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Prologue

Writing is much more fun than I thought at first. It's a pity that I can't draw as well, because then, I could add a couple of pictures to illustrate my stories. Nonetheless, have fun :-)

The biggest part of this story was written on my Palm Handheld during the Christmas holidays (Hardware: Handspring Visor and a Stowaway keyboards, Software: SmartDoc). SmartDoc did cause some crashes but still, I never lost anything but the last few characters. Therefore something I can recommend. Since then, I've upgraded to QuickWord, which is the successor of SmartDoc and that is much better.

New characters in this story: Lord Hirano, a neighbor of Lord Noriyuki, Lord Tenekka (my invention, therefore no image), Lord Fujitako (was mentioned once by Stan, but there is no picture of him) and Lord Mono (also my invention).

White Heron Castle

After Usagi had finally decided to accept his second task, Pau transported them and they came out in the general area of White Heron Castle, the residence of Lord Noriyuki, about two days away from the castle itself. Still, Usagi had not recovered completely, yet, and he was far from being himself. He was very quiet and lost in thought and took not much notice of his surroundings.

Again, they camped in the wild and in the next morning, Pau let the box with Usagis weapons reappear and gave him his daisho(1). That was the first time, Usagi realized how much he had changed already. 'How long do he know Pau? Three weeks?' Involuntarily, he smirked. Since he had started his first task and handed his daisho to Pau, he had been walking unarmed. And he had not cared. When he had trained with the pupils, he had used bokken(2) which had been provided by Pau. The pupils had always haped when he had taken them from somewhere.

But the change interrupted his thoughts. Questioningly, he looked at Pau.

"We will fight today," Pau evaded a direct answer.

To his own astonishment, Usagi accepted the words unmoved. If Pau said so, it would happen. They started and ate their breakfast on the walk. The day was cool and a bit hazy. Pau answered various questions of the pupils and they made good progress. At noon, they had arrived in the city which lay below White Heron Castle.

Shortly afterwards, they stood at the main gate. An unusual amount of armed guards were present, all battlements were fully manned and a large amount of grim guards blocked the entrance. Usagi stepped in front of them and bowed.

"My Name is Miyamoto Usagi. Please tell Lady Ame that I'd like to talk to her."

The guards scanned the group suspiciously and grunted: "She's not here. Come back tomorrow."

Bewildered, Usagi blinked. Of course, not every guard could know him but his name should have been recognized. 'There are really an awful lot of guards. What has happened?'

Pau stepped next to him. He stared at the guard who quickly showed signs of nervousness. "Maybe ...," tried Usagi, who wanted to ease the situation, but Pau interrupted him.

"He will die if you don't let us pass," he stated to the guard.

'Who?' thought Usagi uneasily but tried to stay calm. It surely wasn't the right moment to ask. The guard writhed and broke out in sweat. It was obvious that he wanted to turn the strangers away but could not stand against Paus charisma.

"I really can't decide that," he finally produced.

"Then please get someone, who can," Pau demanded.

The guard waved a servant over and told him to inform his superior. "Please stand back," he ordered because Paus proximity made him very uneasy.

Pau complied and Usagi seized the opportunity to ask carefully who would die. "Lord Noriyuki," was the short answer.

"What?" Usagi yelled and ran back to the guard to request way with the necessary emphasis. Pau didn't follow him, he just stood there with an absent-minded look in his face.

The guard was not willing to get involved in anything. He ignored Usagis words completely and just made sure that he would not try to force his way through the guards.

"Pau!" Usagi called, "Help me!"

But Pau didn't move. Instead, to Usagis big relief, the servant came back. He told the guard that Major Nega, the commander of the bodyguard of Lord Noriyuki wanted to see them at once. Immediately, the guards opened a way through and let them pass.

The servant bowed deeply and asked them to follow him. He hurried away and the others ran to follow him. Except Pau. Still, he wore his absent-minded look and followed them unhurried. Usagi swore inwardly, ran back and grabbed his arm. The next thing he noticed was a piercing pain in his shoulder and he ate dust. Someone pressed his head onto the ground which a force that he was afraid it would be crushed. His wrist was held in a vice-like grip, his arm was almost torn out of the socket and to make things perfect, someone sat on him so he could not breathe anymore. The dust in the air did its best to make his situation even more uncomfortable.

Muted, he heard Jotaro exclaim and the pressure decreased. Without effort, Pau pulled him up. Usagi held his aching shoulder. "I should not be touched if I seem to be lost in thought," he said casually, "in this state, my automatic self defense will act and you could get harmed."

In passing, Usagi noticed that everyone was staring at them. He had seen Pau fight before but now, he had experienced first hand how quick and strong Pau really was. The three pupils just stared and the servant had paled with terror. "We are ready to follow you on," Pau told the servant who immediately complied.

They went directly for the wing of the castle, where Noriyukis quarters were. Everywhere, armed and nervous guards. The mood was edgy and depressed. The servant led them directly to the Lord's chambers in front of which Major Nega already awaited them. He looked very worried.

"Usagi-san," he greeted Usagi seriously and just nodded at the rest. "I wished, ...," he began when Pau just went past him for the door.

Immediately, guards with drawn swords surrounded him. "Don't!" Usagi called. "He can help," he pressed Nega.

For a moment, Nega stood motionless, then he nodded and the guards withdrew to their positions. Pau had been completely unimpressed by the commotion and stepped through the door, which a servant opened for him. Nega and the others followed quietly.

Inside, the personal physicians and healers of Noriyuki were quietly discussion something. They looked up when Pau entered the room. One of them stepped forward to meet them but Pau ignored him completely, too. The healer was outraged and was about to get worked up about this when Nega distracted him. "Well?" he asked forcefully.

The healer stared angrily at Pau, who had stepped next to the bed. Usagi could not notice any movements on the small, plump body of Noriyuki and asked himself horrified if they were already too late. Pau stood before the bed like some kind of statue.

"We can only hope," the healer finally admitted.

"Where is the object with which the poison had been administered?" Paus voice sounded.

A healer pointed at a bowl which contained a small poisonous dart, just as the ones used by ninjas. Pau went over, took the dart and held it against the light. Then he did bite a bit off it and chew on it. The healer sneered and actually seemed disappointed when Pau showed no reaction. Eventually, Pau did spit the paste into the empty bowl.

"I can save him," he announced, "but I need your trust." He looked at Major Nega, waiting.

Major Nega looked at Usagi. "I act as his guarantor. If he says he can help, then it is so," Usagi swore and Nega decided to give it a try.

Immediately, Pau ushered everyone out of the room. The healers and personal physicians only left under protest but they obeyed Negas authority. Only Jotaro was held back by Pau. When everyone else was outside, Pau ordered to close and lock all windows. Then he stepped next to the bed again and Noriyukis body vanished. Perplexed, Jotaro looked at the hollow in which the lord had been lying just a few moments before. Pau told him to let no one inside and went to the door.

"Where is he now?" Jotaro demanded quietly.

"At a place without time. There, he can't die because that takes time and that doesn't exist there. So I can keep him until I have made all preparations for the healing itself."

Near the door, Pau waited a couple of minutes, opened it and stepped quickly outside. Immediately, Jotaro closed the door after him so no one could peek inside. He was quite uneasy: 'What should I do if someone tries to force his way in?'

From the outside, voices filtered through the walls. Everyone talked to Pau in an insistent tone of voice who eventually put an end to the commotion. "Where is the assassin?" he asked Nega.

"We could not locate him, yet, but we are positive that he has not left the castle. How is our lord?"

"Find him, I need more of that poison," Pau ordered. "Lord Noriyukis condition is stable but no one must try to enter that room. The magic which I used to prevent further damage is very delicate and disintegrates easily. Someone must be on this side of the door at all times and summon me immediately if my pupil Jotaro calls for me."

Then Pau remained silent for a moment with his absent-minded look. Finally, he held the dart against the light and examined it once more. In the background, the angry mumbling of the healers and physicians could be heard.

Pau put the dart into his flat hand and began to intone something in a strangely monotone and singing language. The arrow started to glow and removed itself from the palm until it was about one finger's breadth away. It began to rotate, slowly at first, then ... determined. Eventually, it stopped.

"mahotsukai(3)," someone whispered.

"Fetch some of your best men," Pau ordered with a concentrated frown on his face.

Nega waved a few guards over and Pau started moving. While he walked, the dart began to turn. Pau went a distance down the hallway, then down the stairs and out of the building. Nega and his men followed in a respectful distance, ready to fight. Determined, Pau followed the pointing arrow to a warehouse.

He waved Nega over and started along one side of the building. Usagi could see that the dart turned much more quickly, now. One side seemed to be pointing to one and the same spot no matter where Pau went. Someplace inside the warehouse.

