadewith the foremanof theworkgangassignedtorepairit.Thissectionoftheworkhadlaggedbehindtherestoftherepairs. The greater part of the palisadewas in good condition now, thewalkways hadbeen reinforced and in some places replaced entirely, and the wall timbers refurbishedwherenecessarywithnew,stronglogs.

Butthecollapsedsectionhadproblemsbeyondthesimpleravagesoftime.

Theforemanpointedtoadeepchannelcutinthegroundbeneaththeruinedpalisade.

‘This area becomes a water course when the snowmelts,Kurokuma,’ he said. ‘Therunoff water has gradually undermined the foundations of the wall at this point andwashedthemaway.We’llhavetosetnewfoundations.’

Horacescratchedhischin.‘Andhopeitdoesn’train.Nopointinrepairingitifit’sallgoingtobesweptawayagain,’hesaidthoughtfully.Buttheforemanshookhishead.

‘It’s too cold for rain. It’ll snow.But there’ll be nowater running throughhere untilspring,whenthesnowsmelt.Eventhen,itwouldtakeafewseasonsforenoughdamagetobedone.Thisdidn’thappeninoneortwoyears.’

Horacestudiedthemanforamoment.Helookedconfidentandhecertainlyseemedtoknowhiscraft.

‘Verywell.Let’sgetonwithit.Iwon’tbehappyuntilIknowtheentirepalisadeisuptostrength.’

‘Weshouldbeabletofixitinafewdays.Nowtheotherrepairsarealmostfinished,Icanassignextraworkgangstothispart.’

‘Verywell,’saidHorace.Hegesturedforthemantogoaheadandturnedaway,headingbackup theslope to thesmallsettlementofcabins thathadalreadybeencreatedby thehard-workingKikori.

A small group of the younger men had been excused from labouring work and thecommanderofShigeru’spersonalguardhadbegun their instruction in the art ofSenshisword technique. He was demonstrating the basic movements to them now, calling atempoforeachcut,blockorthrust.Horacestoppedtowatch,fascinatedbythedifferentstyle.Itseemedfarmoreornateandritualistic thanthedrillshewasusedto.More–hesearched for a word and then found it – flamboyant, with its spins and sweeps. Butbeneaththeforeigntechniquehecoulddiscernasimilarityofpurpose.

NowMoka,theguardcommander,ceasedhisdemonstrationandcalledfortheKikori

torepeatthesequence.TheywerearmedwithswordstakenfromtheraidingpartywipedoutatRiversideVillage.

Mokawatched,stonyfaced,astheyoungKikoritriedtoemulatehismovements.Theywere sadly unco-ordinated and clumsy in their execution. Reito was standing nearby,watchingaswell.HesawHoraceandmovedtojoinhim.

‘They’renottoogood,arethey?’Horacesaid.

Reito shrugged. ‘Senshibegin learning thiswhen they’re tenyearsold,’he said. ‘It’saskingalotfortimberworkerstolearnitinafewweeks.’

‘Iwonder if they’ll learn in a fewmonths,’Horace saidgloomily. ‘They’ll be facingwarriorswhohavebeentrainingsincetheywereten.’

Reitonodded.Hethoughtthesamething.‘Butwhat’sthealternative?’

Horace shook his head. ‘I wish I knew.’ Even if the palisade and themassive cliffseithersidekeptthemsafeforthewinter,hefoundhewasdreadingtheconfrontationwithArisaka’sSenshiarmyinthespring.

‘Sometimes I thinkwe’re justpostponing the inevitable,’he said.BeforeReito couldreply,theyheardHorace’snamebeingshouted.Theyturnedandlookeddownthevalley,towheretheycouldseetheexcitedfigureofMikeruandtwoofhisyoungcompanions.SeveraloftheKikoristoppedtheirsworddrilltoturnandlookaswell.Astheydid,theirinstructor shouted angrily at them to get back to work. Sheepishly, they resumed theirpractice.

‘Let’sseewhatMikeruwants,’Horacesaid.

‘Helooksexcited,’Reitoobserved.‘Maybeit’sgoodnews.’

‘That’dmakeachange,’Horacesaidas theywalkeddowntheslopingvalleyfloor tomeettheyoungman.Mikerusawthemcomingandstoppedrunning.Hepaused,hunchedoverwithhishandsonhisknees,whilehegothisbreathback.

‘We’ve found it,Kurokuma,’ he said, still slightly breathless. For amoment,Horacewasn’t sure what he was talking about. His head was still filled with thoughts of therepairs to the palisade and the seemingly hopeless task of turning timber workers intoskilledswordsmeninthespaceofafewmonths.ThenherememberedthetaskhehadsetforMikeruafewdaysprior.

‘Thesecretexit?’hesaid.Theboynodded,beamingtriumphantlyathim.

‘Youwereright,Kurokuma!Itwasthereallthetime!It’snarrowandit’sdifficultandittwistsandturns.Butit’sthere!’

‘Let’stakealookatit,’HoracesaidandMikerunoddedeagerly.Heboundedawayatahalf-run, thenstoppedaftera fewmetres, lookingback tosee ifHoraceandReitowerefollowing. He reminded Horace of an eager puppy, waiting restlessly for its master tocatchup.

‘Slowdown,Mikeru,’hesaidwithasmile.‘It’sbeentherehundredsofyears.It’snotgoinganywherenow.’

Astheboyhadsaid, thewell-hiddenpathwasnarrowanddifficult. Itwasasteepgullythat ran down through themountain, carving itsway through the rock. In someplaces,Horace thought, it appeared to have been dug out by hand. Seemingly, the originaloccupantsofRan-Koshihadfoundaseriesofnarrowgulliesrunningdownthemountainandconnectedthemtoformanalmostindiscerniblepathleadingdownthroughtherockwalls.

They slithered and slid down one steep patch, sending a shower of small pebblescascadingbeforethem,rattlingofftherockwallseitherside.

‘Nottooeasytocomeupthisway,’Reitoremarked.

Horaceglancedathim.‘That’showyou’dwantit.Mostpeoplewouldlookatthisandnotrecogniseitasabackwayintothefortress.Andevenifanattackerknewaboutit,I’veseenhalfadozenspotswheretenmencouldholdoffanarmy.’

‘Plentyofplacestobuilddeadfallsandtrapsaswell,’Reitosaid.‘Youcouldonlycomeuphereinsinglefile.’

‘Samegoingdown,’Horacesaidcasually.‘You’dneedalotoftimeifyouwantedtogetaforcedownhere.’

‘Down?Whywouldyouwant togodown? Imean, it’saswell toknow this route ishere.We’llcertainlyneedtofortifyitandsetupdefensivepositionstostopArisakausingitandcatchingusbysurprise.Butwhywouldyouwanttotakeaforcedown?’

He knewHorace couldn’t be thinking of this as an escape route for the entire party.TherewereoverfourhundredKikoriwiththemnow,manyofthemwomenandchildren.Itwouldtakeweekstogeteveryonedownthissteeppathtothemountainplateaubelow.Andevenifyoucouldgeteveryonedown,theywouldbeseenalmostassoonastheytriedtoescapeacrosstheopengroundatthebottom.

Horace shrugged and didn’t answer. It was just a vague idea stirring in his mind.Everythinghehaddonesofarhadbeenpurelydefensive.Rebuildthepalisade.Findthistrack, which instinct had told him must be here, and set up defences. But it was inHorace’snaturetoattack,totakethefighttotheenemy,tosurprisethem.Thistrackcouldmakethatpossible.Althoughhowhewasgoing tomountanattackagainstprofessionalwarriorswithonlyhastilytrainedtimberworkers,hehadnoidea.Notforthefirsttime,herecognised the fact that hewasn’t a planner or an innovator.He knewhow to organisedefences. He could study a position, assess its potential weaknesses and move tostrengthenandreinforcethem.Butwhenitcametodevisinganunexpectedorunorthodoxmethodofattack,hesimplydidn’tknowwheretobegin.

‘IneedHaltorWillforthat,’hemutteredtohimself.

Reitolookedathimcuriously.‘Whatwasthat,Kurokuma?’

Horace shook his head. ‘Nothing important, Reito-san. Let’s follow this goat trackdowntothebottom.’HesetoutafterMikeru.Asusual,theyoungmanhadforgedaheadofthem,leapinglikeamountaingoatfromonerocktoanother.

At the bottom, the narrow track let out onto level ground. The entrance was wellconcealed.Afterafewmetres,thegullymadeasharpturntotheright.Toacasualglance,

itappearedtobeablindrockwallendinginashallowindentinthefaceofthemountain.Shrubsandtreeshadgrownovertheentranceaswellandlargerrockswerepiledacrossit.Horacewaswillingtobetthathadn’thappenedbychance.ThemainentrancetothevalleythatleduptoRan-Koshiwasaroundabluff,aboutthreehundredmetresawayandhiddenfromsight.

Horacestudiedtheground.

‘Sayyoubroughtahundredmendown.Singlefile.Nopacks.Justweapons.Itwouldtake thebestpartof aday.Youcouldkeep themconcealedherewhile they formedup.Maybedothatinthedarksotherewaslesschanceofbeingseen.’

Onceagainhedidn’trealisehehadspokenhisthoughtsaloud.HewasalittlesurprisedwhenReitoansweredhim.

‘Youcoulddoit,’heagreed.‘Butwhoarethesehundredmenyou’retalkingabout?WehavebarelyfortySenshifitandreadytofightnowandArisakawillhaveten times thatmany.’

Horacenoddedwearily.‘Iknow.Iknow,’hesaid.‘Ijustcan’thelpthinking.Ifwehadadecentfightingforce,wemightbeabletogiveArisakaanastyjolt.’

‘Andifwehadwings,wemightbeabletoflysafelyoverthetopofhisarmy,’Reitoreplied.

Horaceshrugged.‘Yes.Iknow.If,ifandif.Well.We’veseenthebackdoor.Let’sgetbackuptothevalley.’

Climbingbackuptookevenlonger.ItwasnearduskwhenReitoandHoraceemergedfrom the tumble of rocks. Their clothes were torn in several places and Horace wasbleedingfromalongscrapeonhisrighthand,wherehehadunsuccessfullytriedtostophimselfslidingbackdownasteeppileofgravelandshale.

‘Youwereright,’Horacetoldhiscompanion.‘Itwouldbeimpossibletoclimbupthereandfightadetermineddefenderatthesametime.’

‘Let’sjustmakesurewe’vegotdefendersinplace,’Reitosaid.

Horacenodded.Anotherdetailtotakecareoftomorrow,hethought.

Astheystumbleddownthelastoftheslopeleadingtothegully,voicesbegancallingouttothem.Horacenarrowedhiseyesagainst thegatheringdark.Thereseemedtobealarge group of people assembled by the open-sided hut that had been constructed as acommunal eating house. He led theway towards them but one of theKikori detachedhimselffromthegroupandrantomeetthem.

‘Kurokuma!Comequickly.We’vecaughtfivespies!’

TheassembledgroupofKikoriandSenshipartedbeforethemasHoraceandReitopushedtheirwaythrough.Theyoungwarriorsawthecaptives,surroundedbyanescortofarmedKikori, andhisheart liftedwith indescribable joy.For themoment, the fivenewcomerswerefacingawayfromhimandhadn’tnoticedhisarrival.

‘Kurokuma!’calledtheescortleader,shovingthroughthesmallcrowdtogreetHorace.‘Apatrolcaughtthemonthelowlands,nearthecoast.Theywon’tsaywhythey’rehere.Wethinkthey’respies.They’reforeigners,’headded,asanafterthought.

‘Sotheyare,’Horacereplied.‘Perhapsweshouldhavethemflogged.Thatmightloosentheirtongues.’

At thesoundofhisvoice, theprisoners turnedandsawhim.Therewasamomentofnon-recognition,duetothefactthathewaswearingNihon-Janclothing–trousersandathigh-lengthKikorirobeoverhisshirt,heldinplacebyasash.Afurcap,lowdownonhisheadandwithsideflapstoprotecthisearsfromthecold,completedtheoutfit.

ThenEvanlynletoutarisingshriekofdelight.

‘Horace!’BeforethestartledKikoricouldstopher,sheboundedtohimandthrewherarms around his neck, hugging him so fiercely that he found it difficult to breatheproperly.TwoofthemenwhohadbeenguardingthegroupmovedtodragherawaybutHorace stopped themwith a hand gesture. Hewas quite enjoying having Evanlyn hughim.

‘It’s fine,’ he said. ‘They’re friends ofmine.’A little reluctantly, he disengaged fromEvanlyn’s hug, although he was pleased that she remained close by him, her armpossessivelyaroundhiswaist.HegrinnedatHalt,WillandAlyssasthey,too,recognisedtheiroldfriendintheguiseofashabbilydressed,unkemptNihon-Janlumberjack.

‘Ihavenoideahowyouallgothere,’hesaid.‘Butthankgodyoudid!’

TheKikori,stillpuzzledbutnowrealisingtheforeignersposednothreat,stoodasideasthethreeAraluanssurgedforwardtogreetHorace,slappinghisback–inthecaseofWillandHalt–andhugginghimagaininthecaseofAlyss.Evanlyndidn’trelinquishherholdaround Horace’s waist and, when she deemed the hug had gone on long enough, shemovedhimsubtlyawayfromtheCourier’sembrace.

For a few garbledmoments, they all spoke at once, in amad babble of unansweredquestions and declarations of relief. ThenHorace noticed an unfamiliar figure, hangingbackfromtheothers.Helookedmoreclosely.

‘Selethen?’hesaid,surpriseinhisvoice.‘Wheredidyouspringfrom?’

ThetallArridisteppedforwardthenand,inthemannerofhispeople,embracedHorace,thenmadethegracefulhandgesturetomouth,browandmouth.

‘Horace,’ he said, a broad smile on his face. ‘How good to see you alive and well.We’veallbeenworriedaboutyou.’

‘But…’Horacelookedfromonefamiliarfacetoanother.‘Howdidyoucometo…?’

Before he could finish the question,Will interrupted, thinking to clarifymatters butonlymakingthemmorepuzzling–assooftenhappens.

‘WewereallinToscanaforthetreatysigning,’hebegan,thencorrectedhimself.‘Well,Evanlynwasn’t.Shecamelater.But,whenshedid,shetoldusyouweremissing,soweallboardedGundar’sship–youshouldseeit.It’sanewdesignthatcansailintothewind.Butanyway, that’snot important.And justbeforewe left,Selethendecided to joinus–whatwithyoubeinganoldcomradeinarmsandall–and…’

Hegotnofurther.Halt,seeingtheconfusiongrowingonHorace’sface,heldupahandtostophisbabblingformerapprentice.

‘Whoa!Whoa!Let’stakeitonefactatatime,shallwe?Horace,isthereanywherewecantalk?Perhapsweshouldsitdownquietlyandcatchupwithwhat’sbeengoingon.’

‘Goodidea,Halt,’saidHorace,reliefevidentinhistone.

Will stopped, a little embarrassed as he realised that he had been running off at themouth.

‘Anyway,we’rehere,’he said.Then theembarrassment fadedandhecouldn’t stopabroadgrinbreakingout onhis face at the sight of his best friend.Horace responded inkind.HeinstinctivelyunderstoodthatWill’soutburstwastheresultofintensereliefthathe,Horace,wassafeandwell.

Horace introduced his friends to Reito, who bowed in the Nihon-Jan fashion as hegreetedeachofthem.TheAraluansbowedbutHorace,accustomednowtotheaction,sawthat theywere a little stiff and uncertain in their reply. Selethenwas the only onewhomanagedagracefulresponse,combiningthebowwiththestandardArridihandgesture.The assembled Nihon-Jan stood by, interested spectators to all this. Once Reito hadgreeted his friends, Horace introduced them enmasse to the watching Nihon-Jan. TheKikoriandSenshiallbowed.Again,thenewcomersresponded.

‘Lotofbowinggoesoninthiscountry,’Willsaid,outofthecornerofhismouth.

‘Getusedtoit,’Horacetoldhimcheerfully.Thesenseofreliefthathefeltatthesightofhisoldfriendswasalmostoverwhelming.Hehadbeenbeginningtofeeloutofhisdepth.

TheassembledNihon-Jan,seeing that thenewcomersposednodanger,began todriftaway.

‘We’llgotomycabintotalk,’Horacesaid.‘Reito-san,wouldyouasktheEmperorifhewouldseeusinhalfanhour?I’dliketopresentmyfriends.’

‘Of course,Kurokuma,’ Reito replied. He bowed briefly and turned to hurry away.

Horacerespondedautomaticallywithaswiftbowofhisown.

Will,watching,mimickedtheactionuncertainly,notsureifhewassupposedtojoininornot.‘Doeseveryonebowtoeveryonehere?’heasked.

‘Prettymuch,’Horacetoldhim.

Theone-roomcabinthattheKikorihadbuiltforHoracewasroomyandcomfortable.Hisbedrollwas folded away in a corner.A low table had beenbuilt andwas placed in themiddleofthetimberfloor,whileasmallcharcoal-burninggratecreatedacheerfulcircleofwarmth.Thegroupoffriendssataroundthetableandexchangeddetailsofeventsoverthepastfewmonths.

‘Idon’tknowwhat’shappenedtoAtsu,’Haltsaidastheycametotheendoftheirtale.‘He’sprobablygoingfranticdownthereatthecamp.’

‘I’ll sendsomeone to lethimknowyoumade ithere.Hewon’t findanyof the localKikori,’Horacesaid.‘They’reallherewithus.TheoneswhoranintoyouwereapatrolwesentouttowatchforArisaka’smen,’Horacesaid.‘Buttellme,whydidn’tyoujustsayyouwerelookingforme–orShigeru?’

HeaddressedthequestiontoAlyss,asshewastheNihon-Janspeakerinthegroup.Sheshrugged.

‘Weweren’ttotallysurewhoweweredealingwith,’sheexplained.‘Wedidn’twanttomentiontheEmperorincasetheywerealliedtoArisaka.Iguesstheyfeltthesamewayaboutus.Theyseemedtothinkwewerespies.Theyprobablydistrustedusbecausewe’reforeign.’

Horacenoddedthoughtfully.‘Iguessso.’HewasstillalittleoverwhelmedbythesightofAlysswithshort,darkhair.

‘And theynevermentionedyou,’Willput in. ‘Allwecouldgetoutof themwas thattheyweretakingusto“Kurokuma”.Wedidn’tknowifthatwasaplaceoraperson.Whatdoesitmean,bytheway?’

‘I’m told it’s a term of great respect,’Horace said, unwilling to admit that he didn’tknow.

‘TellusmoreabouttheEmperor,’Haltsaid.‘You’reobviouslyimpressedwithhim.’

‘Iam,’Horaceagreed.‘He’sagoodman.Kindandhonestandincrediblycourageous.He’s trying to better the lot of the common people here and give them a bigger say inthings.’

‘Whichis,ofcourse,whyArisakahateshim,’Haltsaid.

‘Exactly.ShigeruhasthecouragenottobackdownfromArisaka,butunfortunately,heisn’tamilitaryleader.HewastrainedasaSenshi,ofcourse.Allmembersofhisclassare.Buthedoesn’thavethewidermilitaryskills–noideaoftacticsorstrategy.’

‘ThatwasShukin’srole,Itakeit?’Evanlynsaid.

AsadlookcameoverHorace’sface.‘Yes.Hetookcareofthatsideofthings.Ithinkhis

deathhasshakentheEmperorverybadly.Heneedshelp.’

‘Whichyou’vebeenproviding,’Selethensaidquietly.Horaceshrugged.

‘Icouldn’tjustleavehimtofendforhimself.Hisotheradvisersarecourtiers,notwarleaders.Andanyexperiencedwarriorsaretoojuniortoplanamajorcampaign.’Hisfacebrightened.‘WhichiswhyIwassogladtoseeyoulot.’

‘PerhapsweshouldgoandmeetthisEmperorofyours,’Haltsaid.

Shigerugreetedthemcourteously,welcomingthemtohiscountryandaskingfordetailsoftheirjourney.Heapologisedforthesituationtheynowfoundthemselvesin.

‘Arisaka has thrown my country into disarray,’ he said sadly. ‘I’m afraid I can’twelcomeyouwiththehonoursyoudeserve.’

Haltsmiledat theEmperor. ‘Wedon’tdeserve toomuchin thewayofhonours,yourexcellency.’

‘AnyfriendsofKurokuma,’Shigerusaid, indicatingHoracewithan inclinationofhishead,‘deservegreathonourinthiscountry.Youryoungfriendhasservedmewell,Halto-san.’

On theway to theEmperor’scabin, setat theheadof thevalley,HoracehadquicklyexplainedsomeofthevagariesofNihon-Janpronunciation.

‘Theyseemtofinditdifficulttofinishawordwithahardconsonant,like“T”,’hesaid.‘Usuallythey’lladdavowelafter it.Soifyoudon’tmind,Halt, Iwill introduceyouas“Halto”.Willcanbe“Wirru”.’Hepausedtoexplainfurther. ‘“L”isnotasoundthey’retotallycomfortablewith,either.’

‘Isupposethat’llmakeme“Arris”?’AlysssaidandHoracenodded.

‘WhataboutSelethenandme?’Evanlynasked.

Horace considered it for a moment. ‘The L’s in your name will probably be a littleslurred,’ he said. ‘And they’ll pronounce all three syllables in your names with equalemphasis.Youwon’tbeE-van-lynorSel-eth-en,aswesay them.Theydon’tstressanyonesyllablemorethantheother.They’llsayallthreeinasortofstaccatorhythm.’

He had proved to be correct. Shigeru listened attentively as Horace introduced hisfriends,usingtheadaptednameshehadgiventhem,andthenrepeatedthemcarefully.Ofcourse,thepoliteterm‘san’wasaddedtoeachnameaswell.

After the formalities were taken care of, Shigeru sent for tea and they all sippedgratefully at the hot drink. There was a sharp edge in the weather – the heavy snowswouldsoonbestarting.

Horaceregardedhiscup.Greenteawasallright,hethought.Butitwasn’thisfavouritebeverage.

‘Idon’tsupposeyoubroughtanycoffeewithyou?’heaskedthetwoRangers.

‘We’vegotsome,’WillrepliedandasHorace’seyesbrightened,hecontinued,‘Butit’sallatourcampsiteonthecoast.’

‘Oh.Justwhenyougotmyhopesup.I’llsendmentobringyourgearuphere,’Horacesaid.

Shigeruhadbeenfollowingtheexchangewithasmile.Horace’sreliefwasobviousnowthathisfriendswerehere–particularlytheolder,beardedman.ShigeruknewthatHoracehad taken on a lot after Shukin’s death and he hadworried itmight be toomuch of aburdenforsuchayoungman.Now,hecouldsharethatburden,theEmperorthought.Andhe instinctively feltconfidence in theabilitiesof thisHalto-san to findaway toopposeArisaka.HoracehadtoldhimagreatdealabouttheenigmaticRangeroverthepastweeks.

‘Kurokumahasbeenmissinghiscoffee,’Shigerusaid.

‘Yourhighness?’ItwastheyoungerofthetwoRangers,obviouslywithaquestion,andShigerunoddedforhimtocontinue.‘Whatisthisnameyou’vegivenhim?Kurokuma?’

‘It’satitleofgreatrespect,’theEmperorrepliedgravely.

‘Yes.SoHoracetoldus.Butwhatdoesitmean?’

‘Ithink,’Alyssbeganuncertainly,‘ithassomethingtodowithabear?Ablackbear?’

Shigeru inclined his head towards her. ‘You have an excellent understanding of ourlanguage,Arris-san,’hetoldher.

Sheflushedalittleandbowedinresponsetothecompliment.

Horace,whohadbeentryingtofindoutthemeaningofKurokumaforsometimenow,waspleasedtohearthetranslation.

‘Blackbear,’herepeated.‘It’sundoubtedlybecauseI’msoterribleinbattle.’

‘I’dguessso,’Willputin.‘I’veseenyouinbattleandyou’redefinitelyterrible.’

‘Perhaps,’saidHaltquickly,headingoffanyfurtherexchangebetweenthem,‘wemighttakeatourofthedefences.We’vetakenuptoomuchofhisexcellency’stime.’

‘Please,Halto-san,callmeShigeru.Idon’tfeellikeanexcellencyinthesemountains.’Hisgazetravelledroundtheothers.‘Allofyou,please,callmeShigeru-san.Itwillsavealotofbowingandscraping.’

His smile embraced them and they all murmured acknowledgement. Then, as theybegantorisetotheirfeet,heheldupahand.

‘Princess Ev-an-in,’ he said, ‘perhaps you and Arris-san can stay and talk further. IwouldliketolearnmoreaboutyourfatherandhisKingdomofAraluen.’

‘Orcourse,yourexc–’Evanlynbegan,thenstoppedherselfathisadmonishingfinger.‘Imean,ofcourse,Shigeru-san.’

Firstorderofbusinesswastoinspecttheprogressofrepairstothepalisade.

Haltwas silent for severalminutes as he studied theweakenedwestern section. TheKikoriworkgangassignedtherewerebusydiggingfoundationsfornewverticalbeams.They were well organised and the work was proceeding smoothly. The Kikori, aftergenerations of cutting and hauling the immense mountain trees, were used to workingtogether, with minimum confusion. Everyone was assigned a task and carried it outefficiently.Willwatchedonegroupastheywentaboutraisingamassivebaulkoftimberoveroneofthefoundationholes.Theyworkedsmoothlyandefficiently,reactinginstantlytoinstructionsshoutedbytheirforeman.

‘They’rewelldisciplined,’Willcommented.

Horacenodded.‘Yes.Theyco-operatewell.I’dsayit’sbecausetheyneedtoworkasateamwhentheyfellreallylargetreesandthenmovethemdownthemountains.Eachmanhastobeabletodependonthemennexttohim.’

‘Horace,’ Halt interrupted, ‘just stop them for a moment, will you? Stop them fromwhatthey’redoing.’

Horacelookedathiminsurprise,thencalledtotheforemanandtoldhimtoletthemenstanddown.HeturnedbacktoHalt.

‘Issomethingwrong,Halt?’heaskedandtheRangershookhishead.

‘No.No.Wejustmighthaveanopportunityhere.’Hiseyesnarrowedashestudiedthedamagedsection.Thenheseemedtocometoadecision.‘HowmanymendoesArisakahave?Andhowlongbeforetheygethere?’

‘Fiveorsixhundredwarriors,asnearasourscoutscanfigure,’Horacetoldhim.‘Thebulkofhisarmyisaboutthreeweeksaway.Weforcedthemintoalongdetourwhenwecutthefootbridgedown.Butifherunstruetoform,he’llsendapartyonaheadatdoubletimetotrytogetinherebeforethesnowsblockthevalley.’

Halt nodded. Itwaswhat he had expected. ‘Sowemight expect a party ofmaybe ahundredmensometimeinthenexttendays?’

‘That’s right. Itcouldbesooner,but Idoubt it.Even travelling lightandwithnorealbaggage,it’sdifficultcountry.’

‘Andifwecouldgivethemabloodynose,itwouldbehelpful,’Haltsaid.

Again,Horaceagreed.‘AnyreductiontoArisaka’snumberswouldbehelpful.’

‘Allright.Here’swhatwe’lldo.Stoptherepairsonthatsection.Patchitupbutdoitbadly.Usetheoldrottentimbersthatwerethere.Makeitanobviousweakpoint.’

Horacenoddedthoughtfully.‘You’replanningtoconcentratetheirattackinonearea?’Hewasn’tsureifitwasagoodidea,buthe’dneverknownHalttohaveabadone.

‘Alittlemorethanthat.Insidetheweakenedsection,buildasecondwall–makeitU-shaped and a little lower than the palisade so they can’t see it.We’ll let them create abreach.Whentheychargethrough,they’llfindthey’vegotwallsonthreesides–strongones this time.We’ll have them concentrated in one area and we can really do somedamagetothem.We’llhavelogsandrocksonthepalisadewalkwaysothatoncethey’reinside,wecandropthemintothebreachandtrapthem.At least,we’llmakeithardforthemtoretreat.’

Selethenwasnodding,hiseyesrovingthepalisadeandthesteepstonewallbesideit.

‘Wecouldalsopileuprocksandlogsonthatrockface,’headded.‘It’llbeeasyenoughto build a retaining wall to hold them in place. Then, once the enemy are inside, wecollapsetheretainingwallandbringanavalanchedownonthem.’

HaltglancedquicklyattheArridi.‘Nice,’hesaid.

ForthefirsttimeinseveralweeksHoracecouldsmileatthethoughtoftheimpendingconflict.Therewouldbelittlehand-to-handcombatinvolved.TheKikoriwouldhavetheadvantage of fighting from the top of the palisade. Rocks, spears and logs would beeffectiveweapons.Theycoulddestroyanysmallattackingforcebefore theyevergot toclosequarters.

‘I’msogladyoulotturnedup,’hesaid.

‘At thevery least,we’ll cutArisaka’snumbersdown,’Halt said. ‘The trickwillonlyworkonce,butit’llslowhimdownandbythenthesnowsmightbehere.’

Horacebeckonedtheforemanoverandtheyexplainedthenewplantohim.Hiseyeslitup as he grasped the idea and he nodded eagerly, smiling at Halt and Selethen as theauthorsofthestratagem.Therewasnoneedtogivehimdetailedplansforthenewsectionofwall.Hewouldbemorethancapableofplanningthat.Theylefthimtoreorganisetheworkers and moved on to watch the small group of Senshi who were practising theirswordcraft.AsHoracehadbeen,thethreenewarrivalswereimpressedwiththespeedandprecisionoftheNihon-Janwarriors’technique.

‘They’regood,’Selethensaid.‘Verygood.’

Horacelookedathim.‘Manforman,I’dsaythey’rebetterthanourAraluanknights,’hesaid.Itpainedhimtoadmitit,butthefactwasunavoidable.‘Ourbestwarriorswouldbe pretty much equal to their best, but it’s the next level down where they hold theadvantage.The rankandfileSenshiaremoreskilled than theaveragegraduate fromanAraluanBattleschool.’

Haltagreedwithhim.‘Itmakessense,’hesaid.‘Youtoldustheystartpractisingwhenthey’retenyearsold.OurBattleschoolsdon’tacceptpupilsuntilthey’refifteen.’

Selethenstrokedhisbeard.‘Iagree,’hesaid.‘Asindividuals,they’reimpressive.’

ThewordsfannedasparkofvaguememoryinWill’smind.Hefrownedashetriedtoplace it,but for themoment it escapedhim.He lookedaway,distracted, to theworkersdown the valley,whowere climbingover the palisade, placingnew timbers in positionandnowworkingonthelogsthatwouldformthenewinnerwallsection.Henotedhowwelltheyworkedinharmonywitheachother.Thereseemedtobenowastedeffortandnoconfusionintheiractions.Heshookhishead,alittleannoyed,ashetriedtoretrievethetantalising thought that was stirring in his memory. What had Selethen just said? Asindividuals,they’reimpressive.ThatrelatedsomehowtothesightofthedisciplinedteamsofKikoriatwork.

‘It’llcometome,’hetoldhimself,andhurriedtocatchupwiththeothers.

Onceagain,MokawasworkingwithhissmallgroupofKikori,tryingtoturnthemintoswordsmen.Therewassomeimprovement,Horacethought.TheKikoriwerefitandwellco-ordinated.But thegapbetween thesenew traineesand theSenshi theyhad justbeenwatchingwasalltooevident.

‘HowmanyfitSenshidoyouhave,readytofight?’Haltasked.

‘Maybe forty.Enough tohold thepalisadeagainstoneattack.Butafter that…’Mokagestureddoubtfully.HeknewArisakawouldnotbedauntedbyearlycasualties.Oncehehadoverwhelmingnumbersinplace,hewouldkeepthrowinghismenatthewoodenwall.

‘AndArisakahas…howmany?Fivehundred?’

‘Something like that.’Horace’s tonewas dejected.Nomatterwhat tactics they coulddevisetodelayArisaka,soonerorlater,theywouldhavetofacehislarge,expertlytrainedwarriors.

‘And you’ve got two hundred Kikori who’ll fight?’ Selethen asked and, as Horacenodded,headded,‘Whataboutweapons?’

‘Axes,’ Horace said. ‘Some knives. And most of them have spears. We did find astockpileofoldweaponsfurtherupthevalleywhenwefirstgothere.Theplacehasbeenusedasa fortressmore thanonceover theyears.But theywereoldandmostly rusty. Iwouldn’ttrustthetemperoftheblades,they’rehardlyusable.’

Haltlookedatthesky.Thereweregreycloudsscuddinglowabovethem,theirbelliesswollenwithmoisture.

‘Let’shopeitsnowssoon,’hesaid.

‘So,howarethingsbetweenyouandWill?’Horaceasked.Alyssturnedtohimandaslowsmilelitupherface.

‘Lovely,’shesaid.‘Justlovely.’

ItwastwodayssincetheAraluansandSelethenhadarrivedatRan-Koshi.Inthattime,thework thatHaltandSelethensuggestedhadadvancedwell.AsHoracehadremarkedearlier,theKikoriwereausefulgrouptohavewithyouifyouneededtobuildintimber.The youngwarrior had felt a sense of relief at being able to handover these details toolder,moreexperiencedheads.

‘I’mnotaplanner,’hehadsaidtohimself.‘I’madoer.’

Today,HaltandtheArridiWakirweresupervisingtheplacementoftheretainingwallSelethenhadsuggested.EvanlynwascloisteredinanotherlongdiscussionwithShigeru.TheEmperorwasinterestedinlearningaboutthesocialstructureinAraluen.Itwasafarlessoppressivehierarchy than theone thathadexisted inNihon-Ja forcenturiesandhethoughthemightbeabletouseitasamodelforhisnewsociety.

Horace and Alyss, finding themselves with no pressing duties, had taken theopportunitytohaveafewhoursofftogether.Thetwowereoldfriends.Theyhadgrownup together as orphans in theWard at Castle Redmont and they were at ease in eachother’scompany.Theyhad taken theirmiddaymeal toa rockoutcropabove thevalley,where they could relax and look down upon all the work going on. The sounds ofhammering and sawing, and the cries of the Senshi drillmasters,mingled together anddriftedtothem.

‘You know,’ Horace said, ‘when we were riding home fromMacindaw that time, Ithought Iwas going to have to take you two and knock your heads together. Itwas soobviousthattherewassomethinggoingonandneitherofyouwouldadmitit.’Hesmiledatthememory.HewasdelightedwiththerelationshipthathaddevelopedbetweenAlyss,whomhethoughtofasasister,andWill,hisbestfriend.

‘Yes,’Alysssaid,‘eachofuswasafraidtosayanythingincasetheotherpersondidn’tfeelthesameway.’

Horacelaughedquietlyatthememory.‘Troubleis,youtwothinktoomuch.Isaidthatatthetime.Ibelieveifyoufeelthatwayaboutsomeone,youshouldjustcomeoutandsayit.’

‘Is that right?’ Alyss said and Horace nodded, doing his best to look wise andknowledgeable.

‘Alwaysthebestplan,’hesaiddefinitely.

‘So, how’re things between you and the princess?’ Alyss asked abruptly and wasdelightedtoseethatHorace’sfacewentashadeofpinkashehesitatedtoanswer.

‘Well…ah…whatdoyoumean,meandtheprincess?’hemanagedtoblurtoutafterafewseconds.ButthehesitationtoldAlyssallsheneededtoknow.

‘Oho!’ she said. ‘I thought asmuch.Why, she could barely keep her hands off youwhenwefirstarrived!Shewasalloveryoulikeacoatofpaint.’

‘Shewasnot!’Horaceinsisted.

‘Oh,comeon!I’mnotblind.Shewentrushingtoyou,threwherarmsaroundyouandhuggedyou.’

‘Sodidyou,’Horacepointedoutbutshewavedthataside.

‘I didn’t re-crack any of your ribs,’ she said. ‘Besides, do you think it’s completelynormal for theCrownPrincess tosetoffacross theworldonaquest to findoneknightwho’sgonemissing?’

Hedroppedhisgazeandshesawashygrinformingonhisface.

‘Well,maybe,sinceyouputitthatway…’

Alysshootedwithdelight. ‘Sothere issomethingbetweenyou!Iknewit! I toldWillbuthewouldn’tbelieveit.’

‘Well,let’snotmaketoomuchnoiseaboutit,allright?’Horacesaid.‘Itmightn’tcometoanything.It’s just that,beforeI leftAraluen,wehadbeen…seeingquiteabitofeachother.’

‘Iguessthat’swhyDuncansentyouaway,’sheteasedandwasinstantlysorrywhenshesawthedoubtcloudhisface.

‘Do you think so? That did occur to me. After all, she’s the princess and I’m anobody…’

Shetookhisarmandshookit,annoyedwithherselfforputtingthisdoubtinhismind.

‘Horace!Youaredefinitelynotanobody!Howcouldyousaythat?Duncanwouldbehappytohaveyoupayingcourttohisdaughter!’

‘ButIwasanorphan.I’vegotnonoblebackground…’hebeganbutshecuthimoff.

‘Duncandoesn’tcareaboutthat!He’snosnob.Andyouareahero,don’tyourealise?You’re the foremost youngknight in theKingdom.He’dbe delighted to haveyou as ason-in-law.’

NowpanicflaredinHorace’seyesatherwords.‘Whoa!Notsofast!Hisson-in-law?Whosaidanythingaboutbeinghisson-in-law?’

‘Itwasjustapassingthought,’Alysssaid.‘Figureofspeech.Nothingmorethanthat.’Horacerelaxedalittlebutshesmiledinwardly.IfHoraceseriouslyhadnothoughtsinthatdirection,hewouldhavesimplylaughedofftheidea.Iknewit,shethought.Iwonderifheknowsittoo?

Lookingforawaytochangethesubject,HoracecastaroundandhisgazelitonWill.TheyoungRangerwaslowerdownthevalley,sittingontheground,deepinconversationwithagroupoftheolderKikori.

‘What’sheupto?’heasked.

Therewasalotofgesticulatingandsketchingonthegroundwithsticks.Handswouldwave,voiceswouldbabble,adjustmentswouldbemadetowhateverwasdrawnandthenthe group would reach agreement, nodding and laughing, slapping each other on theshouldersastheyreachedacommonpointofview.

AlysswasstillsmilingtoherselfoverwhatsheconsideredtobeHorace’sslip.‘Don’tknow.He’s been quiet for the past two days.Wanders off a lot by himself. Somethingseemstobewrong.I’veaskedhimbutheshiesawayfromthesubject.’

ButHoracehadseenthissortofbehaviourfromhisfriendseveraltimesbeforeandheknewwhatwashappening.

‘There’snothingwrong,’hesaid.‘He’splanningsomething.’

In thesmallcabinshesharedwithAlyss,Evanlynwashunchedoveramapdrawnonasheetof linenpaper,chewingdistractedlyononeof the finebrushes that theNihon-Janusedaspens.Itwaslate.Thesinglelanternonthetableleftdarkshadowsinthecornersoftheroom,andwasreallyinadequatetoallowhertoreadthefinerdetailsofthemap.ShehadcontemplatedlightinganotherlanternbutAlysswascurleduponhermattressagainstonewallandEvanlyndidn’twanttodisturbher.

Thetwogirlshadspentmoretimeineachother’scompanysincearrivingatRan-Koshi.Theyweretheonlytwofemalesintheirgroup,andnowthattheyweresurroundedbyanevenwidergroupofwarriorsandtimberworkerstheytendedtobethrowntogether.TherewerewomenintheKikorisettlement,ofcourse,buttheytreatedthetwoforeignerswithawed respect, and the languagedifferences, alongwith theheavy regionalaccentof theKikori,madeitdifficulttobecomeclosetothem.

Itcouldn’tbesaidthatAlyssandEvanlynhadbecomegoodfriends.Buttheywerebothmaking an effort to get along with each other – aside from the occasional moment offriction.Had they been close friends, Evanlyn probablywould have lit another lantern.But, because they tended to tiptoe round each other, she didn’twant to giveAlyss anycauseforcomplaint.

Sherubbedhereyesandleanedclosertothemap.Shewishedshehadanormal-heighttableandacomfortablechair.TheselowNihon-Jantablesandbencheswerehardonthekneesandtheback.SheheardarustleofbedclothesasAlyssturnedover.

‘Whatareyoudoing?’thetallgirlsaid.Hervoicewasthickwithsleep.

‘Sorry,’Evanlynsaidinstantly.‘Ididn’tmeantowakeyou.’

‘Youdidn’twakeme,’Alyssreplied.‘Thelightdid.’Then,realisingthatEvanlynmighttakethisasasignthatshewasannoyed,sheaddedquickly,‘Thatwasajoke.’

‘Oh…well,sorry,anyway,’Evanlyntoldher.‘Gobacktosleep.’

ButAlysswassittingup.SheshiveredinthechillmountainnightandhastilydrapedaKikori sheepskin coat around her shoulders. Then, disdaining to rise, shemoved on allfoursacrosstheroomtositbesideEvanlyn.

‘Lightanotherlantern,’shesaid.‘We’llgoblindtryingtoreadthatinthedark.’

Evanlynhesitated,butAlyssgesturedimpatientlyforhertodoasshesuggested.

‘You might as well,’ she said. ‘I’ll never get back to sleep wondering what you’redoing.’

Evanlynnoddedandlitasecondlantern,pullingitclosetothefirstsothatthelightwasdoubled.Alyssmovedalittlecloserandstudiedthemapwithher.

‘Wheredidthiscomefrom?’sheasked.ShecouldseeitwasachartofRan-Koshiandthecountrytothenorth.

‘Shigeru and I drew it up, with advice from Toru and some of the other Kikori. Ofcourse, thegeneral lieof the landherewasnosecret.Theonlyunknownfactorwas theexactlocationofRan-Koshi.’Shetappedafingeronthesectionofthemapthatshowedthevalleyanditssteepsurroundingwalls.

Alyssnoddedthoughtfully,thenshepointedtoabroad,featurelessexpansedirectlytothenorthofthevalley.

‘What’sthis?’Shereadthenameletteredonit.‘Mizu-UmiBakudai?’

‘It’s a huge lake.And round here, on the far side, is the provincewhere theHasanulive.’

‘I’veheardpeoplementionthemseveraltimes.WhoaretheHasanu?’

TherewasateapotonthetableandEvanlynreachedforittopourherselfacupofgreentea.‘Likesome?It’sstillquitehot.’

Alyssshookherhead.‘I’mfine.’

‘TheHasanuareawildmountaintribethatliveinthisremoteareaontheothersideofthelake.Somepeoplethinkthey’remonsters.Thereareapparentlyalotoflegendsaboutweird mountain creatures, trolls and demons and such. But Shigeru thinks that’ssuperstition.HebelievestheHasanuarehuman.They’resimplefolk.They’resaidtobemuchtallerthantheaverageNihon-Janandcoveredinlong,reddishbodyhair.’

‘Howattractive,’Alysscommented.

Evanlynallowedherselfabriefsmile.‘Yes.Buttheyareapparentlyamazinglyloyaltotheir lord, a Senshi noble calledNimatsu, and he’s loyal to Shigeru.And they’re quiteformidablewarriors,’sheaddedmeaningfully.

‘Hmmm.SoifShigerucouldrecruitthem,hemighthaveareasonableforcetoengageArisaka,’Alysssaid.LikealloftheAraluans,shewasawareoftheshortcomingsoftheKikoriaswarriors.‘Aretheremanyofthem?’

