The State of the Empire, Conclusion

 

by Shawn Carman

 

 

“Before I begin any accounts of the war as it continues, my Empress,” Miya Shoin said, beginning what he had begun to feel was an endless series of reports concerning the ongoing wars within the Empire of Rokugan, “there is an unusual matter that may require further attention.”

The Imperial Chancellor glanced up from his lengthy series of scrolls and regarded the Imperial Herald curiously. “I trust this is a matter at least touching on the war in some way, Shoin-sama. Otherwise it would be quite a breach of etiquette to speak of it during time specifically allotted for the Empress to entertain reports of the war.”

The man called Susumu smiled where he sat on the left of the Empress’ screen. “I think that we can trust Shoin-sama to behave in accordance with etiquette, Hisoka-san.”

Bayushi Hisoka gave no indication of any sort that he had even noticed the familiar term of address the Imperial Advisor used, although Shoin was quite certain he resented it enormously. Still, the Chancellor smiled slightly. “Conceded, Susumu-sama.” He looked at Shoin. “Forgive me, Shoin-sama. Please, pay me no mind.”

Shoin smiled and inclined his head respectfully, having no desire whatsoever to become embroiled in the back-and-forth games and rivalries that the other Emperor’s Chosen seemed so prone to. “This is a matter related to the war, yes, but not as we have become accustomed to over recent months. You may recall an unusual incident near Treacherous Pass some weeks ago, wherein a contingent from the well-known Legion of Two Thousand were set upon by an unknown assailant and survived perhaps only thanks to the intervention of clan forces in the area?”

The Voice of the Empress sat up slightly straighter and nodded slightly. “The Empress does recall that, yes. It was a matter of some consternation at the time.”

“Yes, my Empress,” Shoin agreed. “At the time it was surmised that the attacker, whomever he or they might be, had been driven away for good. There has been no activity noted by the Legion and their attendant Herald in the time since then.”

“Shall we assume that is not the case?”

“I am afraid so, Susumu-sama,” Shoin confirmed. “It seems that the Legion of Two Thousand maintains an estate in the area, or at least the current leadership of the Legion does at any rate. This heretofore concealed holding is known as…”

“The Palace of the Breaking Dawn,” Hisoka finished.

Shoin stared at the Chancellor for a moment. “Uh… yes.”

“I recall reading of the location some years ago during an assessment of ronin forces for the Scorpion Champion,” Hisoka explained. “At the time the castle was unoccupied.”

“Yes… uh… very well,” Shoin continued. “Well, it is no longer unoccupied. The Legion has been using it as one of their primary centers of operation for some time. The enemy who attacked previously was attempting to bait the Legion into responding in order to in turn identify where their base was, or so analysis by Lion tacticians after the fact seems to suggest.”

The Voice tilted his head as if listening, the nodded. “The Empress finds this concerning, for while they have maintained a low profile, as all wave men should, the Legion of Two Thousand have served the Empire honorably and well. An attack against any honorable vassal of the Empress is an attack against the throne itself.” Here the Voice paused for a moment, and Shoin could see from the subtle shift in his facial features that it was now Togashi Satsu speaking on his own behalf. “Do you know the identity of the attacker, Shoin-sama?”

“I do, honorable Voice,” Shoin replied. “If you will but indulge me for a few moments, however, I will come to that.” Seeing the nod of approval, he continued. “The attack came at dawn, fittingly enough. My herald reports that the force appeared as if from nowhere, a fact that was later identified by surviving shugenja as a feat of magic the likes of which very few could ever hope to accomplish. The force was comprised of several dozen heavily armed and armored samurai of unknown origin and perhaps one hundred Yobanjin.”

“Concealing a force of such size would be an impressive feat indeed,” Hisoka agreed. He paused for a moment. “May I ask, honorable Advisor, if your former associates might perchance be involved? Reports of unaffiliated samurai smacks of the Spider Clan, in my honest experience.”

“I can answer that question, if it would not overstep,” Shoin said. “The answer would be no, the attacking force was not affiliated with the Spider.”

“I see,” the Chancellor said. “I do not doubt you, Shoin-sama, but I am somewhat curious as to how you can be certain of such a thing.”

“It is a reasonable question, lord Chancellor, and I take no offense. I am certain that the Spider were not involved because the Spider were among those who came to the castle’s defense,” Shoin said. “But I will come to that momentarily. The initial attack very nearly overwhelmed the castle’s defenses, but it appears that the present leadership of the Legion has made some significant defensive upgrades that managed to hold the attackers at bay until a counter offensive could be managed. The Legion had superior numbers and the incident should have been a rout, but again, the magical prowess of the enemy leader stymied the assault. I have seen multiple reports of the man’s abilities, and most compared him to the power of the Elemental Masters. Some preferred to compare him to an Oracle but those reports have enough hyperbole in other areas that I feel they can be safely discounted.”

The Advisor frowned. “Is it possible that the Dark Oracle of Fire has found a means to re-enter the Empire?”

“Would that be a cause for concern among the Spider, or for celebration?” Hisoka asked.

Susumu did not rise to the baiting. “Tamori Chosai has betrayed everyone to whom he has ever held any fealty or alliance,” he answered. “The mortal realm and all within it would vastly benefit from his death. So no, his return to the Empire would give no cause for celebration.”