Nega understood. He waved his men over but Pau held him back. Pau went until the dart pointed perpendicular into the building. Careless, he dropped it and formed a bowl with his hands and laid them on the wall. He closed his eyes and concentrated once more. A deep, strange humming filled the air. Light escaped between the fingers of Pau and vanished.

Pau nodded to Nega, who immediately stormed into the warehouse. After a few moments, they came back with a lifeless body. They threw him on the ground. "He was unconscious when we found him," a guard reported.

"I know," Pau mumbled and began to search the body systematically. In that instant, a servant came running. "The healers ...," he gasped and Nega bit on a curse. Immediately, he ran away and all except four of his guards followed him. "... try to force their way into the lord's chambers," the servant called after them.

Pau just shook his head and continued his search. He came up with a small tube filled with a black, sticky paste. With another dart, he brought something out and examined it. He licked the drop off the dart and moved it around in his mouth. When he was satisfied, he dug a small hole into the ground, spat the poison into it and tamped the earth down again.

The closed tube was tucked away. "Usagi and I will leave the castle for a short time. I expect to return in about an hour."

The guards nodded.

Pau Tai took Usagis hand and they stood in a light forest. Pau stood motionlessly and Usagi waited patiently. After a short time, the pounding of hooves could be heard. A group of riders were approaching them.

Strained, Usagi tried to see between the trees. There they were! "Tomoe!" he called out happily and waved.

Immediately, Tomoe pulled her horse around and rode much too fast towards Usagi. Her horse had almost not yet stopped when she sprang to the ground and wrapped her arms around him.

"I missed you very much," she admitted. The whole scene was a bit embarrassing to Usagi. Carefully, he held her but her men were completely absorbed in scanning the surrounding forest as if it could sprout a hostile army any moment.

Pau had caught Tomoes horse and waited with the reins.

When Tomoe separated from Usagi, Pau commanded to return to the castle.

Tomoe flew into a rage: "I will not let this back-stabbing ninja get away," she refused grimly determined.

Usagi became very uneasy when she said that. He had learned that one should not turn down Paus advice easily and even less his orders.

With a blank face, Pau looked at her: "As you wish."

He turned and went a few steps. "Our enemies are already awaiting us."

Tomoe, who was about to climb back into the saddle, froze: "What do you mean?"

"It's a trap."

Battle cries from many throats called and the forest sprang to life.

Tomoe had left with 20 men to hunt down one ninja. She could not tell how many there were but suddenly, they were everywhere.

When the first yell called, Usagi was ready immediately. He looked over to Pau, who had stepped into a small clearing. This way, he could see what happened.

Pau had moved into something like a basic stance. Slowly, his right hand reached behind his head and then down, just as if he tried to reach for a sword in a scabbard on his back.

When his hand stopped, suddenly, there was ... something. Time seemed to freeze. Everything went into slow motion. A sword with a long handle and a short, wide blade had appeared. And that sword watched them.

Usagi could feel how that .. thing ... observed him. Scrutinizing. Weigh his strengths and weaknesses. Graded him as an inferior opponent. He felt chill, death, the will and the ability to exterminate. It was dreadfully alien and with revulsion, he felt that it didn't only observe his movements but his very thoughts. Waiting. For the thought which which Usagi would attack to extinguish him like a storm would do with a candle.

Pau took hold of the handle and the thing came to full life. The blade glowed in a cold, blue light and promised death or worse. Especially worse. It did not amuse itself with their fear. It was fear.

With a flowing movement, Pau drew the sword. At that time, he was the only moving person left. All others were paralyzed by fear and only their eyes, who followed every movement of that weapon wide open, showed that they were alive. Still.

Pau sprang and a glowing, blue arch swirled around him and hit the first ninja. The weapon glided through the body as if it was air. No sound could be heard, not the crunching of bones or anything else. Like a mockery. Because they could feel the death of the ninja. How the sword ripped his soul out of the body.

Raped it.

Dissected it.

Soaked it up.

Usagi collapsed.

He could not go on.

Not for dear life.

He still felt the death of the ninja with every fiber of his self. But his body refused to run on. All over his body, he had scratches and bruises. Reduced to an animal, panic controlled him. Forced him to this mindless run.

Away.

Just to get away.

Where he was and how long he had ran, he did not know. His heart raced as if it would shatter and every breath was an agony. There was a metallic taste in his mouth, that felt completely dry. Red spots danced in his vision. The faint had mercy with him.

When he awoke next time, he lay in a bed. A long time, he just lay there, motionless. Stared with unseeing eyes at the ceiling. Then with a jerk, he sat upright. Immediately, a servant was there.

Usagi saw the concern in the look of the servant. 'Where am I?' The last thing he could remember was that they had arrived at White Heron Castle. Something had happened. Something related to Lord Noriyuki but his memory evaded him.

Nervous, the servant waited for Usagi to speak. "Where am I?" he asked finally.

The servant did wet his lips before he answered. "You are in the safety of White Heron Castle of his Lordship Noriyuki."

"In the guests wing," he added reluctant.

The door opened and Pau entered. He did not smile and spoke not a word. Immediately, the servant moved away and lowered his head. Pau stepped next to Usagi and lay a head on his head.

A lot of questions were on Usagis tongue but his instincts warned him. He had the sure feeling that Pau was not very talkative, right now. So he swallowed the questions which burned in him and bore the examination.

When Pau had finished, he stood and left the room without a word. Uneasy, Usagi asked himself if he had done something silly. Something that would even make Pau angry.

Uncomfortably, he looked at the servant who bowed even more deeply. Before Usagi could open his mouth and ask the first question, the servant spoke. "I'm very sorry, sir. Brother Pau did explicitly demand that we must not answer any questions!"

The fear in the voice of the servant spoke volumes. Usagi swallowed hard. 'What has happened?' Desperate, he dug in his memory but the last thing he could remember was that Major Nega of Noriyukis bodyguard had led them to the lord.

After that, there was only blackness. 'As if someone has erased my memories. Pau, maybe? But why?' Usagi thought about if he should try to stand up. Oddly enough, he felt weak and exhausted. He pulled his legs up to be able to sit more comfortable and moaned when his muscles protested.

'Have I been running?' Moaning, he tried to wrap his arms around his knees and his look fell on the many weals and cuts on his arms. And with seeing came the pain. Suddenly, his face was on fire, his ears, the legs, the arms, everything.

For one moment, the pain took his breath away and he blacked out. The servant sprang to help him to lay down carefully.

For some reason, his backside seemed to be intact and he could lay somewhat comfortably. The servant brought water and helped Usagi to drink. Then he fed him. Usagi would have liked to protest but he had to admit that the short time, he had been sitting, had cost him a lot of strength. And his memory remained as silent as the servant.

Shortly, after the servant had left, he fell asleep again. When he awoke next time, Shunji sat next to his bed. He, too, looked worried. Usagi tried to smile but his face must have looked like his arms. At least, it felt that way.

"Tomoe?" he asked silently. Shunji was about to answer when Usagi saw that he remembered something. He hung his head because he could not stand looking into Usagis eyes when he answered. "Pau did forbid us to answer any of your questions. He was very ... determined."

Usagi laughed and moaned when a wave of pain passed through him. Yes, Pau could surely be ... determined. "If he told you, then it's surely for my best," he tried to comfort Shunji.

For Shunji, the situation was openly unpleasant. "Er," he began, "Pau left this in case you're hungry." He held one of Paus energy bars so Usagi could see it. Usagi nodded. Painstakingly, Shunji cut a piece of it away and put it into Usagi mouth.

Usagi chewed cautiously but he could stand the pain. Again, he wondered how his injuries could have happened. His legs felt as if he had been running for days. But the cuts everywhere seemed to indicate that he had been pulled over a rough surface.

'But why is only my front side injured?' Inwardly, he shrugged. The mystery would at least give him something to do while he lay still and waited to heal. He asked Shunji for some water and drank deliberately. Then he meditated over his problem until sleep came once more.

Pau sat next to his bed, when he awoke again. He already felt better. His injuries almost didn't hurt anymore. When he held up his arm, he could see his fur sticking to the skin. A shining coating covered his whole arm, the fur and the injuries. Pau still said nothing but at least seemed to have calmed down.

Carefully, Usagi touched the coating. It felt smooth and a bit oily. When he touched one of his cuts, he felt a slight stabbing pain but that was nothing compared to what he had felt before.

"Will you answer my questions?" Usagi asked Pau.

With an impassive face, Pau looked at him. Then he bowed. "I made a grave mistake. You must not blame yourself," he apologized, "I just had to care for those, who were worse off than you."

"Tomoe is fine," he added before Usagi could name his question.

"Can you tell me what has happened?" Usagi asked.

"You would not want that," Pau refused him. "Just that much. I used a weapon that inflicts fear and terror. It worked very well. Everyone, friend and foe, sought refuge in flight."