‘Thousands,’Evanlyntoldher.‘That’sthebeautyofit.ThereareplentyofclansloyaltoShigeru who would oppose Arisaka, but they’re all small in numbers and they’re notorganised.Arisaka’ssupportedbyhisownclan,theShimonseki,andoneother,theUmakiclan. Numerically, they’re the two largest clans in the country, so he has a strong, co-ordinatedpowerbase.

‘But ifwecouldcallon theHasanu forhelp,we’dhaveArisakabadlyoutnumbered.WhichmightencouragetheotherclanstostandupforShigeru.Onlyproblemis…’

She paused andAlyss finished for her. ‘TheHasanu are on the far side of this hugelake.’

‘That’sright.Andthepatharoundthelakegoesthroughmountainsevenwilderthanthe

ones here. Shigeru says itwould take at least twomonths to get there and another twoback.’

‘Bywhichtime,thingswillprobablybealloverhere,’AlysssaidandEvanlynnodded,wordlessly.

Thetwoofthemstudiedthemapinsilenceforafewminutes.ThenAlysssaidslowly,‘WhynottakealeafoutofHalt’sbook?Goacrossthelake,notaroundit.’

She was referring to Halt’s tactic of sailing north along the coast from Iwanai, andcutting outweeks of hard travel over themountains.But nowEvanlyn pointed out theobviousfaultinherplan.

‘Wecoulddothatifwehadaship,’shesaid,butAlyssshookherhead,herexcitementmountingastheideagrew.

‘Wedon’tneedaship.Weneedakayak.’

‘Awhat?’Evanlynasked.Thewordwasunfamiliartoher.

Alysstookthebrushfromherandbegansketchingquicklyonthemarginofthemap,layingoutaroughdesignofalong,narrowboat.

‘Akayak. It’s a small, light boat –with a timber frame and anoiled linenor canvascovering.TheSkandiansuse themfor fishing. I’veactuallygotonebackatRedmont. Iuseitontheriverandlakesthere.It’sgreatexercise,’sheadded.

Evanlynstudiedtheroughdrawingcritically.

‘Couldyoubuildone?’sheasked.

‘No,’ Alyss told her and Evanlyn’s spirits sank, only to rise again when Alysscontinued,‘ButI’llbettheKikoricould,ifIshowedthemtheroughidea.’Shepulledthemaparound so she could see itmore clearly and traced apath across the lakewithherforefinger.‘Wecoulddoitineasystages,’shesaid.‘Thereareplentyofislandswherewecouldcampatnight.’

‘We?’EvanlynaskedandAlysslookeduptomeethergaze.

‘Well,ofcourse“we”.They’regoingtoneedeveryavailablemantheyhavehereonceArisaka’s armyarrives.There’s not really a lotwe can achievehere.’She sawEvanlynwasabouttoprotestandwentonquickly,‘Oh,I’msureyoucouldknockafewofthemoverwith that sling of yours.But ifwe did this,we’d be doing somethingmuchmorevaluable!Comeon,’shesaid,afterabriefpause,‘inthebackofyourmind,youalwaysintendedtodothis,didn’tyou?’

‘Isupposeso,’Evanlynsaid.

‘Thenlet’sdoittogether!I’llcomewithyou.YoumightneedaninterpreterandIcanhandleakayak.Pluswewon’tneedanescortifwedoitthisway.We’llbeperfectlysafeonthelakeandthatmeanswewon’tleaveHaltandtheothersshort-handed.’

Evanlynthoughtforafewseconds,thensquaredhershoulders,reachingadecision.

‘Whynot?’Thenshe thoughtfurther. ‘IwonderwhatHaltwillsaywhenweput it tohim?’

Alyssshrugged.‘Well,it’ssuchalogicalidea,hecanhardlysayno,canhe?’

‘No!’saidHalt.‘No,no,no–and,justincaseyoumisseditthefirsttime,no.’

‘Whynot?’Evanlynsaid,hervoicerisinginpitchtoindicateheranger.‘It’saperfectlylogicalsolution.’

Haltregardedherasifshe’dlosthersenses.‘CanyouimaginewhatyourfatherwouldsaytomeifheheardI’dletyougoharingoffonthishalf-bakedexpedition?’

Evanlynshrugged.‘Well,forastartit’snothalf-baked.We’veplanneditprettywell.’Infact, she and Alyss had sat up for most of the rest of the previous night noting downdetailsandequipmenttheywouldneedforthetrip.

‘And secondly,’ she continued, ‘ifwe don’t do it,my fatherwill never hear about itanywaybecausewe’llallbedead.’

‘Don’tberidiculous!’Haltsnorted.

‘Halt, you’ve got to face facts,’Alyss put in. ‘Evanlyn is right. Ifwe don’t get helpArisakawilloverrunthisplaceinthesummer.Oh,we’llholdoutforawhile,ofcourse.Butsoonerorlater,hismenwillbreakthrough.Thisisouronlychance.’

‘Iexpectedmoresensefromyou,Alyss,’hesaidcoldly.‘IknowEvanlyntendstogooffonwildideas,butI’msurprisedatyou.WhatdoyouthinkPaulinewouldsayaboutthis?’

Colour flared inAlyss’s cheeks as he spoke. Then she replied,measuring herwordscarefullysothatangerwouldnotgetthebestofher.

‘WhatwouldyousaytoPaulineifitwasheridea?’shereplied.

Halthesitated.Theyallknewhewouldneverdare to tellPaulineshewasrecklessorhare-brained.

Seeing his hesitation,Alyss continued quickly. ‘Tellme,Halt, aside from the simplefactthatyou’dbeworriedaboutus,what’stheflawinthisplan?’

Heopenedhismouthtoreply,thenpausedagain.Truthbetold,therewasnoflaw,otherthanthefactthathehatedtoseethegirlsplacethemselvesindanger.Helookedatthemforafewsecondsandrealisedthatthatfactwasnotasufficientlygoodreasontorejecttheplan. Both girls had been in dangerous situations before. Both would be in dangeroussituations again.Neither of themwere shrinkingviolets.AndEvanlynwas right. If sheandAlysswent,theywouldn’tbetakinganyfightingmenawayfromthevalley.They’dneedhelpscaling thesheercliffs that leddownto the lake.Butoncethatwasdone, theKikoriwhohelpedthemcouldreturn.

‘Ijust…I…Idon’tlikeit,’hesaid.

Evanlynsteppedclosertohimandplacedherhandoverhis.‘Wedon’taskyoutolikeit,’shesaid.‘Idon’tliketheideathatwe’llbeleavingyouandWillandHoracetofightArisakawithabunchofhalf-trainedlumberjacksasanarmy.Thesearehardtimesandwehavetomaketoughdecisions.’

Heletgoadeepsigh.Thegirlswererightandheknewit.

‘Allright,’hesaid.Thetwofacesbeforehimweresuddenlywreathedinexcitedsmilesandheaddedheavily,‘ButGodhelpmewhenWillandHoracefindoutaboutit.’

Whatever answer the girls might have made was cut off by the sound of shoutingoutsideHalt’scabin.ThenthedoorflewopenandyoungMikeruburstin,tooexcitedtoexhibitthenormallyimpeccablemannersoftheNihon-Jan.

‘Halto-san!Comequickly!Arisaka’smenarehere!’

Mikeru’s excited warning was a little premature. Arisaka’s army were not actuallychargingupthevalley,asheimplied.Butthefirstelementshadbeensighted,justadayaway.

As Horace had surmised, Arisaka had repeated his earlier tactic and sent a fast-travellingadvancepartyaheadofhismainforce.TheKikoriscoutshadcountedahundredarmedSenshi,carryingminimalbaggageandmovingtowardsthevalleyatasteadyjog.

‘Howdidtheyknowwe’rehere?’Horaceasked.

Haltshrugged.‘Theymaynotknowyourexactlocation.They’reprobablyjusttrackingyou.Afterall,apartyaslargeasthisonewouldleaveplentyofsignsforahalfwaydecenttracker.’

‘Sowhatisourbestmovenow,Halto-san?’Shigeruasked.Theyweregatheredinhiscabin to discuss this latest eventuality. Shigeru, observing how Horace deferred to thebeardedRanger,andknowingReito’slimitationsasacombatcommander,hadquestionedHoraceatlengthaboutHalt’sbackgroundandexperience.Horacehadlefthiminnodoubtthat theywere lucky tohavesuchanexperienced tacticianat theirdisposalandShigeruhadappointedtheRangerincommandofthedefenceofRan-Koshi.

‘The palisade is repaired,’ Halt said. ‘And the trap at the western end is just aboutcomplete.Anotherhalfdayshouldseethatdone.Isuggestwesittightbehindthepalisade,waitforthemtoattackandthenbringdownouravalancheontopofthem.’

‘Will theyattack?’Shigeruasked. ‘Perhaps theywillwait forArisaka’smainforce tocatchup.’

Halt shook his head. ‘I doubt it,’ he said. ‘Itmakes no sense to come racing acrosscountryafterusonlytositdownandwaitwhentheyeventuallycatchup.Arisakaknowsthatthesnowiscoming.’Theyallglancedattheopendoorway.Itwassnowingoutside.Witheachday,theflakesbecamebiggerandheavierandthesnowfallslonger.Alreadythecoveronthegroundwaseighttotencentimetresdeep.‘He’llwanthismentohitusbeforetherealstormscome.Afterall,heknowsyouonlyhavethirtyorfortywarriorswithyou.’

‘There are around two hundred Kikori men as well,’ Will said but Halt made adismissivegesture.

‘FromeverythingtheEmperorandReito-sanhavetoldus,Arisakawon’tbeexpectingthemtofight.Thatcouldgiveusabigadvantage.’

‘If theywill fight,’ Horace said gloomily. He worried that when the time came, the

Kikorimight be affected by centuries of tradition and history.They had rarely rebelledagainsttheSenshiinthepastandwhentheydid,theresultshadbeencatastrophic.Hefeltthechanceswerehighthattheywould,atthelastminute,beoverwhelmedbytheirsenseofassumedinferiority.AssistingtheEmperortoescapeandstandingupagainstthehighlytrainedSenshiwarriorsofArisaka’sarmyweretwoentirelydifferentmatters.

‘They’llfight,’WillsaidfirmlyandHaltturnedaquestioningeyeonhim.

‘Youseemsureofthat.WhathaveyouandSelethenbeenupto?You’vebeenspendingalotoftimewiththeKikori.’

WillandtheArridileaderexchangedaquickglance.ThenWillshookhishead.

‘Earlydaysyet,’hesaid.‘Justanideawe’reworkingon.We’lltellyouwhenthetimeisright.’

‘Inanyevent,’Haltsaid,dismissingthematterforthetimebeingandreturningtothepointHoracehadraised,‘theKikoriwillbefightingfrombehindadefensiveposition,notfacingtheSenshiinopencombat.That’llmakeadifference.Allthey’llhavetodoiskeepshovingthembackdownoffthewall.’

‘As easy as that?’ Horace said, grinning in spite of his earlier misgivings. But hethoughtHalthadapoint:fightingfrombehindadefensivepositionwaslessdauntingthanfacing an enemyon anopenbattlefield.With any luck, notmanyofArisaka’swarriorswouldgetcloseenoughforindividualcombat.

‘Whendoyouthinkthey’llattack,Halt?’Selethenasked.

‘Ourscoutssaytheyshouldbeherelatetomorrow.Iwouldassumethey’llsizeupthesituation,restforthenight,thenhitusfirstthingthefollowingmorning.’

Selethennoddedagreementwiththeestimate,butShigeruwasalittlesurprisedat thespeedthingsweremoving.

‘Sosoon?’hesaid.‘Won’ttheyhave…preparationstomake?’heaskedvaguely.

‘Theydon’thaveanyheavyweaponsorsiegeequipmentwiththem,’Haltsaid.‘Afterall,theyhadnorealideathatwewouldfindusinaready-madefortresslikethisone.Myguessis they’llspendthenightgettingafewscalingladdersreadythentryandrushus.Afterall,theyhavenothingtogainbywaiting.’

Theskywasovercastandheavywithclouds.Intheeast,throughagapbetweenmountainpeaks, the suncouldbemadeout asa red,wateryball rising into the sky.Acoldwindblewupthevalley,bringingsnowflakeswithit.

Abovethesoftkeeningofthewind,Haltcouldheartherapidtreadoffeet,crunchingontherockygroundbeforethem.

‘Here they come,’ he muttered, as Arisaka’s advance party, moving in three unevencolumns,roundedthelastbendbeforethepalisade.HeturnedtoWill.

‘Don’twastearrowson theonesat thefootof thewall.Rocksandspearswilldoforthem.Saveyourshotsforanywhomakeittothetop.They’retheonesweneedtostop,beforetheygetarealfoothold.’

Willnodded.Theywerepacing the timberwalkwayon the innersideof thepalisade.Shigeru’sfewSenshiwarriorswereindefensivepositions.Besidethemandbehindthem,theKikoricrouched,outofsight.Somehadtheirheavyaxesready,butmostwerearmedwithspearsor longpoles theyhadcut touseaspikes.The tipswerecarved intopointswhichhadbeenhardenedinfiresthenightbefore.Everyfivemetres,pilesoflarge,jaggedrocksstoodreadyforuseagainsttheattackers.

‘Staydown,Kikori,’Haltsaidquietly,ashepassedthecrouchingtimberworkers.Theygrinned nervously up at him and he added, ‘We’ll soon be giving Arisaka a veryunwelcomesurprise.’

They reached thedecrepitwesternendof thepalisade.Here tenSenshiand the samenumber of Kikori were stationed on the planked walkway behind the badly patched,dilapidatedwall.

‘They’llconcentratehereoncetheyrealise,’Haltcalled.‘Bereadytogetoffthewallassoonasyoufeelit’sgoing.’

Themixedgroupofdefendersnodded,theirfacesserious,theirthoughtsfocusedonthecomingfight.Haltsurveyedthenewinnerwallwithsatisfaction.Itwaslower,butmuchsturdierthantheoldpalisade–altogetheramuchmoredefensibleposition.Heglancedupto the piled rocks, earth and timber balanced precariously above on the rockwall. TheKikorihadcontrivedtocovertherockswithbranchesandbushes,evenleavingonesmallsaplingspringingoutfromthemoundsothatitappearedmorenatural.Lookingcarefully,hecouldjustmakeouttheropestrailingawayfromthedeadfall.

‘Getready!’ItwasHorace’svoice.Hewasatthemidpointofthepalisade.Hehadhisshieldonhisleftarm.TheunfamiliarshapeofaNihon-Jankatanawasinhisrighthand.Behindthem,theyheardandfeltfeetontheladderthatleduptothewalkwayfrombelow.TheybothturnedtoseeShigeru,inlacqueredleatherarmour,steppingontothewalkway,closelyfollowedbyReito.

‘Yourhighness,I’dreallypreferitifyou’dstaybackfromthefighting,’Halttoldhim.HeknewShigeruwasnoexpertwiththesword.Capable,perhaps,butexpert?Never.

‘Your preference is noted, Halto-san,’ said Shigeru, making no move to retire backdowntheladder.Haltmethisgazeforafewseconds,thenshrugged.

‘Well,Itried,’hesaid.

At a shouted order, the attacking force suddenly broke into a run. They had noparticular formation. They spread out in a rough line as far as the narrow valleywallswouldallow.Thelinewasthreeorfourmendeep.Haltmadeoutfiverudimentaryscalingladders – each one nothing more than a single thick sapling trunk, notched to acceptcrosspieces,whichwerethenboundinplacetoactasrungs.Atleastanothertenmenwerecarrying ropes and grapnels. The plan was obviously to assault the wall at fifteen orsixteen different points at once to overextend the thirty-odd Senshiwho could be seendefendingthepalisade.

The attackers had no idea that a hundred Kikori were crouched below the woodenramparts.The first three ladderscrashedagainst thewallalmostsimultaneouslyat threedifferentpointsandShigeru’smenmovedtobarthewaytothemenclimbingthem.Halt

waiteduntileachladderhadseveralmenonit.

‘Kikori!Now!’heyelled.

Thewaitingtimberworkersrose to theirfeetwithawordlessroarofdefiance.Rocksshowered over the ramparts, hurled down into the mass of Senshi at the bases of theladders. The first attacker to reach the top of a ladder cut at aKikori,who ducked thewhistling blade just in time. Moka thrust with his sword and the man screamed andplummetedofftheladder.

Elsewhere,Horaceblocked another attacker’s swordwithhis shield.Beforehe couldretaliate,however,awild-eyedKikorispearmanshovedhimasideandburiedhisspearintheSenshi’sshoulder.Withascreechofpain,themanfellbackontohiscomrades,massedbelow.

AthirdladderwassenttopplingasfourKikoripikementhrusttheirlongpolesagainstit, shoving it sideways until it crashed over. The Senshi closest to the topmanaged tospringontotherampart.Itwasonlyamomentaryrespite.HebarelyregainedhisbalancebeforeaKikoriaxesheared throughhisarmour.He toppledforward,crumpledover therampart. Another defender shoved a spear handle under his shoulders and levered himback,sendinghimcrashingbacktothesidehecamefrom.

GrapnelswererattlingagainstthewallsnowasArisaka’smentriedtoclamberuphandoverhand.HaltheardReitoandMoka,thetwoseniormembersoftheEmperor’sSenshi,shoutinginstructionstothedefenders,andheknewthegistoftheirwords.Letthemgetatleast halfway up before you cut the ropes! They had determined this strategy the nightbefore.Amanfalling fromthreeor fourmetresstoodagoodchanceofbeing injured–particularlyifhiscomradesbelowwerebrandishingweapons.

Atthemidpointofthewall,HaltsawoneofShigeru’sbodyguardengagedinswordplaywithanattackerwhohadmadeitoverthewall.ThestillformsoftwoKikoriwereattheattacker’sfeet.AsHaltwatched,anarrowslammedintothedefender’schestandsenthimstaggeringbackofftherampart.

Beforetheattackingwarriorcouldtakeadvantageofhismomentaryrespite,Selethen’stall formmovedgracefully to theattack.His curved sabrecut into thegapbetween theSenshi’shelmetandtheneckpieceofhisarmour.

Satisfied that the threathadbeen takencareof,Haltglancedaroundandsawanotherdefender, aKikori axeman this time, fall to the plankswith an arrow in his chest. TheRanger searched the valley below the wall. Five Senshi, armed with the long,asymmetrical recurve bows favouredby theNihon-Jan, had stopped some thirtymetresbehindtheircomradesandwerepickingoffthedefenders.

‘Will!’heshouted.Hisapprenticehadmovedawaytocutthroughagrapnelropewithhis saxe knife. Now he looked, saw Halt’s outstretched arm pointing to the group ofarchersandslippedthebowoffhisshoulder.

‘Youfromtheleft.Mefromtheright!’shoutedHaltandWillnodded.Oncebefore,theyhadmadethemistakeofshootingatthesameenemyinabattle.Nowbothlongbowssangtheir dreadful song and the Senshi at either end of the line of archers staggered back,staring in horror at the arrows that had punched through their leather armour as if it

weren’tthere.Beforetheircomradesregisteredthefactthattheyweredown,theRangersdroppedthenexttwowithinaheartbeatofeachother.Thefifthmansearchedinvainforthesourceofthesedeadlyreturnshots.Hehadanarrownocked,readytodrawandshootas soonashe sawhisopponent.Henevermanaged it.Will’s third arrow slammed intohim.Hedroppedhisbow,clutchingattheterribleshaft,thenfellandlaystill.

Now a captain among the attackers, realising that the first blind, formless rush hadfailed,wastakingstockofthesituation.Hesawthepatchedandsaggingwesternsectionofthepalisadeandrealisedthiswasanopportunity.Hegesturedfortwomentopickupafallen ladder and follow him. Along the way, he gathered three more, equipped withgrapnels and ropes. The hastily assembled assault party ran along the base of thewall,dodging rocks that showereddownfromabove, to theweakenedsection.As theywent,thecaptainralliedmoremenuntilatleastthirtySenshiwerefollowinghim.Hegesturedatthesingle-trunkladder,thenattherottingbeamsofthewall.

‘Useitasabatteringram!Smashthroughthewall!’heyelled.Halfadozenmoremen,suddenlyseeingwhathewasabout,joinedthetwoSenshiwieldingthelog.Theychargedat thewall and,withoneof themcounting tempo, slammed it again and again into thebrittletimbersofthepalisade.Twooftheoldlogsshatteredandsplit,athirdsaggedawayatthenextstrikeoftheram.Morerockshaileddownonthem,butthedefenders’aimwasnot as accurate as before. Panic, the captain thought. He screamed at the men withgrapnels,pointingtothetopofthepalisade.

‘Don’t try to climb it! Pull it down!’ he ordered. The grapnelswhirred around, thensailedupwards,eachonetrailinga tailofropebehindit.Oneclatteredbackbut twobitintothewoodandheldfast.Instantly,eightorninementailedontotheropesandheavedandstrainedbackwards.Athree-metresectionofthewoodenparapetgavewayandcamecrashingdowninacloudofdustandsplinters.Themenheavingontheropestaggeredandfellbutrecoveredquicklyandcastagain.Thegrapnelthathadmissedwiththefirstcastwasnowsolidlyburiedinthetimberatthetopofthewall.Astheattackersfurtherdownthe wall saw what was happening, more of them streamed to join the assault on thewesternsection.Thetree-trunkbatteringramsmashedintothewallagain, tearingarentbetweentwooftheuprighttimbers.Moremenjoinedintheassault,swingingtheramwithevengreaterforce.

Rocksandspearsshowereddownonthemnowbuttheattackersweremadwithbattlerage and they knew that the section of wall was almost breached. They could see thedefenders deserting the ruinedwall, running in panic to escape before it came crashingdown.Yellingtheirbattlecries,theysurgedforwardtriumphantlyas,underthecombinedforceoftheramandfourgrapnelropes,thewallfinallygavewayandafour-metrebreachappeared.Theyclamberedupovertheshatteredtimbers,swarmingthroughthegap.

The firstmen through stopped, bewildered, facedby anew, lowerwall that enclosedthemonthreesides.Butthepressoftheircompanionsbehindthemforcedthemforwardintotheenclosedspace.Moreandmoreofthempouredinbeforetheyrealisedtheywereinatrap.Horrified,theysawalineofheadsappearoverthetopofthenewpalisade–atleast fiftyof them.Thenastormofhurled rocksandspearsbrokeover them–and thistime,thedefendersseemedtohaveregainedtheirformeraccuracy.

‘Go forward!Keep going forward!’ The captainwho had begun the assaultwas stillalive.HebrandishedhisswordnowtoleadtheSenshitoanewattack.Therewasnowaytheycouldgetbackthroughthecrowded,crammedbreach.Theironlyhopewastoscalethisnew,lowerwallinfrontofthem.

As they started forward, he heard a strange cracking, grinding noise from above.Lookingup,hesawwhatappearedtobeasectionofthemountainwallsuddenlytearingloose. A vast pile of rocks, earth and timber tumbled end over end down the wall,bouncing,smashing,crushinganythingandeverythinginitspath.

Alogsmashedtheswordfromhishandandajaggedrockslammedintohim,drivinghimtohisknees.Asearthandrockthunderedaroundhim,hetoppledsideways,knowingtheassaulthadfailed–theneverythingwentdark.

Thestunnedattackers,withalmostofathirdoftheirnumberkilledorinjuredinthetrapdevisedbyHaltandSelethen,slowlybegantowithdrawfromthepalisade,leavingtheirfallen comrades behind them.They straggled back down the valley in small groups, tofacethewrathoftheircommander.GeneralTodoki,leaderoftheadvancepartyandoneofArisaka’smostardentsupporters,watchedindisbeliefashisdefeatedmenshambledoutof thevalley,bruised,bleedinganddisheartened.Hescreamedat them,hisragemakinghimloseallcontrolandallsenseofdignity.Forthemostpart,theyignoredhim.Hehadn’tbeen there with them and they’d left over thirty comrades behind them, without anychanceofdecentburial.

That night, winter took care of that for them. The snow began in earnest, and bymorning, there was nearly two metres piled up in the valley. The pure white carpetobliteratedallsignofthepreviousday’scarnage.

‘Howdoyouproposetogetthisthingdownthecliffstothelake?’Haltnudgedthekayakdubiouslywithonetoe.Thenarrowcraftwasnearlyfourmetreslong,withalightwoodenframework covered by oiled linen, stretched to drumskin-tautness. He’d seen kayaksbefore.AsAlyss had said, she had one herself atCastleRedmont, and this one lookedsimilar,sofarashecouldremember.TheKikorihaddoneanexcellentjobconstructingit,underAlyss’swatchfuleye.

‘Eikosolvedthatproblemforus,’Evanlynreplied.‘TheKikoriwillloweritdownbyrope,doingitastageatatime.’

They were standing in a half circle around the newly completed boat. Evanlyn andAlyssworeanairofexcitementandproprietorialpride.WillandHoracelookedextremelydoubtfulaboutthewholeproject.Halt,whohadknownaboutitforsometime,wasmoreorlessresignedtoit.Buthewasn’tenthusiastic.

‘That’sgoing to takeabitofhandling,’hesaid.ButAlyssputupahand tostophimsayinganymoreandkneltbesidethekayak.

‘Aha, that’s the beauty of this design. Watch,’ she said. She worked two woodenretaining pins out of their sockets and removed one of the four bulkhead sections thatcreated the cross-section profile of the kayak. The ribs that ran the length of the boatcollapsedinwardsslightly,andtheoilskincoveringlostsomeofitstension.Sherepeatedtheactionwith theother threeformersandwithinminutes, thekayakwasnothingmorethanabundleof light ribs, framesandoilskin.Sherapidlygathered themtogether, thenused theoilskin towrap the ribs intoa tightbundle.Shestoodbackfromthe result–anarrowbundleoflong,lightwoodenstakes.

‘There!’ she announced. ‘We simply collapse it so that it’s amuchmoremanageablebundle.Tiearoperoundoneendandweloweritdownthecliffs,hangingvertically.’

Willsteppedforwardandeyedthenarrowbundlecritically.Whenitwasassembled,ithad looked like a boat. But now the frailty of the designwas farmore evident. Itwasnothingmorethansticksandcloth.

‘Will it float?’ he asked doubtfully and Alyss smiled at him. She knew the reasonbehindhis lackof enthusiasmand she couldn’t helpbeing a little pleasedby it.By thesametoken,shewasn’tgoingtoallowittogotoofar.Willmightworryabouther,andsheknewhelovedher.Butthatdidn’tmeanheownedherorcoulddictatewhatshemightormightnotdo.

‘Ofcourseitwillfloat,’shetoldhim.‘Andifitdoesn’t,we’lljusthavetocomebackup

thecliffs.’

‘Well…Idon’tlikeit,’Willsaid.

Horaceechoedthesentiment.‘NeitherdoI.’

‘Yourdislikefortheprojectwillbedulynoted,’Evanlyntoldthemcoolly.

‘Andignored,’Alyssadded.Thetwogirlsexchangedaquicksmile.

Will opened his mouth to speak further but Selethen stepped in to prevent anyunfortunatestatements.

‘Personally,Ithinkit’sagoodplan,’hesaidsmoothly.‘What’smore,I’llsleepsoundlythroughthewinterknowingthat there is theprospectofarelievingforcearrivingin thespring.’

InArrida,thewomenofthedeserttribeslivedinahostileenvironmentandtooktheirshare of dangerous tasks. They often ranged far into the desert, hunting for food andfightingoff thepredators that attacked theirherdanimals.Heknew these twogirls andwasconfidenttheyhadtheabilityandthecouragetocarryoutthemissiontheyhadtakenon.Andhiscommentaboutfeelingasenseofcomfortattheprospectofarelievingforcewas the truth. Selethen, like the others, knew that they could not simply occupy thisdefensive position indefinitely once the snows melted. Arisaka would eventually bevictorious,bydintofhisoverwhelmingnumbers.

‘Yeah…well…maybe,’ Horace said. He was a little surprised that Selethen wassupportingthegirls.WilllookedatHalt.

‘Whatdoyouthinkaboutthis,Halt?Areyoureallygoingtoletthemgo?’

Atthewords‘letthem’bothgirlsbristledwithindignation.ButHaltheldupahandandtheyheldtheirpeaceforthemoment.

‘Ican’tsayI’mhappyaboutit,’hebeganandWillnoddedknowingly,gladtoseethathismentorwasinagreementwithhimandHorace.ButHalt’snextwordswipedoutanysenseofsatisfactionhemightbefeeling.

‘ButIwasn’thappyinArridawhenyouwentoffsearchingforTug,’hesaid.Hisgazemoved around to include Horace. ‘Nor when I heard you two had assaulted CastleMacindawwithjustthirtymen.’

‘Thirty-three,’mumbledHorace.HewasbeginningtoseewhereHaltwasheading.

TheRangergavehimawitheringlook.‘Oh,pardonme…Thirty-threemen.Thatmakesalotofdifference.Look,weliveinadangerousworld,andbothEvanlynandAlysshavedecidedtheywanttodomorethansitbyandwatchwhilewemenfolktakecareofthem.

‘They don’t want to be spectators. They’re courageous and imaginative andadventurous. That’s why you like them. They fit into the world you’ve chosen foryourselves.Ifyou’dwantedapairofsilly,primpingmaidenswhoaregoodfornothingbutgossipandneedlepoint,thereareplentyofthosearound.ButIdoubtthey’dinterestyou.’

Hepaused,watchingtoseeifhiswordshadsunkin.Slowly,WillandHoracebegantonodagreementwithwhathe’dsaid.Halthimselfhadcometotermswithallthesepoints

manyyearsago,whenhehadfalleninlovewithLadyPauline.He’dhadtoacceptthatshewould fulfil thedutiesofaCourier–whichwould inevitably takeher intoharm’sway.Andhehadtotrustinherabilitytolookafterherself–asshehadlearnedtotrustinhis.

‘Now,whatSelethen says is true.Weare going to needhelp in the spring.We can’tsimplysitbehindthepalisadeandhopetoholdArisakaoffforever.Andtheonlyavailablesourceofthathelpliesacrossthelake,withtheHasanu.Isthatright,LordShigeru?’

The Emperor nodded.He had been following the discussionwith great interest. Theeveningshe’dspenttalkingwithEvanlynhadshownhertobeayoungladyofremarkablecourageanddetermination.Andshewashighly intelligentandarticulate–qualities thatwouldbenecessaryifsheweregoingtocarryhisrequestforhelptoLordNimatsu.

‘LordNimatsuhastheonlyviableforcethatcanhelpusdefeatArisaka,’hesaid.

‘ThenitmakessenseforEvanlynandAlysstoenlisthisaid,’Haltfinished,eyeingthetwoyoungmen.

‘Iknowallthat,’Horacereplied.‘ButIcan’thelpfeeling–’

Hegotnofurther.Alyssinterruptedhim.

‘Stop feeling,Horace, and start thinking! Let’s face it,when it comes to straight-outbattle,youhaveanadvantageoverus.Rightorwrong,youmenarephysicallystrongerthanweare.That’safactofnature,andphysicalstrengthplaysabigroleinclosecombat.IcouldworkonmyskillswiththesabretillIwasblueintheface.ButevenifIwereasfastandasskilledasyou,Horace,youwouldstillbestrongerthanme.That’sthewayofthings.AndIknowEvanlynmightknockoneortwo,orevenadozen,oftheenemyoverwithhersling.Butoncetheycametoclosequarters,she’dbeintrouble.’

‘Thisisourchancetodosomethingconstructiveinthiswar!’Evanlynsaid,takingupthe theme. ‘Our chance to contribute! And if we do it, we don’t weaken your forces.That’sthebeautyofAlyss’skayak.Ifwetravelledoverlandwe’dneedsomeoftheKikoritocomewithusasguidesandbodyguard.Butonthelake,whocantouchus?’

TherewasalongsilencewhileHoraceandWilldigestedallofthis.Intheirhearts,theyknewthatHaltandthegirlswereright.Theplanwaslogicalandwellthoughtout–evendown to the detail that Evanlyn had just pointed out. Travelling across the lake, theywouldn’tneedtheservicesofanyoftheKikori.Itwasjustthat…

‘I’llworryaboutyou,’Willsaid,lookingintoAlyss’seyes.Shesmiledathimandtookhishandinhers.

‘Well,ofcourseyouwill.I’dhopeyouwould.JustasI’llworryaboutyou,trappedherewithhundredsofArisaka’smenbayingforyourblood.JustasIworriedaboutyouwhenyouwereinHibernia.OrinArrida.Oronanyofyourothermissions.OfcourseIworryaboutyou.ButInevertriedtostopyougoing,didI?’

‘No,’Willagreedreluctantly.‘But…’

Alysshelduponefingerinwarning.‘Don’tdaresay“thisisdifferent”,’shesaidandheclosedhismouthhurriedly.Selethengavevent toadeepchuckleand theyall turned tolookathim.

‘Agood tacticianalwaysknowswhen to retreat fromanuntenableposition,Will,’hesaid.TheyoungRangergrinnedreluctantly.

Evanlyn turned toHorace. ‘Whataboutyou,Horace?Willyouworryaboutme?’ shesaid,asmilelurkingbehindherlips.

Horacewentredinthefaceandshuffledhisfeet.Hedidn’tmeethergaze.

‘Ah…well…yes.Of course.AndAlyss too, of course.Both of you. I’llworry aboutbothofyou.’

Evanlynturnedtotheothersandshrugged.‘Iguessthat’sallagirlcanexpectfromastrong,silenttypelikehim.’

‘I’mgladthat’ssettled,’Haltsaid.‘Now,downtodetails.Whendoyouplantoleave?’

‘Wethoughttomorrow,’EvanlynsaidandAlyssnoddedassent.

‘Tomorrow!’WillandHoracechorusedinsurprise.Alleyesturnedtothem.

‘Imean,isn’tthatrushingitalittle?Whygososoon?’Willaddeduncertainly.

Alyssshrugged.‘Whywait?Theweatherwillonlygetworse.Andthesoonerwego,thesoonerwe’llbeback.’

‘That’strue,Isuppose.But…tomorrow?’Sofar,they’dbeendiscussingtheconceptofthegirls’leaving.Butnowtherewasarealityandanimmediacytothewholething.

Haltdroppedahandonhisshoulder.‘Bestgetusedtoit,Will.Ifyou’reinvolvedwithaCourier.’Hepaused and then includedEvanlyn. ‘Or amadcapprincess…’He favouredherwithafaintsmilesoshewouldn’ttakeoffence.‘Thisisnotgoingtobethelasttimeyouseethemoffonsomehare-brainedscheme.’

Foramoment,hestudiedthetwogirls.Hehadtoadmittoacertainproprietorialfeelingaboutthem.Alysswashiswife’sprotégéeandhe’dwatchedhergrowintoaresourcefulandcourageousyoungwoman.Will’saccountofherstrengthofpurposeandhercoolnessunderpressureduringthesiegeofCastleMacindawhadconfirmedhisfavourableopinionofher.AsforEvanlyn,he’dwatchedherinaction,battlingtheTemujairidersinSkandiaandtheTualaghibanditsinthedesert.Therewasnoquestionofhercourageorherability.They would make a good team, he thought. And if they could overcome the residualjealousythatstillexistedbetweenthem,theywouldbeformidable.Perhapsthistripwouldhelpthemdothat.

‘I’llcomposealetterforyoutotaketoLordNimatsu,’ShigerusaidtoEvanlyn.‘Andtonight,I’llaskmyservantstoprepareasuitablefarewellmealforyouboth.’

‘Soundsgood,’Evanlynsaidcheerfully.‘Whatwillwebehaving?’

Shigeru smiled at her. ‘The same hard rations we have every night,’ he said. ‘Buttonight,thetablesettingwillbeexquisite.’

Haltlookedaroundthegroup,satisfiedthatthematterhadbeensettledandthatHoraceandWillrealisedtheneedforthegirlstocontributetothecampaign,andthevalueintheirdoingso.Buttherewassomethingelsethathadbeenonhismindforsometimenow.Hecaught Selethen’s gaze. The Arridi saw the challenge in the Ranger’s eye and smiled,

knowingwhatwascoming.

‘Tomorrowitisthen,’Haltsaid.‘ButbeforeAlyssandEvanlynleave,Ithinkwe’dallliketoseewhatSelethenandWillhavebeenuptothesepastweeks.’

‘It’s a little early to be showing you this,’Will said, as he led the curious party uphilltowardsasecludedcornerofthevalley.‘Sofar,weonlyhaveequipmentfortenmen.Theothershavetotakeitinturntotrainandpractise.’

‘Practisewhat?’EvanlynaskedbutHaltsignalledhertowait.

They stopped at a point where a grove of trees screened a smaller gully. Will andSelethenushered them forward and they came to a flat sectionof land, fortymetresbytwenty.

Horacepointedtoalineoffascines–bundlesoflightbranchestiedtogether,eachaboutthesizeofaman–standingatthefarendofthegully.

‘Whatarethey?’

Willgrinnedathim.‘They’retheenemy.’HelookedatSelethen.‘Doyouwanttotakeover?’

TheArridiwarriorshruggeddeferentially.‘Itwasyouridea.I’mjustanassistant.’

Willnodded,gatheredhisthoughtsforasecond,thenproceeded.

‘IgottheinklingsofthisideawhenwefirstarrivedhereandIsawtheKikoriatwork.Theirgroupdisciplinewasexcellent.’

Shigerunodded.‘Ithastobe.Timbercuttingisadangerousbusiness.’

‘Exactly,’Will said. ‘Then Horace, I think, said that the Senshi, with their years oftraining,excelledatindividualcombat.Howoneonone,theyweregenerallysuperiortoourAraluanwarriors.’HeglancedaquestionatHorace,whoalsonodded.

Halt settledback, leaningcomfortablyagainsta rock, smilingathis formerpupil.Hethought he could seewhere thiswas heading, but hewasn’t sure howWill planned toachieveit.

‘Nowallofthisrangabellinmymemory.I’dheardthissortofthingbefore.Itdrovememadforafewdays,thenIrememberedwhereithadbeen.’HepausedandHalt’ssmilewidened as the others unconsciously leaned forward, waiting for him to continue. Hisyoungpupilcouldn’tresisttheopportunityforalittledrama.

‘IrecalledGeneralSapristisayingmuchthesamethings.’

‘Generalwho?’Horaceasked,totallypuzzled.

‘HewasageneralinToscanawhoarrangedademonstrationoftheirfightingmethods

for us,’Will explained. ‘The Toscan legions have developed a system of fighting as ateam.It’ssimple,sothere’snoneedforthemtolearnorpractisecomplexswordplay.Theyjusthavetojabandstabandshove.Thesecretis,theyallworktogether.’Hepaused.HisthroatwasalittledrywithallthistalkingandhegesturedforSelethentotakeupthestory.

‘As the general told us, individually his legionnaires would be no match for expertwarriors. Their strength lies in their teamwork, and their equipment.’ Selethen paused,thenturnedandcalledoutanorder.

‘Kikori!Showyourselves!’

He andWill had sent amessenger ahead to let the trainees know theywere coming.Now, on his command, a file of ten Kikori trotted out from behind a pile of bouldershalfwayupthevalley.

ButtheywereequippedasnoKikorihadeverbeenequippedbefore.Shigerustaredatthem,fascinated.

Eachmancarriedalongrectangularshield.Itwasslightlycurvedandmadeofwood,reinforced at the top and sideswith strips of iron. In the centre, a plate-sized ironbossprotruded. Themen alsowore hard leather breastplates and leather helmets. These tooweretrimmedwithironstrips,forextraprotection.Astheyran,movingatasteadyjog,theyheldlongwoodenjavelinsslopedovertheirshoulders.

Horacemoved forward to lookmore closely. ‘They’re pretty primitive,’ he said.Thejavelinswereroughlytrimmedwoodenstocks,aboutametreandahalflong,eachwithanironrodboundtoit,protrudingsomefiftycentimetrespastthewoodenstock.Theironrodendedinabarbedpoint.

‘They don’t need to be anythingmore than that,’Will told him. ‘Selethen, will youconductthedrill,please?’Heturnedtotheothers.‘Let’smovedownalittle,totheside.You’llbeabletoseebetter.’

Heledthewaytoasmallrockoutcrophalfwaydownthegully.SelethenkeptthetenKikori in a line,waiting expectantly.Whenhis companionswere settled,Will called toSelethen.

‘Enemysighted!’

‘Battle formation!’Selethenbarked the command. Instantly, every secondman in thelinetooktwopacesbackwards.Thenbothlinesclosedup,sothatwheretherehadbeentenmeninoneline,therewerenowtworanksoffive.Themovementwasaccomplishedinseconds.

‘Forward!’Selethen commanded.The two ranks steppedoff together, pacing steadilyforward,withtheKikoriontherightendofthesecondrankcallingtime.

‘Impressive,’saidHoracesoftly.

Willglancedquicklyathim.‘AsIsaid,theirsenseofdisciplineisexcellent.Theypickupthesedrillsquickly.’ThenhelookedawayandshoutedtoSelethenagain.

‘Enemyarchers!’

‘Halt!’criedSelethen.ThesteadilyadvancingKikoricrashedtoastop.

HaltrememberedWill’sphraseatthedisplayinToscana:Acloudofdustandalineofstatues.GeneralSapristiwouldhavebeenimpressed,hethought.

‘Kamé!’Selethenordered.

TheEmperorleanedbackandlookedatWill,alittleconfused.‘Tortoise?’

ButWill gestured towards the ten trainees.The front rankhad raised their shields tohead height,while the second rank held theirs higher, parallel to the ground, the edgesoverlappingthetopsofthefrontrank’sshields.Thetenmenwerenowprotectedfromthefrontandabovebyanuninterruptedcarapace.

‘Ah…yes.Tortoise.Isee,’Shigerusaidthoughtfully.

‘Kamé down!’ Selethen ordered and the shields came back to their original position.‘Frontrank,yari!’

Nowthefrontranktookalargepaceforward.Thementurnedsideon,reversedtheirgripsontheroughjavelinsand,asone,leanedtheirweightontotheirrightfeet,thelongweaponsgoingbackovertheirrightshoulders,pointingupatathirty-degreeangle.

‘Throw!’

They released as one, each man putting the strength and power of his entire bodybehindthecast.Theweaponssailedhigh,thenarceddownastheweightoftheirontipstookeffect.Threeofthefascineswerestruckandknockedtotheground,whiletheothertwojavelinsboundedandslitheredharmlesslypastthem.Already,Selethenwasorderingthesecondrankforward.Theymovedthroughthefirstrankandrepeatedthesequenceofmovements.Another five javelins soaredacross the shortdistance.Another fascinewashit.

‘Imaginethat,butwithfiftyjavelinseachtimeinsteadofone,’Willsaid.

Horacenoddedthoughtfully.Abarrageoffiftyof thoserough-lookingweaponscouldbedevastatingtoanopposingforce.Hismilitarymindhadseenthevalueofthesoftirontips – understanding how a warrior, even lightly wounded, would be impeded by thedraggingweightofthejavelin.

‘Butnowtheyareunarmed,’Shigerusaid.Hehadbeenlookingcarefully,butcouldseenosignofthelongkatanathatweretheprincipalweaponoftheSenshi.Nosoonerhadhesaidthewordsthanheheardthescrapingrattleofbladesbeingdrawn.HesawnowthateachoftheKikoriwasarmedwithashortweapon.

‘Isshoni!’Selethencalled.Thetworanksbegantoadvance,shieldslockedtogether.

‘Isshoni!’Theshoutwasechoedfromtenthroats,thenrepeatedastheymovedsteadilyforward.

WilllookedattheEmperor.‘We’reusingNihon-Janforthemoreimportantcommands,’heexplained.‘Lesschanceofmisunderstandingthatway.’

