Protector of the Imperial City

by Shawn Carman
Edited by Fred Wan

The main audience chamber of Kyuden Otomo was abuzz with conversation despite the early hour of the morning. Activity had rarely subsided since the Imperial Court had first convened only days ago. This year more than usual, it seemed, the attendants were caught up in the thrill of it all. For some, it was their first time in so prestigious company. For others, it was the opportunities that such a setting afforded, a chance for them to advance the cause of their family and clan. And for others, it was a chance to face their enemies on the battlefield, an entirely different sort of battlefield from the one the Empress had known only a short time ago, but deadly ground all the same.

The Empress nodded to her attendants. Toturi Shigekawa, commander of the Seventh Legion, took his place near the dais, while the courtier Seppun Shogo stepped atop it. The conversation in the room died quickly, as the attendants were not accustomed to seeing anyone but their hostess use the dais. “Honored attendants, noble Otomo hosts, the Empress wishes to speak.” Shogo stepped down and knelt before the dais, and the assemblage followed.

Toturi Kurako, Empress of Rokugan stepped atop the dais and sat down, opening her fan and gesturing for those assembled to rise. “Regrettably, my friends, I have little time to spend among you this afternoon. I must return to the capital before nightfall and attend to my duties.” She paused for a moment. “Or at least those duties that are mine to perform following my husband’s death.”

The grim reminder of the Emperor’s death caused a visible wave of discomfort among the Empress’ guardsmen, several of whom lowered their eyes in a moment of quick prayer. Toturi Shigekawa’s eyes did not drop, as he continued scanning the crowd relentlessly for any sign of a threat. His hand did stray from his blade, however, and reverently touched the Imperial mon on his chest, if only for a moment.

“As many of you are aware,” the Empress continued, “my husband’s absence has prompted his half-brother, the Shogun, to move a sizeable force into the capital city. This was of course done in hopes of protecting the throne from any foolish enough to see my husband’s seclusion as a sign of weakness or opportunity, and the Shogun should of course be commended for his tremendous adherence to duty. Now, however, the throne no longer sits empty. It is my place as Empress to serve as my husband’s regent until such time as his final wishes can be ascertained or, failing that, until such time as my death, and the throne passes to a new dynasty.”

“Yet still, the Shogun fears for the throne’s security. While his motives are of course beyond question, there can be no doubt that there are many duties throughout the Empire that require his attention. In the interests of the Empire, I have chosen to reactivate the dormant position of Protector of the Imperial City.” Kurako paused and smiled toward the Lion delegation. “This post was last held by Ikoma Otemi during the last days of Otosan Uchi, and now shall pass to a new champion, one who will oversee the steadfast Seppun who protect my body, my palace, and my city, supplemented by his own forces.” She withdrew a scroll from her obi and held it out. Seppun Shogo quickly stepped forward and took it, breaking the seal and unrolling it.

“In this, the first week of Winter Court, in the year 1168, month of the Boar, the Empress Toturi Kurako has declared that the position of Protector of the Imperial City, a station of great importance and prestige, shall be filled by a veteran magistrate and principle lieutenant of the late Emerald Champion, the noble Bayushi Norachai.”

Kurako ignored the murmur that spread through the chamber, smiling warmly in the direction of the Imperial Chancellor, Bayushi Kaukatsu. “Come, Bayushi Norachai. Step forward and receive the badge of office you have earned through your years of service. And I am certain that others among the delegation will wish to offer you their congratulations as well.”

[STUFF TO BE ADDED HERE PENDING RESPONSES AT THE WINTER COURT FORUM]