"It took me almost a whole day, to gather everyone again. Two of Tomoes men did not survive," he finished dissatisfied.

'So that's where my cuts come from,' Usagi thought. "I ran in mindless panic through a forest."

Pau just nodded.

"In that case, I can go without details," Usagi tried a small joke.

"Tomoe did not regain consciousness but she, too, will not suffer from any permanent injuries."

Usagi examined his arms more closely. Many of the smaller cuts seemed to have almost healed. "Artificial skin," Pau explained. "Not very effective with fur."

"It will soon start to itch," he threatened.

"Something I can look forward, then," came the sarcastic reply. "You can express my regret to Lord Noriyuki that I have not been able to visit him."

He frowned. "I didn't, did I?"

"What is the last thing you remember?"

"We have met Major Nega, the deputy of Tomoe. The whole castle was in turmoil," he remembered. Worried, he looked at Pau.

"Has something happened to Lord Noriyuki?"

"He has been poisoned but will live. The ninja, who has attacked him, has been captured. I'm currently interrogating him. Another ninja had been followed by Lady Tomoe and she was ambushed. That's when we met her."

"And where you used your weapon," Usagi completed the picture. Pau nodded.

"In that case, I can go on lying here, I guess."

Pau rose. "I have to look after the others."

Usagi looked after him, when he left the room. When Pau was in the door, he called after him. "Thank you for everything, you're doing for us."

Pau looked back. "Thank you for allowing me to help you," he replied and went.

The smell of an energy bar was in the air. Carefully, Usagi turned his head and found it. Deliberately, he chew on another bite. A weapon, that could put anyone into such a state that he ran away in panic until he collapsed. He shivered. Sometimes, Pau was so normal that it was easy to forget what he was.

Pau could deny as much as he wanted. Usagi was certain that neither he would still live nor his home village would still exist if Pau had not influenced Lord Hikiji in some way. He had completed his first task. To his own satisfaction. But without Pau, he would have died there.

Not for the first time, he wondered why Pau did what he did. Concerned, he asked himself if some kind of price would have to be payed for this, eventually. If Pau would ask something from him, someday. If he would be able to refuse.

When he awoke next time, the sun stood high in the sky. He already felt much better. Carefully but determined, he moved his legs to ease the aching muscles. He sighed. A hot bath would be most welcome.

A servant came up to him as if he had read his mind and told him that everything was already prepared at the bath house. Only the thought how many pains he would have to suffer held him back. But only for a moment. He nodded bravely.

While he tried to get up, the servant motioned four others to step forward. They stepped next to his bed. The servant asked Usagi to lay down again. While he still wondered what that meant, the four servants took each one corner of the sheet in which he was resting. With the pillow and the cover, they carried him away.

The whole procession was very embarrassing for Usagi but he admitted to himself that it was still more pleasant than to walk on his own legs even if every sway of the sheet made him grind his teeth.

In the bath house, the servant apologized and carefully removed the cover. Usagi expected to be lowered to the ground but instead, they lowered him directly into the tub together with the sheet.

The hot water was mixed with oils and smelled terrific. It did sting a bit on the skin but it felt wonderful. Relaxed, he closed his eyes and just floated in the relief. The servants weighted the sheet down with stones in order to help him lying in the water without having to fear his head would slip under the surface.

After a while, new, hot water added but Usagi did not notice because he was again sound asleep.

He woke up a bit when he was lifted from the water. Someone carried him in his arms and in his half-sleep, he could hear giggling female voices. He was dropped on a table, turned on his belly and skilled hands began to give him a massage. His muscles protested with every movement but the pain quickly subsided and a pleasant warmth spread in him.

Finally, they let go of him. He was wrapped in warm covers and carried back into his room.

In the meantime, Pau was with Tomoe. He sat at the upper end of her bed and held her head in his hands. No sound could be heard except for her breathing.

In the beginning, her breathing was uneven and broken but as time passed, her breaths became deeper and more regular. Finally, her eyes opened. The first thing she saw was Paus face, bent over her.

"Hello," she greeted him weakly.

"Hello, Tomoe."

"Where ...?"

"You are in White Heron Castle. I'm looking after Lord Noriyuki. He will live."

She smiled thankfully at him. Her mouth opened for the next question.

"You have been following a ninja and been ambushed. I made a grave mistake. It took me almost a day to gather you and your men."

He smiled apologetic. Tomoe tried to remember. All she could come up with was that she had hunted that ninja.

"You cannot remember. Because of my mistake, you received a shock and then, the memory doesn't work anymore. Therefore, you cannot remember what has happened."

"It has cost the life of two of your men," Pau explained seriously. "Of the ninjas, most have died and those, who survived, are now staggering with a clouded mind through the forest."

Sorrow was in his face. "Only one of them will see the next day."

"One of sixty," he added silently.

Again, Tomoe could only admire the greatness of the man. The deaths of two of her men was a serious issue but it was more important to her that most of the ninjas were dead. Even if she had wanted, she could never feel pity for these creatures. But Pau mourned everyone, friend or foe.

"I thank you for taking this upon you to protect my lord," she thanked him.

"What happened to our horses?" she asked after a short pause.

"All back in the stable except for two. All very exhausted but they will recover, too. The two missing fell into a ravine."

"Does the name Tenekka mean something to you?" Pau suddenly changed the topic.

Tomoe thought for a moment. "Lord Tenekka is our neighbor in the east. There are rumors that he is assembling troops but nobody knows against whom. If he really levies troops, that is. In the past, there has been no troubles between him and us. Is there something specific you want to know?"

"Has he ever met Lord Noriyuki in person?"

Tomoe tried to remember. "I think they saw each other some time ago for a short time." She looked at Pau. "Why do you ask?"

"He is on his way and will arrive in a few hours."

Tomoe shrugged. "We will have to put him off until Noriyuki feels better."

Pau made a face. He didn't seem convinced.

"There is more to it, isn't there?" Tomoe asked.

"I'm suspicious that he is behind the assassination or at least knows of it," Pau explained. "He will not consent to be put off."

"He has levied about two thousand men and they are ready to cross the border. If he doesn't meet Noriyuki, they will probably attack the province," Pau thought aloud. "Al least, that is what I would do."

Tomoe sighed. She would have to think of something. "How long will you need to heal my lord?"

"Three days. It will be hard enough to quell all rumors why he is absent for so long. To put off Lord Tenekka for such a long time will not work, I think."

Along with a servant, Major Nega appeared. He bowed. "Lady Tomoe," he reported, "a courier of Lord Tenekka has arrived. He brings news that his lord is on his way to us and informs us of the lords wish to meet Lord Noriyuki."

"He really doesn't loose any time," Tomoe cursed. She felt terribly weak, now, when she mustn't.

Pau offered her one of his energy bars. Thoughtfully, she chewed on it. What should she do now?

"Do you trust me?" Pau asked.

Tomoe had to smile. "Of course. I guess you have a plan?"

Pau simply nodded.

"What shall we do?" Tomoe asked.

"Get dressed, your lord is going to welcome Lord Tenekka," Pau smirked.

To Major Nega, he ordered, "Tell the courier that his lordship is most honored and will receive him right after he has arrived. If the courier wants to stay at the castle, have an eye on him because he is going to spy around."

Major Nega looked at Tomoe who confirmed the order. The Major and the servant bowed and went off.

Tomoe folded the cover back and tried to get up. With Paus help, she managed but she realized that she wouldn't get far. "I will have you carried," Pau decided. "What are you going to wear?"

With the help of a couple of maids, Tomoe got dressed while Pau went to see Nega. They met in front of Noriyukis rooms. A couple of guards, who knew Pau from his first encounter with Tomoe, guarded the entrance. A healer was present, who mustered Pau grimly. When Tomoe was brought in, he almost pounced on her.

He began to complain bitterly about the way he and the others were treated. Surely, it would be better if they could attend the treatment of Pau for their lord.

Tomoe, who suspected what Pau had done, looked over to him. "No one is allowed to enter that room, am I right?"

Pau nodded. She turned to the healer. "I most deeply regret that I have to forbid you to try to enter the rooms of his lordship."

The healer paled.

"Be assured that I know the methods of healing that Pau uses" she went on, " and ... you are simply lacking the means to copy them. Therefore, it would be futile if you were present. But I can guarantee that I will report your efforts in a favorable way when his lordship has recovered."

With a deep breath, she stood. Past the angry healer, she went to Pau, who knocked at the door. "Shunji, I come with two visitors."

After a while, a serious voice sounded from inside. "I'm ready. You may now enter." The door opened just as wide that a single person at a time could step through.

Pau went inside, followed by Tomoe and Major Nega. Shunji looked suspiciously at them. Hopefully, Pau knew what he was doing.