‘Appropriate,’Shigeruanswered.

Evanlyncockedherheadtoonesidecuriously.‘Whatdoes“isshoni”mean?’

‘Together,’Alysstoldher.

‘It’s their battle cry,’Will said. ‘It reminds them of how they fight – as a team.’HecuppedhishandsandcalledtoSelethen.‘Bringthemtowardsus!’

TheArridiwavedacknowledgementandcalledanorder.Theleft-handmarkeroneachrank began to march in place while his comrades wheeled to the left in a steady, co-ordinatedmovement.

Horacewhistledsoftly.‘Theymighthavebeenborntodothis.’

NowthetworankswerefacingthespectatorsandSelethencalledanothersequenceoforders.Thewheelingmovementstoppedandtheformation,stillintact,begantoadvanceagain.Shigeruandtheotherscouldseethevalueofthelargeshields.Thementhemselveswerevirtuallyinvisible,onlythetopsoftheirhelmetsshowingabovethewallofshields.

Therewasnothing for a swordsman toengage, theEmperor realised.Butdartingoutfromnarrowgapsbetweentheshields,hecouldseetheshortweaponstheKikoricarried,flickeringlikesomanysnakes’tongues.

‘Howcantheysee?’heasked.

Will smiled. ‘Not verywell. Their commander controls the direction of the advance.Buttheystabatanythingthatcomesintosightthroughthegapsintheshields.Arms,legs,bodies.It’sjuststabandmoveforward,stabandmoveforward.Wedon’tteachthemanyofthesortofsweeping,scythingstrokesthattheSenshiuse.Theydon’tneedtolearnanycomplextechniques.Juststabquicklyandwithdrawtheweaponimmediately.IfaSenshiwarriorattacksoneofthem,he’sconfrontedbyahugeshield.Andifhepressestheattack,themannexttohisopponentwillprobablystabhimashedoesso.’

‘Wheredidtheirswordscomefrom?’Haltasked.

‘SomeofthemaretheshortswordscarriedbytheSenshikilledatRiversideVillageoratthepalisade.Therestarecut-downspears,withtheshaftsreinforcedwithironstrips.’

‘Butagoodkatanawillsheareasilythroughironlikethat,’Shigeruprotested.

Will conceded the point. ‘Admittedly. That’s why each man will carry two reserveswords.But they’re not using their short swords to parry or block the Senshi’s katana.That’swhattheshieldsarefor.Andifakatanacutsintotheironandwoodofashield,itsownercouldfindhimselfintrouble.’

‘Idon’tunderstand.’TheEmperorfrowned.

ButHoracehadseenthetruthofwhatWillsaid.Infact,he’dusedthesameideaasatacticintimespast.

‘Ifthekatanacutsintotheshield,itwillbejammedforafewsecondswhileitsownergetsitfree.Andinthattime,he’llhavetwoorthreeKikoristabbingathim.Hestandstoloseeitherhisswordorhislife.’

‘Yes.’TheEmperorfingeredhischinthoughtfully.Hehadtoadmitthatthisdisplaywasalittleunnerving.HewasraisedintheSenshitraditionand,egalitarianashemightbe,itwas unsettling to see that two foreigners had so quickly devised a way to counteractSenshitechniques.

WillhelduphishandnowandSelethencalled the troop toahalt.Anothercommand

and,asone, theygrounded theirshieldsandbowedto theirEmperor.Shigerurosefromwherehehadbeenseatedontherockandboweddeeply inreturn.Hisqualmsofafewminutes ago were gone. These were his people, just as much as the Senshi were, herealised. Theywerewilling to fight for him, and to learn newways of doing so. Theydeservedhisrespectandloyalty.

WillsliddownfromtherockandwalkedamongtheKikoritroops,slappingthemontheshoulderandofferingwordsofcongratulationtothemashewent.ThenheandSelethendismissedthemandrejoinedtheothers.

‘We’vegotthreemonths,’hesaidtoHalt.‘Weplantotrainandequiptwohundredmeninthesetechniques.’

Haltnodded.‘Withtwocenturiesoftrainedmen,youcouldgiveArisakaaverynastysurpriseindeed.Welldone,Will.Andyoutoo,Selethen.’

TheArridi bowedandmadehis traditional greetinggesture. ‘As I said, itwasWill’sidea,’hereplied.‘Butlikeyou,Ithinkitwillbeveryeffective.’

Horace dropped an arm overWill’s shoulder and shook his head. His slightly builtfriendneverceasedtoamazehim.

‘Youseemtohaveahabitofcreatingarmiesoutofnowhere,’hesaid.‘Pitytherearen’tahundredAraluanslaveshereyoucouldtrainasarchers.’HewasreferringtothepotentforceofarchersWillhadformedtofighttheTemujaiarmy.‘Onething,’headdedwithaslight frown. ‘You’re going to need a lot of iron for helmets and shields and stabbingswords.Whereareyougoingtofindit?’

‘Wehave italready.’Willgrinned. ‘TheKikorimetalworkersarebusymeltingdownthecacheofoldweaponsyoudiscovered.Wedon’tneedfinely temperedsteelandtheyshoulddothejobnicely.’

‘Iwonder,’saidHorace,‘ifI’lleveraskaquestionyoucan’tanswer.’

Willconsideredtheideaforasecondortwo,thenshookhishead.

‘Ishouldn’tthinkso.’

EvanlynspunslowlyontheendoftheropeastheteamofKikoriabovehergraduallypaidoutline,allowinghertodescend.

Shewashanginginspace,severalmetresclearofthecliffface.Butafewmetresbelowher,a largeoutcropof rockbulgedout,barring theway.Asshe turnedback to face thecliffoncemore,thewaitingKikoriletoutafewmoremetresofropeuntilherfeettouchedtherock.Bracingherfeetagainst it,shewalkedherselfbackwardsdownthecliff,usingherlegsandfeettokeepherclearasthemenabovecontinuedtolowerher.Thenshewaspasttheoutcropandslowlyspinninginspaceagainasshedescended.

‘You’renearlyhere,’Alysscalled frombelow.Evanlyn lookedoverher shoulderandcouldseetheCourierwaitingatthefootofthecliff,barelyfifteenmetresbelowher.Shelookedbackuptowheretheropenowslidovertherockoutcrop.Toomuchofthatandtheropewould fray and eventually break, she thought.But the rockwas smooth and therewasn’tfar togo.Shefeltherfeet touchsolidground,andAlyss’shandonherelbowtosteadyher.Theropewentslackandsheletoutahugesighofrelief.Shehadn’trealisedshe’dbeenholdingherbreath.Herlegswerea littleunsteady,areactiontothefact thatshehadbeendanglinginspaceoveranenormousdrop,likeaspideronastrandofweb.AlysshurriedtohelpfreeherfromtheharnessofropethattheKikorihadcreatedtoholdhersafelywhiletheyloweredherdownthecliffface.

‘I’mgladthat’sover,’Evanlynsaid.

Alyssnoddedinheartfeltagreement.‘Ifthere’sonethingthatterrifiesme,it’sheights.’

Evanlynlookedatherinsurprise.‘Butyouvolunteeredtogofirst.’

‘OnlybecauseIthoughtifIwatchedyougo,I’dneverhavethenervetofollow.Ispentmostofthetimewithmyeyesshuttight.’

TheycastloosethelastoftheropethathadbeentiedaroundEvanlyn,andAlysstuggedhard on it four times – a prearranged signal to tell theKikori above that Evanlynwassafely at thebottomof the cliff.The rope suddenlybegan a rapid ascentwhile the twogirlstookstockoftheirsituation.

Thecliffswereovertwohundredandfiftymetreshighandtheyhadmadethedescentin threestages,with theKikoriclimberschoosingsuitablestagingpointsalongtheway.At eachpoint, a climberhadwaitedwithAlyss andEvanlynwhile the restof the teamdescended,thenthegirlswerelowereddownthenextstage.Thekayak,tiedinanarrowbundle, layontherocksbeside them.Oneof theKikorihadmadethefinalstageof thedescentwith it, guiding it past theobstructionof the rockoutcrop anduntying it at the

bottom.Hehadthenclimbedswiftlybackup,aidedbyhiscompanionshaulinginontherope,toreportthatallwaswell.

Afewmetresaway,thewatersofMizu-UmiBakudailappedgentlyagainsttheshore.Evanlynwasrelievedtoseethatthewaterwascalm.Thedayhadbeensufficientlyhair-raising,shethought,withouttheaddedcomplicationofroughwaterforherinitiationintotheartofkayaking.

‘Iguesswe’dbetterstartgettingtheboatassembled,’shesaid.ButbeforeAlysscouldreply, a small shower of pebbles rattled off the rock outcrop above them. They bothcoveredtheirheadsagainstanystraypebblesthatmightcomedown,thenlookedupasapairofbootsappearedover theedgeof therock.TheKikoriwhohadmadethedescentcalled for his companions to stop lowering. He braced himself out from the rock andslipped a pad of sheepskin between the rope and the rock face. Obviously, he sharedEvanlyn’s earlier thought about the rope fraying. Then he signalled and the loweringrecommenced.Hedroppedquicklytotherocksbesidethem,thenlookedup,grinning.

‘Youcamedownfasterthanwedid,Eiko,’Evanlynsaid.

Heshrugged.‘Dothismanytimes,’hetoldthem.

Thegirls noticed that hehaddisdained touse theharness arrangement that hadbeendevisedforthem.Hehadsimplytiedaloopattheendoftheropeandplacedonefootinitastheothersloweredhim.Alyssshudderedatthethought.

Eikohadtheirtravelpacksoverhisshoulderandheunslungthemandsetthemonthegroundbesidethebundleoftimberandoilskin.Hegesturedtoit.

‘Youneedhelp?’

Alyssshookherhead.‘Weshouldgetusedtoassemblingitourselves.’

Henoddedandstoodback,watchingastheyquicklyunrolledthebundle,arrangedtheframesandribs,thenfastenedandbracedthetimberssothattheskeletonoftheboattookshape.

Astheybegantostretchtheoilskincoverovertheframe,strainingagainstthelacingtobringittight,hemadeaclickingnoisewithhistongueandstoppedthem.

‘Betterthisway!’hesaid.Removingtheretainingpins,heslidoneofthemainframessideways,relaxingthetensionsothattheribsoftheboatcollapsedslightly.

‘Tienow,’hesaid,accompanyingthewordwithgestures.‘Thentightenribsagain.’

The girls quickly grasped the idea.They stretched the oilskin tight over the partiallycollapsedboat, lacing it firmly inplace, then straightened the frame, levering it into itsoriginalposition,so thatanyremainingslack in theskinof theboatwasnowtensionedout.

‘Goodthinking,’Alysssaidappreciatively.‘Thatmakesitmucheasier.’

‘Yes.IwasafraidIwasgoingtobreakafingernail,’Evanlynadded.

Alysslookedupathersharply,abouttomakeadisparagingremark,whensherealisedtheprincesswasjoking.Feelingalittlefoolish,shebentherheadtothetaskoffastening

the lastof the laces.When the lastknotwas tied, they steppedbackandsurveyed theirhandiwork.

‘Excellent,’saidAlyss.

Evanlynnodded.‘You’dalmostswearitwasaboat.’

Thistime,Alyssdidn’treact.ShehadafeelingthatEvanlyn’sjokeswereintendedtoconcealhernervousnessaboutventuringacrossthelakeinthisseeminglyfrailcraft.Alysscould understand that. But she also knew that the kayak was far more robust andseaworthythanitlooked.

Thetwodouble-endedpaddleshadbeentiedintheoriginalbundleandshepickedthemupandcarriedthemthefewmetrestothewater’sedge.Whenshereturned,shesawthatEiko had been busy, blowing up the two pigskin air-bladders that served as buoyancychambersincasetheboatwasswampedinheavyweather.Theypushedthemintothebowand stern of the kayak,wedging them in place between the stringers, then stowed theirtravelpacksintothespacebetweenthetwoseats,fasteninganoilskincoveroverthemtokeepthemdry.

‘Right,’saidAlyss.‘Grabanendandlet’sgo.’

ThegirlsstoopedtopickuptheboatbutEikowavedthemback.Heliftediteasilyontohiship,balancingitthere,andsmiledatthem.

‘Eiko,’Evanlynsaid,‘wetoldyou.Wehaveto–’

‘Yes,yes!’hesaid,wavinghisfreehanddisdainfully.‘Youhavetodoyourselves.Youcandotomorrowandtomorrowandtomorrow.Idotoday.’

AlyssandEvanlynexchangedalook.ThenAlyssshrugged.

‘Whynot?’shesaid. ‘Afterall,wecando it tomorrowand tomorrowand tomorrow.’Shebowedandsweptonehandtowardstheedgeofthelake.‘Eiko,myfriend,afteryou.’

Grinning,theKikoristrodetowardsthelake,thetwogirlsfollowing.Hesetthekayakdownintheshallowwateratthelake’sedge,leavingithalfinandhalfoutofthewater.Thetwogirlslookedoutoverthewideexpanseofwater.Fromtheclifftop,theyhadbeenabletoseethefarshore,along,longwayaway.Fromwaterlevel,therewasnosignofit.Theymighthavebeenattheedgeofanocean.

‘It’scertainlyabiglake,’Evanlynsaidquietly.ShelookedupatEiko.‘Eiko,whatdoes“Mizu-UmiBakudai”mean?’

Thestockilybuilttimberworkerfrowneduncertainly.‘Itmeans“Mizu-UmiBakudai”,’hesaid.Evanlynmadeanimpatientgesture.

‘Yes.Yes.Obviously.Butwhatdothosewordsmean?’

AlysscoughedandEvanlyn turned toher.TheCourierwasrepressingasmile. ‘Theymean“BigLake”,’shesaid.

EikonoddedcheerfullyandEvanlynfelthercheekscolouring.‘Oh,ofcourse.Logical,Isuppose.’

‘TheNihon-Janhaveapenchant for literalplacenames, I’venoticed,’Alyss toldher.

Then,briskly,shedustedherhandsoffandstoopedtothekayak,shovingitfullyintotheshallowwater.‘Let’schecktheboatforleaks.’

Thewaterwasonlyafewcentimetresdeepattheshorebutthebankshelvedsteeplysothat, after two or threemetres, itwas half ametre deep. From there, it rapidly becamedeeper and the sand and stone bottom, easily visible close in, became lost from sight.Alysswadedin,reactingtotheshockoftheicywater.

‘Ow!That’scold!Makesureyoudon’ttipusover,Evanlyn.’

‘Make sure yourself,’ Evanlyn replied crisply. But secretly, she knew that if anyoneweregoing to tip theboat, itwouldbeher.Shewent tostep into thewater tohelp,butAlysswavedherback.

‘Eiko can helpme.He’s heavier.’ She turned to theKikori and gestured to the boat.‘Pushitdownasfarasyoucan,please,Eiko.’

Henoddedhisunderstandingandwadedinbesideher.Reachingdown,hebracedhishandsagainstthegunwaleribsandleanedhisweightontotheboat.ThehullsankdeeperintothewaterunderhisweightandAlyssleanedin,searchingupanddownitslengthforanysignofwatercomingin.Butthetightoilskincreatedanexcellentwater-tightbarrierandtherewasnosignofaleak.

‘That’s great,’Alyss said, straightening. She beckoned to Evanlyn. ‘Okay, grab yourpaddleandcomeandgetaboard.Takethefrontseat.ThatwayIcankeepaneyeonyou.’

EikomovedquicklytowardsEvanlyn,gesturingtoindicatethathewouldliftherintotheboat,butAlyssstoppedhim.

‘No,Eiko.Better if she gets used to doing itwithout help.Getting in can be a littletricky,’sheexplainedtoEvanlyn.Theothergirlnoddedand,paddleinhand,wadedintothewater.She,too,caughtherbreathattheicytouchofthelake.

‘Icanseewhyyoudon’twant to tipover in this.’Movingawkwardly,sheraisedonedripping wet foot and went to step over the kayak, planning to straddle it. But Alyssstoppedher.

‘Not thatway.Turnyourback to itandgetyourbehind in first.Sit insidewayswithyourbacksideontheseat.Thatgetsthegreaterpartofyourbodyweightinsidetheboat,withonlyyourlegstofollow.’

Carefully,Evanlyn loweredherself backwardsonto thewooden seat.Theboat tippedandshetensednervously.ButAlysshelditsteady.

‘I’vegotit.Loosenup.Nowliftyourfeetandswingthemintotheboat.Putthemontheribsorthefootrestinfrontofyourseat,nottheoilskin,’sheadded.‘Don’teverputweightonthat.’

Evanlynlookedupather.‘Anyotherblindinglyobviousadviceyou’vegotforme?’sheaskedsarcasticallyandAlyssshrugged.

‘Neverhurtstobesure,’shesaid.ShewaitedasEvanlynswungherlegsandfeetintotheboat,settlingherselfinplace.ThenAlyssreleasedherholdonthesternandmovedtothesideofthekayak.Eikosteppedforwardtoholdtheboatsteadyasshehadbeendoing

butshewavedhimaway.

‘I’m fine,’ she said. She handed her paddle to Evanlyn, who was waiting, a littleanxiously.‘Evanlyn,theboatisgoingtorockwhenIgetin.Boatsdothat.It’sperfectlynormal.Don’t try to counteract it. It’ll recover itself. Justkeepyourweight central andkeepyourbodyloose,okay?’

Evanlyn,tenseasafiddlestring,noddedacknowledgement.

Movingquicklyandsmoothly,Alysssettledherweightintotherearseatandswungherlegs inboard.Theboat rockedunder herweight – violently, it seemed toEvanlyn,whocouldn’t help emitting a small squawk of alarm.Then it steadied and she realised theywerefloating,driftingclearofthebankandthespotwhereEikostood,kneedeepinthewater.Hegrinnedencouraginglyat themandwaved.Thetinywaveletsmadeaconstantpok-pok sound against the tight skin of the kayak and, for the second time that day,Evanlynletgoabreathshehadn’trealisedshewasholding.

‘Okay,handmethatpaddle,’sheheardAlysssayandsheturnedawkwardlytohandthepaddlebacktohercompanion.Asshedidso,theboatlurchedandsheinstantlytenseduponcemore,turningquicklybacktofacethebow.

‘Relax,’Alysstoldher.‘Justgowithit–thewayyouwouldonahorse.Ifyousuddenlygorigid,you’llfindithardertokeepbalancedandrelaxed.Nowlet’strywiththatpaddleagain.Andseeifyoucanavoiddroppingitoverboard.’

Thistime,Evanlynslidthepaddlebehindherwithoutturning.SheheardaslightgruntofpainasthebladecaughtAlyssintheribs.

‘Thankyouforthat,’theCouriersaid.

‘Sorry,’Evanlynreplied.Shehatedthefeelingofbeingoutofcontrol.

‘Now,let’sgetthisboatmoving,’Alysstoldher.‘Leftsidefirst.Paddlesmoothlyandslowly.Don’t try todotoomuch.Aboveall, trynot to throwwateralloverme.Onmycount.’

Evanlynraisedtheunfamiliarpaddle,waitingforAlysstocalltime.

‘Allright…leftsidefirst.One…andtwo…One…andtwo…that’sgood.Keepitgoing.Nice…and smooth. One and…Ow, damn it! If you splash me again I’ll throw youoverboard.Nowbecareful!’

Which,Evanlynthought,wasnowaytospeaktotheCrownPrincessofAraluen.

‘They’removingwell,’Horace said as the fiftyKikori trainees, in two extended ranks,advancedatasteadyjogacrossthedrillfield.

Selethenshoutedacommandandthemenattheleft-handendofeachrankstoppedinplace,stilljoggingintime,andturnedninetydegreestotheirleft.Thetwolineswentwiththem,thoseontheouterendofthearchavingtomovefasterthantheonesclosertothepivotingpoint.Forafewseconds,therankswaveredandcurved,losingtheirstraight-edgeprecision.Then theouter thirdof each linecameback intopositionand the rankswereproperlyformedagain.Assoonastheywere,anothercommandfromSelethensetthefiftymenjoggingforwardoncemore,nowmovingatninetydegreestotheiroriginalpath.Theentireevolutiontooklessthanthirtyseconds.

Willhadn’tanswered.Hehadbeenwatchingthemanoeuvrecarefully,lookingforanysignsofsloppinessorlackofprecision.Therehadbeennonethathecouldsee.Nowhelookedupathisfriendandgrinnedinreply.

‘Yes.Theirco-ordinationisfirst-rate.’

‘Iseeyou’vegotmoreweaponsforthemnow,’Horaceremarked.Theentirefrontrankwasnowequippedwith thebig, rectangularshieldsandcrude javelins.Eachmanin thefiftyworeseveraloftheshortstabbingweaponsathisside.

‘They’veallgot stabbingswordsnow.Mostof themhavemade theirownbycuttingdown their spears. And the wood and metal workers are delivering new shields andjavelinsallthetime.Soonwe’llhaveenoughtoequipafullhyaku.’

‘Hyaku?’Horaceasked.

‘It’sNihon-Janfor“onehundred”.That’sthestandardToscanfightingformation–onehundredmeninagroup.Theycallitacentury–threeranksofthirty-threemeneachplusacommander.’

‘Andhowmanyofthesehyakusdoyouplanonhaving?’

‘Ifiguretwo.It’dbenicetohavemorebutwejustdon’thavethemen.AndHaltsaysasmallforce,properlytrainedanddisciplined,canbeveryeffective.’

‘Thatmakessense,’Horacesaid.

Thetroophaltednowandthoseinthefrontrankpassedtheirjavelinsbacktothemenbehindthem.‘Wesharewhatwehave,’WillexplainedtoHorace.‘Sincesomuchofthetrainingdependsonmovingand turningasoneunit, itdoesn’tmatter ifnoteveryone isarmedyet.’

Asthetroopswaited,twentyoftheirfellowtraineesranontothedrillfield,andplaceddummywarriorfiguresinalinefacingthem,aboutfiftymetresaway.Oncethatwasdone,theyhurried from the field, andSelethengave theorder for his troops to advanceoncemore.

‘Kamé!’ Selethen shouted. Instantly, the front rank raised their shields above headheight,while the second rankmimed holding shields horizontally to form a roof. Thusprotected, they continued their steady advance, boots tramping in unisonon thepackedground. After a few seconds, Selethen called another order and their shields, real andimaginary, returned to the normalmarching position. The dummy enemy soldierswerenowamerefortymetresaway.

Another order fromSelethen saw the front rank continue tomarchwhile the secondrankhaltedanddrewbacktheirjavelins.Asone,oncommand,theyhurledtheweaponsovertheirmarchingcomrades,sendingthemarcingupandovertocomesmashingdowninto the lineof fascines fortymetresaway.Then theymarched indouble-time to regaintheirpositionbehindthefrontrank.Halfofthefascineshadbeenstruckbyjavelins.Somewere spilledoveron their sides,whileothers leaneddrunkenly, supportedby theheavyjavelinshaftsthatnowsaggedtotheground.

Selethenuppedthetempoandtheentirefiftymovedforwardatasteadyjog,stabbingblades flickeringmenacingly in the narrowgaps between the shields.As the front rankreachedthe‘enemy’line,thesecondrankinstantlycloseduptightbehindthem,shovingandaddingtheirweighttotheimpetusoftheleadingrank.

Finally, Selethen called a halt to the drill and the trainees relaxed, grounding theirshields.Therearrankmovedtocollectthejavelins.

‘Selethen’s doing a good job,’Horace said, as the tallArridimoved among themen,makingcomments to them,encouragingsome,praisingothers,offeringwordsofadviceandcorrectionwhereneeded.‘Willhecommandbothhyakus?’

‘No,’Willreplied.‘Theyneedtoworkindependently.That’ssomethingIwantedtotalktoyouabout.Willyoutakecommandofoneofthem?’

‘Me?’Horacesaid,alittlesurprised.‘Iassumedyou’dwanttocommandoneofthem.Afterall,it’syouridea.’ButWillwasshakinghishead.

‘Weneedtwogoodbattlefieldcommanders,’hesaid.‘You’rebetterat that thanIam.HaltandIcanstandoffandkeepanoverallviewofthings.We’llkeepShigeru’sSenshibackasareserveandsendtheminwhereverthey’reneeded.’

Horacecouldn’thelpagrin forming. ‘Ah,youRangers,’hesaid. ‘You love tobe thepuppetmasters,don’tyou?’

Willhesitated,abouttodenythejokingaccusation.Thenhespreadhishandsindefeat.

‘Well, yes. Actually, we do. But also, we’re better suited to long-distance fighting.You’retheclosecombatexpert.’

HoracehadtoadmitthatthepotentiallydevastatingeffectofWill’sandHalt’sarcherywouldbeavaluableresourcetohaveinreserve.

‘I’d be honoured to command one of the hyakus,’ he said. ‘I’ve been feeling prettyuseless lately, sittingaround inmycabindoingnothing.’Hepausedasa thought struckhim.‘I’llhavetolearnallthecommandsanddrills.’

‘That won’t take you long.We’ve kept it all pretty simple – no insult intended. It’ssomething Halt always says: Do a few simple things really well, instead of a lot ofcomplicatedmanoeuvresthatcangowrongintheheatofbattle.You’llpickitallupinadayorso.AndwithyouandSelethenbothworkingthemen,we’llgetthemtrainedinhalfthetime.’

Horacenodded.The thoughtofhaving somethingconstructive todowasa satisfyingone.Afterthetensionanddangeroftheflightthroughthemountains,thepastfewweeksof inactivitywhilehis injuredribshealedhad lefthimfeelingstaleandempty.Now,hefelt a sense of purpose oncemore.He slapped the hilt of his sword and frowned as heencounteredtheunfamiliarshapeofthekatanathathenowwore.

‘I’llhave todosomethingabout thissword,’hesaid. ‘Afteryearsof trainingwithanAraluancavalrysword,thisNihon-Jankatanajustdoesn’tfeelright.’

The opportunity to do so came sooner than he expected. After spending several morehourswithWillandSelethen,takingnotesofthedrillsandcommandsthathewouldneedtolearn,Horacereturnedtohiscabinthatafternoon.OneofShigeru’sretinuebroughthimfoodandhotteaandashesatdowntoenjoythemeal,themanbowed.

‘Kurokuma, his excellency requests that once you have eaten you should visit hiscabin.’

Horacewenttoriseimmediatelybutthemanwavedhimbackdown.

‘No!No!Hisexcellencysaidyoushouldenjoyyourmealfirst.Hewillwelcomeyouwheneveritisconvenienttoyou.’

Smiling,Horaceacknowledgedthemessageandsatdownagain.Withmostrulers,heknew, thewords‘whenever it isconvenient foryou’meant‘rightnow,andfiveminutesagoifyoucanmakeit’.WithShigeru,hehadcometolearn,theymeantexactlywhattheysaid.TheEmperorsetnostore inhavinghispeopledropeverything toattendhimonawhim.Itwasoneofthereasonswhyhisimmediatefollowerslovedhimasmuchastheydid.

Evenso,anEmperorwasanEmperorandHoracedidn’twasteanyunduetimefinishinghismeal.Oncehehadeatenandwashed,hedonnedhiswarmouter robe, tied the sasharounditandpushedthekatana in itsscabbard through thesash.Hisbootsweresittingreadyontheshelteredstepoutsidethecabinandhedonnedthemandsetoutthroughthefallingsnow.HowdifferentitallwastoAraluen,hethought.Andyet,insomanyways,itwas the same.This little encampment in themountains reflectedmanyof thevalueshehadlearnedinhishomekingdom.Friendshipandcomradeship,loyaltytoathoughtfulandconsiderate ruler.And,he reflected sadly, theever-presentproblemof thosewhowouldusurpthatrulerandseizepowerforthemselves.

His boots crunched in the dry snow as he made his way to Shigeru’s cabin. It wassomewhat grander than the others the Kikori had built. Shigeru had protested at this,

sayingheneedednothingmorethanhiscompanionshad.ButtheKikoriwerescandalisedbysuchasuggestion.HewastheirEmperorandthiswastheiropportunitytoshowhimhowmuchtheyreveredandrespectedhim.Consequently,Shigeru’scabinhadacoveredporchandtwointeriorrooms–onelargeroomwherehecouldmeetwithhisadvisersandasmallerroomwherehecouldretireinprivacy.

OneoftheSenshistoodguardontheporch.HesmiledandbowedingreetingashesawHoraceapproachingthroughthecurtainoffallingsnow.

‘Kurokuma!Goodafternoon.Hisexcellencyisexpectingyou.’

Pausingonlytorespondtotheman’sgreetingandtotakeoffhissnow-encrustedboots,Horacestoopedandenteredthroughthelowdoorway.Shigeruwasseated,cross-legged,on a reed mat on the floor. A small, but brightly glowing, charcoal brazier proved awelcomesourceofwarmthintheroom.TheEmperorhadafinebrushpeninhishandandaframeholdingastretchedpieceofricepaperacrosshisknee.HewaswritingthesameNihon-Jan ideogram on the paper, over and over again, striving each time for a betterrenditionoftheloopsandcarefulswirls.Helookedupandsmiled.

‘Ah,Kurokuma,pleasesitwithme.’Hegesturedtowardsalowstool.

Horacebowed,thensat.Heknewitwasnormallyabreachofetiquettetositinahigherposition than the Emperor. But Shigeru was aware that Araluans did not spend yearssittingwiththeirlegstuckedupunderthemand,asaconsequence,theirkneestendedtoburninprotestaftersomeminutes in thatposition.Itwasanotherexampleof theman’sconsiderationforhissubordinates,Horacethought.

‘Wouldyouliketea,Kurokuma?’

Horace,ofcourse,had justhad tea.Butheknewtherewasa rhythmandetiquette toNihon-Jansociety.Torefusewouldjarthatrhythm.

‘Thankyou,yourexcellency,’hesaid,bowingfromhissittingposition.Hefeltalittlesilly,sittingonhislowstoolwithhiskneesdrawnupinfrontofhim–ratherlikeagiantinachildren’splayroom.Shigeru,bycontrast,lookeddignifiedandbalanced,sittingbackonhisheels.

Aservant emerged from the inner roomand served themboth tea.Horace sippedhisgratefully. Even the short walk from his cabin to Shigeru’s had exposed him to theshiveringcoldinthevalleyandhefelttheheatoftheteafloodthroughhisbody.

‘Youwished to seeme, your excellency?’Hehad a vague notion thatGeorgewouldhavedisapprovedof suchabluntopening.Probably,he shouldhavecommentedon theEmperor’s calligraphy, admiring itwhileShigerumodestlypointedout itsmistakes andshortcomings.Buthewasintriguedtolearnthereasonforthesummons.Sincethebattleat thepalisade,acertain lackofactivityhadovercomethem.Therewasnourgentneedeach day for Shigeru to consultwith his advisers and theEmperor hadwithdrawn intohimselfalittle.HoraceknewthatShukin’sdeathweighedheavilyontheEmperoranditwas highly likely that Shigeru, sensitive and kindly as he was, also felt a deepresponsibilityforthefateofthosewhohadralliedtohisaid–theKikori,hisownSenshiand thegroupof foreignerswhohadarrivedandoffered their service. Itwouldbe littlewonderiftheEmperorhadretreatedoutofasenseofdepression.

These thoughts allwent throughHorace’smind.But theEmperor showedno signofdoubtoruncertainty.Hisexpressionwascalmandhisdemeanourwasserene.Hesmilednowattheyoungmansittingbeforehim,handsonhisknees.

‘Youhavebeenbusy,Kurokuma?’heasked.

Horace shrugged. ‘Not really, excellency. There has been little to do. But that willchange.Ihavebeenaskedtotakecommandofoneofthehyaku.’

‘Ah,yes.ThetroopsyourfriendWirru-sanistraining,’Shigerusaid.‘Tellme,doyouthinktheKikoriwillstandachanceagainstArisaka’sSenshi?’

Horacehesitated.Herecalledhisthoughtsatthedrillfield–howtheKikoriappearedasan inexorable force, advancing across the cleared ground behind the deadly shower ofjavelins.

‘Ithinktheycould,yourexcellency,’hesaid.‘Solongastheybelieveinthemselvesandkeeptheirnerve.ButallofWill’strainingandspecialtacticswillcometonothingiftheKikoridon’tbelievetheycanwin.’

‘Dotheybelievethis?’

Horaceshookhishead.‘Perhapsnotnow.Buttheywill.We’llmakethembelieveit.It’suptoustobuildthatspiritinthem.’

‘Ithoughtyoumightsaythat.Anditoccurstomethatifyouarefightingbesidethem,leading them in fact, youwill needa sword.’Shigerugestured to thehilt of thekatanawhereitprotrudedfromHorace’ssash.‘Howdoyoufindyourkatana?’

‘It’safineweapon,’Horacesaid,carefulnottooffend.‘Butitfeelsunfamiliartome.It’snotwhatI’vebeentrainedwith.’

‘Hmmm.Ithoughtthismightbeso.Awarriorneedstheweaponheknowsandtrusts.Inthatcase…’Shigeruturnedtowardsthesmallersideroom,wherehisservanthadretiredafterservingtea.

‘Tabai!Bringthesword!’

The servant entered again, carrying a long bundle wrapped in oilcloth. He went topresent it to theEmperor, but Shigeru clicked his tongue and pointed toHorace. Tabaiprofferedtheparceltotheyoungknight,whotookitcuriously.HeglancedupatShigeru.

‘I found it yesterday among Shukin’s baggage,’ the Emperor said. ‘I couldn’t bringmyself to go throughhis things any sooner and frankly, I had forgotten about this.’HegesturedforHoracetounwraptheparcel.

Horacecasttheoilskincoveraside,comingforwardontoonekneetoinspecttheparcelmoreclosely.Insidewasasword.Hissword,inafinelyoiledleatherscabbard.Theplainsteelcrosspiece,thebrasspommelandtheleatherbindingofthehiltwereallfamiliar.

‘But…this ismy sword!’he said, in amazement.The swordhadplunged into adeepravine,witharushingtorrentatitsbottom.Hecouldn’tconceivehowitcouldhavebeenrecovered.

‘Look more closely,’ Shigeru told him.When he did, Horace noted that the leather

binding on the hilt was fresh and new, unstained with the perspiration of a score ofencounters and hundreds of practice drills. Hewent to draw it from its scabbard, thenremembered that this was a gross breach of protocol in the Emperor’s presence. ButShigerugesturedforhimtogoahead.

ThebladezzzzingedclearofthescabbardandHoracehelditaloft,alittleconfused.Thebalancewasperfect–justasheremembered.Itcouldhavebeenhisoldsword.Butnowhe could see the blade itself, slightly blued, showed a repeating pattern of half circlesbeaten into thesteel thatappearedasaseriesofwavy lines. Itcaught thedim lightandgleamedashisoldswordhadneverdone.

‘ItwasShukin’sgifttoyou,’Shigeruexplained,andHoracerememberedShukintellinghimtolookforaparcelwhenhehadleftthemtodefendtheford.‘He“borrowed”yourswordonenightinthesummerlodgeandhadhisownswordsmithcopyitexactly.’

‘But…’Horacebegan,wonderingwhyShukinhadgonetosuchtrouble.

Shigeru,sensingwhatthequestionwasgoingtobe,heldupahandtoforestallit.

‘There is one difference. This blade isNihon-Jan steel –much harder than your oldswordandabletotakeamuchsharperedge.NowifyoufightagainsttheSenshi,youwilldosooneventerms.’

Theirfirstnighthadbeenuneventful,saveforEvanlyn’sgroansasshelayintheirsmalltent,tryingunsuccessfullytoeasethewavesofpainthatsweptthroughhershoulderandthighmuscles.SheandAlysshadpaddledforseveralhoursacrosstheplacidwatersofthelake, eventually landing on a small island.A quick scouting trip showed them that theislandwas uninhabited – itwas barelymore than a rock thrusting up out of thewater,dottedwith shrubs. They hadmade camp on a tiny sandy beach and settled in for thenight.

‘TherearemuscleshereIneverknewIhad,’EvanlyntoldAlyssthefollowingmorning.‘Andeveryoneofthemisburninglikefire.’

Evanlynwasfitandinexcellentphysicalcondition.Theactivelifesheledsawtothat.Buttheactionofpaddling,hourafterhour,hadherusingmusclesthatshenevernormallyputunderstrain.

Alyss, more used to the motion, was stiff herself. But she knew it was worse forEvanlyn.Still,shereasoned,therewasnothingtogainbyallowingtheprincesstowallowinmisery.Evanlyn’sconstantlowmoaningthroughthenighthadkeptAlyssawake,andthismorningshewasalittlesnappyaboutit.

‘You’llgetusedtoit,’shesaid.

Evanlynlookedathersharply,sawshe’dgetnosympathyfromthatquarterandsethermouthinagrimline,determinedtoshownofurthersignofdiscomfort.

Thewaterwasboilingonthefireandshetookthekettleoutofthecoalsandpoureditintoasmallmetalteapot,overtheleavesofgreenteathey’dbroughtwiththem.

‘Wishwehadcoffee,’shesaid.InhertravelswiththeRangers,she’dgrowntolikethebeveragenearlyasmuchas theydid.Shepassedacup toAlyss,whowasstudyinghermapofthelake,planningthenextstage.

‘Metoo,’Alyssrepliedabsentmindedly.Shesippedatthetea,enjoyingitswarmth,andspreadthemaponthesandbetweenthem.Itwasasimplechart.Therewas,afterall,littleto showonamapof the lake, aside from the islands that dotted its surface at irregularintervals.

‘Todaywillbea longday,’ she said. ‘Theclosest island tous iswayoverhere.’Shetappedthemap,indicatingalandmassmarkedintheexpanseofwater.

Evanlyn looked at it, compared the distance to it to the distance they had alreadytravelled,andwhistledsoftlyunderherbreath.

‘That’squiteaway,’shesaid.

‘There’s nothing closer,’ Alyss told her. ‘We’re just going to have to do it. And I’dprefertomakeitbeforedark.Atleastthewindhasn’tgotup.’Sheknewfromexperiencehowdifficultitcouldbepaddlingintoaheadwind.‘Ifigurewe’regoingtobepaddlingforfive,maybesixhours.’

Evanlyngroanedsoftly.‘Ohmyachingarmsandshoulders.’

‘You’ll be okay once we get going,’ Alyss told her. ‘The kinks will ease out whenyou’reworkingthemusclesandyougetwarmedup.’

Evanlyn began to gather up their breakfast utensils. She felt a little encouraged byAlyss’scomment.‘Well,that’ssomething,atleast.’

‘Ofcourse,’Alyss added, a triflemaliciously, ‘onceyoucooldown tonight, and theystiffenupagain,they’regoingtohurtlikemerryhell.’

Evanlynpausedintheactofstrappinghertravelpackshut.‘Well,thankyouforthosekindwordsofencouragement,’shesaid.‘It’snicetoknowIhavethattolookforwardto.’

Theypackedtheirsuppliesintothekayakandpusheditclearofthebeach.Onceagain,Evanlyn climbed in first, still a little clumsily, while Alyss held the boat steady. ThenAlyss boarded as well. This time, when the boat rocked suddenly under her weight,Evanlyndidn’ttenseup.Thepreviousdayhadseenhergrowaccustomedtothefactthattheirlittlecraftmovedonthewater.Itrockedandplungedfromtimetotime.Butshe’dlearnedthatsuchmovementsdidn’tpresagesuddendisaster.Onceshemanagedtorelax,she found that she could counteract the kayak’smotionwith a loose-muscled response,balancingherweightwithoutpanicortension.

Herpaddlingstillleftalittletobedesiredandfromtimetotimeshemiscuedastroke,sendingashowerofnear-freezingwatersplashingbackoverhercompanion.Thefirstfewtimesthishappened,Alysshadresponded,withicypoliteness,‘Thankyouforthat,yourmajesty.’

Afterthat,hercommentswerelessaudible,consistingofindecipherablemutterings.

Eachtime,Evanlyngrittedherteethandresolvednottomakethesamemistakeagain.Inevitably, she did and had to endure more of the almost, but not quite, inaudiblecomments from the rear seat – comments that she knew were unladylike anduncomplimentaryintheextreme.

Buttherewasnothingshecoulddoaboutit,assherealisedthatshewasinthewrongeachtimesheunwittinglythrewafacefulofwateratAlyss.

Theypausedeverythirtyminutesorsotorest.Whenthesunpassedthemiddaymark,Alyssannounced that theycould takeabreak toeat anddrink.Theysatdriftingon thelake,lulledbythenowfamiliarpok-pok-pokofthewaveletsagainsttheirhull.Therewaslittlewindandnocurrent,sotheytendedtostayprettymuchinoneposition.Whentheyhadrested,butbeforeEvanlyn’smuscleshadtimetocoolandstiffen,Alysscalledastartagain.Shehad aNorthseekerneedlewithher and she turned thekayak to facewest ofnorth-west,thenbegantopaddleoncemore.Asthelittleboatmovedoff,Evanlynglancedbackover her shoulder to get the timingof the stroke and joined in.Thekayak surged

forward under the increased thrust, then yawed as Evanlyn missed a stroke and threwmoresprayontoAlyss.

‘Thankyousomuch,’Alysssaid.

Evanlynsaidnothing.Shehadapologisedsomany times that thewordsnowseemedmeaningless. Besides,Alyss should know by now that shewasn’t doing it on purpose.Grimly, she concentrated on her paddling, digging the blade deep into the water, andfinishing the stroke before she raised it again. This time, a good forty minutes passedbeforeAlysscaughtanotherbladefulofwaterintheface.

‘Thankyousomuch,’shesaidmechanically.

Evanlynwishedhercompanionwouldcomeupwithsomethingnewtosay,orreverttoherbad-temperedmuttering.

Inthemidafternoon,thewindrose,blowingsharplyacrosstheircoursefromthesouth-west.AlysshadtoconsulttheNorthseekermorefrequentlytokeepthemoncourse.Thewind also raised a spiteful little cross-swell and largerwaves than they had previouslyencounteredbegantoslapagainsttheleft-handsideandbowofthekayak.Spraysloshedoverthegunwalesandintotheboat.

Atfirst, itwasnomorethananinconvenienceandadiscomfortas theicycoldwaterswirledaroundtheirfeet.Butasmoreandmorewatersloppedin,thelittleboatbecameheavier.

‘I’llkeeppaddling.Youbaleheroutforawhile,’Alyssordered.Theybothleanedtothe side asEvanlyn stowed her paddle down the inside of the little boat, then took thebalingbucketthatAlysspassedforwardtoher.

‘Mindtheskinoftheboat,’Alysswarnedher,asshescoopedwateroutofthebottomofthekayakandtosseditoverboard.Unthinkingly,shethrewthefirstbucketfulovertheleft,orwindward,side.Agoodproportionofitwascaughtbythewindandflungbackoverthetwoofthem.

‘Thankyouforthat,’Alysssaid.

‘Sorry,’Evanlynsaid.Nexttime,shethrewthewatertotheright.

Itwasawetandcoldandexhaustingafternoon.Evanlyn’sarmmuscles,shouldersandelbows were aching from the alternate actions of paddling and baling. Alyss stayeddoggedly to her task of paddling throughout and, in spite of the acid comments whenEvanlyn accidentally soaked her, Evanlyn felt a growing admiration for the tall girl’sstrength and endurance. Alyss never flagged, keeping the narrow craft driving forwardthroughthewaves.

‘At least,’ she said at one point, herwords coming between grunts of exertion, ‘thiswind is givingme something to steer by.So long as I keep it on our left front quarter,we’reheadingmoreorlessfortheisland.’

‘Unlessitshifts,’Evanlynsaid,sendinganotherbucketfuloverboard.

Therewas a long silence. Finally,Alyss spoke again. ‘Hadn’t thought of that.Bettercheck.’

ThekayakgraduallyslowedandsaggedoffdownwindasAlyssstoppedpaddlingandproducedherNorthseeker.Ittookafewminutesfortheneedletosettle,thenshegruntedinsatisfaction.

‘No.It’sheldsteady.Let’sgo.’

Evanlynhadusedthebriefstoptoclearmostofthewateroutoftheboat.Shetookupher paddle again and joined Alyss in driving the boat forward, quickly regaining thedistancetheyhadlostastheydrifted.Hershoulderswereonfire.Nomoregroaning,shetoldherself grimly, and shebit the sideof hermouth to prevent herself frommaking asound. Head down, she reached forward with the paddle, placed it in the water anddragged theboat forward.Thenshe lifted itout, feathering thebladeasshedidso,andreachedforwardontheotherside.Witheachstroke,hershouldermusclesandthemusclesontheundersideofherupperarmssentshaftsofpainstabbingthroughher.Butshewasdetermined not to stop before Alyss did. No more groaning. Just keep going. Theunspoken words formed a rhythm in her mind and she worked to it, hearing the twophraseslikeastrangemantra.

AtleastI’mnotcold,shethought.Althoughherfeetandhandswerefrozen,shecouldfeelperspirationonherbody.Shepaddledon,determinednot to stopbeforeAlyssdid.Thelightwasfadingnowasthewintersunsanklowtothehorizon.Herviewpointwasconfined to the sharp prow of the kayak ahead of her and the pewter-coloured wateraroundher.

No more groaning. Just keep going. Over and over again. Stretch, thrust, pull, lift.Stretch,thrust,pull,lift.Shehatedthelake.Hatedtheicywater.Hatedthepaddle.Hatedthekayak.Hatedeverythingaboutthisjourney.Andaboveall,shehatedAlyss.

‘We’vemadeit,’Alysssaid.‘We’rethere.’

Evanlyn could have kissed her. She looked up and therewas the island, fiftymetresaway. Itwas larger than theone theyhadcampedon thepreviousnightand thereweretreeshere,wheretherehadbeennothingbutlowshrubsontheotherisland.

Theydraggedtheboatupontoashinglebeach,thenfellexhaustedtotheground,bothgroaning in agony as they lay there.Alyss gave them a fewminutes of rest before sherousedEvanlyn,shakinghershoulder.

‘Comeon,’shesaid.‘Wehavetosetupcampbeforewestiffenup.’

AsEvanlynrosewearilytoherfeet,shedecidedthatshehadbeentooquicktoforgiveAlyss. She hated her again. But she also knew the tall girl was right. Staggering withweariness,theybuiltafireandpitchedtheirtentclosetoit.Thentheychangedoutoftheirsweat-dampened inner clothing and fell on their bedrolls, pulling their blankets aroundthem,tootiredtoeat.

The long, mournful howl penetrated through the fog of exhaustion that had wrappedaroundEvanlyn,bringingherawake.

Haditbeencloseby,orfaraway?Shehadnowayoftelling.She’dbeenasleepwhenthecrycame.Maybe,shethought,shehaddreamedit.

Thenitcameagainandsheknewitwasreal.Anditwasclose.Itsoundedasifitwereonlyafewmetresawayfromthebackofthetent.

‘Alyss?’shesaiduncertainly.Nobodycouldhavesleptthroughthatnoise,shethought.

‘Whatisit?’

‘That’swhatIwanttoknow.Itsoundedlikeawolf.Aretherewolvesontheseislands?’

‘Well,itcertainlydidn’tsoundlikeakittycat,didit?’Alyssthrewoffherblanketsandcrouchedinthelowheadroomofthetent,fumblingwiththegearstowedbesideherbed.Outside, thefire theyhadbuiltupbeforegoingtosleepwasalmostdead.Afewyellowflamesflickeredandcastweirdshadowsonthetentwalls.

EvanlynheardthequickhissofabladebeingdrawnandsawAlysswithhersabreinherhand.‘Whereareyougoing?’

‘Outtoseewhatallthenoiseis,’Alysstoldher.Hastily,Evanlyntossedoffherblanketsandscrabbledaroundinthedimlightforherownsword.Shepulledonherboots,leavingthemunlaced,andfollowedAlyssasshecreptonhandsandkneesoutofthetent.

‘Ohdear,’Alysssaidassheemerged.

Evanlynjoinedherafewsecondslaterandshepointedtothehalfcircleofgreyshapesrangedaroundthecampsite,attheedgeofthepooloflightthrownbythefire.

‘Wolves,’Evanlynsaid.‘Aretheylikelytoattack?’

Alyssshrugged.‘Idon’tknow.Butmyguessistheydidn’tjustcomeheretopassthetimeofday.Atleastthefireseemstobekeepingthemback.’

Therewasonlyahandfuloffirewoodleft–afewbranchesthattheyhadlefttorekindlethefireinthemorning.Evanlynthrewtwoofthemontothesmallpileofcoalsandflame.Foramoment,nothinghappened.Thentheintenseheatofthecoalsasserteditselfandthetwonewbranchescaughtandflaredup.

Thesemicircleofsilentwatchersedgedbackafewpaces.Alyssglancedaround.Thewolveswereontheinlandsideofthecamp.Thewaytothekayak,andthelakebeyond,wasclear.

‘Backintothetent,’shesaid.‘Grabyourpack.We’remakingforthekayak.’

‘Thekayak?Whatare…?’

Alysscutheroff.‘Youcanwaithereuntilthefirediesdownandseewhatthewolveshave in mind if you like,’ she said. ‘I’m launching the kayak and sitting offshore tillmorning.’

‘Canwolvesswim?’Evanlynaskeddoubtfully,althoughAlyss’sideaseemedlogical.

Alyssshrugged.‘NotasfastasIcanpaddlewhenI’mterrified,’shesaid.‘Andifanydo come after us, we can brain them with the paddles. Now let’s get moving, unlessyou’vegotabetteridea.’

Theybackedtowardsthetent.Astheydidso,thewolvesedgedincloser,stillstayingontherimofthepooloffirelight.Inside,theyhastilyshovedclothesandgearbackinto

theirpacks.Then,stillcarrying theirbareswords, theyemergedoncemore.Arumblinggrowlwentroundthehalf-circleofgreywatchers.Thefirelightwasdowntoafewlowflamesnow.

‘Don’tturnyourbackonthem,’Alysssaid.Carefully,theybackedawayfromthecampsite towards thekayak.As theywent, twoof thewolves roseand started topad slowlyafterthem.Alyssraisedherswordandhissedachallengeatthem.Thesteelcaughttheredlightofthefireandreflecteditaroundthecamp.Thewolvesstopped.Thegirlsmovedoffagainandthewolveskeptpacewiththem.

EvanlyntookalightgriponAlyss’sjacket.Lookingoverhershoulder,shesteeredtheothergirltowardsthekayak.

‘Youwatchthem.I’llwatchtheboat,’shesaid.

Alyssgruntedinreply.Shehadfearedthatthewolvesmighttryaflankingmovement,circlingroundtoputthemselvesbetweenthetwogirlsandtheboat.Buttheanimalshadnoideawhatthelong,narrowshapewas.Asfarastheycouldsee,theyhadthesestrangecreaturestrappedagainstthewater.

TheystoppedandAlysscouldseethekayakinherperipheralvision.

‘Getitinthewater,’shesaid.‘Andgetaboard.’

Evanlynheavedandgottheboatmoving,slidingacrossthesmallpebblesandintothewater.Shemoveditoffshoreafewmetres,waitingasAlyssbackedafterher,herswordstillpresentedtothefollowingwolves.Evanlynsheathedherownsword–shedidn’twanttoriskitssharpedgecuttingtheoilskincoveringof theboat–andsatclumsilyintotheboat.Itrockedwildlyforafewsecondsbutsherodethemotionandwaitedtillitsteadied.Shestowedherswordandtookupherpaddle.

‘Getin,’shesaidandAlysssplashedhastilythroughtheshallowstotheboat.Thetwowolves who had been shadowing them bounded to the water’s edge, then stopped,uncertainly.Alysswas swingingher legs into theboat asEvanlynwas already strokingbackwardsawayfromthebeach.

Oneofthewolvesthrewbackhisheadandhowledinfrustration.

‘Iguessthatmeanstheydon’tswim,’Alysssaid.

‘Italsomeanswedon’tgobackashore,’Evanlynreplied.ButAlyssshookherhead.

‘They’ll be gone by daylight,’ she said. ‘We’ll have to go back anyway to get ourcamping gear.At least theywon’t bother that – although they’ll probably eat our foodsupplies.’

‘Great,’saidEvanlyn.

Theypaddleduntiltheywereaboutahundredmetresoffshore,thenrestedtotakestockof their situation. Thewind had died down after sunset. It was now a gentle breeze –althoughthatwasenoughtosetthemdriftingawayfromtheisland.Evanlynrememberedsomething she had seen long ago,when she andWill had been captives aboard Erak’sship,Wolfwind. She tied a length of light rope to the baler and tossed it over the bow,whereitfilledwithwaterandstreamedbehindthem.

‘It’scalledaseaanchor,’sheexplained.‘It’llstopusdriftingtoofar.’

Alysswasimpressed.‘Andyousaidyouwerepig-ignorantwhenitcametoboats.’

‘Idon’tremembersayingthat,’Evanlynrepliedwithafrown.

Alyssshrugged.‘Oh?Well,itmusthavebeenme.’

When dawn came, they paddled back to the beach, having dozed fitfully in turnsthroughthedarkhoursofthemorning.Theygathereduptheircampinggear,spareclothesand blankets fromwhere thewolves had tossed them as they had looked through theirbelongingsforanythingedible.Therewasasackofricesplitopenandspilledonthesandandtheycarefullygathereditupagain.Therewasnosignofthewolves.

Butthegirlsknewtheywerestillthere,stillwatching.

HaltandWillmadetheirwaycarefullyalongthenarrowledge.Itwaswisetotakecare.Therockwaswetandglistening,withpatchesoficeinplaces.Fiftymetresbelowthemwasthefloorofthenarrow,twistingvalleythatledtoRan-Koshi.

Mikeru moved ahead of them, unmindful of the sheer drop to his right. He strodecasually,sometimesbreakingintoatrot,occasionallytakingashortcutbyjumpingfromonerockoutcroptothenext,andallthewhilelookingbackandurgingthemtocatchup.

‘He’slikeadamnedmountaingoat,’HaltmutteredandWillgrinned.

‘Hegrewup in thiscountry.’Even thoughhehadanexcellenthead forheights,Willcouldn’tmatchMikeru’s easy, almost casual approach tomoving along this precariouspath.

‘Justaswellhedid,’Haltreplied.‘Andjustaswellhe’sgotarestlessnature.’

SincehissuccessinfindingthesecretgullythatleddownfromRan-Koshi,Mikeruhadspenthisdaysexploringthecliffsandmountainsaroundthevalley-fortress,searchingfornewsecrets,newhiddenpaths.Theeveningbefore,hehadapproachedWillandHaltasthey sat discussing theprogressof theKikoris’ training.Hewasbeamingwithpleasureandprideathisnewdiscovery.

‘Halto-san.Wirru-san. Ihave founda lookoutplace.Wecan seeArisaka’smen fromthere.’

Thisrousedtheir interest.SincetheyhadbeatentheSenshibackafter thefirstattack,they had been unable to gain any further information aboutArisaka’smovements.Halthadbeenonthevergeofsendingasmallpartydownthroughthenarrowsecretentrancetoseewhat the rebel lordwasup to.Hehadn’t done so to date, because sending a groupdowncarriedtheriskthattheywouldrevealtheexistenceofthissecretwayinandout.

This,however,promisedtobeaneasierwayofseeingwhatArisakawasupto.ButthelightwasfadinganditwastoolatetoinspectMikeru’sfindthatday.Theyagreedtoleaveitovernight.

Accordingly,thefollowingmorning,assoonastheyhadbreakfasted,theyoungKikoriwas waiting impatiently to lead them. He hurried to the eastern wall of the canyon,gesturingupwards.

‘Trackisupthere.Weclimbuplittlebit,littlebit.’

They had toldHorace and he had decided to accompany them.But he looked up inalarmatthesheerrockface.Hecouldjustmakeouttheledgesometwentymetresabove

them,nowthatMikerupointeditout.

‘Littlebit,littlebit,myeye,’hesaid.‘That’sabigbit,bigbit.’HebegantobackawayfromthecliffbutMikerutookhisarmandgrinnedencouraginglyathim.

‘Easyclimb,Kurokuma.Youdoiteasily.’

‘Thehell I do,’Horace said, ashegentlydisengagedMikeru’sgrip. ‘That’swhatwehaveRangersfor.Theyclimbupsheerrockwallsandcrawlalongnarrow,slipperyledges.I’matrainedwarriorandI’mtoofarvaluabletoriskinsuchshenanigans.’

‘We’renotvaluable?’Willsaid,feigninginsult.

Horace lookedathim. ‘We’vegot twoofyou.Wecanalwaysafford to loseone,’hesaidfirmly.

Mikeruwas still puzzling over Horace’s last remark. He frowned. ‘Kurokuma, theseshenanigans…whatarethey?’

‘ShenanigansarewhatRangersdo.Theyusuallyinvolvedoingthingsthatriskbreakingyourneckoryourleg.’

Mikeru nodded, filing the word away. ‘I will remember this word,’ he said.‘Shenanigans.Itisagoodword.’

‘Ifwe’vefinishedthelanguagelessonfortheday,’Haltsaiddryly,‘canwegetamoveon?’

Horacemadeamockbowandwavedahandinthedirectionofthecliffface.‘Please.Bemyguest.’

Theledgehuggedthecliffface,andgraduallyrosehigherandhigherastheymovedalongit.Will estimated that theymust be close to themouth of the valley, but any sight ofArisaka’smenwas hidden behind a large rock outcrop that blocked the ledge.Mikeru,seeingthemhesitate,scamperedtoit.

‘Easy!’hesaid.‘Likethis!’

Heflattenedhimselfagainsttherock,reachingoutandaroundwithhisrighthand,allthewhilekeepingafirmgripwithhisleft.Hesearchedforafewseconds,thenobviouslyfound a new handhold on the other side. Without warning, he stepped off the ledge,leavinghisleftfoothanginginspacewhilehisrightfootfoundsupportsomewhereonthereversesideoftheoutcrop.

Thenhesethisleftfootinatinyverticalcrackintherockandswunghimselfaroundtothefarside,outofsight.Hisvoicecamebacktothem,cheerfulasever.

‘Easy!Plentyofroomroundhere!Comenow!’

HaltandWillexchangedglances.ThenWillrepeatedHorace’sbow.

‘Agebeforebeauty,’hesaidtoHalt.

TheolderRanger’seyebrowroseslightly.‘Pearlbeforeswine,’hereplied,andsteppedtowardstheoutcrop,repeatingMikeru’sactions.Afterafewsecondsgroping,heswung

outanddisappearedroundthebluffaftertheyoungKikori.Willmovedtotheoutcrop.Heglanceddown,thenignoredthedropbelow.Heknewthatiftheotherscouldmanagethis,hecould.He’dbeenanexcellentclimberallhis life.He reachedhis righthandaround,gropingatthesheerrockfaceontheotherside.Ahandgentlyseizedhisandguidedittoafirmhandholdintherock.Hesteppedofftheledge,hangingbyhistwohands,stretchinghis right leg around.Almost immediately, he encountered a horizontal ledge some fivecentimetreswidethatgavehisfootfirmpurchase.Hemovedhis leftfoot totheverticalcrack,thenwasfreetoreachwithhisrighthand,thenhisleft,swinginghisbodyroundtheoutcropastheothershaddone.Hefoundthemwaitingforhimonawidesectionoftheledgetheyhadbeenfollowing,aroomyplatformintherock.Judgingbythedrillmarksvisibleinthehardsurface,theplatformhadbeenconstructedtoserveasalookout.

Andthere,belowhim,wastheSenshiencampment.

Hefrowned.‘Therecan’tbemorethanahundredandfiftyofthem.’

ButHaltpointedfurthertothesouth.‘Themainbody’sbackthere.’

Now thatWill looked,hecould seeamuch largercampset among the shelterof thetrees,almost twokilometresaway.Betweenthatpointand thevalleymouth, thegroundwasahigh,bareplateau,unshelteredopengroundthatwassweptbytheconstantwind.

‘Notthemostcomfortablespot,’Willsaid,gesturingtothesmallerofthetwopositions.

Haltnodded.‘NopointinArisakakeepingallhismen–andhimself–exposeddownthere.He’s leftaforcetoplugthemouthof thevalleyandkeepuscontained,while therestofthemareshelteredinthetrees.’

Willwaslookingkeenlyatthesmallencampmentatthevalleymouth.Veryfewofthemen thereweremovingaround.Thosehecould seewerebundledup inheavyclothingand furs.Heguessed thatmostof themwerehuddled inside themeagre shelterof theirtents,dispirited,cold,resentful.Afterawhile,alltheywouldcareaboutwouldbefindingwarmthandshelterfromthepersistentwind.Thatmeanttheirvigilancewouldbelowered.Afterall,nobodyreallyexpectedShigeruandhistinyforcetomoveoutfrombehindtheprotectionofthepalisade–unlessitwastoattemptanescape.Andafewsentriescouldkeep trackofanysuchattempt.AsHalthadsaid, theywere thecork in thebottleneck,placedtheretopreventtheEmperorslippingaway.

‘They’rekindofvulnerable,aren’tthey?’Willsaid.

Haltglancedathim.‘Totheweather?’

Willchewedhislipthoughtfully.‘Yes.Butalsotous,ifweweretoattackthem.’

Haltstudiedtherowsoftentsbelowthemwithoutspeaking.Willwasright,hethought.Themeninthatcampwouldbepreoccupiedwiththetaskofkeepingwarm.Judgingbywhat he’d heard of Arisaka, they probably included the survivors of the attack on thepalisade,placedthereasapunishmentfortheirfailure.

‘You’dbringmendownthroughMikeru’sPass?’heasked.

TheyoungKikorilookedupandgrinnedatthementionofhisname.Helikedthefactthat the secret path was named after him. He hoped maybe this spot would be called

Mikeru’sLookout.

‘Yes,’Willreplied.‘Thegullycomesoutaroundthefarsideofthiscliffwe’reon.Theywon’t be watching in that direction.We could bring themen down by night, let themassembleatthebottom,outofsight,thenhitthatcampbeforetheyknowwe’vearrived.’

Halt’seyesfollowedtheterrainasWillspoke.Henodded.‘ThirtyorfortySenshicouldmakeabigimpact,’hesuggested.‘Particularlywithsurpriseontheirside.’

ManyofthewoundedSenshiinShigeru’spartyhadrecoveredsufficientlytobereadyto fight.Theycouldeasilymustera fighting force that size.ButWill shookhishead indisagreement.

‘IwasthinkingofmaybeahundredKikori,’hesaid.

Therewasalongsilence.Haltwasn’tsurprised.Eventhoughhe’dsuggestedusingtheSenshi,hehadasensethatthiswaswhatWillhadinmind.Theideahadalotofmerit.ButHaltfeltheshouldraisethepossibleflaws,tomakesurehisformerapprenticewasn’tjustovereagertotrythetacticshe’dbeenteachingtheKikori.

‘They’reuntriedinbattle,’hesaid.‘Nomatterhowmuchyoutrainthem,nothingtakestheplaceofactualexperience.’

‘Allthemorereasontodoit,’Willtoldhim.‘It’saperfectopportunitytogivethemtheexperiencetheyneed.Theenemywillbecoldanddemoralised,notexpectinganattack.And thereareonlyaboutahundredand fiftyof them.We’renot facingArisaka’smainforce.We’ll hit the enemyhard and fast, then head theKikori back up the gullywhileArisaka’s men are still wondering what’s happened. If the plan works, we’ll give theKikoris’self-confidenceandespritdecorpsanenormousboost.’

‘Andifitdoesn’twork?’Haltsaid.

Willmethisgazelevelly.‘Ifitdoesn’tworknow,withalltheadvantagesinourfavour,we’regoingtobeindeeptroublewhenthespringcomesandwe’refacingfivetimesasmanySenshi.Thiswaywe can giveArisaka a bloody nose, reduce the numbers of hisarmyalittle,andshowtheKikorithattheycanfaceuptoanddefeatSenshiinbattle.Andthat’spossiblythemostimportantpartofitall.’

‘Ithinkyou’reright,’Haltsaid.‘Whendoyouwanttodoit?’

‘Assoonaspossible,’Will said. ‘Nopoint indelayingany longer.Afewmoredays’trainingwon’tmakeanydifferencetotheKikori.’

Evanlynglancedoverthesideoftheboatastheyglidedintowardstheshore.Thewaterwasclearandpristineandlookedtobenomorethantwentycentimetresdeep.Butshehadlearnedinthepastfivedayshowdeceptivethiscouldbe.Thethirdday,thinkingthewaterwasshallow,shehadsteppedclearoftheboattofindherselfflounderingwildlyinwaist-deepwater.Itwasonlybyanenormouseffortthatshehadavoidedfallingandimmersingherselfcompletely.

Her clothes had dried that night in front of the blazing fire they built. Since theencounterwiththewolves,ithadbecometheirstandardproceduretokeepafireburningallnightandtaketurnskeepingwatch.Itmeanttheyeachgotlesssleepeachnight,butatleast when they did sleep, they did so soundly, each secure in the knowledge that hercompanionwaskeepingwatchandmakingsurethatthefirewasmaintainedthroughthedarkhours.

Whether because of the fire or not, there had beenno further disturbances since thatsecond night.Of course, Evanlyn thought, itmay have simply been the case that therewerenowolvesonanyoftheotherislands.

Now, she reached downwith her paddle, satisfying herself that thewaterwas barelykneedeep.Sheswungherlegsoverthesideandstoodupquickly,thenguidedtheprowofthekayaktowardstheshinglebeach.Theyhadlearnedtobeachthelittleboatunoccupied.Onthethirdnight,lettingthebowgrateintothesandandrockoftheshore,theyhadtornaholeintheoilskincovering.

AlysshadwatchedEvanlyn sewapatchover theholewithapieceof spareoilcloth,thencovertheseamwithmeltedwaxtosealit.

‘Veryneat,’shehadsaidapprovingly.Evanlynsmiledandbrandishedherneedle.

‘Needlepoint isoneof theskills thataredeemedfittingforaprincess,’shereplied.‘Ineverthoughtitwouldcomeinhandy.’

Alyss’seyeswereonhernowasshetestedthewaterdepth,thendismountedfromtheboat.Alysswasdevelopinga reluctantadmirationfor theprincess’sability toadaptandlearn.Alysshadbeen toughonherwhileshewas learning the techniquesofhandlingasmallboat.SomeofthiswasduetothelingeringantipathythatAlyssseemedtofeelforEvanlyn,butinthemainithadbeenapracticalchoice.

Alyss knew, from conversations with Will and Lady Pauline, and from her ownobservations, that Evanlyn, courageous and resourceful as shewas, did have a petulantsidetohercharacter.Unavoidable,perhaps,inoneraisedasaprincess,inanenvironment

where therewere scores of people ready to leap to and do one’s slightest bidding, andattendtothesmallestwants.Butonthistrip,therecouldbenoservantsandnopassengers.Alyss had sensed that if she had shown sympathy for Evanlyn’s aching muscles, orlaughedoffherclumsyattemptsatpaddling,Evanlyncouldbeinclinedtotakeadvantageofhergoodnature.Instead,Alyss’srepeated,sardonicthankyouforthatateachmistakehadactedasagoadtoEvanlyn,urginghertodobetter,totryharder,toshowhertall,self-satisfiedtravellingcompanionthat,princessornot,shecoulddothejobshehadbeenset.

Withthesethoughtsinmind,Alyssnearlyleftittoolatetostepoutoftheboatherself.Knowingthiswouldresultinatartcomment,forsheknewEvanlynwantednothingmorethananopportunitytoreplyinkind,sheswungherownlegsclearandhelpedtheprincesslifttheboatastheysliditupthebeach,outofthewater.

Theysetitdownandbothstretchedtoeasetheircrampingbackmuscles.Alysstookafew paces inland, looking around the little beach, and into the thickly growing treesbeyond.

‘Sothisisit,’shesaid.

Theyhadfinallyreachedthefarsideofthemassivelake.ThiswastheprovincewhereLord Nimatsu ruled over the mysterious and fabled Hasanu. There was snow on thegroundherebutnotinthequantitiestheyhadseenatRan-Koshi.Thealtitudewaslower,andtheareawasshelteredfromtheweathersystemsthatblewinfromtheseaanddrovesnowandraincloudsontothemountainsbehindthem.

Here, in an area shieldedby those samemountains, thewindwasmoregentle,moretemperate.Anditsighedsoftlythroughtheneedlesofthesprucetreesthattoweredabovethem.

‘Theredoesn’tseemtobeanyonearound,’Evanlynmurmured.

‘Doesn’tmeanthere’snoonehere,ofcourse.’

‘Ofcourse.’

Aknot of apprehensionhad formed inEvanlyn’s stomach as she stoodon this quiet,seeminglydesertedspot.TheyhadquizzedShigeruandhissenioradvisersatsomelengthabouttheHasanubut,intruth,theyhadlearnedlittle.

SomeheldtheHasanutoberemnantsofanancientraceofsemi-humanapeswhohadsurvived in this remote territory.Other,more frightening, theories held that theHasanuwere tree or forest spirits and the reclusiveLordNimatsuwas a sorcererwhohadbentthemtohiswill.

Other ‘facts’ they had gleaned seemed to contradict each other. Some said that theHasanuwereshyandnervousofcontactwithstrangers,whileothersmaintainedtheywerefierce andmerciless killers.Old legends about themcertainly lent credence to this last.Numeroustalesweretoldoftheirferocityinbattle.Itwassaidthattheyhadneverbeendefeated.These tales, of course,were centuriesold andnobodycould actually admit tohavingseenaHasanu,ortoknowingsomeonewhohad.Althoughtherewerethosewhoclaimedtoknowsomeonewhoknewsomeoneelsewhohadseenone.

Attheendofalongandconfusingbriefingsession,Shigeruhaddismissedhisadvisers

andsatquietlywiththetwogirlstogivethemamorebalancedopiniononthesestrangepeople.

‘Much is said about the Hasanu,’ he had told them. ‘And much of it is wildexaggeration.HereiswhatIknow,strippedofrumour,conjectureandhysteria.

‘Theyaresaidtobeatallandpowerfulraceandreportsfromthepastheldthemtobecoveredwith long, reddishhair all over theirbodies.This couldbe true.They live in acoldclimateandtheirbodiesmaywellhaveadaptedinthiswayover theyears.But thekeypointIknow,andonwhichalllegendsandtalesaboutthemareagreed,isthattheyarefearlessinbattleandthattheyhaveanintenseloyaltytotheirlord.Atthistime,thatisLordNimatsu.

‘Thesequalitieswouldseemtoindicatepositiveelementstotheircharacter,whichgivethe lie to thosewild stories about their bloodthirsty behaviourwith regard to strangers.Loyalandfearlessdonot,tome,equatewithbloodthirstyandsavage.

‘LordNimatsuhas,onmanyoccasions,confirmedhisallegiancetome.That,Ibelieve,will be the key to your dealings with the Hasanu. They are loyal to Nimatsu so, byextension,theyareloyaltome–oratleast,totheconceptofanEmperor.WhenyoureachNimatsu’sprovince,bepatient.Wait for theHasanu tomakecontact.Theywilldoso–andtheywilldosoatNimatsu’sbidding.Whenheknowsthatyouareactinginmyname,youwillbesafe.’

ShigeruhadremovedhissignetringandhandedittoEvanlyn.

‘Takethiswithyou.WhenNimatsuseesit,hewillknowyoucomefromme.Thiswillensureyoursafety.Onceyouhavemadecontactwithhim,Irelyonyoureloquence,Ev-an-in-san,toconvincehimtohelpus.Iwillsendaletterwithyou,ofcourse.Butinmyexperience,itisthespokenwordandtheintegrityofthemessengerthatholdsmostswayinthesematters.’

Evanlynhadtakenthering,slippingitontoherfirstfinger.

‘IwishIcouldadviseyoumorefullyonthismatter,’Shigerusaid,sighingdeeply.‘Butthesuccessor failureofyourmissionwill restonyourownabilitiesandresources.’Hehad smiled at them both then and added: ‘And I cannot think of twomore worthy orresourcefulmessengers.’

‘So,’Alysssaid,lookingroundthesilenttrees.‘HowdowefindtheHasanu?’

‘Don’tworryaboutthat.RememberwhatShigerusaid.TheHasanuwillfindus.’

They unpacked their gear from the kayak and set aboutmaking camp.Alyss pitchedtheir small tent while Evanlyn gathered stones for a fireplace, then a good supply offirewood.Shewasusinghersaxeknife–agiftfromHaltsomeyearspreviously–tocutone longpieceof deadfall intomanageable lengthswhen shehad the sensationof eyesuponher.

Somewhereintheshadowsamongthetrees,someone,orsomething,waswatchingher.Shewas sure of it. She paused for amoment in her work, then resumed, resisting thealmostoverpoweringurgetoturnandlookintothetrees.Sheglancedsideways,toseeif

Alysshadsensedanything.Apparentlynot.Thetallgirlwastighteningtheguyropesonthetent,testingthetensiontomakesurethatthecanvaswasevenlypositioned.

Evanlyn gathered up thewood andwalked casually back to place it by the circle ofstonesshehadarrangedasafireplace.

‘We’rebeingwatched,’shesaidsoftly.

Alyssfrozeforasecond, then tugged theguyropeone last time,dustedherhands insatisfactionandmoved tohelpEvanlynsort thekindling from theheavier firewood.Astheyknelttogether,shesaid,‘Yousawsomeone?’

‘No.Itwasmoreasensationthananything.ButI’msuresomeone’sthere.’

Shehalf expected a sardonic reply fromher companion.ButAlysswasneverone todenythevalueofinstinct.

‘Thenwe just keep doingwhatwe’re doing,’Alyss said. ‘Let’s brew some tea.Andkeepactingcasually.’

Allthesame,Evanlynnoticed,shestoleaquickglancetowhereherswordwasrestingontopofherpackattheentrancetothetent.

Someminuteslater,theysatfacingeachotheracrossthefire,sippingthewarmingtea.Alysshadpositionedherselfsothatshefacedthelake,leavingEvanlynlookingtowardsthetreesbehindthem.Evanlynhadsensedthepresenceofthewatcher,shereasoned,sotherewasabetterchanceofherseeingwhoeveritmightbe.Orwhateveritmightbe,sheamended.

Asshe sippedher tea,Evanlyn’seyesdarted fromside to sideabove the teacup.Herhead never moved. From a few metres away, there was no indication that she wasscanningthedarkshadowsbeneaththespruces.

Shegaveasatisfiedsighandsethercupdown.

‘Somethingmoved,’shesaidinaconversationaltone.

A fleeting, shadowy movement had caught her eye. It was all she could do not tosuddenlystareinthedirectionfromwhichithadcomebutshemanageditbyanenormouseffortofwill.

‘Canyouseehimnow?’Alyssasked,maintainingthesamecasualtone.

‘No.He’sgone toground.Wait.Therehegoesagain.Can’tmakeoutanydetail. It’sjustmovementinthefernsunderthetrees.Whateveritis,it’smovingclosertotheedgeofthetreeline.’

Theywaited,nervestensed.Buttherewasnofurthersignofmovement.

‘Ithinkhe’sgone,’Evanlynsaidafterseveralminutes.

Alyss shrugged. ‘Or he’s not moving, just watching us. Well, we can’t sit here allafternoon.Anyideas?’

Evanlyn rose to her feet, avoiding any sudden movement, and crossed to her pack.Rummaginginit,shefoundwhatshewaslookingfor–oneofthefewfooditemsthatthe

wolveshadmissedwhentheyransackedthecampseveraldaysbefore.Itwasasmalltwistofgreasedpaper,containingahandfulofcandiedfruitpieces–applesandapricots.TheywereaconfectionerymuchfavouredamongtheKikoriandEvanlynhaddevelopedatasteforthemherself.Therewereaboutadozenpiecesleft.Shehopedthatwouldbeenough.ShestrodebacktowhereAlysswaswatchinghercuriously.

‘I’vegotathought,’shesaid.‘Ourunseenfriendmightbeabitmorewillingtoshowhimselfifthereweren’ttwoofus.’

ShesawAlyssbegintoobjectandheldupahandtostopher.‘No!Hearmeout.I’msuggestingthatyoutakethekayakandpaddleoffshoreaboutahundredmetresandwaitthere. I’ll sit over there, closer to the trees, and see if theHasanu arewilling tomakecontact.’ She held up the small package of candied fruit. ‘I’ll use this to get theconversationgoing.’

Alyss frowned thoughtfully. ‘One thingmost people agreedon,’ she said, ‘is that theHasanulikesweetthings.’

‘Andthesefitthebill.Look,ifyouleave–althoughyou’llbeseentostayinthegeneralarea–andIsitclosertowheretheyare,it’saprettyunmistakablemessage,isn’tit?Wewant to make contact. There’s a good chance that our friend in the trees will beencouragedtocomeoutintotheopen.’

‘There’salsoachancethathe’llbeencouragedtotearyoulimbfromlimb,’AlysssaidandEvanlynnoddeduncomfortably.

‘That’sthepartofmyplanthatI’mnottotallydelightedwith.ButI thinkwehavetotakethechanceandforcethingsalong.Otherwise,wecouldbesittingherefordays.Andlet’s face it,’ she added, ‘if theywant to tear us limb from limb, your presence here ishardlygoingtostopthem.’

‘Well, thank you for that vote of confidence,’Alyss replied. ‘One thing,’ she added.‘Justconsidermyposition.It’sgoingtobeawfullyawkwardformetoreturntoAraluenandtellyourfatherIwatchedaNihon-Janmonsterdismemberyou.Itwon’tbegoodformycareer.’

Sensinganewnoteofcomradeshipbehindthebanter,Evanlynmanagedafaintsmile.

‘Andafterall,yourcareerisimportanttoallofus,’shesaid.‘I’lltrytobearitinmind.Nowgetgoing.’

Alyss rose, took her sword, a water canteen and some strips of smoked rabbit thatEvanlynhadkilledwithherslingthedaybefore,andmadeherwaytotheboat.Evanlynfollowed.TheytookEvanlyn’spaddleout–Alysswouldn’tbeneedingit–andshewadedintothewater,liftingthekayakandslidingitwithher.Assoonasitcouldfloat,Alyssslidgracefullyintoherseatandtookafewsmoothstrokes,settingthelittleboatglidingacrossthecalmwater.Sheglancedbackoverhershoulder toEvanlyn,standingby thewater’sedge.

‘Takecare,’shecalled.

Evanlynwavedinreply.‘Ofcourse,’shesaideasily.

Walkinguptheshallowbeach,shefoundafallenlogclosetothetreelinethatgaveheracomfortablespottositandwait.Shetookaseat,thenproducedthepacketofcandiedfruitandspreadhalfadozenpiecesonthelogbesideher.

She took a piece and placed it in her mouth, feeling the juices begin to run as thecombination of tartness and sweetness took effect on her taste buds. She gave anexaggeratedsighofpleasure, smackingher lips several times to indicatehowmuchshewasenjoyingthetreat.

Andwaited.

Itseemedanage,althoughinrealityitwasonlytwoorthreeminutes,butherstrainingsensescaughttheslightestsound–arustleinthefernsbehindherandtoherleft.Sensesastautasafiddlestring,shestrainedtohearmore.

Was that another slight rustle? It sounded a little closer than the first. Orwas it thewind?She looked toher right,examining the ferns thereclosely.Theyweren’tmoving.No,therewasnowind,shethought.

There it was again! The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she could feelgoosefleshformingonherforearms.Somethingwasthere.Somethingwasbehindher,andmovingclosertoher.Everynerveinherbodyscreamedathertostandandturnandseewhat itwas. Thiswaiting, knowing somethingwas there – no, thinking somethingwasthere–wasallbutintolerable.

Butsomehow,shestoodit.Sheswallowedthepieceoffruit, forcing itdowna throatthathadsuddenlyturneddry.

‘Mmmm,’shesaidappreciatively.‘Thatwasgood!’

She popped another piece into her mouth, made another exclamation of enjoyment,then,seeminglyasanafterthought,shetookapieceandplacedithalfametreorsoawayfromitscompanions,thengesturedtoit.

‘Thisisforyou,’shesaid,thenrepeatedalittlelouder,‘Foryou.’

There was definitely something behind her. She knew it now without any doubt.Something largewas less than twometresaway.Shedidn’tknowhow sheknew itwaslarge.Shehadn’theardanyheavyfootfall,nothingmorethantheslightestrustleofleavesandtwigs.Buttherewasalargepresencethere,asiftheverylifeforceofwhateveritwashadimpingeduponhersenses.

Sherealisedshewasholdingherbreath.Herheartwashammeringinsideherribcage–soloudshewassurethatwhateveritwasbehindhercouldhearit.

Shebegantosing–oneofthegentlecountrysongsthatshe’dheardWillsingingasheaccompaniedhimselfonthemandola.

‘Oh,Annaliedancing.

AshaftoflightfellonherasIsaw

Annaliedancing

andhaven’tIseenAnnalie,somewherebefore?’

Hervoicequaveredwithtension.Shewarbledonandoffthenotesasshetriedtosingthemtruly.

Isoundterrified,shethought.Althoughmaybethis…whateveritis…willjustthinkI’malousysinger.

Shedrewbreathforthenextversebutitnevercame.Outofthecornerofhereye,shesawmovement.

A largehand,with long,claw-likenailsandcovered in thick red-brownhair, reachedfrombehindherandtookthecandiedapricotfromthelog.

Themenselectedfortheattackhyakuwereparadedontheexercisegroundintwogroupsof fifty. Formed up in three extended ranks, the Kikori looked impressive. The weaksunlightshoneoffthegleamingpointsoftheirjavelins,andcaughttheironbindingsandreinforcing strips on their man-high shields and leather helmets. The lines of theirformationwereruler-straightastheystoodbeforeWill,Horace,HaltandSelethen.HoraceandSelethenwould command a groupof fifty each – or agoju, as they had called theformation.WillandHaltwouldstandbackandstayinoverallcommand–althoughHalthadcededthisresponsibilitytotheyoungerRanger.

‘They’reyourmen,’hesaid.‘Youtrainedthemandmendeservetobeledbytheleadertheyknowandtrust.’

Will nodded nervously. He knew Halt was right. All the same, he was glad theexperiencedgrey-beardedRangerwouldbeonhandifneeded.HelookedtowhereHoracewaswatchinghim,andnodded.Theyoungwarriordrew inabreath, thencalledoutanorderinaringingparadegroundvoice.

‘Hyaku!’

The men had been standing at parade rest, their feet apart and their javelins, shaftsrestingontheground,extendedforwardatarm’slength.Atthewarningcommand,theirfeetstampedtogetherandthejavelinscametotheverticalposition.

‘Openorder!’Horacecalled.Thefrontranktooktwolongpacesforward.Therearranktooktwoback.Thethreerankswerenowseparatedbyatwo-metregap,leavingroomfortheircommanderstomovethroughandinspectthem.

This was Horace and Selethen’s job. They selected a goju each and moved quicklyalongthelines,checkingequipment,makingsureeachmanhadhis threeshortstabbingspears in a quiver-like arrangement at his right hip, checking shields for any sign ofloosenessor fraying in thestraps,glancingat javelinheads tosee that theywere firmlyattachedandgleamingfromarecentsharpening.

‘Looksgood,’Haltsaidquietly.

Horace and Selethen were more than halfway through their inspection and so far,neither had stopped to reprimand any of the troops for missing or faulty equipment.Obviously, the turnoutwasnearperfect.Horacedidstoponceandstraightenasoldier’sleatherhelmet,tuggingthechinstrapalittletightertosecureitmorefirmly,butthatwasall.

TheKikorihadrisentothechallengesplendidlyandWillfeltawarmsenseofpridein

them.Not so long ago, they had been simple timberworkers.Now theywere soldiers,withasoldier’sprideintheirownabilityandintheirownunit.

‘Troopsinspectedandready,’Horacereported.

Willnodded.‘Closethemupandstandthematrest,Horace.’

The tallwarrior gave the orders and the front and rear ranks closed back in to theiroriginalpositions.Onehundredfeetstampedapartandonehundred javelinheads thrustforwardasone.

Will stepped forward,moving closer to the ranks so that theywould hear himmoreclearly.Hestudiedthefacesundertheleatherandironhelmets.Themenweregrimanddetermined.Buttherewasalookofsubduedexcitementinmanyoftheeyeslookingbackathim.Noapprehensionorfear,hewasgladtosee.

‘GojuKuma!GojuTaka!’hesaid,andnoweveryeyewasonhim.Theyhadnamedthetwogojuforthetwoleaders.GojuKumawastheBearfifty,ledbyHorace,whowasnowknowntoeveryoneasKurokuma.GojuTakareflectedthenicknamethathadbeengiventoSelethen. Taka meant hawk, and Will assumed the name derived from Selethen’sprominentnose,whichhadsomesimilaritytothecurvedbeakofabirdofprey.

‘Tomorrowisthetimetoputallyourhardworkintopractice,’hecontinued.‘TomorrowisthedaywhenyouwillstriketheEmperor’sfirstblowatthetraitorArisaka!’

Therewasagrowlofanger through the ranksashe said thenameof thehated rebelleader.

‘Rememberyourtraining.Rememberwhatwehavepractised.Ifyoudothis,youwillachieve a great victory for yourEmperor.But youmust remember your training. Lookaroundyou.Lookatthemenbesideyouandbehindyou!Studytheirfaces.’

Hepausedwhileonehundredheadsturned,whileeyesmadecontactandheadsnoddedinrecognition.Whentheyhadsettledagain,hecontinued.

‘Thesemenareyourcomrades.Theseareyourbrothers.Theseare themenyoufightwith.Thesearethemenyoutrusttostandbesideyou.Thesearethemenwhotrustyoutostandfirmbesidethem!Beworthyoftheirtrust!’

Again,adeep-throatedrumbleofagreementranthroughtheranksofarmedmen.Willfelthehadsaidenough.Hehadnotimeforlengthy,floridspeechesfromcommandersonthe eve of battle. They were usually made to please the commander’s sense of self-importance.Hehadjustonemorethinghewantedtoremindthemof.

‘Kikorisoldiers!’heshouted.‘Howdowefight?’

Thereplycameinaroarfromtheranks.

‘Isshoni!’theytoldhim.‘Together!’

‘Howdowefight?’heasked,louderstill,andtheroarcamebacklouderaswell.

‘Isshoni!’

‘How?’heaskedthemonemoretime,andthistimethevalleyechoedtotheirreply.

‘Isshoni!’

Onanimpulse,hedrewhissaxeandbrandishedithighabovehishead.Thetwogojuresponded,holdingtheirjavelinshigh,thenpoundingthembacktothefrozengroundwitharesoundingcrashofwoodandmetal.

Behindhim,adeep,penetratingvoicecalledasingleword.

‘Chocho!’

Theonehundredtroopsinfrontofhimrespondedinstantly,echoingthecryandturningitintoachant.

‘Chocho!Chocho!Chocho!’