Major Nega looked at the empty bed. He was not surprised. In fact, he had expected something like that. He looked at Tomoe, who had sat down on a chair, exhausted by the few steps on her own.

"What is your plan?" she asked while recovering.

"I will receive Tenekka as Lord Noriyuki," Pau said simply.

Tomoe looked up to him. "That's why you wanted to know if they have met." She shook her head. "Lord Tenekka knows what my lord looks like. It won't work." She looked back on the ground, thinking.

"I would rather think, it will," came the cheerful answer from Pau. "I was more concerned that Lord Tenekka would recognize Lord Noriyukis voice."

Tomoe frowned but looked up when she heard Nega exclaim. There was Lord Noriyuki. Out of reflex, she was about to bow to her lord when he spoke with Paus voice. "Good enough?" he said and turned around.

All she could do was nod. The illusion was good, almost perfect. Pau moved differently and his voice gave him away. But during the audience, he would sit and not move much. While they selected some clothes, Pau tried his voice. "My name is Lord Noriyuki. I'm the head of the Geishu clan and my residence is White Heron Castle," he repeated over and over.

Tomoe and Nega corrected the voice until it sounded at least a bit like that of Noriyuki. Then Pau lay down in the bed and they called for the servants to help him wash and dress.

Meanwhile Tomoe sat on her chair, and tried to recover as much as possible. Nega watched Pau practice with the servants. Skilled, he used the rumors about his illness to cover small mistakes.

When his lordship was dressed, Nega called for the bodyguard and another chair was brought for Noriyuki. Along with Tomoe, he was carried into the audience chamber. His personal bodyguard spread and sat down along the walls.

Nega had to admire how Pau mastered revealing situations. His movements seemed to be a bit jittery and tired, as if he had just recovered from a serious illness and was now for the first time on his feet, again.

In contrast, the exhaustion of Lady Tomoe was real. Worried, Nega pondered what would happen if she would break down during the audience.

He could see that Pau touched her gently on the shoulder. "Are you all right?" he asked concerned and for a moment, he was Noriyuki.

That seemed to have helped Tomoe. She nodded and sat more upright.

Lord Tenekka let them wait. Nega could see Paus face working. Finally, he said: "Summon Kaneda." Immediately, a servant left. Untrusting, Nega asked himself what Pau was up to but Tomoe didn't seem to mind, so he held back. Surely, she knew what she was doing.

After a short time, the servant returned with Kaneda. Right after them, a servant announced that Lord Tenekka had arrived. Pau nodded and told the second servant to relate to Lord Tenekka he would be available in an instant.

The servant bowed and went off. Meanwhile, Kaneda took his place in front of Pau. He bowed deeply. "My lord."

Pau sighed slightly. "I need your life and that of 14 other, trustworthy men," he started. "You will pick up arms and leave the city on a minor road. Outside, you will put down all your insignia and wait on the hill next to the main road."

"If there is a blue light in the windows of the main tower, you will meet with Lord Tenekka when he leaves and kill him."

Nega was horrified. To make an attempt for the life of another lord in such an underhand manner was one of the most shameful crimes one could commit. He was about to jump and rip the mask from Paus face when Tomoe spoke.

"We know that our request sounds dishonorable and we would not choose this path if we knew any other way out of this. Whatever might happen, if we give the signal, under no circumstances, Lord Tenekka is allowed to leave our land alive."

Pau asked Kaneda to look at him. Sorrow and pain showed prominently in his round Panda face. "Are you able to fulfill my request?" he asked silently.

Kaneda looked straight at his lord. "Yes, my lord," he accepted seriously. "It was a great honor to be of service," he said goodbye because he would not return. Neither would any of his men.

He bowed and went away. Nega could see that Pau had to struggle to keep his posture. When he had calmed down again, he asked to lead Lord Tenekka to him.

Outwardly calm, Lord Tenekka entered the audience chamber but inside, fury raged: 'What did that brat think of himself?'

After the ninja had given the signal to tell them the attempt had been successful, he had sent a courier ahead to announce that he would arrive, soon. Of course, after that he had taken his time to make Noriyukis people nervous. And if Noriyuki should have survived against all odds, that would have made clear that he was superior to the young lord.

Now he had arrived and Noriyuki had dared to let him wait. Outrageous!

"Lord Noriyuki," he greeted his neighbor friendly. "It's a great honor for me. I'm most glad that you could find the time to receive me after you had been informed of my arrival only such a small time in advance." Nega noticed that Lord Tenekka didn't bow as deeply as the protocol requested for a guest like him.

"Lord Tenekka," Pau answered in the same tone, "I'm most sorry about letting you wait. Originally, I had intended to meet you right after you would have arrived but when your arrival was delayed unexpectedly, something of utmost importance was brought to my attention with which I had to deal with immediately, for which I apologize."

He smiled apologetically. "I'm hoping for your forgiveness. I'm still so clumsy in the many aspects of the protocol."

'I'll beat it into you right before I take your head and put it on a pole,' Lord Tenekka thought infuriated. Aloud, he replied: "Of course. I would not have hoped that you would be able at all to receive me at such a short notice."

One after the other, Lord Tenekka introduced his twelve companions. Also this breach of protocol was registered by Nega. At most eight companions would have been appropriate.

"I do thank you. It is a great honor for us to meet you. Now tell me, how we can help you."

"There are rumors that Lord Hirano in the west is levying an army and has formed an alliance with three other, smaller lords to attack us."

Terror showed on Paus face. "That would be disastrous! Could you find out if these rumors are based on facts?"

"Unfortunately so, Lord Noriyuki. We expect the worst. It is even said that Lord Hikiji is somehow involved but to my deepest regret, I could not confirm this."

Pau acted to be torn over what to do. Lord Tenekka told him more facts his spies had found out. He used all his powers of persuasion to turn Pau into an ally but Pau wriggled like a worm. Cleverly, he pointed at holes in the 'evidence' of Lord Tenekka and his lack of experience in these things.

Of course, he did believe what the lord told him. But so many things had happened in the last few days, so he could only promise to decide until next morning.

Before he was dismissed, Lord Tenekka rose. Another affront that Nega registered angrily. To his deepest regret, Lord Tenekka told Pau, he had to return to his province to levy an army himself to counter the impeding attack.

Noriyuki promised to send a messenger as soon as he had decided. With that, Lord Tenekka and his companions left.

Nega noticed how angry anyone in the room was about the patronizing behavior towards their lord. 'What was Lord Tenekka thinking? He has walked in here as if Lord Noriyuki had an audience with him and not the other way around!'

Also, everyone could see Paus grim face. "I would prefer if I could give the signal. A lot of suffering could be prevented," he managed finally.

He took a moment to collect himself. Tomoe just sighed and collapsed. Immediately, Lord Noriyuki ordered servants to carry her back into her room. As it was proper, Major Nega replaced her.

He expected that Pau would now return to "his" rooms but Pau didn't move.

"My lord?" Nega tried to speak to him.

"What should I do now?" Pau sighed.

'Stop acting as Noriyuki,' Nega thought uneasily.

Pau tightened. Then his orders came in rapid succession. A rider was sent to call the men on the hill back. At least those, that could return.

Next, Pau dictated a letter.

"Lord Hirano,"

"A few moments ago, Lord Tenekka has left me from whom I had to receive tremendous accusations. He claimed that you are levying an army in order to attack me. Of course, I recognized the lie as for what it was. Surely, you know yourself that Lord Tenekka himself has levied an army and stands ready to attack us both."

"Therefore, I offer you an alliance to counter this threat together and to strengthen our mutual relationship."

"I'm hoping for a reply, soon."

"Yours faithfully,"

"Lord Noriyuki."

"All I need now is a trustworthy madman, who is insane enough to deliver this letter," Pau muttered.

"Your Lordship is thinking about the same person as I do?" Nega asked.

Pau nodded. "Tomoe is going to kill me with her gaze once more." He sighed heavily. "Sometimes, I almost regret to have reached Edo alive(4)," he said so quietly that almost only Nega could hear it.

Usagi was summoned.

Still drunk from sleep, Usagi dressed. His legs still felt like they were filled with jelly. The cool evening air helped him to regain his consciousness. When he finally reached the audience chamber, his thoughts were somewhat clear and he didn't stagger like a drunk, anymore.

A bit clumsy, he took his place and bowed. "My dear friend Usagi, I have a task for you which I cannot entrust to anyone else. Only with you, I see a slight chance to succeed at all," Pau started.

If Usagi did notice the illusion, he didn't show. "Lord Noriyuki, I am at your disposal. What service may I render to you?"

"This letter must reach Lord Hirano at all cost." A writer handed the sealed document to Usagi who took it with care and put in one of his pockets.

"In the lodging 'The Heron', you will meet another traveler who calls himself Konuri. I'm almost positive that he will also leave towards the Hirano Province and I think that you will find a reliable and pleasant travel companion in him."