Puzzled,andalittletakenaback,WillturnedtoseethatShigeruhadapproachedwhilehehadbeenspeaking.TheEmperorwasdressed in fullarmour,butnohelmet.His twokatanawerethrustthroughhisbelt,theirlonghiltsprotrudingbeforehimlikethecrossedhornsofadangerousanimal.Shigerucontinued to lead thechant,droppinghishandonWill’sshoulder.

‘Chocho! Chocho! Chocho!’ the men roared and, vaguely, Will realised that thissomehowappliedtohim.ThenShigeruhelduphishandforsilenceandtheroaringvoicesgraduallydieddown.Willdisengagedhimselfandsteppedbackdeferentially,sensingthatShigeruwantedtoaddresshistroops.

HoracewasgrinninghugelyasWilljoinedhim.

‘WhatthedevilisChocho?’Willwhispered.

Horace’sgrinbroadened.‘Youare.It’swhatthemencallyou,’hesaid.Thenheadded,‘It’satermofgreatrespect.’

Behindthem,Haltnoddedconfirmation.‘Greatrespect,’heagreed.TherewasthehintofasmileatthecornerofhismouthandWillknewhewouldhavetofindoutthemeaningof theword beforemuch longer.But he had nomore time to think about it as Shigerubegantospeak.

‘Kikori,Iamhonouredtohaveyouasmysoldiers.Iamproudofyourcommitmentandyourcourageandyourloyalty.YouhaveyourEmperor’sgratitude.’

Therewas silence around the parade ground now. Thesewere simple timber cutters,peasants forwhom,upuntil recently, theEmperorhadbeenadistantandmuchreveredconcept,way above their reach and their station.Nowhe lived among them and spokedirectlytothemintermsofthegreatestrespect.HiswordsweresimplebutthesinceritybehindthemwasalltooobviousandtheKikorifelttheirheartsswellingwithpride.Suchwas thecharismaof thismanthat theywoulddieforhim.Shigeruseemedtosense thisandhecontinued.

‘Soldiers!Iknowyouwoulddieinmyservice.’

Therewasaninstantroarofassentandheimmediatelyraisedhishandsandhisvoicetoquellit.

‘ButIdonotwantthis!’Theshoutingdiedawayandthefacesthatwatchedhimwere

puzzled.

‘Iwantyoutoliveinmyservice!’heshoutedandtheyroaredtheiracclaimoncemore.Whenthesoundoftheirvoicesdieddown,hecontinued.‘Chochohastaughtyouanewwaytofight.HehastaughtyouthecodeofIsshoni!Ifyouarefaithfultothiscode,youwillwinagreatvictory.’Hepaused.‘AndIwillbetheretoseeit!Iamcomingwithyou!’

Now thecheersweredeafening.Shigerumoved forward towalkamonghismenandthey broke ranks to surround him, cheering him, bowing to him, reaching out to touchhim.

‘What?’Willsaid.‘Whatishetalkingabout?’HemadetofollowtheEmperor,todrawhimback.

AhandseizedhisarmfrombehindhimandheturnedtoseeHalt’sface.Hisoldmentorwasshakinghishead.

‘He’sright,Will.Hehastobethere.’

‘Butifwe’rebeaten!Ifwefail…he’llbetakenbyArisaka!’Willsaidhelplessly.

Halt nodded. ‘That’s right. But he’swilling to gamble on thesemen.He believes inthem.Don’tyou?’

‘Well,yes,ofcourse.Butifhe’sthere…’

‘Ifhe’sthere,they’llfighttokeephimsafe.YouknowtheycanbeattheSenshi.Iknowit andShigeru knows it. The only peoplewho aren’t sure are themen themselves.Oh,they’re fine here and now. But when the crunch comes, they’re going to be facing anenemythey’veneverfeltworthytofacebefore.Ourbiggestpotentialdangertomorrowisthat,facedbywarriorswhotheyhavealwaysbelievedaretheirsuperiors,they’lllosethatconfidence.Andiftheydo,they’llbreak.They’llfightbravely.Butthey’lldiebravely–becausetheywillbelievetheyhavenorighttowin.’

‘But–’WillbeganbutnowHoraceinterrupted.

‘Halt’s right,Will,’hesaid. ‘If theyknowShigeru is thereand thathe trusts in them,they’llhavegreatertrustinthemselves.’

‘Hecouldbekilledortakenprisoner,’Willprotested.

‘No,’Horacesaid.‘Yourmenwon’tletthathappen.Heknowshehastobethere.’

‘He’sagreatman,’Selethensaidquietly.‘Thesortofmanyou’reproudtoserve.’

‘They think so,’ Halt said, gesturing to where Shigeru’s bare head could be seen,movingamongthejostlingcrowdofhelmetsandjavelinpoints.‘Andthey’llneedthatsortof pride if they’re going to win.’ He paused, watching the scene on the valley floorthroughslittedeyes.

‘And theyaregoing towin,’headded.Hesaw thatWillwas stilldoubtfulabout theentireideaandclappedhimonthebackcheerfully.‘Tryandhavesomefaithinyourmen,Will.AtleastasmuchastheEmperordoes.’

‘Isn’t there any way I can stop this?’ Will asked despairingly, and this time it wasHorace’sturntoslaphisshoulder.

‘Ofcourse.JustfigureoutawaytotellanEmperorthatyouforbidhimtodosomethinghe’sdeterminedon.Thatshouldbeeasyforsomeoneasdeviousasyou.’

Histhreefriendsallgrinnedathim.ThenHaltjerkedhisheadtowardsthenarrowgullythatledtothesecretpass.

‘Let’sgetgoing.We’vegotabattletowintomorrow.’

Evanlyn’shair stoodonend, literally.Shecontrolledan impulse to leap toher feet andspinaround,confrontingtheunknowncreaturebehindher–althoughlogictoldheritmustbeoneoftheHasanu.Hersonghaddiedawayasthehandenteredherfieldofvision.Inaquavering,uncertainvoice,shebegantosingagain,verysoftly.

‘Roundandroundshewent,softlysteppingcirclesinthesun…’

Shewassureshecouldhearthesoundofchewingclosebehindher.Shetookanotherpiece of fruit and put it in her mouth. Then, almost as an afterthought, she selected asecondpieceandplaceditawayfromher,onthelog.

‘For you,’ she said, then continued humming the melody to the song. After a fewseconds,thehandappearedagainandtookthefruit.Shefinishedherpieceandsmackedherlipsagaininappreciation.

‘Mmmm.Good.’

‘Mmmmmmmm.’Thesoundwasechoedbehindher,alongwiththelipsmacking.Shetookadeepbreathandsetanotherpieceoffruittooneside.

‘Foryou.’

Again, thehandappeared.This time, it didn’tdart in andout ason the twopreviousoccasions.It tookthefruitandwithdrewmoreslowly.Thensheheardthevoiceagain–huskyandalittleslurred.Justtheoneword.

‘’rigato.’

Arigato, sheknew,was theNihon-Janword for thankyou.Shesearchedhermemorydesperatelyforthecorrectresponse,butiteludedher.Shesettledfor,‘You’rewelcome.’

Therewasoneapricotleft.Shewaiteduntilshecouldhearnomoresoundofchewingbehindher,thensettheremainingpieceoffruitouttotheside.Thistime,therewasalongpause.Thenthevoicesaid:

‘Ié,ié!’

It meant ‘No, no!’ It was the Nihon-Jan form of polite refusal. The hand appeared,picked up the fruit and put it back close by her side. She smiled to herself. The oddsagainstherbeingtornlimbfromlimbseemedtobegettingbetter,shethought.Casually,shedrewhersaxeknife.

Instantly,therewasarustleofalarmedmovementbehindher.Shepaiditnoheed,otherthantorepeatthesamephrase.

‘Ié, ié!’ Itmightn’t be the exact phrase needed but she thought itwould do, and shemadehervoicelightandreassuringasshesaidit.Themovementstopped.ShesensedthattheHasanuhadbackedoffafewmetres.Nowsheusedthesaxetodividetheremainingapricotinhalf.Shere-sheathedthebigknife,tookonehalfoftheapricotandsettheothertooneside.Sheheardhimmove inagain, this timenotbothering tomovesilently.Thehandcameintoviewoncemore,tookthefruitandexitedfromherfieldofvision.

‘Ithinkit’stimewemeteachother,’shesaidgently.Makingsureshemadenosuddenmovement,sherosefromherseatonthelog.Shepaused,fixedasmileonherfaceandresolvedthat,whatevershesaw,itwouldstaythere.

Then,sheslowlyturnedaround.

Thefigurecrouchingonthegroundbehindthelogwasmassive.Long,shaggyredhairhungdowntoitsshoulders,matchedbyanequallylong,equallyunkemptbeard.Thehugebodyappearedtobecoveredinlongred-brownhairaswell.Asyet,shecouldmakeoutno features. She kept the smile fixed on her face. She felt vaguely like a death’s head.Then she swept down in a graceful curtsey, her arms extended to the sides, her headbowed.

TheHasanustooderect.Sheglancedup,stillsmiling,andcaughtherbreath.Hewasatleasttwoandahalfmetrestallandnowshesawthatthelongredhairthathadappearedtocover his bodywas nothingmore than a long cloak,made of fur or shaggywool, shecouldn’ttellwhich.Hebowedclumsilytoherandsheloweredhergaze,thentheyslowlystooduprighttogether.

Now she couldmake outmore of his features. The face was broad, with prominentcheekbonesandaheavy,flatnose.Theeyeswerenarrowbutsetwellapartunderheavybrowswithluxurious,untrimmedeyebrows.Therewasadefinitelightofintelligenceandcuriosityintheeyes,shesaw.Thenhesmiled.Histeethwerelargeandeven.Theyweresomewhat yellowed and stained, but they were normal human teeth, with no fang-likeincisors.Evanlyntouchedonehandtoherownchest.

‘Evanlyn,’shesaid,enunciatingthesyllablescarefully.‘Ev-an-lyn.’

Hefrowned.Thenamestructurewasunfamiliartohimbutheattemptedit.

‘Eh-van-in.’

‘Good!’Shesmiledencouraginglyandhesmiledback.Shesweptherarmaroundandpointedtothedistantkayak,whereAlysswaitednervously.

‘Alyss,’shesaid.‘Myfriend.Al-yss.’

Hefrownedwitheffort,thenrepeated,‘Ah-yass.’

‘Close enough,’ she said in an undertone, then continued, speaking carefully. ‘Alyss,Evanlyn, friends.’ She accompanied thewordswith gestures. Pointing to herself and toAlyss, thenmimingahugginggesturetoindicatefriends.Thegiantfrownedagainforafew seconds, trying to interpret themeaning. Then she saw understanding dawn as herepeatedthehugginggesture.

‘Fwends.Hai!’

Haimeant‘yes’,sheknew.Nowshepointedtohim,thentoherself.

‘You…Evanlyn…friends, hai?’ She repeated the hugging gesture, feeling a suddensenseofalarmthathemightattemptitforreal.Shedidn’tknowifherribscouldwithstandahuggingfromthistwo-and-a-half-metre-tallforestgiant.

Fortunately,heunderstoodtheyweretalkinginsymbols.Hepointedtohimself.

‘Kona,’hesaid.

Sheassumedanexaggeratedquestioningexpressionandpointedtohim.

‘You…Kona?’

Henodded,smilingagain.‘Hai!Kona.’Hepointedtoheragain,thentohimself.‘Eh-van-in.Kona.’

‘Friends,’shesaid,firmly,pointingfromherself tohim.Itwasn’taquestion, itwasastatement,andhenoddedeagerly.

‘Hai!Fwends.’

‘Andthankthelordforthat,’shemutteredtoherself.Hecockedhisheadtooneside,wonderingwhatshe’dsaid,butshemadeadismissivegesturewithherhand.

‘Nevermind,’shesaid,makingamentalnotetoavoidflippantremarksinfuture.Konamight looklikeahuge,shaggyape,buthewasnofool,sherealised.Shepointedto thesmallcampsite,thenbeckonedtohim.

‘Come,’shesaid.Shereachedforhismassivehand.Uncertainlyatfirst,hegaveit toher,thensmiledbroadlyoncemoreatthecontrastinsizebetweenherhandandhis.Sheledhimdown thebeach to thewater’sedge,where she releasedhishandandwaved toAlyss,driftingoffshoreaboutahundredmetres.Thetallgirlwavedinreturn.

‘Areyouallright?’Alyss’svoicecarriedfaintlyacrosstheinterveningwater.Evanlyncouldn’tresistasmile.

‘No.Hetoremelimbfromlimb!OfcourseI’mallright!Comeashore!’

AsAlyssdugthepaddleintothewater,EvanlynturnedbacktoKona.‘Alyssiscoming.Alyss,Kona,friends.’

‘Ah-yass, Kona, fwends,’ he repeated. But his tone indicated that he would reservejudgement.Alyss,afterall,hadn’tsharedanycandiedapricotswithhim.

Asitturnedout,hisdoubtsweresoondispelledbyAlyss’snaturalgraceandcharm,andhereasymannerwithstrangers.Atherinvitation,hestudiedthekayakwithinterest.TheHasanudidhaveboatsbut theirswereclumsyandheavycraft compared to the slender,graceful kayak.He showedparticular interest in the shapingof the paddles.His peoplemerelyusedthickbranchestopropeltheirboats.Theideaofashaped,flattenedbladehadneveroccurredtothem.Konafiledawaythedesignforfuturereference.

Hisinspectionoftheboatcompleted,heturnedhiseyestotheirotherequipment.Thetentcreatedsomeinterest.Likethekayak,itwasmoreadvancedindesignthanthesimpleshelterstheHasanubuiltforthemselveswhentheyweretravelling.Hestudiedtheirpacksandhiscuriositywasarousedwhenhesawthetwosabreslyingintheirscabbards.

‘Katana?’ he said, then pointed from the swords to the two girls. Themeaningwasunmistakable.Aretheseyours?

Alyssnodded.‘Ours.’

He showed some surprise.Apparently itwasn’t common forHasanuwomen to carryweapons.Theybuiltup thefireandEvanlynboiledwater for tea.SheandAlysssharedone cup, leaving the second forKona’s use. The tiny receptaclewas almost lost in hismassive, hair-covered hand.On closer inspection, they had discovered that theHasanu,assumingKonawastypical,didhavealotofbodyhair–althoughnowherenearasmuchaslegendwouldhavethembelieve.

TheywaiteduntilKonahadfinishedhistea,andsomesmokedrabbittheyofferedhim.Hewasimpressedwiththelatter,smackinghislipsseveraltimes.Thentheyapproachedthe subject of their visit to this province.AtAlyss’s suggestion,Evanlyn took the lead.Afterall,shehadbeenthefirsttowinKona’strust.

‘Kona?’shesaid,togethisattention.Whenhelookedatherexpectantly,shegesturedamongthethreeofthem.‘Alyss,Evanlyn,Kona…friends.Hai?’

‘Hai!’heagreedinstantly.

Shenoddedseveral times, thensaid, ‘Alyss,Evanlyn…Nimatsu-san…’Shepausedatthatpoint, seeinghis interestkindledby thename,anda lookof respect comeoverhisfeatures.Thensherepeated:‘Alyss,Evanlyn…Nimatsu-san…friends.Friends.’

‘Pushingit?’Alysssaidmildly.Afterall,theyhadnevermetNimatsu.

‘We will be,’ Evanlyn said in a confident aside. ‘Now shut up. Alyss, Evanlyn,Nimatsu-san.Allfriends.’

Konalookedalittlesurprised.Hepointedtothetwoofthem.‘Fwends…Nimatsu-san?’

‘Hai!’Evanlyntoldhim.

‘Hai!’Alysssaidinherturn.

Kona,theywerepleasedtosee,lookedimpressed.

‘You…takeus…toNimatsu-san?’Evanlynreinforcedhermeaningwithgestures.

Konaseemedtounderstand.‘Eh-van-in,Ah-yass…Nimatsu-sanikimas?’

‘Ikimasis“go”,’AlysstoldEvanlyninanundertone.

Evanlynfeltasmallsurgeoftriumph.‘Hai!’shesaid.‘Evanlyn,Alyss,Kona…ikimasNimatsu-san.’

‘Verbshouldcomelast,’Alyssmuttered.Evanlynmadeadismissivegesture.

‘Whocares?Hegotit.’

Konaconsidered therequest forsometime,nodding tohimselfashedidso.Thenheseemedtocometoadecision.

‘Hai!’hesaidemphatically.‘Nimatsu-sanikimas.’

Hestoodabruptlyandlopedacrossthebeachinlongstridestothetreeline.Hepaused

there, looking back at the two girls, who had been taken by surprise by his suddenacquiescence.Heheldhishandouttothem,fingersdown,andmadeashooingmotionatthem.

‘Ikimashou!’hesaid.

Evanlyn, halfway to her feet, paused uncertainly. ‘What’s he doing?He’swaving usaway.Ithoughthewastakingus?’

ButAlysshadseenthegestureseveraltimesbefore,intheKikoriencampment.

‘It’showtheNihon-Janbeckonyou towards them,’shesaid. ‘Ikimashoumeans“let’sgo”.’

‘Thenwhatarewewaitingfor?’Evanlynsaid,hurryingtograbupherpackandsword.‘Let’sikimashoubyallmeans.’

Alysswasdoing the same thing. ‘Youdon’t need to say “let’s ikimashou”,’ she said.‘The“let’s”isalreadyincludedintheverb.’

‘Bigdeal,’saidEvanlyn.Shewasfeelingalittlepleasedwithherself.Alysswas,afterall,thelinguist.ButEvanlynhadbeentheonetoopeneffectivecommunicationswiththeenormousHasanu. ‘Areyoucoming,orwhat?’she threwbackoverhershoulderasshetrudgedquicklyupthebeachinKona’swake.

Gettingthehundredmenofthehyakudownthenarrowpasswasaninterestingexerciseinlogisticsandteamwork.

Horace had decided it was too risky for the fightingmen to negotiate the steep androckypathburdenedbyjavelins,shieldsandarmour.Accordingly,whenthereviewparadewithShigeruwasfinished,hemarchedthementothebeginningofthesecretpathandhadthem pile their shields and javelins in stacks of five. Those Kikori who had not beenselected to take part in the fighting now acted as bearers, assisted by the ever-presentMikeruandagroupofhisyoungfriends.

They lashed the javelins together, assigning one man to carry each bundle of fivestrappedacrosshisback.Theshieldsweresimilarlylashedtogetherinflatpilesandtwomen took each bundle of five shields, carrying them as if they were stretchers. Theremainder spread themselves along the column to help the weapons bearers down themoredifficult places, or to spell themwhen theybecame tired.Mikeru andhis friends,unhamperedandsure-footedasmountaingoats,scamperedahead,placingburningtorchestolightthemostawkwardplacesonthetrail.

Finally,thefightingmenthemselves,burdenedonlybytheirstabbingbladesandbodyarmour,woundtheirwaydownthenarrowdefileinalongline.

Half an hour before dawn, BearGoju andHawkGoju were formed up on the levelgroundatthebottomofthesecretpath.Theywerefullyarmedandequippedandthey’dmade the trip down without any casualties. By contrast, there were a dozen sprainedanklesandotherminorinjuriesamongthebearers.

HoraceapproachedthespotwhereWill,HaltandShigeruhadwatchedthemenemergefromthepassandformquietlyintotheirformations.

‘We’rereadytomoveout,’hesaid.

Willgesturedtothehugebluffseveralhundredmetresaway,whichobscuredanysightoftheSenshiencampment.

‘Let’stakealookattheenemyfirst,’hesaid.‘KeepaneyeontheEmperor,’headdedtoHorace.Hedidn’twantShigeruwanderingawayorshowinghimselfbeforetheyhadanideaoftheenemy’sdeploymentandsituation.ThenheandHaltghostedoff,stayingclosetotheedgeofthebluffastheywent.Theyreachedtheendofthebluffanddisappearedround,movingoutofsight.

HoracelookedattheEmperor.Shigeruseemedcalm,buthisrighthandwasclenchingandunclenchingonthehiltofhiskatana.Horacesmiledencouragingly.

‘Whatdowedonow?’Shigeruasked.

‘Wewait,’Horacereplied.

WillandHaltslippedroundtherockyoutcrop, thenclimbedupa littlefromtheplateaufloorforabetterview.They’dhadlookoutspostedatMikeru’sspottheentirenight,readytosendwarningiftheSenshimoved,orwerereinforced,oriftherewereanyotherchangeinthesituation.NosuchmessagehadcomebutWillpreferredtotrusthisownobservationinmatterslikethese.ThatwasthewayHalthadtaughthim.

Thecampwaslargelyastheyhadseenitfromthelookoutpointhighabove.Tentswerepitched in haphazard lines, in a large, amorphousmass. A few sentries could be seen,pacingdispiritedlyaroundtheouterperimeter.InthetimethetwoRangerswatched,notoneseemedtolifthiseyesfromthefrozengroundafewmetresinfrontofhispacingfeet.Theywerepreoccupiedwithremaininghuncheddownintheircloaks,conservingasmuchbody warmth as possible. The grey light slowly strengthened andWill and Halt couldmakeoutmoredetail.

In the centreof the low,utilitarian tents stoodone larger, and ratherornate,pavilion.Twomenstoodguardoutsideandbannerswereplantedattheentrance,streamingoutinthewind.

‘Canyoumakeoutthecentralbanner?’Haltasked.Therewasaheraldicdeviceontheflaginthecentreofthegroup.TheotherswereinscribedwithNihon-Jancharacters.Willshadedhiseyesandpeeredmoreclosely.

‘Anox,Ithink,’hesaid.‘Agreenox.’

‘Notthatitmeansanythingtous,’Haltreplied.‘AlthoughShigerushouldknowwhoitis.’

Willglancedathim.‘Isthatimportant?’

‘It’salwaysimportant toknowwhoyou’refacing,’Haltsaidquietly.Hesurveyedthelie of the land between them and the Senshi encampment. For the most part, it wasrelativelyevengroundbut therewasone sectioncovered in tumbled rocks.Beyond therocks,totheeast,thelandfellawayinalowcliff.Aheadofthem,tothesouth,theplainslopeddowntowardsthetents.

‘That’sourposition,’hesaid, indicating it toWill. ‘ThatbrokengroundwillgiveourleftflanksomeprotectionandtheSenshiwillbeattackinguphill.’

‘Notmuchofahill,’Willobserved.

‘We’ll takewhateveradvantagewecanget,’Halt toldhim.‘Now,let’sheadbackandstarttheball.’

Theymadetheirwaybacktotheirwaitingcompanionsandheldaquickcouncilofwar.Willdescribedthebrokengroundontheleft.

‘We’llstartthere,’hesaid.‘Thenwe’lladvanceinline.Putthemenintworankssowehavea longerfront.Selethen,putyourmenon therightofHorace’sgojuandabout tenmetres behind. That way, when the enemy try to work round his right flank, you can

advanceandhitthemintherear.Horace,whentheydothat,remembertheplanwemadelastnight.’

‘I know. Swing the gate shut with my second rank,’ Horace said. ‘I have done thisbefore,youknow.’

‘Sorry,’Willsaid.‘Laterthisafternoon,I’llteachyourgrandmothertosuckeggs.’

The two old friends grinned at each other. Shigeru and Selethen both looked a littlepuzzled.

‘Whydoeshisgrandmotherwanttosuckeggs?’Shigeruasked.

TheArridiwarriorshrugged.‘Ihavenoidea.’HelookedatHaltbuttheRangerwavedawaythequery.

‘Longstory,’hesaid.‘I’lltellyoulater.’

‘Oh,Shigeru,’Willsaid,rememberingadetail.‘Theenemycommanderhasagreenoxashissymbol.Doesthatmeananythingtoyou?’

The Emperor nodded. ‘That is General Todoki. He’s one of Arisaka’s most ardentsupporters.Hismenattackedthepalisade.He’llbeeagertoavengethatdefeat.’

‘Good,’ Halt said. ‘That’ll mean he’s more likely to act without thinking. Always agoodthingtofightanenemywho’sangry.’

‘Let’s getmoving!’Will said and the five of them shookhands, thenmoved to theirpositions.Atawordofcommand,themenofthetwogoju,whohadbeenrestingontheground,conservingtheirstrength,climbedquicklytotheirfeet.

They formed in three files and set out at a steady jog, their equipment andweaponsrattling in rhythmto the thudof their feet.Theyrounded thebluffand theenemycampcameintoview.

As the twogojus reached their positions,Halt,Will and Shigeru diverted to a smallhillock fromwhere they could observe the battle. Theywere a little behind theKikoriranks.Moka, Shigeru’s senior bodyguard, had wanted to accompany them but Shigerurefused.

‘IwanttheKikoritoseethatmytrustinthemiscomplete,’hesaid.

MokahadremainedwithtenSenshiattheentrancetoMikeru’sPass.Iftheworstcametotheworst,itwouldbetheirtasktoholdthepassagainstArisaka’smenwhiletheKikorimadetheirescapeupthesecretpath.

Thegojusdeployednow,formingintotwoextendedranks,twenty-fivemenlong.Eachmaninthesecondrankheldtwojavelins.Thefrontrankwerearmedwiththeirstabbingbladesonly.Allofthem,ofcourse,hadtheirmassiveshieldsontheirleftarms.

Remarkably, there was no reaction from the enemy camp. Not one of the slouchingsentries seemed to have noticed that one hundred armed men had suddenly appearedbarelyonehundredandfiftymetresaway.

Haltshookhisheadindisgust.‘Ithoughtthismighthappen,’hesaid.Hetookoutafirearrowhehadpreparedthenightbefore–astandardshaftwithabunchofoil-soakedrag

tiedaroundthehead.‘Lightmeup,Will.’

The younger Ranger worked briefly with flint and steel and in a few seconds set atongueofflametotheoil-soakedrag.Haltwaiteduntilhewassuretheflamehadtakenandwaswellestablished.Thenheglancedat theenemycamp,raisedhisbowtoalmostforty-fivedegrees,drewandreleased.

The fire arrow left a thin black trail of smoke behind it as it rose into the overcastmorningsky.

Theylostsightofitasitplungeddownpasttheapogeeofitsflight.ThenWillsawabrighttongueofflameflareupatTodoki’sornatepavilion.Afterasecond,theentireroofof thepavilion,daubedwithoil tomake itwaterproof,burst into flamesand theycouldhearshoutsfromthecampasseveralmenranoutofthetent,onefallinginhishaste.

‘I’mafraidyou’llhavemadeTodoki-sanveryangrynow,Halto-san,’saidShigeru.

Halt smiledgrimly. ‘Thatwas thegeneral idea.’HeglancedatWill andnodded.TheyoungRangerfilledhislungsandshoutedacrosstheinterveningspacetoHorace.

‘Horace!Go!’

Horacedrewhisswordandraiseditintheair.Selethenmirroredtheaction.Therewasarattlingcrunchastheheavyshieldswereliftedfromtherestpositionontherockyground.Then,atawordfromHorace,thefiftyKikoribellowedasone.

‘Isshoni!’

Selethen’smenechoedthecry.

‘Isshoni!’

Thenallonehundredmenbeganchantingtheirwarcryasacadence,marchingintimeto it as they advanced across the plain towards the Senshi camp. Horace and Selethenhaltedthemaftertwentypaces,butthewarcrycontinued,boomingacrosstheplain.

Todoki’s men, roused by the sudden fire in their commander’s tent, were now fullyawake.TheirinitialalarmatthesuddensoundoftheKikoriwarcryandthetrampoftheirboots turned to anger as they realised that theywere being attacked bymere Kikori –despisedpeasantswhohadnorighttoraisearmsagainsttheirbetters.Armingthemselves,Todoki’sSenshibeganstreamingoutofthecampinanunco-ordinatedmass,hurryingtoattackthesepresumptuousfools.TheyformedintoaraggedlineastheyrantowardsthewaitingKikori.ThenHoracegaveanorderandashrillwhistle soundedamong the twowaitinggojus.

Withacrash,theshieldsineachfrontrankwerepresentedroundtotheenemyandthechargingSenshifoundthemselvesconfrontedbyaseeminglysolidwallofhardwoodandiron.Twoquickwhistleblasts soundedand thewallof shields started to trampsteadilytowardsthem.

Thiswasaninsultthatcouldnotbeborne!TheleadingSenshithrewthemselvesagainsttheshieldwall,seekinganenemytoengage.ButtheKikoriwerehiddenbehindthehugeshields.Furious,thefirstSenshiswungtheirkatanainsweepingoverheadstrokes.Butthetop edges of the shieldswere reinforcedwith iron. The swords bit into it but,with the

supportof thehardwoodbeneath it, the ironheld, stopping themurderousdownstrokes.TheSenshiwhowereengagedstruggledtofreetheirswords.Butnowanewdangerarose.

TheKikorihadnotstoppedtheirsteadyadvanceandthemeninthesecondrankwerelendingtheirweighttothefrontrank,shovingthemforward.TheshieldssmashedintotheSenshi, sending them reeling. In some cases, they lost their grip on the hilts of theirkatana,leavingthemembeddedintheshields.

Now, those engaged closely could see vague glimpses of the enemy through narrowgapsintheshieldwall.Severaltriedtostabthroughthegapsbutasabladewentbetweentwo shields, theKikoriholding themsuddenlyclashed them together, overlapping themlikegiantshearsandtwistingtheswordfromitsowner’sgrasp.Instinctively, theSenshireachedtoretrievetheirfallenweapons,onlytorealisetheirmistake.

Short,razor-sharpironbladesbegantostaboutofthegapsinthewall,skeweringarms,legs, bodies, aiming for gaps in the Senshi armour. One Senshi warrior drew back hisswordforamightycutataKikorionhisleft,exposedbyamomentarygapintheshieldwall.Butashedidso,hefeltasuddenmassivepainunderhisarmasabladedartedout,wieldedbyaKikorionhisright–unseenuntilnow.Hiskatanafellfromhishandandhiskneesgaveunderhimasheheardthebattlecryringinginhisears.

‘Isshoni!’

It was the last thing that many of the Senshi heard that day. Horace and Selethen,swordsdrawnandready,movedbetweenthetworanks,lookingforanyweaknesswheretheymightbeneeded.Buttheyfoundnone.TheKikori,drilledandtrainedforweeks,andwiththeirEmperor’seyesuponthem,performedlikeamachine.AmachinethatstabbedandcutandsmashedandshovedattheSenshiinaperfectlyco-ordinatedprogrammeofdestruction.

Some of the Senshi did manage to cause casualties. They attempted high, overheadstabbing lunges that went over the huge shields and, in some cases, they found theirmarks.Butfewofthemlivedtocelebratethefact.TheactofreachinghighoverashieldleftthemcriticallyexposedtothemeneithersideoftheKikoritheyweretargeting.

For themostpart, theyfoundthemselvescrampedandforcedback,withoutsufficientroomtowieldtheirlongswordseffectively,withoutopportunitytoemploytheelaborate,bafflingsequencesofswordplaytheyhadlearnedandpractisedsincechildhood.Andallthewhile, theywerebuffetedbytheshields,whilethosewickedironbladesflickeredinandoutlikeserpents’tongues,stabbing,cutting,woundingandkilling.

Todoki’smenhadneverexperiencedabattlelikethisbefore.ASenshiwasaccustomedtofindinganenemyinthebattleline,engaginghiminsinglecombatandeitherwinningorlosing.Buttherewerenoindividualsfacingthem–justthisimpersonalwallofshieldsthatpressedintothemlikeamobilefortress.Confused,disillusioned,notknowinghowtocounteract the inexorable force before them, seeing their comrades falling, dead orwounded–thelattersoontobedespatchedbythesecondrankofKikori–theydidwhatanysensiblemenwoulddo.

Theyturnedandran.

‘IregrettosaythatIamunabletohelpyou,’LordNimatsutoldEvanlyn.

They were seated in the audience room of his castle. The castle itself was a vast,sprawlingtimberbuilding,fourstorieshigh,setontopofaprominenthillandsurroundedbyadeepmoat.Eachstoreywassetbackfromtheonebelow,creatingaseriesofterracesthatwouldprovidecomfortablerecreationareasingoodweather,anddefensivepositionsintheeventofanattack.

The roofwas constructed inblue tiles. Itwas a shallowpitch, and the corners sweptupwards in an exotic style thatwas foreign to the twogirls, althoughquite common inNihon-Janbuildings.

The roomwas spartan incharacter.They saton largecushionson thepolishedwoodfloor,aroundalowblackwoodtablewhereNimatsu’sservantshadservedteaandasimplemeal.Severaltallbannershungfromthewalls,eachinscribedwithNihon-Jancharacters.Theyweresimpleinform,yetbeautiful,Alyssthought.

TheirreceptionatNimatsu’scastlehadbeenagraciousone.Hemadethemwelcome,recognisingtheringthatShigeruhadgiventoEvanlyn,andofferedthemhishospitality.Thegirlshadbathed,revellinginthehotwaterafterthelong,coldtripacrossthelakeandafurtherdayspentwalkingtoNimatsu’scastle.Theyfoundfreshclotheswaitingforthemwhentheyemergedfromthebaths–includingthewrap-aroundouterrobesfavouredbytheNihon-Jan.Theydressedandthenjoinedthecastlelordforameal.

EvanlynhadexplainedthereasonfortheirvisitandputShigeru’srequestforsupporttoNimatsu.TheHasanu lordconsideredherwordsfora fewminutes insilence.Hewasatall, slender man who appeared to be about fifty years old. His head was completelyshavedandheworenobeardormoustache.Hischeekboneswerehighandprominent,hiseyessteadyanddeep-set.Hemethisvisitors’gazewithoutanysenseofawkwardnessordeceit.

ButnowhehadrefusedShigeru’srequestforaid.

The twogirlsexchangedaglance.Evanlyn,whohaddonemostof the talkingsofar,lookedalittlenonplussedbytheunexpectedrefusal.Afterall,NimatsuhadbeenatpainsoverthemealtopointouthowmuchherespectedtheEmperorandhowdeephisloyaltyto themanand theoffice ran.Shegaveasmallnod toAlyss,askingher to takeup thedebatewhileshe,Evanlyn,tooktimetothinkandplantheirnextmove.

‘LordNimatsu,’Alyss began and the dark eyes turned to her. She thought she coulddetectatraceofsadnessinthem.Ifthiswererelatedtohisrefusal,perhapsshecoulduse

itasalevertochangehismind.Shespokecarefully,choosingherwordssothattherewasnohintofdisrespectforhisposition.

‘YouarealoyalsubjectoftheEmperor,’shesaid.Itwasastatementbutitwasposedsothathemustanswerit.

Henodded.‘That’scorrect.’

‘Andyourpeopleareloyaltoyou–andtheEmperor?’

Again,henoddedhisagreement,bowingforwardfromthewaisttodoso.

‘Surely you have no respect for General Arisaka,’ she said and he shook his headimmediately.

‘I consider Arisaka to be a traitor and an oath-breaker,’ he said. ‘As such, he is anabomination.’

Alyss spread her arms in consternation. ‘Then I cannot understand why you wouldrefusetohelpLordShigeru,’shesaid.Perhaps,shethought,shecouldhavephraseditinmorediplomaticterms.Butshefeltitwastimeforplainspeaking.

‘Forgiveme,’Nimatsusaid.‘OfcourseIwilloffermyhelptoLordShigeru.Iphrasedmystatementbadly.IamsworntosupporthimandsoIwill.’

Frowning,Evanlynattemptedtointerrupt.‘Then…’

Nimatsuheldupahandtostopherashecontinued.‘ButIamafraidtheHasanupeoplewillnot.’

‘Theywon’tfollowyou?Youwon’torder themto?’Alysssaid.Heshiftedhissteadygazebacktoher.

‘Iwon’t order thembecause Iwon’t put them in the position of refusing to obey anorderfromtheirrightfullord.Todosuchathingwouldcausethemenormousshame.’

‘But if you order them, they must…’ Evanlyn stopped. The frustration was all tooobviousinhervoiceandshestrovetocontrol it,knowingthat toshowangerwouldnotadvance their cause.As a princess, shewas used to issuing orders and to having themobeyedimmediately.Shecouldn’tfathomwhyNimatsuwasreluctanttodothesame.

Alyss,moreusedtotheobliquenatureofpolitediplomaticnegotiation,thoughtshesawaglimmerofhope.Nimatsu’srefusalwasareluctantone.Hewouldobviouslyprefer tohelpthembut,forsomereason,hewasunableto.

‘LordNimatsu, can you tell uswhy you cannot ask theHasanu people to help theirEmperor?’sheasked.Shechose theword‘cannot’advisedly. Itwas lessconfrontationalthan‘willnot’andshefeltthattherewasmoretothisthanawilfulrefusaltohelp.Therewassomethingpreventinghimfromdoingso.

Helookedbackathernowandhiseyestoldherthatshehadguessedcorrectly.

‘TheHasanuareafraid,’hesaidsimply.

Alyssleanedbackinsurprise.‘OfArisaka?’

Heshookhishead. ‘To travel toRan-Koshi,wewouldhave tofirstpass throughUto

Forest,’hesaid.‘TheHasanubelievethereisamalignspiritlooseintheforest.’

‘Amalignspirit?’Evanlynasked.

LordNimatsubowedhisbeadbrieflyinapologytothem.Thegirlssensedthatthiswasa painful subject. He had no wish to hold his simple followers up to the ridicule ofoutsiders.Thenheseemedtocometoadecision.

‘Ademon,’hesaid. ‘Theybelieve thatanevildemonroamsUtoForestand theywillnotsetfootinsideit.’

‘Butthisissuperstition!’Evanlynsaid.‘Surelyyouwon’t…’

Alysslaidarestraininghandonherarm.TherewasnothingtobegainedbyforcinganargumentwithNimatsu.Henoticedthegesture,registeredthewayEvanlynforcedherselftocutoffhervehementprotest.

‘Thisisasuperstitionthathasalreadykilledseventeenofmypeople,’hesaidsimply.

Evanlynwascompletelytakenaback.TheHasanumightbeshyofstrangers.Buttheywerehugeandpowerfullybuiltandtheirreputationsaid theywerefiercefighters.Whatcouldpossiblyhavekilledsomanyofthem?

‘Doyoubelieveinthisdemon,lord?’Alyssasked.Again,thosecalm,steadyeyesmethers.

‘Ibelievethereissometerriblepredatoratlargeintheforest,’hesaid.‘Ademon?No.Idon’tthinkso.Butthat’snotimportant.TheHasanubelieveindemonsandtheybelievethereisoneintheforest.Theywillnotpassthroughit.AndIwillnotorderthemto.ThereisnopointgivinganorderthatIknowwillberefused.ThatrefusalwouldshamemeandtheHasanuequally.’

‘Istherenothingwecando?’Evanlynasked.

Heshruggedhisshoulders.‘Ican’tthinkofanythingyoucoulddotopersuadethem.’

Alysstookadeepbreath,thensethershoulders.‘Whatifwekillthedemon?’

General Todoki watched, first in disbelief, then in mounting fury, as his men beganstreamingbackinretreat.Initially,therewereonlyafew,butastheybrokeandran,moreof their comrades followed them, trying to place asmuch distance as possible betweenthemselvesandtheterrible,impersonalwallofshieldsanddartingblades.

Todoki,surroundedbyhalfadozenofhisseniorstaff,rantointerceptthem.Hedrewhisswordasheran,screamingordersattheretreatingSenshi.

‘Cowards!Cowards!Turnandfacetheenemy!Theyarepeasants!Turnandfacethem!’

Themennearest him stopped their headlong retreat.But theymadenomove to turnback towards the two gojus, which were now silent. His officers moved among theshamefacedwarriors,shoving thembackaround to face theenemy,shouting insultsandthreats,strikingthemwiththeirfistsortheflatoftheirswords.Onemanresolutelystoodwithhisbacktotheenemy.Todokistoodbeforehim,theirfacesbarelycentimetresapart,andscreamedathim,hisspittlelandingontheotherman’scheek.

‘Coward!Deserter!Theyarepeasants!YouareSenshi!Turnandfight!’

Themanraisedhiseyestomeetthegeneral’s.Therewasshamethere,Todokisaw,butalsoconfusionandfear.

‘Lord,’hesaid,‘theykilledItoandYokibesideme.’

‘Thengobackandavengeyourcomrades!’Overcomebyrage,Todokislappedthemanhardacrosstheface.Atrickleofbloodrandownfromthecornerofthewarrior’smouthbuthemadenomovetoturnback.

‘Kill them!’Todokiscreamed.‘Kill fiveof themforeachofyourdeadcomrades!Gobackandfight,youcoward!TeachthemtheycannotstandagainsttheSenshi!’

Whichwasallverywellinprinciple.ButthesemenhadjustseenatfirsthandthattheKikori,thedespisedpeasantclass,couldindeedstandagainsttheSenshi–andkillthem.Thirty-fiveoftheircomradeslaydeadonthebattlefieldtoproveit.

‘Lord,’saidthewarrior,‘howcanIkillwhatIcan’tsee?’

AwarethattheeyesoftheotherSenshiwereuponthem,Todokifeltanoverpoweringragebuildinginsidehim.Thesemenhadshamedhimbytheircravenbehaviour.Nowthisinsolent coward was daring to bandy words with him! Rebellion like this could beinfectious,herealised.Letonemanrefuseanorderandotherswouldfollow.

His sword flashed in a blur of reflected light, striking the man in the gap between

helmetandbreastplate.Withastartled,chokingcry,theSenshistaggeredandfell.TodokisteppedoverhisbodytofacetheotherSenshi,whobackedawaybeforehim.HegesturedwithhisreddenedswordbladetowardsthesilentlinesoftheKikori.

‘Thereistheenemy!Attack!Fightthem.Killthem!’

Theimmediatefearofhissword,andtheingraineddisciplineinwhichtheyhadbeenraised,provedstrongerthantheirfearoftheKikorigojus.ShovedandharriedbyTodoki’sstaff,thementurnedbacktofacetheenemy.Theydiditreluctantly,buttheydidit.

Will,watching fromhisvantagepoint, saw theNihon-Jangeneral rallyinghis troops.He was tempted to try a shot at the general but Todoki was surrounded by dozens ofmillingfiguresandhittinghimwouldbeamatterofluck.Betternottowastetheelementofsurprisewithastrayshot,hethought.Thetimewouldcome.

Hehadsuspectedthatsomethinglikethismighthappen,andnowwasthetimetoputthesecondpartofhisplanintoeffect–tocatchtheSenshiwithanotherunexpectedtactic.

Nowheputhisfingersinhismouthandemittedtwoshort,piercingwhistles.

SelethenandHoraceheardthesignal.Horacegavetheorderforbothgojus.

‘Aboutface.Doubletimeforward!’

TheKikoripivotedinplace,thenbegantojogbacktotheiropeningposition,theirfeethittingthegroundinperfectunison.

‘Halt!’shoutedHoraceandthefourlinesofmencrashedtoastop.‘Aboutface!’

Again, that machine-like precision showed itself, with every manmoving in perfectunison.

General Todoki watched the movement and shouted encouragement to his reluctantwarriors.

‘See?They’reretreating!Theywillnotstandagainstyouasecondtime!Attack!’

Hismenweren’tsosure.Theyhadseentheprecise,co-ordinateddrilloftheKikoriastheywithdrew.Therewas no sign of panic or defeat there.Themore astute among hiswarriorsrealisedthattheenemyhadsimplywithdrawntoabetterdefensiveposition–andtheyhaddoneitwithgreatefficiencyandspeed.

Todokicouldseethedoubt.Helookedaroundwildlyand,forthefirsttime,noticedthegroupofthreemenonasmallrisebehindtheKikori lines.Hestaredforamoment,notbelieving what he saw. There were three men standing, observing. Two of them werevague and indistinct shapes, somehow confusing the eye as he tried tomake them outmoreclearly.Butthethirdfigure,dressedinaSenshi’sfullarmour,wasunmistakable.ItwastheEmperor.Heshoutedtohisofficersandtheyjoinedhim.Hepointedhisswordatthedistantfigure.

‘It’sShigeru,’hesaid.‘Getyourbows.Ifwekillhim,thenattack,theKikoriwillbreakbeforeus.’

The fourofficers ranback to the tent linesand returneda fewminutes later,carryingtheirmassive recurve bows. Senshi noblemen trained in archery as amatter of course.

NowTodokipointedtoShigeruoncemoreandorderedthemtoshoot.

‘What’s happening?’Halt said as they saw the small group detach and run back to thecamp.Itwasdifficult tomakeoutwhattheywerecarryingastheyreturnedbut,astheypreparedtoshoot,theactionswereunmistakable.HeandWillunslungtheirownbows.

WillsawthefirstSenshiofficerreleaseandinstantlyknewwherethearrowwasaimed.‘They’vespottedShigeru!’HewasabouttoturnandshoveShigerutothegroundbutashedidso,hiseyecaughtaflickerofmovementandhespunback.

Whenaskedlateraboutwhathedidnext,hecouldneverexplainhowhemanagedit.Norcouldheeverrepeatthefeat.Heactedtotallyfrominstinct,inanunbelievablepieceofco-ordinationbetweenhandandeye.

AstheSenshiarrowflasheddownwards,headingdirectlyforShigeru,Willflickedhisbowatit,caughtitanddeflecteditfromitscourse.Thearrowheadscreechedonthehardrockygroundandthearrowskitteredaway.EvenHalttookasecondtobeimpressed.

‘Mygod!’hesaid.‘Howdidyoudothat?’

Then,realisingthattherewasnotimeformoretalking,heshottheSenshibowman.

Todokisawthefirstshotonitsway.Hewasexultant.Hisfourlieutenantswereexcellentshots.Shigeruhadnochanceof survivingahailofarrows from them.Thenheheardathudding impact and themanwhohad shot the first arrowstaggered, thencollapsed.Ablack-shaftedarrowhadcomefromnowhereandpunchedthroughhisleatherbreastplate.

EvenasTodokibenttowardshim,twoofhisotherofficerscriedoutandfell.Onenevermovedagain,transfixedbyagreyarrow.Theotherclutchedfeeblyatablackshaftinhisshoulder,groaninginpain.ThefourtharchermetTodoki’seyesandthegeneralsawthefear there. Three of his men struck down in seconds, and they had no idea where thearrowshadcomefrom.Evenasthemanopenedhismouthtospeak,anothergrey-shaftedarrowcameslicingdownoutofthesky.Hestaggeredundertheimpact,clutchingfeeblyattheshaft,thenfell,mortallywounded.

Todokiwasmomentarilystunned.HelookedbacktowhereShigeruwasstandingandrealised that the two vague shapes either side of him, masked by dull grey and greencloaks,musthavedonetheshooting.Heglancedatafallenbowonthegroundbesidehimand instinctively knew that if he took it up, he would be dead within seconds. Hecrouched,gesturingtoagroupofnearbySenshi.

‘Tome!Standwithme!’

Theywere reluctant. They had seen the fate of the four senior officers.But years ofdiscipline asserted themselves and the men grouped around their general. Todoki wasshorter than the average Nihon-Jan, and the warriors formed an effective screen. Butbeforehecouldfeelanysenseofrelief,heheardamassiveshoutfromtheKikorilines.

‘Okubyomono!’

Theword, emanating from nearly one hundred throats, carried clearly across the the

groundtothem.Thenitcame,againandagain,asaswellingchant,shoutedinderisionbytheKikori.

‘Okubyomono!Okubyomono!Okubyomono!’Cowards!Cowards!Cowards!

The Senshi stirred uncomfortably as the rolling chant continued. Todoki saw hisopportunity.Themenmightnotrespondtohisthreats,butthetauntingfromtheseinferiorbeingsmustgoadthemtoattack.Theenemyhadmadeamistake,hethought.

‘Attack!’hescreamed,hisvoicecracking.‘Attackthem!Killthem!’

Hismenstreamedforward,headingforthenearerofthetwogroupsofenemy.

Horacewatchedthemcoming,thenshoutedanorder.

‘Shieldsup!’

Themassive shieldswere too heavy to hold up constantly.As they had stopped, theKikorihadrestedtheirweightonthegroundbesidethem.Nowtheycrashedupandroundtothefront,slammingtogethertoformasolidwall.Afewsecondslater,Selethen’sgojudidthesame.

‘Rearranks!Openorder!’Horacebellowedandtherearrankineachgojusteppedbackapace.

Eachmanstillheldtwojavelins.

‘Readyjavelins!’shoutedHorace.

Astheordercame,eachofthemensetoneoftheheavyprojectilesdownonthegroundbesidehim,andpreparedtheother.Fiftyrightlegssteppedback,fiftyrightarmsextendedbehind, each holding a javelin at the point of balance, the wicked iron tips angledupwards.

Horacewaiteduntil theapproachingSenshiwerebarelythirtymetresaway.Theyhadseen no sign of the second rank’s movement. They were concealed behind the shieldwalls.

‘Throw!’ shouted Horace and fifty javelins soared up and over, turned their pointsdown,andcrashedintothemassofadvancingSenshi.

The effect was devastating. Men went down all along the Senshi line as the heavyprojectiles crashed into them. Then, as the line stalled and hesitated, horrified by theunexpected,deadlyrainofwoodandiron,asecondvolleyslammedintothem.

Menstaggeredundertheimpact.Atleastthirtyoftheattackershadbeenhitandwerekilledorwounded.Butnowanothercommandrangoutandagain theSenshiheard thatdreadedwarcry:

‘Isshoni!Isshoni!’

Thewallofshieldstrampedtowardsthemandthedeadlystabbingbladesbeganagain.Someof theSenshi triedtostabover theshields,knowingthatacuttingblowwouldbeuseless.ButHoracehadforeseenthattacticandhadoneofhisown.

‘Kamé!’heshouted,andthesecondrank,whohadcloseduponcemoreafterreleasing

thesecondvolleyofjavelins,raisedtheirshieldstocreatethetortoiseformation,blockingthedownwardthrusts,enclosingthefrontrankinanearimpenetrablecarapace.Andnowthestabbingandshovingandkillingbeganagainasthosemurderousshortbladesjabbedoutthroughtheshieldwall.

Some of the Senshi, realising that they still outnumbered themen of Horace’s goju,began toflowaroundtheright flank, looking to take themfromtherearor theside.AsHoracesawthathappening,hecalledanotherorder.

‘Kamédown!Gate!’

And inasmoothlydrilledevolution, thesecondrank lowered their raisedshieldsandturnedtofaceright,movingsmoothlyouttoformanotherlineatrightanglestothefrontrank,facingthenewdirectionofattack.

Itwas themanoeuvreWill andHoracehaddiscussed, shutting thegate. And viewedfromabove,thatwaspreciselywhatitwouldhavelookedlike.

TheSenshiwhohadtriedtoflankHorace’smennowfoundthemselvesfacinganothersolidwallofwoodand iron.Theycrashedagainst it ineffectuallyand realised, too late,theyhadleftthemselvesopentoanotherdanger.

NowitwasSelethen’sturn.Hisgoju,intworanks,swunginaleftwheel,thensurgedforward at a brisk jog to fall on the rear of the Senshi attacking Horace’s redeployedsecondrank.

Caught between hammer and anvil, there was little hope for the Senshi. Confused,bewildered,facinganewenemyandatotallyunfamiliarformoffighting,theyturnedandran,forthesecondtimethatday.Theyranpasttheirowncamp,headinginpanicforthedistant encampment where Arisaka’s main army were still unaware of what had justhappened.

Onlynowtherewerepitifullyfewofthemrunning.Thevastmajorityremainedonthebattlefield,unmoving.

With one exception. A stocky figure remained, clad in ornate and expensive leatherarmour–armourthatborethesymbolofagreenox.

Maddened with rage and shame, Todoki had emerged from behind the screen ofwarriorswhohadsurroundedhim.Alonenow,headvancedonthesilentranksofKikori.Hecould see a tall figure among themandhe remembered storiesof thegaijinwarriorwhohadbefriendedShigeru.Hestoodnowandscreamedabuseandinsultsatthefigure,whoslowlysteppedforwardfromtheranksofhisgoju.

Horace’sgraspofNihon-Janwasn’tsufficientlyadvancedtounderstandtheinsultsthatTodoki’storturedragewasconjuringupbutthemeaningwasobvious.

‘Thatdoesn’tsoundgood,’hesaidquietlytohimselfasastreamofimprecationswashurledathim.

‘Horace!’ Will called from his vantage point, but Horace half turned and made aplacatinggestureinhisdirection.

‘It’sallright,Will.I’mtiredofthisperson.’

HisswordhissedoutofitsscabbardandheturnedbacktofaceTodoki.Withascreamofrageandhate,theenemygeneralchargedtowardshim.

Todokihadseenthelong,straightgaijinsword.Heknewsomethingaboutthoseforeignweapons.Theyweremadefrominferiorsteelandheknewthathisownkatana,forgedbyoneofthefinestswordsmithsinNihon-Ja,wouldslicethroughtheforeignweaponifhestruckhardenough.

Disdaining thegraceandbalance thatwent intoanormalcuttingstroke,heopted forbrutestrengthandputeveryounceofhispowerandweightbehindhisblow.Withahugecry,hesmashedhisbladeintotheforeigner’s.

Therewasashriekingclangasthetwobladesmet.Todoki’seyeswidenedinhorrorashe realised that the gaijin’s sword was undamaged. It had withstood his stroke. Offbalance from theexcessiveefforthehadput into it,he staggeredslightlyandhisguarddropped.

Horace lunged, stamping his right foot forward then driving with his shoulder andsuddenlystraightenedarmtogivemaximumimpetustothethrust.Heaimedforthegapatthe topofTodoki’shardenedbreastplate,whereonlyascreenofsofter leatherprotectedthewarrior’sthroat.

Hehithismark,andtheNihon-Janforgedbladeslicedeasilythroughthethinbarrier.

Todoki’seyes, startled, stillunable tounderstandwhathadhappened tohim thisday,staredatHoraceforasecondfromabovethehalf-buriedswordblade.

Thentheycloudedandallsignoflifeleftthemastherebelgeneralsaggedtotherockyground at his feet.Horace freed his sword and turned away, finding himself facing themenof the twogojus.TheKikoriwarriors – for now they trulywerewarriors – raisedtheir short swords in the air to acclaim him. One voice began the chant, and withinseconds,ahundredofthemwereechoingit.

‘Kurokuma!Kurokuma!Kurokuma!’

Horace waved tiredly to acknowledge them. Selethen stepped forward to greet him,smiling broadly. They embraced, then, surrounded by their cheering, chanting Kikoritroops,theywalkedtogethertowhereWill,HaltandShigeruwaited.

‘I’dstillliketoknowhowhegotthatname,’Willsaid.

Shigeruturnedtohim.Foronce,whenhewasdiscussingHorace’snickname,hisfaceborenotraceofamusement.

‘Howeverhegotit,’hesaid,‘ittrulyisatermofgreatrespect.’

Alyssfinishedlashingthelastbranchintopositionandinspectedtheroughplatformshehadconstructedintheforkofthetree.

‘Thatshoulddo it,’ shesaid.Theplatformofsturdybrancheswasapproximately twometres by twometres, giving ample room for Alyss and Evanlyn to sit and await themysteriouspredatorthatlurkedinUtoForest.

Theyweredeepintheforest,atasitewherefouroftheHasanuhadbeentakenbythepredator–knowntotheHasanupeopleasKyofu,ortheTerror.

Evanlyn, on the ground four metres below, looked around nervously. The sun wassettinganditwouldsoonbedark–andtheTerrorwasknowntohuntatnight.Itwasonething to sit inNimatsu’s castle andbe critical of theHasanu’s superstitious fears, quiteanother to standhere in the snow,with the shadows lengthening and thegloomy forestsurroundingthem.Whileithadstillbeenfulldaylight,Evanlynhadgoneaboutthetaskofcollectingbranchesfor theplatformwithoutaqualm.Buther last foray,which tookherfurther from the site they had selected, had been in the lengthening shadows of earlyeveningandshehadfoundherselfglancingfearfullyoverhershoulderassheworked,hernervesjumpingattheslightestofforestsounds.

‘Dropmetherope,’shecalled.‘I’mcomingup.’

‘Justamoment.’Alyssstoodslowlyandmovedtothecentreoftheplatform.Steppingwith extreme care, she tested its strength,making sure the lashedbrancheswere strongenoughtobearherweight.Eventuallysatisfied,shemovedtotheedgeandkickedthecoilof knotted rope off the platform, sending it down through the branches to the waitingprincess. Evanlyn clambered up the rope hand over hand, moving with slightlyundignifiedhaste.Onceshewassettledhighintheforkofthetree,shepulledtheropeupand coiled it again, then found a spot to make herself comfortable – although‘comfortable’,onthisroughplatform,wasarelativeterm.

Alyssgrinnedather.‘WorriedtheTerrormightclimbupafteryou?’

Evanlynregardedhercoldlyanddidn’tanswer.Thatwasexactlywhatshewasworriedabout.

Darknessstolethroughtheforestandthetwogirlssat,coldanduncomfortable,ontheplatform.Theonlysoundtheyheardwasthesnufflingandcomplainingoftheyoungpigtheyhadtiedtoanearbytree.Thepigwasbait,designedtobringtheTerroroutofhiding.Once that happened, Alyss hoped to kill the Terror, whatever it was, with the twolightweight spears that lay beside her. She hadborrowed them from theHasanu. It had

takenherawhiletofindweaponslightenoughforhertohandle,buteventuallyshesettledonpracticeweapons, designed for children.Shewas a competent handwith the javelinand,ofcourse,Evanlynhadherslingandasupplyofheavy,egg-shapedleadshot.

‘Bithardonthepig,’Evanlynsaidquietly.

‘Youcanchangeplaceswithitanytimeyoulike,’Alysstoldher.

‘Whatdoyouthinkitis–theTerror,Imean?’

‘Some large predator, asNimatsu suggested.Abear, perhaps.There are bears in thisarea.Andhedid say there’sevidence that therewere snow tigersheremanyyearsago.Maybeit’soneofthem.’

‘It’s never been seen or heard. That doesn’t sound like any bear I’ve ever known,’Evanlynremarked.

Alysslookedathersidelong.‘Knownmanybears?’

Evanlynhadtogrin.

‘Anyway,onethingI’msureof,’Alysscontinued,‘isthatit’snotademonfromanotherworld.Nowbequiet.’

ShegesturedforEvanlyntogetsomerestwhileshestoodguard.Evanlynlaydownontheuneven,knobblybranchesandsquirmedaroundtofindthemostcomfortablespot.Sheclosedhereyesbutittookawhileforsleeptoclaimher.Hernervesweretensedtoafinepitchasshelistenedtothesoughingofthelightbreezethroughthetrees,thesoftflutterofanight-flyingbird’swingandthedozenorsounidentifiablesoundsofnocturnalanimalsorinsectsthatdriftedamongthetrees.

SheseemedtohavebeendozingforonlyafewminuteswhenAlyss’shandonherarmwokeher.

‘Anythingstirring?’shewhispered.

Alyss shook her head and replied in the same lowered tone. ‘Nothing. The pig wasawakeabouttwentyminutesagobuthewentbacktosleep.’

Theybothpeereddownthroughthebranches,acrosstheclearingtowherethepigwastethered.Thelittleanimallaysleepingbesidethetree.

‘Seems peaceful enough now,’Evanlyn said. ‘Maybe hewas having a pigmare.’ Sheshuffledtowardstheedgeoftheplatform,pickingupthecoiledrope.Alysscaughtherbythearm.Eventhoughshestillspokeinawhisper,Evanlyncouldheartheurgencyinhertone.

‘Whatd’youthinkyou’reupto?’

Evanlynblushed,althoughinthedimlightAlysswasunawareofthefact.

‘Callofnature,’ she said. ‘Idrank toomuch frommywaterbottlewhenweate.Thepicklesmademethirsty.’Shegrinnedsheepishly.

Firmly,Alysstookthecoiledropefromhergraspandplaceditawayfromtheedgeoftheplatform.

‘Putupwithit,’shesaid.‘Neitherofusisgoingdownthatropebeforedaylight.’

‘Alyss, be reasonable. If the Terror was anywhere in the area, that pig would besquealingandsnufflinginterror.I’msureit’sperfectlysafe.Wehaven’theardanythinginhours.’

‘Neitherdid theseventeenHasanu that thiscreaturekilled.Threeof themwere takenfrom the middle of a camp where others were sleeping, remember? Evanlyn, the onlyplacethat’ssafeisthisplatform.AndI’mnoteventotallysureaboutthat.’

Evanlyn hesitated.Nimatsu had told them some hair-raising stories about the Terror,thatwastrue.AsAlysspointedout,someofitsvictimshadbeentakenwhilesurroundedbydozensofsleepingcomrades–noneofwhomeverheardasound.

‘Well…all right,’ she said, feigning a reluctance sheno longer felt.The idea that theTerrormightbesomewhereclosetothem,creepingtowardsthetreewheretheyperched,setthehairsonthebackofherneckonend.Butshewasn’tabouttoadmitthattoAlyss.‘Yougotosleep.I’llkeepwatch.’

Alysseyedhercarefully.‘Don’tgosneakingoffonceI’masleep,’shewarned.

Evanlynshookherhead.‘Iwon’t.’

Alysslaydown,pullinghercloakaroundhershoulders.Sheseemedtofallasleepmuchsooner than Evanlyn had managed.Within a fewminutes her breathing was deep andregular, punctuated by occasional soft snorts of complaint as she shifted to ease thediscomfortofabadlytrimmedknotonthebranchesbelowher.

Evanlyn sat, bored and cramped, as the moon arced up and over them, eventuallydescendingandleavingtheforestblackandsilentoncemore.Thebirdandanimalnoiseshaddiedaway.Therewasonlythewindnow.Once,justbeforedawn,itseemedtogustmorestronglythanbeforeandEvanlynsatupalittlestraighter,peeringaroundnervously.Butthensherealisedithadonlybeenastraygustandshesankbackintoherbleary-eyedvigil.Sheyawnedmightily.Hereyelidsdroopedandshejerkedupright,realisingthatherheadhaddroppedtoonesideand,forafewseconds,shehadbeenasleep.Sheshookherheadtoclearit,breathingdeeply,thensurveyedthedimlylitgroundbeneathher.Thedarkformofthepigwasstillvisibleinthesnow.Therewasnothingelsetobeseen.

Shuffling to the edge of the platform, she peered straight down. But she could seenothingthere,either.

She yawned again. Therewas a thin layer of snow on the branches around her. Shescooped some up and rubbed the freezingwetness across her face and eyes. For a fewminutes,shewasrefreshedandalert.Thenhereyelidsandheadsaggedagain.Sheforcedthemopen,yawnedagainandwishedshehadn’tdrunkallthatwaterthenightbefore.

She had never in her life been so grateful to see the dawn.The first grey light stolethrough the trees and she realised that she couldmake out details now, instead of justseeingvagueoutlines.Thenshebegantomakeoutaredglowfromtheeast,faintlyvisiblethroughthetrunksandupperbranches.

Then,withouthernoticing theexactmomentwhen ithappened,a steelgreydaylightstole over the forest and the clearing above which they sat. Funny, she thought, how

daylightmadethingsseemlessthreatening.

Alyssstirred,thenrolledoverandsatup,rubbinghereyes.

‘Anythinghappen?’ sheasked,althoughsheknew that if ithad,Evanlynwouldhavewokenher.

‘Nothing.Weseemedtohavepickedthemostboringstretchofforestpossible.Therewasnothingbut the insectsandthebirdsandeventheybecameboredafterawhileandwenttosleep.Ithinkwe’regoingtohaveto–’

Evanlynstopped.Alyss’shandwasgrippingherforearmtightly–sotightlythatitwashurting.

‘Look,’theCouriersaid.‘Lookatthepig.’

Evanlynfollowedhergazeandfeltherbloodfreeze.Thesnowaroundthelittleanimalwasstainedred.Alyssgrabbedtheclimbingropeandmovedtotheedgeoftheplatform,preparing to let it drop to the forest floor below them.But she stopped, then hurriedlymovedawayfromtheedge.

‘Lookdownthere,’shesaidinabarelyaudiblevoice.‘Don’tstandup!’shecautioned.‘Youmightfall!’

On hands and knees, Evanlyn moved to the edge of the platform and looked downthroughthelowerbranchestothegroundbelow.Thesnowaroundthebaseof their treewaspatternedwithmultipletracks,wherealargeanimalhadcircledthetrunkrepeatedly.Offtoonesidewasanindentationinthesnow,wherethatsameanimalhadlain,waitingforthem,watchingthem.

‘Youheardnothing?’AlyssaskedandEvanlyn,hereyeswidewithhorror, shookherhead.

‘Not a thing,’ she said, then remembered, ‘Once, just before the dawn, I thought thewindseemedtogustalittlelouder.Butthatwasall.’Sheindicatedthecarcassofthepig.‘Ineverheardthathappen!AndIswearIwasawakeallnight.’

She trembledwith fear as she recalled how she hadwanted to climb down from theplatformduringthenight.

‘Mygod!’shesaidsoftly.‘Iwantedtoclimbdown!Itcouldhavebeenwaitingthen!’

Alyssnodded.Herstomachwastightwithfearaswell.Theyhadnowayofknowinghowlongthehugecreature–whatever itwas–hadbeenlyingwatchingthemfromthebaseofthetree.

Eventually,gatheringtheircourage,theyclimbeddownfromtheirperchandstudiedthetracksinthesnow.

‘It looks like somekind of giant cat,’Evanlyn said. She couldn’t stop glancing backoverhershoulderasshestudiedthepawmarks.Alysshadmovedtolookatthedepressionwherethecreaturehadlaininthesnow.

‘Itmustbeatleastfourmetresinlength,’shemused.‘IwishWillwashere.He’dmakemoresenseoutofthesetracks.’

‘Iwishhewasheretoo,’Evanlynsaid.Butshewasthinkingmoreaboutthereassurancethat Will’s powerful longbow and grey-shafted arrows could provide. Alyss glancedquickly at her, then, as sheunderstoodEvanlyn’smeaning, the suspicious frownonherfacecleared.Sheroseandmovedacrosstowherethepiglay,stiffandcoldnow.Evanlynfollowedhernervously,herhandonthehiltoftheswordshewore.Alyssproddedthepigwiththehaftofoneofherspears.Itseemedtohavebeenkilledbyonerakingsweepofgiantclawsacrossitsthroat.

‘TheTerrorkilledit.Butitdidn’ttrytoeatit,’shemuttered.‘Ortakethecarcasswithit.’

Evanlyn glanced at her fearfully. ‘What does that mean?’ she asked, although shethoughtsheknewtheanswer.

‘TheTerrordidn’twantthepigraisingthealarm.Asidefromthat,itwasn’tinterestedinthepig.Itwasstalkingus.’

‘Next time,’Halt said, ‘wewon’t get off so lightly.’Theyhad lost only sixmen in thebattle, with another dozen wounded, four badly. In contrast, they had captured overseventyswords,armourbreastplatesandhelmetsfromthefallenSenshi–andthereweremanymoreofArisaka’smeninjuredaswell.

AsShigeru’sSenshiand theKikoriwarriorswere retreatingup thenarrowpass,HalthaddetailedMikeruandadozenofhisfollowerstoobliteratethetracksleadingbacktothe mouth of the secret entrance. The teenagers did this by dragging large pieces ofcanvas,sourcedfromtheenemy’sabandonedtents,across thesnowoverawidearea infrontofthegully.Mikeruwasaveryhandypersontohavearound,Haltreflected.Hewaskeen, energetic and he used his initiative. A small group of Senshi from Shigeru’sbodyguardremainedonwatchinthenarrowgully,incasetheenemyhappenedtostumbleovertheentrance.

Now the leadershipgroupwere reviewing thebattle inShigeru’s cabin.Halthad justvoicedthethoughtthatwasinmostoftheirminds.

‘Arisakaisnofool,’Shigeruagreed.‘Hewon’trushinblindly,thewayTodokidid.HewilllookforwaystodefeatthesenewtacticsdevisedbyChocho.’HenoddedatWill,whofrownedslightlyatthetermbutknewthatnowwasn’tthetimeforalanguagelesson.

‘Whatwehave todo isputourselves inArisaka’splace,’Halt said. ‘Try toworkouthowwewouldcounterthetacticsusedbythetwogojus.’

‘Four,’Willsaid,andwhenHalt’seyesswungtohimheelaborated.‘We’llhaveatleasttwohundredmentrainedbythetimethevalleyisopenagain.’

Selethennoddedinconfirmation.

‘Good,’ said Halt. ‘But we’ll still be outnumbered and this time we won’t have theadvantageofsurprise.Arisakawillknowhowwe’regoingtofight.Soifyouwerehim,whatwouldyoudo?’

Selethenclearedhisthroatandtheothersalllookedathim.

‘WediscussedthisinToscana,’hepointedout.‘Heavyweaponsorartillerycouldbreakup thegoju’s formed ranks.Once they lose their integrity, the Senshi can fight in theirusualstyle–oneonone.’

‘Arisakahasnoheavyweapons,’Haltreplied.‘Andnowayofgettinganyupthroughthemountains.’

‘True,’ Selethen admitted. ‘Then archerswould be the next best thing.’He turned to

Shigeru.‘Howmanyarchersdoyouthinkhecouldmuster?’

TheEmperorconsideredthequestionforafewseconds.

‘Perhapsthirty,’hesaid.TherankandfileSenshididn’tpractisearchery.Itwasaskillreservedforthenobility.

‘Thirtyarcherscandoalotofdamage,’Willputin.

Horaceleanedforward.‘Butthekamécountersthateffectively,’hesaid,referringtothetortoiseformationWillhadtaughttheKikori.

‘Notiftheycanflankusandthenattackfromtherear,’Selethensaid.‘Thesecondrankwillhave to turnand face thenewattack–and thatdestroys thekamé formation.Theycan’tkeeptheirshieldsupovertheirheadsifthey’refacingaflankattack.’

Horacemadeadismissivegesture.‘Thenwechooseaspotwheretheycan’tflankus.Thevalleybelowthepalisadeisnarrowenoughforthat.Orwecansimplywaitbehindthepalisadeitself.’

‘We can’t do that,’ said Halt. ‘We’ll have to take the fight to Arisaka. He’ll havereinforcementscomingfromthesouth.Withenoughmen,hecouldtakethepalisade.Buttheproblemis…’Hetailedoff,notwishingtovoicethethoughtthatwasinhismind.

Shigerulookedathim.‘Theproblem,Halto-san?’

ReluctantlytheRangeranswered.‘Wecan’taffordtosimplysitbehindthepalisadeandfightadefensivebattle indefinitely. Ifwedothat,Arisakawillwin.Ideally,he’dlike towipeusout.But if that’s taking toomuch time,he’ll simply leaveenoughmenhere tokeepusbottledup, thenmarchsouthandclaimthe throne.Hecansayyou’redeadandnobodywillbeanythewiser,’hetoldtheEmperor.

Shigerunoddedthoughtfully.‘Andoncehehasclaimedthethrone,itwillbetwiceashardtounseathim.’

‘Exactly. Sowe need to force him to fight – tomake him think itwill beworth hiswhile. And if we’re to do that, we need to second-guess him, andwork out how he’llcounterourtactics.’

‘Inbroadterms,’saidWillslowly,‘he’llneedtosmashourshieldwall–andoutflankusatthesametime.Correct?’

Theothersnoddedagreementandhecontinued.

‘Weknowhehasthenumberstooutflankusifwefighthimonopenground.Ifhecanattackus,butstillkeepusatadistance,he’llforceustoadvance.Afterall,ourstabbingbladesareonlyeffectiveatcloserange.Andifweadvancefromapreparedpositiontogettoclosequarters,weexposeourselvestoaflankingmovement.’

Horace was following his line of reasoning thoughtfully.What his friend saidmadesense.‘Buthowcanheattackusandkeepusatadistanceatthesametime?’heasked.

‘IwasthinkingofsomethingliketheMacedonPhalanx,’Willsaid.

Shigeru noted the sudden, simultaneous intake of breath from Halt, Horace andSelethen.Theyallnoddedthoughtfully.

‘WhatistheMacedonPhalanx?’heasked.

‘TheMacedonswerewarriorswho developed a highly effective formation called thePhalanx,’Haltexplainedtohim.‘Itconsistedofwarriorsarmedwithlong,heavylances,up to fourmetres long.Theycouldsmash through the front rankofanarmybefore theenemycouldmakeanyreply.’

‘AndyouthinkArisakamightknowaboutthisphalanx?’

‘No,’Haltreplied.‘Buttheideaofusingspearmenorpikemencouldwelloccurtohim.I’dbesurprisedifitdidn’t–it’salogicalidea.Theycouldattackourfrontrankandthey’dbesafefromourshortblades.’

‘We’dhave toclosewith them,’Horacesaid. ‘We’dhave toadvance tofight themorourshieldwallwouldbesmashedtopieces.’

‘Andassoonasweadvance,theircomradescanoutflankus,’Selethensaid.

‘We could use our javelins as lances,’ Horace suggested. ‘We could throw the firstvolley,thenretainthejavelinsfromthesecondandthirdrankasstabbingweapons.’

Haltrubbedhischinthoughtfully.‘Thatmightwork.Theoddsare thatArisakawon’thavemen who could handle anything as long as theMacedon lance. It takes years todevelopthestrengthandskillnecessary.Myguessisthey’llusenormalspears,sowe’dbefightingspearswithspears.Butatbest,that’llbeastalemate.Eventually,we’llneedtogettoclosequarters.That’swherealltheadvantagesliewithourmen.Soweneedawaytostopanyflankingmovement.’

‘Fiftyorsoarcherswouldcomeinhandy,’Willsaid.

‘Ifwecouldtrainthem.Andifwehadfiftybows,’Horacereplied.

Will noddeddespondently.But as he glancedup at his oldmentor, he saw a light inHalt’seyes.

‘Imighthaveanidea,’theolderRangersaid.‘Will,let’syouandIgoandfindyoungMikeru.’

Will,HaltandMikerustoodontheparadegroundwheretheKikorigojususuallytrained.Thetroopswererestingatthemomentsotheyhadthegroundtothemselves.

‘Mikeru,’Haltsaid,‘canyouthrowaspear?’

The youngKikori nodded enthusiastically. ‘Of course,Halto-san.AllKikori learn touseaspearwhentheyareveryyoung.’

‘Excellent.’HalthandedtheyoungmanastandardKikorithrowingspearandnoddedtoa pole some fortymetres distant, on which he had placed one of the captured armourbreastplates.‘Letmeseeyouhitthatbreastplate.’

Mikerutestedtheweightandbalanceofthespear,thenstrodeforwarduntilthetargetwas thirtymetresaway.His rightarmandbodyweightwentback,his left legextendedandthenhehurledthespearinashallowarc.Itsmashedintothebreastplate,piercingitandknockingitfromthepoletoclatterontheground.

Haltnotedtheco-ordinationofthethrow,withrightarmandshoulder,bodyandlegsallcombiningtoputmaximumforcebehindthespear.

‘Verygood,’hesaid.‘Will,wouldyoureplacethetargetplease?’

Willmovedforward to replace thedamagedbreastplateon thepole, jerking thespearfreeashedidso.Whenheturnedback,HalthadledMikerubacktoapointfiftymetresfromthetarget.WillrejoinedthemquicklyandHalttookthespearfromhim,offeringittoMikeru.

‘Let’sseeyoudoitfromhere,’hesaid.ButMikerushookhisheadapologetically.

‘It’stoofar.Thespearistooheavyformetothrowsofar.’

‘Thoughtso,’Haltsaid.Henowopenedarolledpieceofcanvashehadbeencarryingandproducedastrangeweapon,whichhehandedtoMikeru.

Itwasagiantdart,overametre longandmadefromlightbamboo,butwithaheavyirontipatoneend.Attheotherendwerethreeleatherfins,lacedandgluedtotheshaftlikethefletchingonanarrow.Justaheadofthesefins,ashallowgroovehadbeencarvedallthewayaroundtheshaft.

‘Tryitwiththis,’hesaid.

Butagain,Mikeru,aftertestingtheweightoftheprojectile,shookhishead.

‘Thisoneistoolight,Halto-san.Ican’tputanyforcebehindit.’

‘Exactly,’Haltagreed.Thenheproducedaleatherthong,knottedatoneendandwithaloop at the other.Hewound the knotted end once around the groove at the rear of theshaft, then,holding it firmly inplace,crossed the thongover itself,close to theknot, tohold it in place. Then, keeping tension on the thong, he extended it down the shaft towhereWillnoticedtherewasasectionboundwiththincord,formingahandgrip.HetookMikeru’srighthandandslippedtheloopedendofthethongoverit,thenplacedtheboy’shandonthecord-boundgriponthedart,makingsurehekeptthethongtightashedidso.

UnderstandingdawnedintheKikoriyouth’seyesasheheldthedart,withthetensionedleather thong extending back over half its length, retained in place by the cord passingovertheknot.

‘Nowtryit,’Haltsaid.

Mikerugrinnedathim,sightedonthebreastplate,leanedback,thenhurledhisbodyandarm into the throw. The leather cord acted as a lever extension for his arm, addingenormous extra thrust to the throw.As themissile hissed away on amurderous, arcingflight, the knotted end of the thong simply came free and fell clear, swinging fromMikeru’swrist.

Thedartjustmissedthebreastplate,thenthuddedpointfirstintothegroundsomeeightmetrespastit.Mikerushookhisheadinwonder.

‘Thisisgood,’hesaid.‘Verygood.’HestartedouttoretrievethedartbutHaltstoppedhim,pointingtotherollofcanvas.Therewerethreemoredartslyingthere.

Mikeru was a natural athlete, with excellent hand-eye co-ordination. And he was

alreadyanexpertspearthrower.Itdidn’ttakehimlongtobecomeaccustomedtothisnewtechnique.Hisfourthcastsmashedintotheleatherarmour,theheavyironpointtearingajaggedhole.

Haltslappedhisbackinencouragement.

‘Showthistoyourfriends,’hesaid.‘Makemoreofthemandpractisewiththemtillyoucanalldoit.We’vegotanothersevenoreightweeksuntilspringandIwantthirtyofyoutrainedandreadywiththeseweaponswhenwefaceArisakaagain.’

Mikerunoddedenthusiastically.Hehadbeenchafingatthefactthatsofarhehadtakennoactivepartinthebattleagainsttheusurper.Andheknewhisfriendsfeltthesameway.Thiswouldbetheirchance.

‘We’llbeready,Halto-san,’hesaid,drawinghimselfuptohisfullheightandbowingformally.

Halt nodded in acknowledgement. Then he andWill turned away, leavingMikeru toretrievethedartsandcontinueperfectinghisnewskill.

‘Nowlet’sseewhathappensiftheytrytooutflankus,’Haltsaid.

‘Areyousurethisisagoodidea?’Evanlynaskedanxiously.

Alyssglancedupfromwhereshewascheckingherequipment.

‘No.I’mnot.Butit’sanidea,andit’stheonlyonewe’vegot.Ijusthopeyou’reasgoodasyousayyouarewiththatslingofyours.’

‘I never said I’m all that good. Other people might have said it, not me,’ Evanlynprotested.

Alyssregardedhercynically.‘Maybe.ButIneverheardyoucontradictthem.’

Thediscussionwasinterruptedbyalighttaponthedoorframeoftheroomtheyshared.

‘Come in,’ Alyss called and the screen door slid open to admit Lord Nimatsu. TheNihon-Jan noblemanwore a worried look on his face. He glanced at the bed and sawAlyss’sequipmentlaidoutready.

‘Ariss-san,’hesaid,bowingtoher,‘Iseeyouaredeterminedtogoaheadwiththis.’

‘I’mafraidIhaveto,LordNimatsu.Yourpeoplewon’tgothroughthatforestunlessweshow them thatwehavekilled theTerror.And this is thebestway Ican thinkof todothat.’

‘Butcouldn’tyoutrywithanotherpig–oragoat,perhaps–asbait?’Nimatsuasked.

Alyssshookherhead.‘TheTerrorhasshownit’snotinterestedinanimals.Itonlykilledthepigtosilenceit,sothatwe’dgetnowarningthatitwasthere.Butoncethatwasdone,it didn’t touch the carcass. It sat under our tree for hours,waiting to see ifwe’d comedown.Itwantspeople.It’saman-eater.Sothistime,I’mthepig.’ShewaitedasecondandglancedatEvanlyn.‘YoucouldalwaysobjecttothewayIphrasedthat,’shesuggested.

Evanlynmadeadisclaiminggesture.‘This is tooserious to jokeabout,Alyss.You’reputtingyourself in terribledanger.Andyou’reputtinga lotof trust inmyskillwith thesling.Whydon’twedrawlotstoseewho’sthebait?’

Nimatsu’s gaze switched quickly between the two girls during this exchange. Henoddedseveraltimes.

‘Youareriskingagreatdeal,Ariss-san.IsEv-an-in-sanasskilledasyousay?’

‘She’salotbetterthanIamwiththejavelin,’Alysstoldhim.‘Soit’slogicalthatI’mthebaitandshe’sthehunter.Afriendofourssaysshecanknockoutagnat’seyewithashotfromhersling.’

‘I’mnotsureI’mthatgood,’Evanlynsaiddoubtfully.

Alyssraisedaneyebrow.‘Well,thisisn’tthebesttimetotellmethat.’

Evanlyn let thecommentpass.SheknewAlyss’s sarcasmstemmedfromnerves.Thetallgirlwasputtingherselfintoapositionofappallingdanger.Shemighttrytopassitofflightly,butitwasonlynaturalthatsheshouldbefearfulofwhatwastocome.

‘In any event,’Alyss continued, ‘once it all starts, I’ll be safely tuckedupundermyshield.You’llbetheoneoutintheopen,havingtodealwiththebigkittycat.’

Sheindicatedthebigwoodenshieldthathadbeenmadetoherinstructions.Almosttwometreshigh,itwasrectangularinshapeandformedintoashallowcurve.Itwas,infact,identicaltothosebeingusedbytheKikoriandsheplannedtouseittoprotectherselffromtheKyofu’sattack.

Nimatsu sighed deeply. He admired this tall, courteous girl and he feared that shewouldn’tsurvivethecomingnight.

‘Istillsay,Idon’tlikethisidea,’hesaid,withanoteoffinalityinhisvoice.Hesensedhewouldnotdissuadeher.Alyssgrinnedathim,but therewas little realhumour in thegrin.

‘I’mnotmadaboutiteither.Butcurrently,it’stheonlyideagoinground.’

Somewhereclosetohand,anowlhootedatregularintervals.Whenshehadfirstheardthesound,Alyss’shairhadstoodonend.Nowshehadbecomeaccustomedto itand ithadbecomepartoftheoveralltableauofthenight,alongwiththeoccasionalrustleofsmall,nocturnal animals moving under the trees and the soft breath of the wind through thebranches.

Shestoodwithherbacktothelargest treeshecouldfind, theheavyshieldplantedinfrontofher,herarmthroughthesupportstrap,readytoliftitintoposition.Onlyherheadshowedabove the rimof the shield. Ina scabbardonher righthip, sheworeEvanlyn’ssaxeknife.Theshorterweaponwouldbemoreusefulandeasier towield thanher longsabre–assumingeverythingwenttoplan.Hertwojavelinswererammedpointdownintothegroundbesideher.Shedoubted they’dbeanyuse,but she’dbrought themanyway.Her head, face and right armwerewoundwith tough leather for protection against theTerror’sclaws.Bynowshewasconvincedthatitwassomeformofgiantpredatorycat.Shehadheardtalesoftigersandtheiralmostsupernaturalabilitytotakepreysilentlyandunobserved.Shecouldn’timagineabulky,clumsyanimallikeabeardoingthat.

She leanedbackagainst the tree.Her legswereaching.She’dbeenstandinghere forseveralhoursand theunrelentingcoldwascreepingupher legs, stiffening themuscles.Shelongedtositdownforafewminutesbutknewthatwouldplaceheratadisadvantageifthemonsterappeared.Standing,shecouldmoveinstantly,bringingtheshielduptofaceanattackfromthefrontoreitherside.Thetreeprotectedherrear.

Shemovedherlegs,tryingtogetthebloodflowing,easingherweightfromonetotheother.Themomentaryeaseonlymadethediscomfortworsewhensheplacedherweighton the tiredmusclesoncemore.Shewonderedwhat time itwas.Thenarrowmoonhad

longdepartedandtheshadowsunderthetreesweredeepandinkyblack.Shelookeduptotheplatformthey’dbuiltinthetreeoppositeherposition.Shecouldjustmakeitout,andseethedarkbulkofEvanlyn’sformasshekeptwatch.AtleastEvanlyncouldsitdown,shethought.Andthatwas…

Somethingwaswrong.

Shesensedit.Somethingintheforesthadchanged.Herheartpoundedasshetriedtopinpointthedifference.Then,shehadit.

Theowlhadn’t hooted.Without realising it, shehadbeen counting inhermind aftereachhoot.Theowlhadbeenmakingitsmournfulsoundregularly,aftershehadcountedbetween one hundred and fifty and one hundred and sixty. Yet her automatic, almostsubconsciouscounthadjustpassedonehundredandseventy-three.

Therewassomethinghere.Somethingcloseby.Abovetherimoftheshield,hereyesdartedfromonesidetoanother,searchingtheshadows,tryingdesperatelytogainherfirstsightofthepredator,strivingtodiscoverwheretheattackwouldcomefrom.

‘Alyss!Left!Left!’

Evanlyn’swarningcryshrilledthroughtheforestandAlyssswungtoherleft,liftingtheshieldasshesawavagueblurofmovementcomingather.

Something huge slammed against the shield and sent her flying several metres. Shegrippedthehandlesdesperatelytoretainherholdontheshield,heronlyhopeofsafety.Shecrashedontoherbackontheground,skiddinginthepowderysnow,thebreathdrivenfrom her body in one explosive grunt. Then something huge and heavy and incrediblystrong was on top of her, with only the curved wooden shield between them as shecowered under it, drawing herself up to protect her head and body and feet, clingingdesperatelytothehandlesasthemonstertriedtotearitawaytogetatitsprey.Nowshecouldheartheblood-chillingsnarloftheKyofuasittoreatthewoodwithitsclaws,andbitatthetoprimoftheshieldwithitsmassiveteeth.

Ashugecatsdo,ithaddrawnupitshindlegstodisembowelitspreywithonesavagedownstroke.Buttherakingclawsmetnotfleshbuthardwood,reinforcedwithiron.Theysplinteredthefirstandgougeddeepgroovesinthesecond.

Thebeastsnarledinfrustrationandfuryaslongsplintersofhardwoodstabbedintothepadsofitspaws.Somewherebeneaththisunyieldingsurface,itknew,waswarmfleshandblood,anditredoubleditseffortstogettoit.

Evanlyn saw the sudden blur ofmovement from the edge of the clearing as theKyofulaunched itsattack.She justhad time toshoutherwarningbefore themonsterslammedintotheshield,sendingAlyssflying.Sofar,Alyss’splanwasworking.She’dmanagedtokeep the big shield interposed between the predator and herself.Now itwasEvanlyn’sturn.Shekickedthecoiledropeoverthesideoftheplatform,sliddownafewmetres,thendroppedtheremainingdistancetotheforestfloor.