Usagi bowed deeply. "You can rely upon me, Lord Noriyuki."

"You must use haste, though," Noriyuki told him. "If you cannot deliver that letter within the next three days, a lot of people will die."

Usagis face twitched slightly, then he regained his control. "In this case, I will leave immediately. Please tell Lady Tomoe and Brother Pau my regrets that I could not say goodbye."

"I will," Pau promised sincerely. "I wish you best luck. For all of us."

Usagi bowed and was on his way. Servants gave him money so he could buy a horse and food on his journey. This way, they hoped that he would not attract the attention of a possible spy left behind by Tenekka.

Pau acted exhausted and let himself carry back into his chambers. He laid down in his bed and Nega drove everyone out of the room. Turned back into himself, Pau left the room and told the guards that the effort had slowed the healing process and Lord Noriyuki would have to stay in his rooms for another three days.

The guards promised to turn anyone away who tried to enter the rooms. Now, Shunji could relax again and Nega accompanied Pau out of the building.

"I think, we should start levying troops immediately," Nega said thoughtfully. Pau just nodded muted.

Nega followed him with his look when he went away. He realized that Pau could seize the power in the Geishu province very easily. 'How has he known about Lord Hiranos spy at the Heron?' Nega wondered. And near the end, Paus illusion had been incredibly convincing Almost, he had had to force himself to get the fact clear in his mind that he hadn't been sitting next to his lord.

With powers like that, Nega would expect that someone like Pau would let anyone feel how unimportant they were. Instead, he behaved as if he was like anyone else. 'What an unusual person,' Nega thought and began to give orders.

First, Pau went for the companions of Tomoe and looked after them. Whatever he did, they all survived. His reputation in the castle grew. Everywhere, it was accepted that soldiers died for their lords. No one was wondering when Pau used his time and energy to heal Tomoe Ame.

But to snatch simple soldiers away from certain death was unusual and was registered in silence but attentively.

Later that night, Kaneda and his men returned. Pau received them.

"Kaneda-san," he greeted the leader. "I am deeply sorry that the Lord Noriyukis condition has worsened again. He will not be able to receive you. But it would be a great honor for me to serve you as your second(5)."

So it happened that Kaneda committed seppuku, the ritual of self sacrifice in the service of his lord.

The next day, preparations started for the coming war. Messengers were dispatched with orders to levy troops, to lay in stocks and to check fortifications.

At that time, Usagi and Konuri left the city. Just in time, they bought two horses before a soldier of the lord arrived and confiscated the remaining horses of the dealer for his lordship. They had not risked to secretly sneak out of the city at night because that could have aroused suspicion.

As Noriyuki had predicted, Usagi had liked Konuri at once. The feeling was mutual. When they traveled slowly to go easy on their horses, Konuri told Usagi stories about the region they were passing. And Usagi payed him back with stories from his own past.

When they rode fast and could not talk, Usagi thought about his orders. He knew that, under no circumstances, Konuri was just a simple trader. But just as if by a tacit agreement, no one of them said anything about the reasons why they tried to reach the capital of the Hirano province.

In the evening, they had almost reached the border to the neighboring province. Usagi realized that he would have never crossed the distance so quickly if he had been alone. Konuri seemed to know the area like the insides of his pockets. Even better, their strategy to rest at night and start early seemed to pay off because they were not attacked or held up.

During dinner, the remaining distance to the capital came up. Konuri estimated that it would take them six, maybe five days to get there.

Usagi paled. "That's not possible," me muttered. To Konuri, he said forcefully: "I must reach the capital in two days!"

The reaction was not expected. "In two days?" Konuri echoed.

Usagi swore inwardly. He should have asked how much he could tell Konuri. The whole thing just reeked of politics and Usagi had a strong dislike for lies and conspiracy which seemed to be absolutely necessary in politics.

Of course, the next question was the one Usagi dreaded most. "What is it, you are looking for in the capital? Maybe you can do the same in one of the bigger cities on the way?"

Usagi remained silent and thought. 'What can I say? How much are I allowed to relate?'

Then something occurred to him. Lord Noriyuki had not sent him to the capital. He had sent him to deliver the letter to Lord Hirano! Of course, Usagi had expected to find him in his residence. 'What if he wasn't there?'

"It's of utmost importance that I meet with Lord Hirano within the next two days," he demanded seriously.

Konuri seemed to be amused: "Well, I wish you best luck, of course, but I would guess that it takes more than words from a ronin to receive an audience with Lord Hirano."

Usagi had made a decision. To lie would not help. Somehow, people were able to tell from his face that he told a lie. So he reached into his clothes, pulled the letter from Lord Noriyuki out and handed it over to Konuri.

With a blank face, Konuri took the document and held the seal into the light. "A personal letter from Lord Noriyuki." He looked at Usagi. "Can you tell me how it got into you possession?"

"Lord Noriyuki asked me to deliver this letter at all costs within the next two days to Lord Hirano. He told me where I would find you and that I could rely on you."

"Really." Konuri laughed about a joke only he understood. Usagi waited patiently.

Eventually, Konuri made a decision, too. He broke the seal and read the letter in the flickering light of the fire. Usagi froze. 'Have I made a mistake?'

After Konuri had read it, he asked: "Do you know what it says?" Usagi shook his head and Konuri handed the document back.

He was about to fold it and tuck it away again when Konuri ordered him to read and burn it. Astonished, Usagi looked at the man. He seemed to be another person, now. Nothing was left of the funny travel companion. Usagi realized that Konuri must be some kind of spy or something similar.

Since he could not really back out anymore, he read the letter, too and threw it into the fire. Now, he was completely in the hands of Konuri. "You will find his lordship if you go to the inn 'The Drum' in the city of Tamakarena and ask for Yakatashi-san. You will tell him word for word what you read in the letter and you will also tell him that Temori acts as your guarantor."

Usagi repeated the instructions to make sure that he got everything right. "If we are going to be attacked, I will hold them off, so you can escape," he promised Konuri.

Soundlessly, Konuri laughed. "Yes, you probably will."

Then he stood and looked over to the nearby border. "Soon, we will stumble upon the first thugs hired by Lord Tenekka. It's possible that they know me. Maybe it would be more safe if we would split up."

Usagi just shook his head. "Together, our chances are much better."

"In that case, I hope your nerves are as strong as your will. Since we carry no evidence anymore, we can hope for beeing allowed to pass after being searched. But I would not rely on this."

Thoughtfully, he looked at Usagi. "But I think that your sword is as reliable as you are."

His smile returned and once more, he was the person that Usagi had met at the Heron. They went to sleep and rose early the next morning.

As Konuri had foreseen, they quickly ran into the first bandits that behaved too militarily to be common thugs. Two times, they were searched and could go on when the bandits could not find anything.

The third time, their luck left them. Someone seemed to have recognized Konuri and by a hair's width, they escaped certain death. Usagis horse was injured so badly that they had to leave it behind. And Konuri refused to leave Usagi behind.

A short time later, Konuris horse collapsed and they had to continue on foot. Konuri led him to a solitary farm and soon, they were on horseback once more.

Now, they avoided the big streets and Konuri led Usagi through impassable hinterland. Another day passed.

They spent the night without a fire to escape all attention. The next morning, they met a patrol under the banner of Lord Hirano. Konuri talked to the leader but with such a low voice that Usagi could not understand what he said.

Two riders dismounted and Konuri waved Usagi to change horses. Under the banned of Hirano, they rode on. Five soldiers of Lord Hirano accompanied them and soon, they arrived in a large army camp. Usagi could not see how many soldiers were assembled here but he could make out three different crests.

Konuri rode directly for a large tent in the middle of the camp. The guards let him pass without a word. In front of the tent, they dismounted and soldiers led the horses away. Konuri asked Usagi to wait outside and went into the tent.

Usagi asked himself who Konuri was. The soldiers followed his orders without delay. No one had asked him to hand over his swords or to bind them. A soldier approached him and bowed.

"Usagi-san, his lordship is awaiting you." He led the way and Usagi followed.

At the entrance of the tent, the soldier stopped and opened it for Usagi. Passing him, Usagi entered the tent.

Inside, he was awaited by three lords. Konuri was nowhere to be seen. Usagi knelt and waited with his head bowed to be addressed.

"Please tell us the contents of the letter from Lord Noriyuki," Lord Hirano ordered. If he recognized(6) Usagi, he didn't show it.

Concentrated, Usagi repeated what he had read.

"Please look up." He complied.

"Do you guess that Lord Noriyuki is actually seeking an alliance with us or is that letter just a deception?"

The question took Usagi totally by surprise. He blinked. "I ... cannot think that Lord Noriyuki would send me away with a false message," he answered carefully.

Lord Hiranos face didn't betray him. "We do thank you. You may leave."