Herslingwasalreadyinherhandandassheregainedherfeet,shewasfeedingoneoftheheavy,egg-shapedleadshotintothecentralpouch.Shewantedmaximumvelocity,so

shespuntheslingtwice,thenreleased,whippingthebrutalprojectileacrosstheclearingatthepredator.

Thesceneseemedtounfoldslowlyinhervision.ShecouldseenowthattheKyofuwasahugecat–much larger than thesand lionsSelethenhadpointedout toherwhentheywere travelling throughArrida.Thiswas immense,and itscoatwaswhite,markedwithblurreddarkgreystripes.

Asnowtiger,shethought.Thenhershothittheanimalwithasickeningcrack,takingiton the left shoulder, smashing and splintering the bone beneath the fur. She movedautomatically,reloadingthepouch,whirlingthesling,releasingagain.

Smash! The second shot slammed into the creature’s ribs, fracturing them. The tigerhowledinagonyandfuryandswungitsheadtoseewhereitsattackerlay.

Beneath the shield,Alyss heard the violent, thudding impacts as the two shot hit thebeastinquicksuccession.Atthefirst,shefeltalesseningofthepressureonherrightside,as the creature’s left foreleg was smashed at the shoulder, leaving it limp and useless.ThensheheardanothercrackingthudandtheKyofuwasnolongerintentontearingtheshieldloose.AsitraiseditsheadtosearchoutEvanlyn,theweightonAlysswassuddenlylessenedandshecouldmoveherrightarm.Shereleasedherright-handgripontheshieldand,withthestrengthofdesperation,clawedthesaxefromitsscabbard.

Evanlynplacedher third shotcarefully, sending it crashing into theanimal’s rear lefthip. Again, bone crunched and the tiger’s left rear leg suddenly went limp, so that itsintendedleaptowardsthefigureitcouldnowseebeneathatreeacrosstheclearingcametonothing.Itfloppedawkwardly,withoutthrustononeside.

The agony in its rear leg flared and,madwith pain, it snapped at the injurywith itsmassivefangs.

Asittwistedtodothis,Evanlyn’sfourthleadshothititsheadwithshockingforce.

Andatthesameinstant,Alyssreachedroundtheedgeoftheshieldanddrovetherazor-sharpsaxedeepintothecreature’sunderbelly,cuttingupwardstocreateawoundalmosthalfametrelong.

Themonsterroared,ashrillnoteofbaffledterroroverridingtheheart-chillingsavageryof its normal challenge.Crippled, gutted anddying, it collapsed sideways on the snow,nowrunningredwithitsblood.

Desperatelyscrabblingwithherfeet,Alyssforcedherwaybackwardsfromunder theshield,slidingonherbacktoescapethereachofthehorriblecreature.Evanlynrantoher,grabbedher armanddraggedher clear, bringingher toher feet.The twogirls clung toeachother.ThentheKyofugaveonelastshudderingscreechandlaystill.

‘It’sdead,’Evanlynsaidnumbly.

Alyss said nothing.Overcome by shock at her ordeal, reacting to the terror of thoseminutescrouchedundertheshield,shefeltherstomachheaveandwasviolentlysick.

When daylight came, they dragged the monster’s dead body back to Nimatsu’s castle,hitchedbehindapairofhorsesborrowedfromtheHasanuvillage.

It was, as Evanlyn had guessed when she first saw it, a snow tiger. But it was animmense one, measuring nearly five metres from nose to tail. As the small cavalcademadeitswaythroughthemainstreetofthevillage,theHasanucameoutinawetowatchthempass.Therewerecriesofamazementastheysawthesizeofthedeadcat,itswhiteandgreystripedbodysmearedwithbloodanddirt.ThesignsleftbyEvanlyn’sshotwerealsoclearlyvisible– the left forelegwas smashedand twistedat anobliqueangle.Theshatteredlowerjawwasnearlyseparatedfromthecreature’sskull,heldinplaceonlybyanetworkofsinew,andthejawandneckwerecoveredindried,frozenblood.

Mostremarkablewasthehalf-metre-longgashinthebeast’sbelly,withthefurarounditsaturatedinbloodaswell.

The beast’s head bumped over the uneven ground as the two horses drew it slowlythroughthevillage.Theeyeswerehalfclosed,glazedover.Butevenindeath,theanimalstillearneditstitle–Kyofu.TheTerror.

The word flew from mouth to mouth as the Hasanu gaped at the beast that hadterrorised the countryside. Then they looked from its enormous corpse to the two girlswhohadconqueredit.Bothweredrawnandpale,battlingshockandtheafter-effectsoffear as much as weariness. Seen beside the limp body, they looked tiny, almostinsignificant.Alyss’sjacketandbreechesweretornandstainedfromtheroughgroundshehad fallen onto. She had discarded the protective leather from her face and arms. Theshieldwasslungover the left-handhorse’syokeanddaylight revealed theextentof thebatteringithadtakenfromtheKyofu’sclawsandteeth.Thetopedgewassplinteredandsplitandthereweremassivegougesinthecurvedwoodthatformedthemajorpartoftheshield.Theironreinforcingstripsshowedbrightscarswherethecreature’smassiveclawshadscoreddeepintothemetal.

As the two slender figures, dwarfedby theKyofu andby themassivelybuiltHasanupeoplethemselves,progresseddownthemainstreetofthevillage,thevillagersbegantobow, the bending bodies and lowered heads moving in succession, resembling wheatyieldingbeforeasuddenbreezethatsweepsacrossafield.

‘Shouldwewaveorsomething?’Evanlynsaidoutofthecornerofhermouth.Trainedasshewasinprotocol,thiswasasituationthathertutorshadneverenvisaged.

‘Youcan.I’mtootired,’Alyssresponded.Shelookeduptotheendofthecentralstreetofthevillage,whichranuphilltowardsthecastle.ThetallfigureofLordNimatsustood

waiting for them.As they came closer, he stooped into the lowest possible bowbeforethem.

AlyssandEvanlynexchangedaglance,thenmadevaguehandgesturesandstiff littlebobsoftheheadinresponse.

‘Ariss-san,Ev-an-in-san,’ thenoblemansaidashe straightenedoncemore, ‘youhavedonemypeopleagreatservice.’

Evanlynnodded,lookedaroundandgesturedatthehugebodyontheground.

‘LordNimatsu,hereisyourKyofu.Dead.’

‘Icansee.Icansee,’Nimatsurepliedsoftly.HesteppedforwardtoexaminetheKyofumore closely, taking in the terrible injuries that these two slightly built foreigners hadinflictedonit.

‘Youareunharmed?’heasked.

Alyssshrugged.‘I’msoreandbattered,andmybacksidehasbruisesalloverit.’

Evanlyngaveatiredgrin.‘AndI’vehadthebejabbersscaredoutofme.Butapartfromthat, we’re fine. You should see the other fellow.’ She paused, then added in mocksurprise,‘Oh…youcan.’

‘It’s a snow tiger,’ Nimatsu said softly. Hewent down on one knee beside the limpbody,reachingouttotouchthewhitefur.‘I’veneverseenonesobig.Ithoughttheyhadbeendrivenoutofthesepartsyearsago.’

‘Well,thisonedecidedtohangaround,’Alysstoldhim.

Nimatsulookedupfromthedeadtigerandmettheeyesofthetwogaijingirls.Inhislife,hehadseenmanybravedeedsinbattle.Neverbeforehadheseencouragetoequalthatshownbythesetwo.HeturnedtothegatheredHasanu,nowwatchingsilently.

‘Hasanu people!’ he said, raising his voice so that it carried down the street, wherehundredsoffaceswereupturnedtowatch.‘TheKyofuisdead!’

Itwasasiftheyhadbeenawaitingofficialconfirmationofthefact.Therewasagiant,wordless roar of triumph from the assembled villagers. Alyss and Evanlyn stoodawkwardly,notsurehowtorespondtothemoment.Truthbetold,theywerebotheagertoescapefrompublicviewandrecoverfromtheterrifyingnighttheyhadspent.

Nimatsuraisedhishandsandtheroarofthecrowdslowlydiedaway.

‘TheKyofu killed seventeen of our friends and neighbours. Now these girls, theseyounggirls fromanother country, have ended theTerror!’Alyss raised an eyebrow.Hedidn’t use the word gaijin, she noticed. Literally, it meant foreigner. But the term haddeveloped slightly pejorative overtones in the way it was sometimes used. Obviously,LordNimatsuintendedthatnobodymightinferanykindofslurfromhiswords.

‘Hasanupeople,givethankstoEv-an-in-sanandAriss-san!’

Now the roar that rose from their throats was deafening. Alyss glanced at Evanlyn,standingbesideher.Theprincesssmiled.

‘Ithinkwecouldwavenow,’shesaid.

Theyacknowledgedthecheersofthevillagers,thenLordNimatsusteppedforwardtojointhem.

‘Today, you should rest and recover,’ he said. ‘I’ll sendoutmessengers to gather theHasanuarmy.Bytheendoftheweek,weshouldbereadytomarchtotheaidofEmperorShigeru.’

Alysslaybackinthescaldinghotbath,feelingthewatereasethebruisesandachesofherbattlewiththeKyofu.Shecouldstillrecallthemind-numbingterrorshehadfeltwhenthemassivebeasthadstormedoutofthenighttowardsher,themouth-dryingfearasshelaycurled under the wooden shield, hearing its claws and teeth rip and tear at the wood,feelingitbreakingupandknowingthatitcouldn’twithstandtheonslaughtmuchlonger,then the overwhelming relief as she heardEvanlyn’s lead shot begin to pound into theanimal’sbody.

‘She’sasgoodastheysay,’shemutteredtoherself.

Reluctantly, she stepped out of the steaming hot water, wrapping herself in a giant,warmrobeandgroaningslightlyaspain twinged inherbackmuscles.Yet thepainwasmuch less than ithadbeenbefore thebath, sheknew.Therewasa light tapat thedoorframe.

‘Comein,’shecalled.ThedoorslidopenandEvanlynentered.Shehadbathedaswell.Sheworeawrap-aroundrobeandhershortblondehairwasstillwet.

‘Howareyoufeeling?’Evanlynasked.

Alyssmadeherwaytoalowstoolandsat,groaningslightlyoncemore,andindicatedforEvanlyntositbesideher.

‘I’ll live,’ she said,with awry smile. ‘That hotwater certainly doeswonders.Whatdoesn’tparboilmemakesmestronger,’shesaid,misquoting theoldproverb.ThesmilefadedandsheregardedEvanlynforafewseconds.

‘Itoccurs tome,’shesaid,‘that inall the terrorandexcitementandcheering,Ineversaidthankyou.’

‘Thankme?’ saidEvanlyn, her tone incredulous. ‘I haveneverwitnessed anything tomatchwhatyoudidlastnight!ThatwasthemostcourageousactIhaveeverseen!Whereonearthdidyougettheidea?’

Alysscolouredalittle,although,withherfacealreadyflushedfromtheheatofthebath,itwasdifficulttonotice.

‘SomethingSelethentolduswhenwewereinToscana.HesaidoneofthetribestothesouthofArridahunts lions thatway.They let the lionsknock themover, then lieundertheirshieldsandstabupwardsatthem.ItstruckmethatmightbethewaytodealwiththeKyofu.Ofcourse,’shesaid,smiling,‘theydon’thavethebenefitofafriendhurlinggreatchunksof leadat thelionastheydoit.YouhavenoideahowrelievedIwaswhenyoucametotherescue.’

She looked seriously at the smaller girl now. Everyone hadmade a great fuss aboutAlyss’swillingnesstoactasbaitintheforest.OnlyAlyssrealisedthatwhenEvanlynhadcome toheraid, shehaddonesowithoutanyprotectionatall. Ifher slingshotshadn’tbeenasaccurateastheywere,shewouldhavebeenleftfacinganenragedbeastatclosequarters,withoutshield,armourordefensiveweaponofanykind.

If Alyss had risked her life to defeat the Kyofu, Evanlyn had done no less. Shewonderediftheprincessrealisedthatandshefeltadeepregardfortheothergirl,notjustfor her skill with the sling, but for her readiness to put herself in danger to save acompanion.

Ifonly…Alyss resolutelypushed theunworthy thoughtaside.ButEvanlynseemed tobethinkingalongsimilarlines.

‘Alyss,’ she said uncertainly, ‘one day I’ll be queen. And I’m going to want peoplearoundmewhoarecourageousanddedicatedandimaginative.’

‘That’sasitshouldbe,’Alysssaid.

‘Frankly, I’d like quite a few of those people to be women. I think women have adifferentperspectiveon things,asyourmentorhasproven timeand timeagain. I’d likeyou to be one ofmy inner circle,Alyss, professionally and personally. I think thatwecouldworkverywelltogether.’

Alyss made a half bow from her sitting position and winced as the back musclesstretchedagain.

‘I’ll alwaysbehappy to servemyqueenandmycountry inanyway I can,’ she saidpolitely.

Evanlynspreadherhandsinexasperation.‘Whydoyouhavetobesoformal,Alyss?Whycan’tIgetthroughtoyou?Irespectyou.Iadmireyou.Ilikeyou!Iwanttobeyourfriend!Myfatherhasshownthathavinggoodfriendsasadvisersisthebestwaytorule.Halt,Crowley,BaronArald.They’renotjustadvisers.They’vebeenhisfriendsforyears.Andfriendswilltellyouwhenyou’rewrong.Iwantthat!’

‘HaveIbeenunfriendly,yourhighness?I’vealwaystriedtoberespectful.’Alyss’sfacewasamask,butnowtwospotsofcolourappearedinEvanlyn’scheeks.

‘Therealwayshas tobeanigglebetweenus,doesn’t there?’ shesaidangrily. ‘Thankyou for that, your highness. Have I been unfriendly? I’ve always been respectful.’ ShemimickedAlyss’swordssavagely.‘I’mofferingmyfriendship,butyouseemdeterminedtopushmeaway.Why?Let’sgetitoutintheopen,onceandforall!’

Alyssdrewinadeepbreath.Shehesitated.Shewasanambitiousgirlandsheknewshemight be jeopardising her future career if she took this any further. But then the dambroke.

‘We both know what it is! Keep your hands off Will, all right?’ She stood up,dominating thesmallergirlwithher superiorheight.ButEvanlynstoodhergroundandshoutedbackather.

‘Will?WhataboutWill?WhatisitwithyouaboutmeandWill?’

‘Because you’re in love with him! You’re the princess and you think you can haveanythingyouwant,andyouwantWill.Anyfoolcanseethat!’

‘ThenI’mafraidyou’rethefool,AlyssMainwaring,becauseIamnotinlovewithWill.I’min lovewithHorace.’Evanlynhad loweredhervoice,butherwordscarriedno lessweightforthesuddendropinvolume.

‘Of course you are!Don’t deny it.You…’Alyss suddenly realisedwhat the princesshadsaidandflounderedtoastop.‘You’rewhat?’shesaid.‘Imean,IknowHoraceisinlovewithyou.Butyou…’

‘Iamin lovewithhim.Deeply in lovewithhim.Andonlyhim.Whydoyou thinkIcamehalfwayroundtheworldtohelphim?Becausehe’sagooddancepartner?Oh,IloveWill,Alyss.ButI’mnotinlovewithhim.Wewentthroughsomuchtogetherandhewasawonderful friend and protector for me. Look, years ago, when we came back fromSkandia,IthoughtIwasinlovewithWill.I’lladmitImadeaplayforhimthen.Butherefusedme – and he was right.We’re friends, good friends. Surely you can deal withthat?’

Alyss hesitated. She still wasn’t certain. She wasn’t sure that she trusted Evanlyn’smotives.

‘I’mnot…’shebeganbutEvanlyneruptedinangeroncemore.

‘Ohforgod’ssake,girl!Tellme,howdoyoufeelaboutHorace?’

‘Horace?’Alysssaidinsurprise.‘Well,wegrewuptogether.Ilovehim,ofcourse.He’slikeabigbrother.’

‘Exactly!Nowhasthateverseemedtobotherme?OrhaveIcopedwithit?’

Alysscouldn’thelpawrysmile.‘Well,whenwefoundhim,younearlybrokemyarmgettinghimawayfromme,’shesaidandEvanlynrolledhereyes toheaven.‘Butno…Isuppose it hasn’t bothered you. There’s no reason why it should. There’s nothinglike…that…betweenHoraceandme,asIsay.’

‘Aaaaaaaggggggghhhhh!’ Evanlyn let out a frustrated yell. Alyss actually recoiled apaceinsurprise.‘That’swhatI’mtryingtotellyou!ThereisnothinglikethatbetweenmeandWill,either!Copewithit!Forgod’ssake,copewithit!’

Morethanalittletakenaback,Alyssstudiedthedeterminedstanceofthesmallfigurebeforeher.AlysswasanhonestpersonandshewasforcedtoadmitthatEvanlynhadanexcellentpoint.Alysshadspentthepastfewmonths,andsomeconsiderabletimebeforethat,actingsuspiciouslytowardsher,distrustingherandjealouslyresentinganytimeshespentwithWill.YetsherealisedthatEvanlyn,ifshechoseto,couldfeelexactlythesamewayaboutherrelationshipwithHorace.

Butshedidn’t.Sheacceptedit.

AndsuddenlyAlyssfeltverysmallwhensherememberedthesarcasmandthetauntsand thebruisedknuckles thathadcharacterised their relationship.Evanlynhadbehavedwell,shethought.Itwasshewhohadbehavedbadly,whohadbeenpettyanddistrustful.Thiswas anoble andcourageousgirl, she realised.Shehadn’t hesitated to riskher life

whenAlysswasindanger.Shehadactedquicklyandresourcefully.

ShehadofferedherfriendshipandAlyss,asshealwayshadin thepast,hadrebuffedher.

‘I’msorry,’shesaidmeekly.‘Ineverthoughtofitthatway.’Shefeltashamedandforafewsecondsshecouldn’tmeetEvanlyn’seyes.Butthensheheardtheunmistakablesmileinthesmallergirl’svoice.

‘Well,thankgoodnesswegotthatoutoftheway.Afterall,ourfuturehusbandsarebestfriends.It’dbedamnawkwardifwecontinuedtohateeachother.’

‘Ineverhatedyou,’Alyssprotested,butshesawEvanlyn’seyebrowraiseinafamiliarexpression.

‘Ohreally?’theprincesssaid.

Alyssshruggedawkwardly.‘Well…maybeabit.ButI’moverthatnow.’ShelookedupatEvanlyn and they smiled at eachother.Therewas a newwarmth in their smiles andAlyssrealisedthatthiswasafriendshipthatwouldlastforherlifetime.

‘AreyoureallygoingtomarryHorace?’sheasked,intrigued.Evanlynnodded.

‘I’llbeneedingabridesmaid,’shesaid.‘Atallone.Thatway,I’lllookmorepetiteandfeminine.’

Haltclappedhishandontheshoulderoftheexhaustedscout.

‘Thanks,myfriend,’hesaid.‘Nowgoandgetsomefood,thenrest.You’veservedyourEmperorwell.’

‘Hai,Halto-san!’thetravel-stainedyoungKikorireplied.Hehadspentanerve-rackingfour days avoiding Arisaka’s army to bring his report to Ran-Koshi. He bowed to thecommandgroup, thenagain,moredeeply, totheEmperor.Thenheturnedandleft.Haltwaiteduntilhewasgone.

‘I think that seals it,’ he said. ‘We’ll have to force Arisaka’s hand before hisreinforcementsgethere.’

‘Nowweknowwhyhe’swaited,’Horacesaidthoughtfully.ThevalleyleadingtoRan-Koshihadbeenclearforseveraldays,thelastofthesnowhavingmeltedaway.EachdaytheyhadexpectedArisakatoattackandeachdayhehadfailedtodoso.Nowthereasonforhisdelaywasobvious.GeneralYamada,anunexpectedally,wasmarchingtohisaidwithaforceofthreehundredSenshi.

According to the report theyhad just received, the extra troops could arrivewithin amatterofdays.

Shigerushookhisheadsadly.‘IhadhopedthatYamadawouldatleastremainneutral.IneverthoughthewouldbelievetheliesthatArisakahasbeenspreadingaboutme.’

Through the winter, Atsu’s network of spies had brought in reports of an extensivedisinformationcampaigngeneratedbyArisakaandhisalliestowinovertheuncommittedclans.Accordingtothesereports,Shigeruhadabandonedthethroneandfledthecountry.ArisakawasclaimingtohavetrappedarebelforcethatwasusingShigeru’snameandanimpostorwhoresembledtheEmperor,inanattempttoseizethethrone.

‘Thebigger the lie, the easier it is to sell,’Halt said sympathetically. ‘People tend tobelievethatapreposterousstorymustbetrue–preciselybecauseitissounlikely.’

‘Butsurely,onceYamadaandhismenseeShigeru,they’llknowthestory’sfalse?’Willsaid.

Haltshookhishead.‘HowmanyofYamada’smenwouldknowyoubysight?’heaskedtheEmperor.

Shigerupursedhislips.‘Veryfew.EvenYamadawouldneedtoseemeatclosequarterstorecogniseme.’

‘Andbythetimehehadthechancetodoso,you’dbedead.YoucanbesureArisakawould see to that,’ Halt replied. ‘But, if we can break Arisaka’s force before Yamadaarrives,you’dhavethechancetoproveyouaretheEmperor.’

‘Arisaka has at least five hundredmen,’Will pointed out. ‘They’ll outnumber us bymorethantwotoone.’

‘They’lloutnumberusfour toone ifwewait forYamada toarrive,’Haltpointedout.‘Andthisway,wecanchooseourownbattleground.’HeturnedtowhereJito,theformerheadmanofRiversideVillage,wasstanding–afewpacesawayfromtheothers.Jitowasstill a little in aweof being so close to theEmperor but he’d earned his place in thesecouncils.Halt hadput him in charge of logistics andorganising defences. ‘Jito, are thehedgehogsready?’

Jito nodded in confirmation. ‘Yes, Halto-san.We have fifty of them. I’ve had themtakendownMikeru’sPassandthey’rereadytobeassembledandplacedinposition.’

Those Kikori who weren’t training as fighters had been busy during the previousmonths, constructing defensive measures and equipment. The hedgehogs, portableobstructionsdesignedbyHaltthatcouldbeassembledquicklyonthebattlefield,wereoneexampleoftheirwork.

‘Thendeploythemtonightwherewedecided–betweentherocksandthedrop-offonourleftflank.’

‘Yes, Halto-san. It will take four to five hours to assemble them and place them inposition.’

‘Weneedtheminplacebyfirstlight.Setyourowntimetablebutmakesurethey’reinplacewhenweneedthem.’

‘Yes,Halto-san.’JitobowedtotheEmperorandturnedtoleavethetent.

Horace stepped forward to study the map Halt had prepared. ‘You plan to engageArisakaonthesamegroundwherewefoughtthefirstbattle.’

Haltnodded inconfirmation. ‘Our right flankwillbesecuredby thebluff.The rocksweregoodenoughontheleftflankwhenweweren’toutnumbered,butwe’llneedmorethis time.Thehedgehogswillextend theprotection to thisshallowcliff.Thatway,bothflanksaresecure.’

Selethenrubbedhischinthoughtfullyashelookedatthechart.‘Relativelysecure,’hecorrected.‘They’llstillgetthroughthehedgehogs,giventime,’hesaidandHaltglancedupathim.

‘True.SoI’llputMikeru’sdart-throwersontheleftflank.Theycanstayhiddenamongthe rocks, thenhit theSenshiwhile they’re forcing theirway through thedefences.Thereservegojucantakecareofanythatmakeitthrough.AndMoka’smencantakeahandifthey’reneeded.’

Moka,headofShigeru’sSenshibodyguard,frownedas theforeignersdiscussedthesedispositions.

‘Halto-san,’ he asked, ‘why don’t we simply advance down the valley below the

palisade?Wecouldchooseaspotwherethevalleywallsprotectbothourflanks.’

‘Ifwedothat,’Haltexplained,‘there’snoincentiveforArisakatoattack.He’llknowwecouldsimplyretreatbackupthevalleytothepalisade.Ifwegooutontotheplainhere,he’llseewehavenoreallineofretreat.’

‘OtherthanMikeru’sPass,’WillputinandHaltglancedathim.

‘True.ButArisakadoesn’t knowabout that.He’ll see this ashis chance todefeat usonceandforall.’

‘Iftheworstcomestotheworst,we’dnevermakeitbackupthatpassinahurry.It’stoonarrow.Ourmenwouldbejammedupattheentrance,’Horacesaid.

‘It’sarisk,’Haltsaid.‘ButIthinkwehavetorollthediceandtakeit.’

TheEmperorworeaworriedexpressiononhisface.HelookedatHorace,thenbacktoHalt.

‘Halto-san, you’re saying that in order tomakeArisaka attack us, we have to placeourselvesinthisdangerous,exposedposition?’

Haltmethisgazelevelly.‘That’sright,yourexcellency.Therearealwaysrisksinbattle.It’sadangerousbusiness.Thetrickistotaketherightones.’

‘Howdoyouknowwhicharetherightones?’Shigeruasked.

Halt glanced at his two younger companions. They grinned and answered in chorus,‘Youwaitandseeifyouwin.’

Shigerunodded.‘IsupposeIshouldhaveknownthat.’

Halt smiledgrimlyatWill andHorace.Theyknew,aswell ashedid, that theyweretaking a huge chance. But the only way to win battles, when you were seriouslyoutnumbered,wastotakechances.

‘Haveyourgojusreadytomoveouttwohoursbeforedawn,’heordered.‘We’lljumpofffromthepalisadegateandmarchdownthemainvalley.It’llbesaferandquickerthanmovingdownMikeru’sPass.Andbesides,weneedtokeepthatclearforJito’speople.’

After the others had left, Halt stayed behind with Shigeru. The Emperor sat, waitingexpectantly.HeknewHaltwantedtotalktohimandhehadashrewdideawhathewantedtotalkabout.

‘Yourhighness,’Haltbegan,‘thereisonealternativewehaven’tdiscussed…’

Hepaused,searchingfortherightwaytobroachthesubject.ButShigeruwasaheadofhim.

‘Halto-san, you’re going to suggest that I might make my escape from here alone,correct?’

HaltwastakenabackthattheEmperorhadreadhisthoughtssoeasily.Butherecoveredquickly.

‘Yes,sir,Iam.Itneedn’tbeapermanentthing.ButIhavetoadmit,theoddsareagainst

ushere. Itmightbebetter ifyoumadeyourway to thecoast.Ourship iswaitingatanislandonlyafewdaysaway.Theycouldtakeyouonboardand–’

‘AndturnArisaka’slieintothetruth,’Shigerusaid.

Halt shrugged uncomfortably. ‘Not exactly.You’d be free to return once thingsweremoresettledhere.YoucouldevenraisesomeofthesouthernclansagainstArisaka.’

‘And theKikori?’ Shigeru asked. ‘Whatwould happen to them if Iwere to abandonthem?’

Halt made a dismissive gesture. ‘You’re using emotive terms here. You’re notabandoningthem…’

Shigerusnortedderisively.‘I’mleavingthemontheeveofabattlethey’refightinginmyname,’hesaid.‘Abattlethatevenyousayisariskyone,withnoguaranteeofsuccess.Wouldn’tthatcountasabandoningthem?’

‘Butthey’dunderstand.They’refightingforyou.’Halthadtokeeptrying,althoughhecouldseehewouldneverconvincetheEmperor.

‘Whichisallthemorereasonformetostay,’Shigerutoldhim.Then,afterapause,hecontinued,‘Tellme,Halto-san,ifIweretoescape,wouldyouandyourfriendscomewithme?’

Halthesitated.Thenhereplied,knowingthatShigerudeservedtohearthetruth.

‘No,yourexcellency,wewouldn’t.We’ve trained thesemen to fight. It’sup tous tostayhereandleadthemwhentheydo.’

‘Exactly.AndI’veaskedthesementofightinmyname.It’suptometobelieveinthemwhentheydo.So,likeyou,Ihavetostayandtakemychances.’

Therewassilencebetweenthemforsometime.Then,withabarelyperceptibleliftofhisshoulders,Haltcapitulated.

‘Well,Isupposewe’djustbettermakesurewewin,’hesaid.

Shigerusmiled.‘WhichispreciselywhyIneedtobehere.’

Thefourgojusslippedthroughthepalisadegatetwohoursbeforedawn.Witheachgroupoffiftyformedupinthreefiles,theysetoutdownthepass.

Disciplinewasexcellent,Haltnotedapprovingly.Asidefromafewmutedcommandstomarch, therewas no sound other than the jingling of their equipment and the rhythmictramp of their boots on the rocky ground of the valley belowRan-Koshi. For the timebeing, at least, the walls of the valley should mask those sounds from the sentries atArisaka’scamp.

Whentheyreachedthemouthofthevalley,theleadinggoju–theBears–wheeledleftin response to a hand signal from their leader and doubled round the bluff to theirappointedpositionontheflatplain.TheBears,formednowintotworanks,wouldcoverthe left of the Emperor’s battle line,with the obstructions assembled by Jito’sworkersprotecting their left flank. Selethen’s Hawks came behind them, taking position on theright.

Thefinaltwogojus–theSharksandtheWolves–tookpositionbehindtheothers,inaslightlystaggeredformationthatcoveredthegapbetweenthetwoleadinggojus.

Moka, with fifty of Shigeru’s Senshi warriors, formed a mobile reserve behind thegojus,readytoreacttoanybreach.

Thebattlelineformedwithaminimumofnoiseandconfusion.Eachmanknewexactlywherehewassupposed tobeandwent tohisplacewithouthesitation.Theywereall inplacebeforethefirstgreyfingersoflightstartedtostreaktheskyintheeast.Will,HoraceandSelethenmovedamongtheKikori,tellingthemquietlytorestandrelax,savingtheirstrengthforthecomingbattle.Themensatintheirranks,layingtheirheavyshieldsaside.Someofthewomen,organisedbyJito,movedamongthemwithwater,pickledriceandsmokedfish.

Other members of Jito’s work party were putting the finishing touches to thehedgehogs.Horacestrolledovertoinspectthedevicesatcloserquarters.Youhadtohandit to Halt for ingenuity, he thought. First the false wall at the palisade during the firstattack,nowthese.

Eachhedgehogwasconstructedofsixsharpenedpoles,twometresinlength.Thepolespassedthroughacentralropeyoke,withsixcloselyspacedloopstoholdtheminplace.ThesharpenedpoleswerethusformedintoashapethatresembledthreelargeX’sboundtogether.Theywerelightandeasytoassemble.Butonceinplace,theyweredifficulttopushaside,asthewide-spreadfeettendedtodigintotheground.Inaddition,eachsetoffourwas linked togetherby stoutpolesandchains,making themevenmoredifficult to

displace.Asafinaltouch,thearrayofhedgehogswasdrapedwithrope,loopedaroundthearms and trailing loosely between the individual units. The ropes were festooned withsharpironhooks,Horaceknew.Theyweresmall,sonoteasilyseen.Buttheywouldsnaganattacker’sclothesorequipmentandslowhimdownwhilehestruggledtofreehimself.

Beyondthelinesofhedgehogswasthedrop-off–asmallcliffsomefourmetreshigh,whichputanextrabarrierinthepathofaflankingforcefromtheleft.

He heard a slight noise behind him and turned to see that Will had joined him,inspectingthedefences.

‘Allinall,notabadjob,’Horacesaid.

‘Iwouldn’tcaretobeoneofArisaka’smentangledupinthosehedgehogs,’Willsaid.‘HaveyouseenMikeruandhisdartmenpractising?’

‘Ihave.They’refrighteninglygood,aren’tthey?AnotheroneofHalt’sbetterideas.’

Will was about to replywhen they both heard the sound of distant shouts of alarm,followedbyastridentbuglecallringingovertheplain.TheybothlookedinthedirectionofArisaka’ssprawlingcamp.

‘Sounds as if someone’s seen us,’Will said.He grippedHorace’s hand. ‘Good luck,Horace.Takecare.’

‘Goodluck,Will.Seeyouwhenwe’vesentArisakarunning.’

‘Hewon’t run,’Will answered. ‘But ifwecansettlewithhimbeforeYamada’sarmyturnsup,we’reinwithagoodchance.’

‘Andifwecan’t?’Horacesaid.

Willmethisgazeinsilenceforafewseconds.‘Idon’twanttothinkaboutthat,’hesaideventually.

Horacenoddedandunconsciouslyloosenedhisswordinitsscabbard.‘Iwonderwherethegirlsare?’

Will’sexpression,alreadygrim,grewalittlemoreso.

‘I’m guessing they didn’t make it. If they’d managed to convince Nimatsu and hispeopletohelpus,theyshouldhavebeenhereaweekago.I’mafraidwe’reonourown.’

Arisaka’sarmyassembled in theirusual looseformation–a largecurvedfront, threeorfourmendeep.Theymovedsteadilyacrosstheplaintowardsthesilent,waitingranksofthefourgojus.UnliketheKikori,theydidn’tmarchinstep,butsimplymovedinaloosegaggle.TheSenshipreferredtofightasindividualsandtheymovedthesameway.

Therewasonechangetotheirnormaldeployment.Arisakahadbeentoldofthedangersof the Kikori shield wall and he knew he had to break that rigid formation.Will hadsurmised that he might use something similar to the Macedon Phalanx – a wedgeformationarmedwithlong,heavylances,designedtosmashthroughanenemy’sline.Hisguesswasalittleofftarget.ArisakaknewnothingaboutthePhalanx.

Butheknewaboutbatteringrams.

At intervals along the linewere five young tree trunks, trimmed and sharpened, andbornebysixwarriorseach,themenholdingontoropehandlesspacedalongthelogs’six-metre lengths. The sharpened logs, swung underhand at waist height by the long ropehandles,wouldactasbatteringramsandsmashgreatgapsintheenemy’sdefencesbeforetheKikoricouldcometogripswiththeirattackers.Noshieldbearercouldwithstandsuchashatteringimpact.Andoncetheintegrityoftheshieldwallwasbreached,theKikorilosttheirgreatestadvantage– theirability to fightasa team,witheachmansupportingandprotectinghisneighbour.

‘Sothat’swhathe’sgotinmind,’Horacemutteredtohimself.HewatchedastheSenshiline advanced, overlapping theKikori line at either end. As the space available closeddown,thoseouterwingswouldhavetofoldbackinbehindArisaka’sfrontranks.They’dbepoisedthreeandfourdeepbehindtherams.

Willwasrunningacrosstherearofthetwoleadinggojus,shoutingtoattractHorace’sattention.

‘Doorway! Doorway!’ he called and Horace waved in acknowledgement. They’dpractisedtodefendagainstawedgeofheavylances.Theramswereessentiallythesamething,andtheyhadatactictheycoulduseagainstthem.WillcontinuedtoruntopassonthesamemessagetoSelethen.

Horacehurriedtojoinhisgoju.Hemovedquicklybehindthesecondrank,callingtohismen.

‘Usethedoorwaytacticwhentheygetclose!’hecalledandhesawsectionleaders inthefrontrankturnbrieflyandindicatethattheyunderstood.

The advancing Senshi were fifty metres away now, almost within effective javelinrange.

‘Second rank, open order!’ Horace yelled and the rear rank responded as one man,steppingbackthreepacestogivethemselvesthrowingroom.

‘Javelinsready!’

Twenty-fivearmswentback,thejavelinsangledupwards.

‘Aim for the rams!’Horace ordered.Hewatched the approaching army, judged theywereinrange.‘Throw!’

Thejavelinshissedawayontheirarcingflight.Severalsecondslater,hesawsectionsofthe Senshi line collapse in confusion as the heavy missiles struck home. One of thebatteringramscrashedtothegroundashalfitsbearerswerehitandtheotherswereforcedto release their grip on the rope handles. The heavy rolling log causedmore confusionamongtheattackingSenshi.Buttheyreformedandcameon.TherewerestilltwoofthebatteringramsaimedattheBearGoju.

The nearest ram broke from the Senshi front line as its bearers went from a steadytramp to a run.They lunged forward at theKikori shieldwall, their sudden increase inspeedcatchingHoracebysurprise.Theheavy,sharpenedlogswungforwardonitsropehandles,bludgeoningintothefrontrank.ThreeoftheKikoriwentdownandthemenontherammovedquicklytoconsolidatetheirposition.Thesecondrankhadclosedupagain

afterthrowingtheirjavelins.Nowtheyusedtheirreserveweaponstostabovertheheadsofthefrontrank,attheramanditsbearers.Theramswungback,thenforwardtosmashinto the shields again. More Kikori went down and the waiting Senshi screamed intriumphas theysawthepreviously impregnablewalldisintegrating.Theramwentbackagain.

‘Doorway!Doorway!’Horaceyelled,histhroatdryandhisvoicebreaking.

Thistime,astheheavylogswungforward,theKikorifacingitsteppedbackandtotheside, opening a gap in front of it. Without any resistance, the battering ram whippedforwardthroughthinair,throwingthemenwieldingitoffbalance.ThesecondlineofmenopenedaswellandsomeoftheKikorigrabbedtheramanddraggeditthroughtheirranks.As the men on the rope handles staggered through the gap left for them, the deadlystabbingbladesoftheKikoriwenttowork.Thesurvivingramwieldersfoundthemselvesin the clear behind the second rank, bewildered and isolated. As they realised theirpredicament,tenmenfromthefrontrankoftheSharkGojumovedforwardandquicklysurrounded them.Within a few seconds,Arisaka’smen lay still.But, in themore openstyleoffighting,theyhadtakenatoll.FiveKikorilaydeadbesidethem.

Withashoutofrage,theSenshilinesurgedforward.Butthedoorwayclosedasquicklyas ithadopenedand theyfoundthemselvesfacing that formidable lineofshields.Theycutandslashedineffectually,deniedthespacetheyneededtowield theirswords tobesteffect.TheshortswordsoftheKikoriflickeredinandoutbetweentheshields,wounding,maiming,killing.

TheSenshibackedaway,movingoutof rangeof the shorterweapons.Nowsomeofthembeganamorecarefulattack,lungingatthesmallgapsbetweentheshieldswiththeirlonger katana. This time, however, forewarned of theKikori tactic of jamming shieldstogether, theywithdrew their blades almost immediately. It was an effective technique.MoreKikorifell,theirplacestakenbymenfromthesecondrank.

Horaceglanceddownthelinetoseewhathadhappenedwiththesecondram.Themenwielding it, having seenwhathappened to their companions,weremore circumspect intheirattack.Theyswungtheraminshort,savagejabsatthewall.Shieldssplit,menwentdown.ThenthemenontheramdrewtheirunwieldyweaponbackandhurleditintotheKikorifrontline,immediatelydrawingswordsandfollowingitthroughthegaptheyhadbreached.

Forafewminutes,theyhadthesituationtheywanted–adisjointedKikoriline,whichgavethemroomtousetheirlongswords.Theytookadreadfultollonthedefenders.Thenthesecondrankjoinedin,usingtheirjavelinstostabatlongrange,movingforwardasaunit to fill the gaps in the front rank. Horace came charging down the line from hisvantagepoint,hisswordswingingandthrustingintotheSenshi,hisshielddeflectingtheirkatana.Hisspeed,andthepowerofhisswordstrokes,tookArisaka’smenbysurpriseandtheybegan to fall backbeforehisone-manassault.Seeing this,Horacebellowed tohisKikori.

‘Advance!Advance!Issho-ni!Issho-ni!’

The BearGoju, discipline and formation restored, began to tramp steadily forward,crowding the enemy, buffeting them, shoving and stabbing. But even in retreat, the

Senshi’skatanaweretakingatolloftheadvancinggoju’sranks.

On the right flank, Selethen’sHawkswere faring a little better. There had been tworamsaimedatSelethen’sformationandtheyweresomemetresbehindtheramsattackingHorace’ssectionoftheline.Selethenwasabletoorderthedoorwaytacticwhenthefirstram came forward. The Kikori peeled aside, letting the ram blunder through, whileSelethen’smenstabbedatthemwithjavelinsandshortswords.ThenthelineclosedagaintofacethefollowingSenshi.

The second ramnevermade it to theHawks’ front line. Four of its six bearerswerestruckdownbyasalvoofblack-shaftedarrows.Halt,standingwithShigeruonaraisedvantagepoint thirtymetres to therear,nodded insatisfactionashesawtheresultofhisshooting. The remaining two bearers, unable to control the heavy log by themselves,allowedit tofall to theground.Itbouncedandrolled,knockingoverfourof theSenshiwhowereplanningtofollowitintotheenemy’sranks.

Seizingontheirconfusion,SelethenechoedHorace’sorder.

‘Forward!Issho-ni!’

TheKikori,theirfightingbloodroused,tookupthechantastheymovedforwardlikeatide.

‘Issho-ni!Issho-ni!’

They slammed into the Senshi and the slaughter began. But, like the Senshi facingHorace’smen,thesewarriorsknewbetterthantoallowtheKikoritogettooclose.Theygaveground, all thewhile stabbing into thegaps andover the topsof the shields.Mendiedonbothsides,althoughtheclosequarterfightingsuitedtheKikoribetter.Selethen,like Horace, patrolled the line, dashing in where necessary to lend support with hisflashing curvedblade, usinghis small hand shield to deflect the thrusts and cuts of thekatana.

He glanced across at Horace’s goju and saw that his men were moving ahead ofHorace’s,openingadangerousgap.Instantly,heshoutedanorder.

‘Hawks!Halt!Withdraw!Withdrawtenpaces!’

Movingasone,theHawkfrontlinedisengagedfromtheSenshiandmovedbackwards.Astheyhadtrainedtodo,thesecondrankseizedtheshouldersofmeninthefrontrank.Theyturnedtofacethedirectionofthewithdrawal,guidingthestepsofthefrontranksotheir comrades never had to turn away from the enemy. The goju simply movedbackwards, formation still intact, any gaps in the shield wall closed by men from thesecondrank.

Selethengauged thedistance to theSenshi forceandglancedback to theSharkGojubehindhismen.Hesignalledtheircommanderandthemanturnedandbellowedaseriesoforders.

Arisaka’s men, their view obscured by the enemy directly in front of them, had nowarning of the shower of javelins from the SharkGoju as they hurtled down over theheads of theHawks. Senshiwent down all along the line as the heavyweapons struckhome.Selethen,seeing that the ramswerealloutofaction, signalled foranothervolley

andwatchedasgreatgapswerepunchedintheSenshiline.

A Senshi commander screamed an order and his men, never knowing when a thirdvolleymightarrive,turnedandranclearofthekillingground.

HoracenowsawthathismenwereadvancingtoofaraheadoftheHawkformation.Hetoocalledahaltandthetwofrontlinesfacedeachother.TheSenshiweren’tabouttotryanother frontalassault thatwould take themwithin rangeof thosestabbingswords.Butnowagroupof fiftySenshiwarriors detached from themain force andbegan to try toworktheirwaythroughthewoodenobstructionstheycouldseeontheenemy’sleftflank.They shoved and cut theirway through the star-shaped hedgehogs, gradually forcing apaththroughthem.Thenseveralofthemwerepulledupshortbythehooksinthetangleoflightropethatcoveredthegroundatkneeheight.

None of them paid any attention to the horn blast that came from the raised groundwhereHaltstoodwatching.Andveryfewofthemsawthelightlyarmedgroupofyoungmenrisefromthecoveroftherocksontheirright.

Mikerulookedtothedistantfigureinthegreyandgreencloak.HesawHaltraisehishandslowly, twice, thenpoint totherear.TheyoungKikorinodded,understanding,andissuedhisorderstohisthirtydartmen.