Usagi bowed and left the tent.

Outside, he stopped indecisively. He had fulfilled his orders. While he still pondered what to do now, a major of the army of Lord Hirano came up to him.

"Come," he invited Usagi who recognized the voice of Konuri.

"How should I call you?" Usagi asked the man while they walked.

Konuri laughed. "Konuri, if you please."

They went to a tent, where lunch was handed out. Each got a portion and they sat together.

"Why did Lord Hirano ask me, if I believe the message is real?" Usagi asked Konuri.

Seriously, Konuri looked at him. "Lord Tenekka met with your lord right before you left. Now my lord asks himself if the alliance is just a trick to give them both time more to prepare."

"And Lord Hirano expects me to know if that is so?"

Konuri laughed. "My guess would be that your reaction told him more than your words. What did you say?"

Usagi told him. "And there is something else. Lord Noriyuki was very upset, when he summoned me. If Lord Tenekka had met him right before me, then I really can't think that this is just a deception."

Konuri shrugged. "This is politics. Maybe Lord Tenekka forced Lord Noriyuki to write this letter and that is why he was upset."

Usagi just could not believe that Lord Noriyuki would abuse him for such a dishonorable deed and he told Konuri.

"Of course, this would turn you into the perfect messenger for such a deception," Konuri mused.

Angrily, Usagi flew into a rage and Konuri apologized. "Please forgive me. Since months, the most strange rumors can be heard and everyone is very much afraid. It's not simple to trust in times like these."

Again his face became serious. "Many of his subjects will die if my lord puts his trust in the wrong person. The rumors that Lord Noriyuki is ill or even dead aren't helping, either."

"I saw him myself. He looked ..." Usagi trailed off. Konuri was right. He had had an odd feeling about Lord Noriyuki. The voice hadn't been quite right and the familiar movements, too.

"It's possible that he had been ill but he looked quite good when I left him," he finished the sentence. Telling Konuri that Noriyuki had been poisoned would probably only make things worse. Then he had an idea.

"Is there a place where I could try something without being watched?" he inquired carefully.

Konuri thought about this. "That depends on what you'd like to try," he evaded a direct answer.

"It should not be possible to hear or see me." He smiled uneasily. "I just want to avoid to make a fool of myself in front of everyone here. Maybe I can get some answers."

Konuri thought a little more. "I think I could find something. When do you want to set off?"

"Right now."

Konuri nodded his consent. They gave back their dishes and Konuri lead Usagi through the camp.

"Who are the two other lords?" Usagi asked.

"Lord Mono and Lord Fujitako have formed an alliance with my lord because they know that Lord Tenekka can overcome them easily after my lord is defeated. If Lord Noriyuki is actually on our side, we can even hope that Lord Tenekka will be defeated," Konuri explained.

"In this case, we would have more men and we could choose the battleground. These advantages should allow us to be victorious," he concluded.

"As long as we are not betrayed," Usagi spoke his mind.

Konuri nodded. "As long as we are not betrayed. Surely, you now understand why it is so important for my lord to know if Lord Noriyuki is really trying to form an alliance with us or not. Can you tell me what you are trying to do?"

Usagi made a face. "You would not believe me," he said uneasily. "Even I'm not really sure what I'm going to do."

Nonetheless, the answer seemed to be enough to Konuri. They arrived at a pasture where Konuri ordered two horses. He rode out of the camp and up a small hill.

On the top of the hill was a small wood with a clearing inside. Usagi looked around. In all directions, the small wood was very thin and one could see a long way in all directions. This way, they were covered from curious looks from people far away and they would notice anyone trying to spy on them from nearby.

He handed the reins to Konuri and dismounted. In the middle of the clearing, he stopped and laid his head in his neck. In the sky, nothing unusual could be seen but he had expected that.

Aloud, he called: "Pau Tai! I have to know if Lord Noriyuki is really trying to form an alliance with Lord Hirano or if this is just a trick."

He went back to Konuri who looked at him with a strange expression. Usagi felt like a fool. "Now, all we can do is wait," he said uneasily.

"Greetings Usagi, Major Tomori," Paus voice rang. Both started in alarm but Usagi gave a relieved sigh. He looked around but Pau was nowhere to be seen. He also couldn't make out where his voice came from. It seemed to come from all sides at once. And why did Pau use the name Tomori?

"Unfortunately, the answer to your question is not very simple because Lord Noriyuki still has no idea that he did request an alliance with Lord Hirano."

Usagi paled and Konuri frowned.

"Four days ago, just before we arrived at White Heron Castle, an attempt for Lord Noriyukis life did take place. He was poisoned. I'm healing him but he has not yet recovered."

"As soon as Lord Noriyuki regains his consciousness, I will tell him of my unauthorized action and he will have to decide if he follows my recommendation or not."

His voice remained silent for a moment. "I'm expecting, though," Pau went on, "that he would never form an alliance with Lord Tenekka. My recommendation for Lord Hirano is to advance the allied troops to the border of the Geishu province."

"Should Lord Noriyuki unexpectedly decide against an alliance with Lord Hirano, your lord will be able to reach White Heron Castle in two days and force him into an alliance."

"If Lord Noriyuki should decide for an alliance, the battleground will also be within the borders of the Geishu province."

Konuri intervened. "Lord Noriyuki could misjudge our movements as an impeding attack. Moreover, we still couldn't be sure that Lord Noriyuki will not form an alliance with Lord Tenekka and defeats us when we try to reach the capital," he spoke into the empty air.

"This is unlikely," Paus bodiless voice replied, "since it was Tenekka who ordered the attempt on Lord Noriyukis life."

Sharply, Konuri drew a breath. "Is that certain?"

"As certain as Lord Mono will betray you," Pau relied calmly.

It took Konuri more than a moment to recover from this. "Can you prove this?" he finally managed so quietly that Usagi almost didn't understand.

"When our armies unite, I will be able to provide proof."

"That means that we cannot take actions against him in good time."

"That is correct. And I also wouldn't recommend any actions against him since the alliance is still weak. Moreover, it could lead to Lord Tenekka changing his plans."

"Until now, I just have your words. My lord will be quite unhappy to rely on the words of a bodiless voice," Konuri asked to consider.

"I vouch with my life for the words of Pau Tai," Usagi announced earnest.

"Really," came it twice from Pau and Konuri. While Konuri had sounded relaxed, Pau had sounded amused.

Usagi didn't know what to say. And Konuri was also confused.

"You will have to trust my words because there is nothing else I can offer," Pau went on. "Anything else?"

Usagi decided to postpone the question why he had ridiculed him for the time when they met again. "Tomoe?" he asked instead.

"She will have recovered before the healing of Lord Noriyuki is completed."

"I recommend to advance to the border city of Pesa. If Lord Noriyuki decides for the alliance, his couriers can reach you in one day and legalize your crossing of the border."

Then the voice went away. Usagi mounted his horse and awaited Konuris decision.

Finally, Konuri shrugged. "Not much gained. What Pau proposed is what we already had planned."

"And that Lord Mono is a traitor?"

"We already guessed as much but we cannot do without him. We share Paus opinion that he can't be eliminated just yet. All we can do is to keep an eye on him."

Usagi had a very unpleasant Deja-Vu. His own master, Lord Mifune, had been killed by the betrayal of an ally.

"The rumors that Lord Hikiji is involved in some way?"

Konuri made a face. "Already, any tension in the land is attributed to the Dark Lord. Lord Hikiji is not the only lord that is driven by the lust for power."

They returned into the camp and handed the horses over to a waiting soldier. "What will you report to your lord?"

"A bodiless voice has confirmed our thoughts. You can put the lives of your subjects on the line without hesitation," Konuri replied sarcastically.

Usagi hung his head. "I'm very sorry. I had really hoped to gain some answers instead of new insecurity."

"I don't mind," Konuri comforted him. "It was most interesting. I wished I could always give simple answers to the questions of my lord but without much success, yet."

"Only death is simple," Usagi said darkly and Konuri nodded his confirmation.

Konuri placed Usagi for dinner and went off to report to his lord.

Later, he returned and fetched his own soup with bread. He sat next to Usagi, who already had finished, and began to eat.

Curiously, Usagi looked at him. "Well?"

Konuri ate some more before he answered. "We're continuing as planned." Then he looked up. "There is just one thing which I'd like to know."

Usagi looked at him.

"Is Pau only listening when you call?" Konuri mused.

Usagi remained silent.

Killing a Stone

It took the army two days to reach the border city Pesa. To Usagis relief, a delegation from the city met them and asked for an audience with Lord Hirano. With great regret, they had to tell Lord Hirano that Lord Noriyuki had still not sent a messenger with an official order to allow the army to cross the border.

Nonetheless, they could allow the army to make camp on this side of the border until the surely positive order from his lordship will have arrived.

So they waited. There was a nervous tension over everything. Not many days had seemed so long for Usagi. He prayed that there would be no unnecessary complications. And that Pau would be able to convince Lord Noriyuki.

Meanwhile, Pau had entered Lord Noriyukis chambers and from there, had returned to the station. Now, he was standing before an active healing tank in which the body of a panda floated. Motionless, he waited for the healing cycle to complete.

When the healing liquid had been pumped out of the tank and the body had been cleaned, he picked him up carefully and carried him in the room in which Tomoe and Usagi had awoken earlier.

He put him in the bed and then stepped back. Under normal conditions, he would have waited until the body had returned to it's normal rhythms but there was no time. So he accelerated the process.

A golden glow engulfed the sleeping body of Lord Noriyuki. Pure life force flew through his chakras and returned the body into its balanced state quickly. When he was satisfied, Pau covered him and waited for him to wake up.

Without any transition, Noriyuki was awake. For a moment, he stared at the ceiling, then he sat up slowly. Looked around. This was no room in his castle. Strange statues were standing along the walls. And a dog stood next to his bed.

With practice, Lord Noriyuki held his emotions away from his face. As ruler, he had seldom the opportunity to show what his actual emotions were.

"Pau Tai, I presume," he said obviously unmoved.

Pau bowed deeply. "Lord Noriyuki."

Noriyuki observed Pau meticulously. With the years, he had become a master in reading the body language of others. In his past, this had been invaluable more than once. But Pau didn't seem to have any body language.

"Where am I?"

"I have removed the poison from your body. Since the attack, five days have passed. Are you hungry?"

Lord Noriyuki wasn't but he nodded. It would give him time to think. One of the statues started moving and brought a bowl with rice soup. Noriyuki thanked it with a nod. The strange statue returned to its place without a word.

Slowly, he began to eat.

"There is a question which is very important to me which I have to ask you," Pau started. "Do you want to live?"

Noriyukis hand with the spoon froze in his mouth. Slowly, he lowered the hand again. "What do you mean?" he asked carefully.

"I have healed you, because Usagi asked for you life. But I'm not allowed to force you to live. Therefore, I must know if it is your own will, to be alive."

"It is."

"In that case, I thank you for having allowed me to help you," Pau bowed.

"While you were healing, I had to receive Lord Tenekka in your place. You will now see a recording of the audience."

Three images appeared in the air. In one, Noriyuki could see the audience chamber as he usually saw it. In another, he saw himself from the side. In the last one, he saw himself from the front. Outwardly unmoved, he looked fascinated at himself, his bodyguard and Tomoe.

"What has happened to Tomoe?" Immediately, he had recognized her poor shape.

"While persecuting the second ninja, she was ambushed. When I tried to save them, I made a grave mistake. In the meantime, she has fully recovered and the same applies for her men except for two who fell into a ravine."

Indifferent, Noriyuki watched the orders Pau gave to Kaneda. Then Tenekka entered the room. Noriyuki stopped eating and watched closely, how Lord Tenekka entered.

"You let him wait?" he asked quietly.

"Yes," Pau answered, "After all, I had to order his assassination first."

Without further comment, Noriyuki watched the rest of the recording.

"What will you do if I revoke your orders?"

"You are master of your own will."

"Why should I follow your plan?"

"It was Lord Tenekka who ordered the attack on you."

"How do you know?" Noriyuki inquired.

"I'm observing every step he makes." Another image appeared in which Noriyuki could see Lord Tenekka. He talked to his advisers.

The image became blurred for a moment, then Noriyuki saw Lord Tenekka leaving White Heron Castle. He rode out of the city and despite the falling night, he stopped only far away from the city. Fascinated, Noriyuki watched the sharp and clear pictures of the riding group.

Noriyuki could see Lord Tenekka pace back and forth angrily. Obviously, he was on the brink of loosing his temper.

"How could that have happened?" he yelled at one of his advisers. "With my own eyes, I saw the ninja giving the signal for a successful attack!"

"This worm should wriggle in deadly agony! Instead he lets me wait! Me!"

The image disappeared.

Noriyuki poked around in his soup. "I'm curious. Is it possible to ... modify these pictures?"

The picture appeared again. Again, Noriyuki saw Lord Tenekka pace back and forth angrily. But this time, he saw himself sitting between the advisers, juggling a couple of colorful balls. He saw the shadows which the balls did cast on him and the others. Saw the flickering of the fire on his face. The shadow which Tenekka cast on him and the balls, when he walked by.

Without a comment, Noriyuki turned back to his soup and continued eating.

Pau stepped to the side. "Maps. Political. Geographical. Tactical." More images appeared. Noriyuki recognized the outline of the Geishu province on all of them. Pau moved to the last image where various points had been marked.

Next to the north-eastern border of his province, he could see one. A name was written next to it: Tenekka. And a number: 2300.

Next to the western border, were points with the names Hirano, Mono and Fujitako. And besides every one a number: 1300, 400, 800.

In the Geishu province, his own name was written and the number 1000.

"If we are able to prevent treachery from Lord Mono, we will have 1200 more men than Tenekka. Should Lord Mono betray us, we will have 400 men less than Tenekka. Furthermore, Lord Mono will be able to attack us from inside and Tenekka will be able to drive us from the battlefield without much effort."

Noriyuki shared Paus opinion but said nothing.

Next, Pau pointed out different battlefields on which they could stand against Lord Tenekka. He went on to explain that only two could really be taken into account.

He explained the advantages and disadvantages of the first position and Noriyuki listened in passing. He would have chosen the same place.

"And the second battlefield?"

Another position blinked. Noriyuki had to agree. This place also offered interesting advantages and disadvantages. Pau pointed out two of them.

"First of all, Lord Tenekka will not expect us to confront him there. And secondly, there is a large boulder."

Surprised, Noriyuki looked up. "A boulder?"

Pau grinned deviously. "A stone which I can kill."

Noriyuki did not penetrate this any further. "Can you give me detailed maps of those two locations?"

"Of course."

Noriyuki put the bowl aside. "In that case, everything has been said. Do we return to my castle, now?"

"Yes," Pau started. "But I would like to ask one ... two favors."

"I would like to ask you not to tell anyone about anything you have seen or experienced here. You have never left the castle."

"And the second favor?" Noriyuki asked without saying if he would grant this favor.

"If Usagi should ask you for Tomoes hand in marriage, I would like that you agree."

Noriyuki had to laugh. "If you really could achieve this miracle, then I will do anything within my powers to make sure the marriage takes place!" he promised.

Pau offered Noriyuki his hand and when Noriyuki touched him, the room disappeared and were replaced by his chamber in White Heron Castle.

"Astonishing," Noriyuki commented impressed. He sat on his bed. Pau stepped back and Noriyuki covered himself.

"The maps?" he asked.

"Will be between your other maps," Pau promised. Then he opened the doors and let the court enter which immediately pounced on their lord.

Pau remained next to the door, when the healers and physicians of the lord made inquiries about how he felt and started examining him. "I'm fine," Noriyuki replied.

He turned to Pau. "Brother Pau, we are very grateful to you for what you have done for us." Pau bowed.

"I thank you for allowing me to help you."

While one of the healers examined the pulse of the lord, Tomoe stepped next to him.

"My lord," she bowed.

"Ah, Tomoe. I'm glad that you have recovered. I was highly worried when you collapsed after the audience with Lord Tenekka."

"I feel fine, again, my lord."

"Did the levying of the army start already?"

"Yes, my lord."

"Has Lord Hirano shown any reaction to my letter?"

"Yes, my lord. His army has reached the border city of Pesa and he impatiently awaits your permission to cross it to unite his forces with ours."

Lord Noriyuki shook his head slowly. "Send a courier with the following message: We give him permission to cross our border with his army. All of our troops which assemble on his way, shall unite with him. Until we meet, he is in supreme command of them."

A murmur went through the people in the room. That was highly uncommon.

"Immediately, my lord." Tomoe sent Major Nega to execute the command.

In the meantime, the healer had finished his examination of Noriyukis pulse. He bowed deeply. "My lord, you are in the best of health," he announced.

Thankfully, Noriyuki nodded. He explained that he would like to get dressed, now. Everyone, except for his personal servants, left.

Outside, one of the healers ran to Pau. His colleagues followed with faces of stone. "Excuse me," he began.

Pau turned to him. "Jiro-San."

"We would like to thank you most humbly for your efforts to save the life of our lord," Jiro said and they bowed before Pau. "And we would like to apologize most humbly for our distrust with which we treated you unjustified."

Pau bowed to them. "Your distrust arose from your worries about your lord. Never I could hold this against you. Just the opposite, the way in which you have shown respect to my unusual methods, deserves my deepest respect."

"We do thank you," the healers bowed thankfully and went back to their work.