‘Twodarts,’hesaid.‘Thenretreat.’Eachmancarriedeightdartsinaleathertubeonhisback.Haltwasobviouslyaimingtoconservetheirweaponsasfaraspossible.

‘Ready!’ Mikeru called. He looked down the line of throwers, saw they were allprepared,andcalledtheexecutiveorder.

‘Throw!’

The iron-tipped darts, whipped on their way by the taut throwing cords, made adistinctive whistling sound as they flew. Some of the men struggling among thehedgehogs heard it and looked up, curious to knowwhat it was. Then the thirty dartssmashedintothemandtherewerescreamsandcriesastheyfell,theirarmourrupturedbytheirontips.Beforetheycouldrecover,anotherflightofdartssavagedthem.

Fifteen of their number were left hanging awkwardly, draped over the hedgehogs.Elevenofthesurvivorsmadeit throughthetangleofobstructionsandfoundthemselvesfacingMoka’s fiftywarriors,whowere eager to strike a blow for theirEmperor.Therewasabrief,unevenbattle.Noneoftheattackerssurvived.Seeingtheresult,theremainderoftheflankingforcewithdrew.

Across the field, the same thing was happening. Arisaka’s men, thwarted in theirattempt to force away through the shieldwall,weredrawingback to take stockof thesituation.Theyleftalotoftheircomradesonthefieldofbattlebuttheywerebynomeansbeaten.

AndtheyhadtakentheirtolloftheKikori.Knowingwhattoexpect,theSenshihadn’tattackedblindlyas theyhaddonebefore.Theyweremoredisciplined in their approachandknewwhentowithdraw.

Now,bymutualconsent,thetwoforcesbackedoffandfacedeachother,eachassessingthe damage they had done, the losses they had suffered. Halt looked up as Will

approached.Hesawthathisformerapprentice’squiverwashalfempty.Obviously,WillhadaccountedforsomeofArisaka’smenaswell.

‘How’sitlooking?’Haltsaid.

TheyoungerRangershookhishead.‘It’snotgreat.We’velostovertwentymen.Andthere’sanothertenwounded.’

Haltwhistled slowly.Thatwas a thirdof themenwhohadbeen engaged in the twoleadinggojus.‘Canwestandanotherattack?’

Willthoughtaboutthequestionbeforeheanswered.

‘I’dsayso.Arisaka lostnearly twohundredmen in thatattack.We’vegot twogojusintact and ready to fight. They’re fresh troops. I’ll push them forward to replace theHawksandtheBears.

‘In addition,we’ve gotMikeru’s dartmen.Theydid a great job. Pluswe’ve got fiftySenshiourselves.

‘IthinkwecanhandlewhateverArisakathrowsatus–solongasthosereinforcementsdon’tturnup.’

Themomenthesaidthewords,heregrettedthem.Thesuperstitiousthoughtoccurredtohimthatbymentioningthepossibility,hemightmakeitareality.Thenheshruggedthethoughtaside.Thingsdidn’tworkthatway,hetoldhimself.

Acrossthefield,fromArisaka’sarmy,heheardasuddenburstofcheering.Helookedup.

‘Whathavetheygottocheerabout?’heasked.

Haltpointedgrimlytoafileofmen,justvisibleinthesouth-westcorneroftheplain.

‘It’sYamada,’hesaid.‘He’sarrived.’

Stony faced, Will watched the new arrivals approaching from the south-west. Theymarched in a large, irregular gaggle and the weak midmorning sun glinted off theirweaponsandarmour.Atleastthreehundredofthem,hethought.

Halt’s voice snappedhimoutofhis grim reverie. ‘You’dbetter getmoving if you’regoingtoreorganiseyourtroops,’hesaid.‘Ordoyouplantosurrender?’

WillshookhimselfangrilyandrandownfromtheslightlyelevatedspotwhereHaltandShigerustood.Hesentadetailtorecoverasmanyofthejavelinsaspossible,andorderedtheWolvesandSharksforwardintothefrontline,replacingthetwobadlydepletedgojuswhohadbornethebruntofthefightingsofar.HoraceandSelethenwouldcommandthetwonewgojusinthefrontline.Thethreefriendshadahurriedconsultation.

‘Theywon’thaveanyramsthistime,’Willsaid,‘soIguessit’sbusinessasusual.Useyourjavelins.Twovolleyseach,noneedtosavethemforstabbing.Andclosewiththemassoonasyoucan.Ourmendidwellwhentheygotinclose–andtheSenshidon’tlikeit.’

His two commanders nodded. Horace glanced to where Shigeru stood, in fullceremonialarmour.

‘AnychanceyoucanconvinceShigerutogetaway?’hesaid,loweringhisvoice.

Willshookhishead.‘Halttried.He’llstandbyhismen,winorlose.’

‘I always thoughthewould,’Selethen saidquietly.Allof the foreignershadcome torespectthestrengthofcharacterandthequietdignityoftheEmperor.

‘Inthatcase,we’lljusthavetowin,’Horacesaid.Buttheveryfactthathe’daskedthequestion showed that he didn’t believe thatwas possible now.They all knew their bestchancehadbeentosmashArisaka’sforcebeforeYamada’smenarrived.Thatopportunitywasgone.

TheycouldheartheirregulartrampoffeetandrattleofequipmentfromYamada’sforceasitdrewcloser.Inafewminutes,they’dbefightingfortheirlivesagain.

‘Allright,’saidWill,‘Iguessthisisit.Timewe–’

‘Chocho!Chocho-san!’

The clear young voice carried to them and they all turned to see Mikeru runningtowards them.The tube of darts slung across his back slapped up and down as he ran,settinguparattlingcounterpointtothethudofhisfeet.

‘Whatisthischochobusiness?’Willmutteredtohimself.Buthisfriendsoverheardthecomment.

‘It’satermofgreatrespect,’theychorused,andheglaredatthem.

‘Oh,shutup,’hesaid.ButnowMikeruhaddrawnupwith them.He leanedforward,regaininghisbreath,heavingindeeplungfulsofair,hishandsonhisthighs.

‘Mikeru, we’re going to need you back with your men,’Will began. The small butpotentforceofdartmenwasstationedonthefarsideoftheline.ButMikeruwasshakinghisheadashegatheredenoughbreathtospeak.

‘Chocho,’hemanagedtogasp,‘therearemencoming.Soldiers!’

‘Weknow,’Horacesaid, jerkinga thumbat theapproachingSenshi. ‘Beabithardtomissthem.’

ButMikeruwavedhishandsinanegativegesture.‘Notthere!’hesaid.‘There!’Andhepointedtotheeast.

Three sets of eyes snapped around to follow his pointing finger. To the east of theirposition, past the end of the left flank and the low cliff, lay another ridge line, twokilometresaway.Emergingfrombehindit,andontotheplain,wasahugebodyoftroops.Asthethreefriendswatched,thecolumnkeptstreamingoutfrombehindtheridge,dustcloudsrisingtomarktheirmovement.

‘It’s thegirls,’Horacesaidquietly. ‘Theymade it.Andtheybrought theHasanuwiththem.’

‘Theremustbethousandsof them,’Selethensaid,as thecolumncontinuedtoemergeintosight.Andnowtheycouldhearthefaintsoundofadistantchant.WillrealisedtheycouldhearitbecausethecheeringfromArisaka’sarmyhaddiedawayasalleyesturnedtotheeast.

‘Kotei!Kotei!Kotei!’

‘Whataretheysaying?’heaskedMikeru.

Theyoungfightergrinnedathim.‘Theyaresaying“Emperor!Emperor!Emperor!”’hetoldthem.

Willletgoahugesighofrelief.HeglancedroundtowhereHaltstoodandsawhisoldteacher,hiscowlpulledbackandhisheadbared,nodquietlytohim.

The Hasanu had deployed fully onto the plain and they began to advance towardsArisaka’sSenshi.ThechantgrewlouderandlouderastheyapproachedandArisaka’smenturned uncertainly to face the oncoming horde. Even with Yamada’s men, they wereoutnumberedatleastthreetooneandtheywatchedapprehensivelyastheybegantomakeout details of the Hasanu. Huge figures, over two metres in height, covered in whatappeared to be long reddish hair andbrandishing spiked clubs, pikes andheavy spears.Unconsciously,theSenshigroupedclosertogetherastheyfacedthisterrifyingnewthreat.

Andastheydidso,theyseemedtoforgetthatbehindthemwerethedeadlyfangsoftheWolvesandtheSharks.Willglancedatthetwogoju,inperfect,disciplinedformation.HerealisedthatthiswastheidealopportunitytosmashArisaka’sarmy.Hissmallbuthighly

trained force would be the hammer. The huge Hasanu army would be the anvil uponwhichtheybrokeArisakaonceandforall.

‘Mikeru,’ he said, ‘get yourmen to advance as far as the hedgehogs.Hit the Senshifromtheflank.Let’emhaveallyourdarts,thenrunforit.’

Theyoungmannoddedandsprintedaway.WillturnedtoHoraceandSelethen.

‘Advanceallfourgojuandhitthemintherear,’hesaid.

Thetwocommandersnoddedandrantotheirpositions.Ordersrangout.Therewasthefamiliarcrashingsoundofthemassiveshieldsbeingraisedintoposition,thentheWolvesandSharkssteppedoutinperfectunison,thedepletedgojusofBearsandHawksformedupbehindthem.

SomeofArisaka’smensensedtheirapproachandturnedtofacethem.Therebelarmyweretrapped.ThewingsofthemassiveHasanulinewouldencirclethemwithinthenextfewminutes.Andthegrim-facedKikorifightingmachinewasintheirrear.ButtheSenshiwerewarriors,andtrainedinahardschool.Theymighthavenochance,buttheywouldselltheirlivesdearly.ThoseattherearturnedtofacethesteadilyadvancingKikorigojus.Fortymetresout,HoracecalledfortheKikoritohalt,thenfortherearrankstoopenout,theirjavelinspoised.

‘Stop!’

Thevoice,deepandresonant,rangoutoverthebattlefield.

Will spun round, and sawShigeru,withHalt besidehim, striding towards theKikoriline. After amoment’s hesitation, the young Rangermoved to join them. Shigeru washoldingagreenbranchabovehishead,theNihon-Janequivalentofaflagoftruce.Ahushhad fallenover thebattlefieldas thousandsofwarriorswaited toseewhatwasabout totranspire.Thegreenbranchwasaninviolablesymbolandmustberespected.

Halt,WillandShigerustrodeacrosstheplain,untiltheystoodbetweentheKikorigojusandtheSenshiline.Shigerustopped,stillholdingthegreenbranchhighabovehishead.

FromtheHasanuforce,theysawanothergroupoffigures,alsobearingagreenbranch,detachfromthemaingroupandbegintomovetojointhem.Will’sheartsurgedwithreliefas he recognised Alyss, with Evanlyn beside her, trying to match the taller girl’s longstrides and still retain her dignity. They were walking a pace or two behind a tall,aristocratic-lookingNihon-Janinwarrior’sarmour.Astheydrewcloser,WillmetAlyss’seyesandtheysmiledateachother.

‘LordNimatsu,’Shigerusaid,‘it’sgoodtoseeyou.’

The tall Nihon-Jan bowed deeply. ‘I am at your service, your excellency, as aremypeople.Givetheorder.’

Shigeru said nothing for themoment.He turned to the rebel forces, nowbarely fiftymetresawayfromhim.

‘Arisaka!’hecalled.‘Wehavetotalk.’

Foramoment,nothinghappened.ThenamovementrippledthroughtherebelranksandtheSenshiwarriors parted as a groupof threemenmoved through them–Arisaka, his

facehiddenby thealmostdemonic-looking red lacqueredhelmet, and twoothers.Theystopped.OnArisaka’srightwasoneofhislieutenants,astockySenshinobleman,bearingahugerecurvebow.Ontheleftwasanoldernobleman,alsoinarmour.

Shigerubowedtothislastperson.‘LordYamada,doyourecogniseme?’

The olderman peered at the figure before him.Hewasn’t sure.His eyesweren’t asgoodastheyusedtobeandthepersonwassomedistanceaway.ButhedefinitelylookedliketheEmperor.

‘IwastoldanimpostorhadtakentheEmperor’splace,’hesaid,hisvoiceuncertain.

Suddenly,thebowmanonArisaka’srightmoved,drawingbackanarrowhehadalreadyfittedtothestring.

‘Death to the impostor!’ he screamed as he shot. Shigeru stood, unflinching, as thearrow pierced his left upper arm, below the protective armour. Blood began to streamdownoverhiswhitelinensleeve.

A roar of protest rose around the battleground, from friend and foe alike. The greenbranchoftrucewassacrosanct.TobreachitwasanabominationintheeyesoftheNihon-Jan.Butbeforeanyoneelsecouldmove,orthebowmancouldprepareanothershot,Willwhippedanarrowfromhisquiver,nocked,drew,sightedandreleasedinonemovement.

Hisarrowpunchedthroughthenobleman’sarmourlikeahotknifethroughbutter.Theman staggered under the impact, his recurve bow falling from dead hands, then hecrumpledtotheground.

Thecrowdgrew suddenly silent, stunnedbyWill’s lightning reply to the treacherousattack.Voicesstartedtomurmuragain,uncertainlyatfirst.Butagain,Shigerustilledthecrowd.Quickly,hetookascarffromaroundhisneckandknotteditaroundthewoundinhisarm.ThenheputhisuninjuredhandonWill’sbowandtookitfromtheyoungRanger.Hisvoicerangoutoncemore.

‘Enough!Enoughbloodshed!LordArisaka,let’sendthisnow.’

Arisaka’sswordhissedfromitsscabbard.Oncemore,amurmurofstrongdisapprovalrippledacrosstheplain,bothfromhisownmenandhisenemies.Todrawaweaponinthepresenceof thegreenbranchwasagrossbreachof theSenshicodeofbehaviour.EvenArisaka’stroopscouldnotcondonesuchanaction.

‘Thiswillonlyendwithyourdeath,Shigeru!’Arisakascreamed.

Yamadaturnedtohim,theangerandshamehefeltalltooobviousonhisface.

‘Shigeru?’herepeated.‘Thenyou’veknownallalongthatthisisnoimpostor?Youliedtomeandmymen?’

Arisaka,furiousbeyondreason,torethehelmetandfacepiecefromhisheadandhurledthemtothegroundinrage.

‘He’sweak,Yamada!Weak and dangerous!Hewill destroy everything thatwe holdsacred!’HeglarednowatShigeru,hisfaceflushed,hiseyesblazingwithhate.‘YouwanttodestroytheSenshiclassandeverythingitstandsfor!Iwillnotallowyou!Iwillstopyou!’

‘Arisaka.’Shigeru’sdeepvoicewascalmandreasonablebycontrast.‘Iwillnotdestroythe Senshi. I am a Senshi. But for too long, the other people of Nihon-Ja have beenrepressed anddowntrodden. Iwant to rule for all people.Like theKikori here, and theHasanu.Theordinarypeoplehavetherighttohaveasayinourcountry.Tellyourmentolaydowntheirweaponsnowandlet’sliveinpeace.Let’slivetogetherinpeace.’

‘No!’Arisaka’svoicewasashriek.‘Mymenwillfightyou.Wewilldieifnecessary!Youmaydefeatus,butthiswillnotbeacheapvictory.Thousandswilldieheretoday!’

‘That’ssomethingIcannotallow,’Shigerusaid.

Arisakalaughed,ashrillsoundthatshowedhowclosehewastosnapping.

‘Andhowwillyoustopit?’hedemanded.

‘Iwillstanddown,’Shigerusaidsimply.

Arisakarecoiledinsurprise,andexclamationsofamazementwentthroughthecrowd.

‘Iwillabdicateifthatistheonlywaytostopthismadness.AppointanotherEmperor,’Shigerucontinued.‘LordYamada,andLordNimatsu,Ilooktoyoutoensurethataproperchoiceismade.ButIwillnotstandandwatchthousandsofNihon-Jan,mypeople, losetheirlivestopreservemypride.Iwillstanddown.’

‘You’rebluffing,Shigeru!’Arisakasaid.‘Youwon’tgiveupthethrone.’

‘IswearthatIwill,ifthatwillpreventthousandsdyingheretoday.’ShigerulethisgazerunroundthefacesofArisaka’smenastheywatchedthisclashofpersonalities.‘Iswearonmyhonour,beforeallofyouhere.’

Silence greeted his words as those watching realised that he was in earnest. ThenYamada’s men began to mutter among themselves. They had come here under a falsebelief.TheyrealisednowthatArisakahad lied to theircommander tomake thembreaktheir oath to the rightful Emperor. If Arisaka ordered them to fight, their commanderwouldrefuse.Andsowouldthey.NowArisakacoulddependonlyonhisownmen.

Matsuda Sato was a low-ranked officer in Arisaka’s army. He commanded a smallgroupoftwelvemenandhadledthemintheserviceofhislordforseventeenyears.Inallthattime,hehadreceivedscantrecognitionforhisserviceorhisloyalty.HehadwatchedArisaka brutalise hismen, driving themmercilessly and punishing them severely if hebelieved they had failed him.Arisaka never rewarded good service, only punished thatwhichhedeemedtobebad.Sato,knowingnoalternative,hadalwaysassumedthiswasthesignofastrongleader.Nowherealisedhewaswitnessingrealstrength–amanwhowouldforsakethehighestpositioninthelandtosavethelivesofhissubjects.Thiswasleadership,Sato realised.Thiswasaman to follow.Arisakawasexposedas adeceiverand an oathbreaker. Sato slid his katana, still in its scabbard, from inside his belt anddroppedittothegroundinasignofpeace.

‘Shigeru!’ he shouted, raising his clenched fist above his head.Themen aroundhimlooked at him in surprise. Then one of them copied his actions and joined him. Thenanother.Thentwomore.Thenadozen.

‘Shigeru!’

The cry began to spread throughout Arisaka’s men. The rattle of swords hitting thegroundbecamecontinuous,likesomemonsterhailstorm,andthevoicesswelled,anotherdozen,thenfifty,thenahundred,thenmore.

‘Shigeru!Shigeru!Shigeru!’

ThentheKikorijoinedin,lettingtheirshieldsandjavelinsfalltothegroundandaddingtheirvoicestotheswellingroarofacclamation.Andfinally,thedeep-throatedHasanuaswell,tillthemountainsaroundthemrangwiththename.

‘Shigeru!Shigeru!Shigeru!’

Wild-eyed, furious, goaded beyond reason, Arisaka swung his gaze around hisfollowers.The chantingwas nowdeafening and the sight of his ownmen cheering theEmperorwastoomuch.Hisswordflashedandthemannearesthimfellwithacry.

MatsudaSato, commander of twelvemen, looked up at his former lord, puzzled andwonderingwhyhewasseeinghimonlythrougharedhaze.HefeltnumbwhereArisaka’sswordhadopenedthemassivewoundinhischest.Thentheredchangedslowlytoblack.

Ahorrified silence spreadover theplain asmen realisedwhatArisakahaddone.Hesteppedforwardandturnedtofacehistroops,hurlingabuseatthemastheyinstinctivelysteppedback,awayfromhim.

‘Youhavebetrayedme!’hescreamed.‘Youhaveshamedme!Youdefilemyhonour!’

‘Youhavenohonour!’

Hespunround,thebloodstainedkatanastillinhishand.Thespeaker,whosewordshadcarriedclearlytothemenaroundhim,wasoneoftheforeigners.Ayoungman,wearingastrangegreenandgreycloak.Arisaka’seyesnarrowed.Thiswastheonewhohadshotsoquicklyinreplytohislieutenant’sarrow.Butnowtheforeigner’sheavylongbowwasinShigeru’shandsandhewasunarmed.

‘You are a traitor and a coward and a man without honour, Arisaka!’ the foreignercontinued.

Arisaka raised his katana, pointing it at the calm young face. ‘Who are you,gaijin?Whatdoyouknowabouthonour?’

‘I’mcalledChocho,’Will said. ‘I’ve seen honour among theseKikoriwarriors,menI’vetrainedtofightyou.Theyaremenwhounderstandloyaltyandtrust.AndIseeitnowin your ownmen, now that they recognise the trueEmperor ofNihon-Ja.But I see nohonour in you, Arisaka. I see a crawling, cowardly, lying traitor! I see amanwith nohonouratall!’

‘Chocho?’Arisakashouted,goadedbeyondcontrol.‘Butterfly?Thendie,Butterfly!’

He leaped forward, thekatana rising for a lethal strike at theunarmed foreigner.ButthenWill’srightarmshotforwardfrombeneathhiscloakandhesteppedforwardwithhisrightleg,goingintoacrouchashereleasedthesaxeknifeinanunderarmthrow.

Aspinningpinwheeloflight,itflashedtowardsthechargingArisaka,hittinghimabovethebreastplateofhisarmour,belowhischin,andburyingitselfinhisthroat.

TheimpactoftheheavybladejerkedArisaka’sheadback.Hefeltthekatanadropfromhissuddenlyslack fingers, felthotbloodgushing from thehugewound.Thenhe felt…nothing.

Will straightened fromhis crouch asShigeru stepped forward and laid ahandonhisshoulder.

‘Itseemshemistookabutterflyforawasp,’theEmperorsaid.

Thefarewellshadbeensaid,forthemostpart.Will,Halt,Selethenandthetwogirlswerealready on boardWolfwill. The ship laywith its bow beached on the sand, at the covewhere theAraluan party had originally come ashore. Gundar and hismen had spent arelativelycomfortablewinteron theoffshore island, althoughGundarhadbeen sorry tohearthathehadmissedanepicbattle.Buttherehadbeenplentyoffishandshellfishinthe cold waters, and a good supply of game onshore. Now, like their passengers, theSkandianswereeagertoturntheshiptowardshomewaters.

OnlyHoraceremainedonthebeach,standingfacingtheEmperor,dwarfingthesmallerman. Tears formed in the young warrior’s eyes now that the time had come to saygoodbye. In themonths thathadpassed,herealisedhehadcometo love thisbraveandunselfishruler,torespecthisunwaveringsenseofjusticeandhisunfailinggoodhumour.HeknewhewouldmissShigeru’sdeep rumblingchuckle–a soundsomassive thathealwayswonderedhowitcamefromsuchasmallframe.

Now,facedwith themomentof leaving, therewasanenormous lumpinhis throat,alumpthatblockedthemanywordshewantedtosay.

Shigerusteppedforwardandembracedhim.Heknewhowmuchheowedtotheyoungman.HeknewhowHorace’scourage,resolveandloyaltyhadsustainedhimandhissmallbandoffollowersthroughoutthedifficultanddangerousweekswhentheywereescapingfromArisaka. He remembered howHorace had stepped forward unhesitatingly to takeShukin’splacewhenhiscousinhaddiedatArisaka’shand.

The two Rangers, of course, had done a great service for himwith their innovativetacticsandbattleplans,ashadthedark-skinned,hawk-nosedArridiwarrior.AndEvanlynandAlyss,bytheircourageandinitiative,hadbeentheinstrumentsthatsavedhisthrone,bringingthemightyHasanuarmytohisrescue.Hewasgratefultothemall.

But without Kurokuma, none of them would have been here. Without Kurokuma,ArisakawouldnowbeEmperor.

‘Shigeru…’Horacemanaged oneword, then, chokedwith emotion, he stepped backfromtheolderman’sembrace,hisheadlowered,hischeeksrunningwithtears.

Shigerupattedthemusculararm.‘Partingishard,Kurokuma.ButyouandIwillalwaysbetogether.Justlookintoyourmindandheartandyou’llfindmethere.Iwillneverforgetyou.IwillneverforgetthatIoweyoueverything.’

‘I…Idon’t…’Horacecouldmanagenomore,butShigeruknewwhathewastryingtosay.

‘Iwishyoucouldstaywithus,myson.Butyourowncountryandyourownkingneedyou.’

Horace nodded, overwhelmed by the sense of conflicting loyalties. Shigeru couldn’thave picked amore compelling form of address than to callHorace ‘son’.Horace hadgrownup anorphan, deprivedof a father’s love andguidance froman early age.ThenShigerusmiledandspokeinalowervoice,sothatnobodyelsecouldhear.

‘AndIbelievethatacertainyoungprincesshasneedofyoutoo.Takegoodcareofher.Sheisajewelbeyondprice.’

Horace raisedhis tear-reddened eyes tomeetShigeru’s.Hemanaged a faint smile inreturn.‘Shecertainlyisthat,’heagreed.

‘We’ll see each other again. I know that inmy heart.You know youwill always bewelcomehereinNihon-Ja.Youareoneofus.’

Horace nodded. ‘Iwill comebackone day,’ he said. ‘That’s a definite promise.AndmaybeyoucouldtraveltoAraluen.’

Shigerupursedhis lips. ‘Yes.Butperhapsnot forawhile. I think Ineed tostayhereuntilmattersarestabilised,’hesaid.‘Butwhoknows?Iftherewereanimportantoccasionofstate–ahigh-rankingwedding,perhaps?’

Heleftthethoughtopenandagaintheysharedaconspirators’smile.Thenhereachedintothewidesleeveofhisrobeandproducedasmallscroll, tiedwithblacksilkribbon.HehandedittoHorace.

‘Inthemeantime,remembermebythis.Atokenofmyfriendship.’

Horace took thescroll.Hehesitated, thenShigerugestured forhim toopen it. Itwasfinelinenpaper,andonit,paintedinthestylised,deceptivelysimplestrokesthattypifiedfineNihon-Janart,wasarenditionofabear,depictedintheactofcatchingasalmonatawaterfall.Itwasafascinatingpiece,withonlythebarestofdetailinkedin.Yetsomehow,theviewer’seyewasledtoprovidethemissinglinesandfeatures,creatingacompleteandcomprehensiveillustration.ThemoreHoracelooked,themorethebearseemedtobecomealive.Themorehecouldseethewaterflowingaroundhim.Allaccomplishedwithafewmasterlybrushstrokesonthelinen.

‘Youpainted this?’he said,noting the small renditionof threecherries in thebottomleft-handcorner.

Shigerubowedhisheadinacknowledgement.‘It’salittlecrude.Butitwasdonewithlove.’

Horaceslowlyrolledthelinenup,replacedtheribbon,andplaceditsafelyinthebreastofhisjacket.

‘It’satruetreasure,’hesaid.‘Iwillkeepitalways.’

‘ThenIamcontent,’Shigerusaid.

Horace spreadhis hands in an awkwardgesture.Hehadn’t thought to find a gift forShigeru.

‘I have nothing to give you…’ he began. But the Emperor held up one gracefulforefingertosilencehim.

‘Yougavememycountry,’hesaidsimply.

Theyfacedeachotherforalongmoment.Therewerenomorewords.Fromtheship,theyheardHaltcall,hisvoicealittleapologeticfortheintrusion.

‘Horace.Gundarsaysthetideisfalling.Orrising.Whateverit’sdoing,wehavetobeonourway.’

Histonewasgentle.HehadwatchedhisyoungfriendandShigeruandhesensedtheyhadreachedtheawkwardpointthatcomesinallfarewells–whenthereisnothingfurthertosay,yetneitherpersonwantstobetheonetomakethefinalmove,tobreakthebondbetweenthem.Whensomeoneorsomethingneedstogivethemtheimpetustopart.

‘I’vegottogo,’Horacesaidhuskily.

Shigerunodded.‘Yes.’

Briefly, they embraced once more, careful not to crumple the scroll inside Horace’sjacket.Thenthetallyoungwarriorturnedabruptlyandranuptheboardingladder.Hisfeethadbarelytouchedthedeckwhenthecrewhauledtheladderaboardandbeganpolingtheshipclearof thebeach, turning itsbow to theopensea.Horacemoved to thestern,hishandraisedinfarewell.Onthebeach,Shigerumirroredthegesture.

Theebbingtidetookholdofthewolfship,pullingitswiftlyawayfromthebeachwhilethecrewhoistedthetriangularsail.Then,astheyardwasbracedaround,thesailfilledandtherudderbegantobiteasGundarsetacoursetoweathertheheadland.Horaceremainedin the stern, watching the figure on the shore grow increasingly smaller. After severalminutes,Evanlynmovedtostandwithhim,slippingherarmaroundhiswaist.

Impulsively, Will went to join them, intending to add his support and comfort toEvanlyn’s.ButAlysscaughthisarmandstoppedhim.

‘Leavethem,’shesaidquietly.

Hefrowned,notquiteunderstandingforasecondortwo,thenthemessagesankin.Hismouthformedasilent‘Oh’.

Thedeckheeledasthewindfreshenedandthewaterbegantochucklelouderasitsliddownthesidesoftheacceleratingwolfship.

Finally,theyroundedthepointandHoracecouldnolongerseehisfriend,theEmperorofNihon-Ja.

‘Butterfly?’Willsaid.‘Why“Butterfly”?’

‘Ibelieveit’satermofgreatrespect,’Selethensaidgravely.Hewasveryobviouslynotlaughing.Tooobviously,Willthought.

‘It’sallrightforyou,’hesaid.‘Theycalledyou“Hawk”.“Hawk”isanexcellentname.It’swarlikeandnoble.But…Butterfly?’

Selethennodded.‘IagreethatHawkisaneminentlysuitablename.Iassumeithadtodowithmycourageandnobilityofheart.’

HaltcoughedandtheArridilordlookedathim,eyebrowsraised.

‘Ithinkitreferredlesstoyourheartandmoretoanotherpartofyourbody,’Haltsaidmildly.Hetappedhisfingermeaningfullyalongthesideofhisnose.Itwasagesturehe’dalwayswantedanopportunitytouseandthisonewastoogoodtomiss.Selethensniffedandturnedaway,affectingnottonotice.

They’dbeenatseaforfivedays,whichexplainedHalt’scurrentgoodspirits.He’dgonethroughtheusualperiodspenthuddledbytheleerail,facewhite,eyessunkdeepinhishead.Hisfriendshadtactfullyignoredhimwhilehegothissealegs.

Now,withaconstantwindover theirportquarterandasmooth,evenswell,Wolfwillwas eating up the kilometres on the trip home. In the west, a magnificent sunset waspainting the low-lyingcloudson thehorizon inshadesofbrilliantgoldandorange.Thesix friends sat in low canvas chairs in a clear space just forward of Gundar’s steeringposition,discussingthenamestheyhadbeengivenbytheKikori.

SelethenwasnamedHawk.AlysshadbeengiventhetitleofTsuru,orCrane.Itwasalong-legged,gracefulbirdandthenamewasappropriate.EvanlynwasKitsuné,theNihon-Janwordforfox–atributetoherspeedandagility.

Halt,strangelyenough,hadbeenknownonlyasHalto-san.Perhapsthiswasbecause,ofallofthem,hisnamewastheeasiestfortheNihon-Jantoenunciate.

ButWill hadbeen taken aback in his confrontationwithArisaka to discover that hisname–Chocho–meantButterfly.Itseemedahighlyunwarlikenametohim–notatallglamorous.Andhewaspuzzledtoknowwhytheyhadselectedit.Hisfriends,ofcourse,delightedinhelpinghimguessthereason.

‘Iassumeit’sbecauseyou’resuchasnazzydresser,’Evanlynsaid.‘YouRangersareariotofcolour,afterall.’

Willglaredather,andwasmortifiedtohearAlysssniggerattheprincess’ssally.He’dthoughtAlyss,atleast,mightstickupforhim.

‘I think it might be more to do with the way he raced around the training ground,dartinghereandtheretocorrectthewayamanmightbeholdinghisshield,thendashingofftoshowsomeonehowtoputtheirbodyweightintotheirjavelincast,’saidHorace,alittlemoresympathetically.Thenheruinedtheeffectbyaddingthoughtlessly,‘Imustsay,yourcloakdidflutteraroundlikeabutterfly’swings.’

‘Itwasneitherofthosethings,’Haltsaidfinally,andtheyallturnedtolookathim.‘Iasked Shigeru,’ he explained. ‘He said that they had all noticed howWill’s mind andimagination darts from one idea to another at such high speed, backwards, forwards,sideways,inatotallyunpredictablepattern–somethingI’venoticedmyself.Actually,it’saprettyfairnameforyouwhenyouthinkaboutit.’

Willlookedmollified.‘Isupposeit’snottoobadifyouputitthatway.It’sjustitdoesseem a bit…girly.’ He sensed the stiffening of attitude from Evanlyn and Alyss andhastened to qualify his words, ‘Which I, for one, don’t mind a bit. It’s a compliment,really.Atermofgreatrespect,infact.’

‘Ilikemyname,’Horacesaid,alittlesmugly.‘BlackBear.Itdescribesmyprodigiousstrengthandmymightyprowessinbattle.’

Alyssmighthavelethimgetawaywithit,ifithadn’tbeenforhistactlessremarkaboutWill’scloakflappinglikeabutterfly’swings.

‘Notquite,’shesaid.‘IaskedMikeruwherethenamecamefrom.Hesaiditdescribedyourprodigiousappetiteandyourmightyprowessatthedinnertable.Itseemsthatwhenyouwereescapingthroughthemountains,Shigeruandhisfollowerswereworriedyou’deatallthesuppliesbyyourself.’

Therewas a general round of laughter.After a few seconds,Horace joined in.Halt,watching him closely, thought to himself how well this young man had turned out.Courageous, loyal and with unsurpassed skill with weapons, he was a credit to BaronArald’sWard and the Castle Redmont Battleschool. Halt didn’t factor in that his owninfluenceandexamplemighthaveplayedsomeroleinformingsuchastrongandlikeablecharacter.

‘Well,’saidEvanlyn,‘we’regoingtohavetofindanothertitleforhimsoon.’

Theyalllookedather,puzzledbyherwords.Will,glancingatHorace,noticedthathisbestfriendhadgonebeetredwithembarrassment.Evanlyn,sittingclosebesideHorace,joggedhimgentlywithherelbow.

‘Tell them,’ she said, grinning broadly. Horace cleared his throat, humphed andharrumphedseveraltimesandfinallymanagedtospeak.

‘Well, it’s just that…yousee…we’resortof…’Hehesitated,clearedhis throat twoorthreemoretimes,andEvanlynjoggedhimagain,alittlelessgently.

‘Tell them,’ she repeated and thewords came in a rush, likewater froma collapsingdam.

‘LastnightIproposedtoEvanlynandshesaidyes…’Hemanagedtoslowdownandsaidatamorecomprehensiblespeed,‘sowhenwegethome,we’regoingtobemarriedandIhope–’

He said more. But nobody heard him in the general whoop of delight andcongratulations that erupted from his friends. The Skandians looked up, startled at thesuddencommotion.HaltturnedtoGundarasWillsurgedacrossthedecktoembracefirstHorace,thenEvanlyn,hisfacealightwithjoyforthetwoofthem,hisheartswellingwithhappiness.

‘Gundar!’Haltcried.‘Breakoutsomeofourspecialprovisions,andsomewineandale.We’rehavingapartytonight!’

‘I’mfor that!’Gundarsaid,grinningbroadly.He’dheardHorace’sannouncementandhewas delighted for the two young people.Word of the engagement flashed along therowing benches where the crew were relaxing. There was a roar of delight from theforward bench, then the bear-like figure ofNilsRopehander came lumbering down thedeck,bellowingcongratulations.

‘What’s that? The General? Engaged? Well, General, here’s my hand incongratulations!’

Theexpressionhere’smyhandturnedouttobealooseone.NilsscoopedHoraceupinamassivebearhugofdelight.Thehug,unliketheexpression,wasnotalooseone.WhenhereleasedHorace,theyounggroom-to-becrumpled,moaningbreathlessly,tothedeck.NilsthenturnedtoEvanlyn.Shestoodupwarilyandbegantobackaway.Buttheseawolfquicklyseizedherhand,bowed,andraisedittohislips,deliveringawet,smackingkiss.

‘Iexpecttobeapageboyatthewedding!’hebellowed.

Evanlyngrinned,surreptitiouslywipingherwethandonherjacket.

‘IthinkI’dliketoseethat,’shesaid.ShelookedatAlyss,sawthepleasureinthetallgirl’seyes.‘Speakingofofficialduties,Ihopeyou’llbemybridesmaid?’

‘I’ll be delighted,’ Alyss said. ‘And I assume that means I’ll finally get to finish aweddingdancewithWill.’

Therewas no question in anyone’smind thatWillwould be the bestman.AtHalt’swedding,hisdancewithAlysshadbeeninterruptedbytheunexpectedarrivalofSvengal,withthenewsthatErakwasbeingheldtoransom.

‘I’ve got a great idea!’Horace said, having recoveredmost of his breath.He lookedaroundthecircleofhisclosestfriends.‘We’vegotthebridesmaidandbestmanrighthere.Whynothavetheweddingnow?Gundar’saship’scaptain.Theycanperformweddings,can’tthey,Halt?Youcouldmarryus,couldn’tyou,Gundar?’

‘I’m not sure that’s such agreat idea…’Halt began butGundar cheerfully overrodehim.

‘Gorlog’steeth,boy,Idon’tknowifIcanornot.ButtellmethewordsandI’llsay’emforyou!’

‘Um, Horace, darling,’ Evanlyn said, choosing her words carefully, ‘Gundar isn’t so

mucha ship’scaptainasa reformedpirateandaheathen.’She lookedapologeticallyatGundar.‘Nooffence,Gundar.’

Theskirlshruggedcheerfully.‘Nonetaken,littlelady.It’saprettyfairdescription.Notsureaboutthereformedpart,’headdedthoughtfully.

‘I’m not suremy fatherwould totally approve of us gettingmarried here. I think hemightliketoknowaboutitfirst,’Evanlyncontinued.

Horace,unabashed, shrugged. ‘Fine,’he said. ‘Itwas just an idea.But ifyou sayno,thennoitis.’

Haltsteppedclosertohimandpattedhimgentlyonthearm.

‘Getusedtothat,’hesaid.

Theycelebratedlongintothenight.Whentheothershadallretired,WillandAlyssstoodtogether,hisarmaroundherwaist,hersaroundhis shoulders, in thebowof theship. Itwasabeautifulnightandthemoonhunglowtothehorizon,castingasilverpathdownthedarkwatertowardsthem.

Astern, theycouldhear theoccasional lowmurmurofconversationfromthecrewonwatch.

‘I’mgladyouandEvanlynarefinallyfriends,’Willsaid.

Alysslaidherheadonhisshoulder.‘Metoo.She’sreallyquiteagirl.’

‘Sheisindeed,’hesaid.Alyssraisedherheadtolookathim.

‘Youdidn’thavetoagreequitesoreadily,’shetoldhim.Thenshesmiledandputherheadbackonhisshoulder.

‘So…they’re gettingmarried.Horace and Evanlyn.How about that?’Will shook hisheadinwonder.

‘Indeed,’shesaid,notsurewherethisconversationwasgoing.

‘Youknow…’Hepaused, seeming togatherhis resolve, thencontinued, ‘MaybeyouandIshouldthinkaboutdoingsomethinglikethat.’

Herheadcameoffhisshoulder.Herarmslippedfromaroundhimandshesteppedawayfromhim.

‘Maybe you and I should think about doing something like that?’ she repeated, hervoicerisingwitheachword.‘Isthatyourideaofaproposal?’

‘Well…I…er…’Willbegan.Buthehadnoideawheretogo,whattosay.Inanyevent,Alyssgavehimnochancetocontinue.

‘Becauseifitis,you’regoingtohavetodoawholelotbetter!’

Sheturnedawayandstrodeoffdownthedeck,takinglong,angrypaces.Willmadeanineffectualgestureafterher,thenstopped.Hesensedhe’dgotthatwrong.Reallywrong.Hecouldseeherslimback,stiffandupright,radiatingtotaloutrage.

Whathecouldn’tsee–andwhatshehadnointentionoflettinghimsee–wasthehuge,delightedsmilethatwaslightingupherface.

Aftertenbooks,it’stimetoacknowledgetheeffortsandsupportofafewpeoplewhohavebeeninvolvedwithme,andthisseries,overtheyears.

For this book in particular, I’d like to thank my friend and fellow author, SimonHiggins, for his suggestions and advice on the comparative merits of European andJapaneseweaponsandfightingstyles.IfI’vegotanyofitwrong,beassuredthemistakeswereallmineandnothis.

Thanks,too,toRyokoandAkikoSakai,fortheirgraciouspermissioninallowingmetoname the emperor in this book after their late father, Shigeru. Arigato, Ryokosan andAkiko-san.

It’s high time I bowed deeply in the direction of my two editors – Zoe Walton atRandomHouseAustralia andMichaelGreenofPhilomel in theUnitedStates.They’vecurbedmyexcessesandsufferedmytantrumsovertheyears.Theirguidanceandwisdomhasbeeninvaluable–andthey’veusuallymanagedtomakemefeelthatanychangesweremy ideas. I’mpleased to count themboth as friends aswell asprofessional colleagues.Thanks,guys.

Andfinally,fromthemillionswhohavenowreadthisseries,I’dliketosingleoutfour.(Canyousingleoutfour,oristhatacontradictioninterms?)

InAustralia,GingerandMerryHansenweremyfirst-evercorrespondents,sendingmefanlettersafterthepublicationofTheRuinsofGorlan.They’vestayedintouchovertheyears and their approval of each subsequent book has become an ongoing good luckcharmforme.Latelastyear,Ifinallyhadtheopportunitytomeetthesecharmingyoungladiesfacetoface.Thankstobothofyou.

In the United States early in 2010, I also met with two long-term regularcorrespondents,andI’mdelightedby the fact that theircontactwithmehas led to theirbecoming good friends. Maddie Jones – effervescent, energetic, enthusiastic, bubblingoverwiththesheerjoyoflife–whatwouldIdowithoutyou,Maddie?AndSheaMegale,ayoungladywhoholdsaveryspecialplaceinmyheartandwhosecourageanddry,slywithavebeenadelighttomeforthepastcoupleofyears.

Thankyouall.

JohnFlanagan

John Flanagan’s bestselling Ranger’s Apprentice adventure series originally comprisedtwentyshortstories,whichJohnwrotetoencouragehistwelve-year-oldson,Michael,toenjoy reading. Now sold tomore than twenty countries, the series has sold over threemillion copies worldwide, has appeared on theNew York Times Bestseller List and isregularlyshortlistedforchildren’sbookawardsinAustraliaandoverseas.

John, a former television and advertising writer, lives with his wife, Leonie, in theSydneybeachsidesuburbofManly.Heiscurrentlywritingfurther titles in theRanger’sApprenticeseries.VisitJohnFlanagan’swebsite,www.rangersapprentice.com,tofindoutmoreaboutJohn.

The adventures of Will and his friends aren’t over yet! Visit the official AustralianRanger’sApprenticewebsitefornewsaboutupcomingbooks,pluscompetitions,quizzes,gamesandmore.

www.rangersapprentice.com.au

TableofContentsCover

TheRanger’sApprenticeSeries

Copyright

ImprintPage

TitlePage

Map:AraluenanditsNeighbours

Map:NorthernNihon-Ja

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-one

Twenty-two

Twenty-three

Twenty-four

Twenty-five

Twenty-six

Twenty-seven

Twenty-eight

Twenty-nine

Thirty

Thirty-one

Thirty-two

Thirty-three

Thirty-four

Thirty-five

Thirty-six

Thirty-seven

Thirty-eight

Thirty-nine

Forty

Forty-one

Forty-two

Forty-three

Forty-four

Forty-five

Forty-six

Forty-seven

Forty-eight

Forty-nine

Fifty

Fifty-one

Fifty-two

Fifty-three

Fifty-four

Epilogue

Acknowledgements

Abouttheauthor