After everything had started, Pau sneaked secretly into the map chamber of Lord Noriyuki and deposited the requested maps.

Next, he looked after Jotaro, Shunji and Waytiki. Together, they went into the city below the castle. They bought fruits and vegetables and in an unobserved moment, Pau let them vanish. On their way back, they walked past an old, neglected house.

Pau spent some time in front of it and had a closer look. At the neighbors, he asked for the owner and got the desired information.

They went back into the city. The owner of the house was located and Pau bought it for a good price. An authenticated document and a lot of money was exchanged.

Then, Pau went to various tradesmen and ordered the renovation and certain structural alterations from them. Prices were negotiated and agreed upon. In about four months, the works should be completed, he was promised.

When Pau returned to the castle in the evening, everything was prepared. All threads of fate had been tied and almost all that was left was to wait and to harvest the fruits of his work. Of course, some small corrections would still be necessary but every important aspect had started to his liking.

Immediately after he had arrived in the caste, a servant received him who wrung his hands and told him that Lord Noriyuki wanted to see him for quite some time, now. Pau sent his pupils to bed and went to see the lord.

"Please accept my apology, Lord Noriyuki. I have been in the city and your servants could not locate me," Pau apologized.

"Think nothing of it," Noriyuki sighed. "I was sick for only five days and already, my province seems to be at the brink of destruction."

"I have to thank you once more. I'm feeling exceptionally well," the small lord smiled happily. "I was fearing that I would have to recover for weeks after the healing."

Pau bowed. "Lord Noriyuki, it was an honor."

"It was reported to me, that you have found and questioned the ninja that has attacked me."

"Yes, Lord Noriyuki."

"What did you learn?"

"He refused to say anything and did kill himself when he wasn't observed for a few moments. But he had this on him." Pau handed a letter to the lord.

Noriyuki examined the seal. "It looks like the seal of Lord Hikiji. Was it already broken when you found the letter?"

Pau nodded.

Carefully, Noriyuki unfolded the letter. Aloud, he read: "Hereby, I order the assassination of Lord Noriyuki. Signed Lord Hikiji."

Stunned, he stared at the document. "That ... that is unbelievable. This insolence. This impudence. Just to write such a letter! And to give it a ninja who carries it around!"

Noriyuki was beside himself. It took some time until he could pull himself together. "Is this document genuine?"

Pau shook his head. "This is a copy of the original which I keep at a safe place. It is as good as I could make it with the help of the ... artists in the city."

"Artists ... Is that what you call them?" Noriyuki examined the letter more closely. "The forgery is very good. If it wasn't for your word, I would take it as authentic. The work on the seal is extraordinary."

"Only because it is broken. Before we did break it, it was obvious that it was forged."

Noriyuki nodded thoughtfully. Pau went on. "The seal on the original is genuine, however."

Noriyuki frowned. "Maybe you should tell me the whole story in one piece instead of feeding me crumbs."

"I'm sorry. My own knowledge is not complete, either. I'm positive that the letter has been written by Lord Hikiji himself and has been sealed by him, too. My guess is that someone has replaced the original contents with this one, to cast suspicion on him."

"They were probably expecting that everyone would immediately remember the rumors which connect Lord Hikiji with the attempts on your life which have happened just before the shogun(7) has acknowledged you as the heir of the Geishu clan."

"You already have someone in mind?"

"Yes, Lord Noriyuki, but a suspicion will not be enough. I hope to be able to come up with some hard facts that will be enough to find the person guilty which is behind this furtive assassination."

Noriyuki handed the letter back. "Very well. I think that we will be able to make good use of the time and focus on the problem with Lord Tenekka. Do you have experiences in military questions?"

Pau nodded.

"In that case, you will help us with a first plan of battle." They went to the map chamber.

"Wouldn't it be better to wait for Lord Hirano?"

"I want to use the time until he arrives here as good as I can. Surely, we will have to make some corrections to this plan, later, but, for example, we can choose the possible battlegrounds without him. This way, we are optimally prepared when we unite our forces."

An adjutant spread out a map of the whole province. "Our spies report that Lord Tenekka will cross our border somewhere in this area," Noriyuki pointed. "It seems that he looks for a direct confrontation. This allows us to march on the major road to Rekaranagar to intercept him. This way, we will be able to make good progress and we should be able to choose the battleground."

They discussed possible battlegrounds. After a short time, the discussion concentrated on the first battlefield that Pau had already proposed Lord Noriyuki. Eventually, Noriyuki turned to him.

"Until now, we have not heard much from you," he passed Pau the ball.

"I agree with your points," Pau began. "I would just like to propose another possible battlefield so we have an alternative just in case."

He pointed to the second battlefield. "We could also move into position here. This battleground offers almost the same options as the first one."

"Our supply routes will be a bit longer but should Lord Tenekka choose to ignore us and make a move for the capital, we can cut him off from his supplies and attack from his back."

"Excellent," Noriyuki praised the idea. "Another advantage is that it is not evident that this is a suitable battleground. Maybe Lord Tenekka doesn't expect us to move there and we can force him to have to change his strategies at short notice."

Noriyuki let the adjutant search for maps with more details. Next, they started to plan optimal positions for the various units. Late at night, they separated to meet again in the morning.

The next day, Pau met again with the adjutants and military advisers of Lord Noriyuki. The whole day, they worked on different battle plans which they could propose to Lord Noriyuki. The lord was generous in his recognition.

Couriers had arrived and better numbers about troop strength were available. Noriyuki had to admit that Paus figures had been excellent. As he had predicted, they would have almost exactly 1000 men in their units.

And all plans of battle were very good. He would be able to offer Lord Hirano a couple of different alternatives. The only open question was who would lead the united army into battle. Lord Tenekka had the advantage that he had not to arrange himself with anyone. If they could not agree on one supreme commander, they would loose precious time during battle while they discussed tactics.

Lord Noriyuki hoped that they could agree on Lord Hirano as supreme commander. He didn't fool himself. Of course, the battle would take place on his grounds and he was providing one of the largest parts of their army. But he was lacking the necessary experience. Maybe Pau would have been best but a priest as leader would not meet common acceptance.

The next day, the troops passed the capital. In order to prevent any further delays, Noriyuki rode towards them and united his troops with the procession without delaying the advance.

Beside the passing troops, the lords met for the first time. When Noriyuki approached them with his bodyguard, Lord Hirano dismounted and bowed before the young lord. His companions were frozen for an instant and then followed his example quickly.

"Lord Noriyuki," Lord Hirano started, "hereby I put my troops under your supreme command."

Noriyuki reined his horse and dismounted, too. He went to Lord Hirano and knelt before him: "Never an ally of mine will have to bow more deeply before me as I will before him," he said and bowed as well.

With bowed head, he continued. "And I reject your wish. I would never sacrifice the lives of my subjects to my pride. Instead, I ask you to take supreme command of my troops and lead them into battle. I offer you any support, I am able to give."

Together, they rose. "Lord Noriyuki, your age belies your wisdom. Gladly, I accept your wish and I promise to give everything to prove worthy of the trust that you put in me."

Next, Lord Hirano introduced his companions and Lord Noriyuki followed suit. While they rode with the main force, they made small talk and learned to know and like each other better.

Usagi and Konuri were riding next to Tomoe and Pau, a bit aside from the lords. Skilled, Konuri moved next to Pau so Tomoe and Usagi could have some time for themselves.

"Now the voice ... the name gets a face," Konuri started the conversation.

"Major ..." Pau started and Konuris gaze flickered for an instant, "Konuri." Pau bowed. Konuri relaxed again and Pau smiled.

"I'm very sorry that I had not been able to provide better answers."

Konuri just shrugged. "It was most interesting. Coming up with something to report my lord as an actual challenge," he laughed, "but it looks that everything has happened the way you planned it."

Pau looked over to the lords. "As long as you don't request something dishonorable from him, Lord Noriyukis actions are easy to predict. You will find a reliable and staunch ally in him."

"Of this, I'm already convinced," Konuri replied. "And how about you?"

Pau just looked amused but didn't answer.

"Konuri-san, may I introduce Tomoe Ame, a close confidante of Lord Noriyuki, to you?" Usagi offered.

Konuri bowed. "Tomoe-san."

"Konuri-san," Tomoe greeted back politely.

"I've been told that you have looked after Usagi. For this, I thank you," Tomoe said.

Konuri bowed his head. "It was an honor. Rarely, one has the luck to meet someone with such a pleasant nature. I do pray that we will be able to meet again after the battle."

Tomoe sighed quietly. "Yes. Again, there is war. Thousands will have to be sacrificed to nourish the striving for power of a single person."

"Sixty," Pau corrected her. "Oh, lets say seventy fatalities, so I still have some leeway."

He smiled bitterly into their shocked faces. "It will be the living that will hate me."

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