“Please allow the Imperial Herald to continue,” the Voice said.

“My lord,” Shoin said with a bow. “Because of the close affiliation that the Legion of Two Thousand and some of the smaller organizations that currently comprise its membership, such as the Wolf Legion, have with certain Great Clans, there have been a number of clan forces maintaining a small but noteworthy presence in the area of Treacherous Pass. The Ikoma Wardens and the Dragon Justicars are among the most prominent, but a small contingent of the Hiruma Stalkers were in the area as well, and apparently the monk sect that we now… suspect… to be affiliated with the Spider Clan maintain some small holding in the region.”

“They are a masochistic group,” Susumu observed dryly. “They frequently prefer to find residence in the most inhospitable and unpleasant areas, so finding them in such a location would not surprise me.”

“The arrival of these additional forces was apparently a development that the attacker did not anticipate, and even his significant might had limits. It was at this point that his agenda was revealed, as he abandoned his allies to move into the castle itself. My herald reports seeing the man in person. He is described as gigantic in stature, emanating an aura of incredible power and possessing both a shock of unruly white hair and an expression of overwhelming cruelty.”

“The Empress wonders if your herald knew what this man sought.”

“He did, Divine One,” Shoin answered. “He was apparently seeking his son.”

There was a moment of silence. “His son?” Hisoka asked. “Did he believe the Legion had stolen him away?”

“No,” Shoin said. “His son is a member in good standing of the Legion, or so it seems. In fact, he is one of its most decorated officers. It appears that the man named Kuronada, a ronin, is the son of a man named Karatsu. Kuronada survived the attack, and while he is injured and recovering, he has shed some light on the matter.” He paused and placed a map of the Northern Wall Mountains on the table that he now considered his, seeing that it was placed in the throne room each time he gave a report. “Kuronada’s testimony is that his father was cast out from a Great Clan many years ago, and has in the decades since then created a city hidden in the innermost recesses of the northern mountains. He has hundreds of subjects who serve him, and he is a despot of the most horrific nature. Kuronada was despised by his father because he was born without the capability to become a shugenja. He finally fled the city, fearing that he would be killed by his own father.”

“Has Kuronada indicated the position of the hidden city?” Hisoka asked. “If this Karatsu is willing to ally with the Dark Oracle, then he must be destroyed immediately. I am certain the Dragon would be pleased to be of service in this regard.” He nodded to the Voice as he said this.

“Unfortunately Kuronada is unable to tell us where the city is,” Shoin said. “It appears, upon careful examination by Phoenix inquisitors, that there is some manner of curse laid upon the city, and those who leave are unable to reveal its location. They say that Kuronada is able to recall his life within the city with any degree of accuracy or clarity is a testament to his singular will.”

“The Empress is greatly disturbed by this account,” the Voice said. “From the ambiguity of your report, should it be assumed that Karatsu escaped or at least that his fate is unknown.”

“His body was not recovered,” Shoin admitted. “The Legion are said to be scouring the area for any sign of him. My herald reports that the anger of those who command the Legion is… significant.”

“As it should be,” Susumu observed. “Tasking them with finding the hidden city would allow the Great Clans to focus their resources on other, more pressing matters, I would think.”

“The Empress agrees,” the Voice said. “If the Imperial Herald would please attend to this upon the conclusion of this meeting?”

“Of course, Empress,” Shoin said. “Shall I continue?”

“Please,” the Voice replied.

“Beyond the events of the Battle at the Palace of Breaking Dawn, the war continues much as it has for some time now,” Shoin said, opening a new satchel full of herald reports. “You will be pleased to know that the Crane have been working very diligently to fulfill their new mandate, not only in terms of the celebrations and festivals they have organized to placate the common people, but also in working side by side with other clans in hopes of fostering a more positive environment throughout the Empire.”

“This pleases the Empress greatly,” the Voice said. “To what effect?”

“That remains to be seen, Divine One. The Crane are moving alongside the Storm Riders in an attempt to curb infection and at the same time reinforcing the efforts of the Crab at eradicating the cohorts of your enemies throughout the Empire. I think it would be speed with which the Storm Riders have been traversing the Empire and the fervor with which Amoro’s Legion has engaged every foe that has crossed the Crab’s path, that these are clans that can greatly benefit from the unwavering support from the Crane.”

“Agreed,” Hisoka observed.

“This is not intended in any way to discount the ongoing efforts of the other Great Clans,” Shoin added. “Your loyal subjects continue to struggle in the face of overwhelming adversity.”

“The Empress would expect no less from such valiant men and women,” the Voice said. “The Empress is greatly honored by their service, and hopes that her Herald will ensure that her pleasure with their endeavors is enormous.”

“Of course, Empress,” Shoin said. “I feel strongly that all Imperials should follow your example and make clear both our gratitude and admiration. I know that after detailing this conflict, I will be more appreciative of the Great Clans.” He bowed to both Hisoka and Satsu, but only glanced awkwardly toward Susumu. “Unfortunately, there have been others whose intentions have been less than honorable. I regret to inform you that another force of militarized peasants was encountered this week. The Khol Regulars intervened in an attempt to diffuse the situation harmlessly, but unfortunately the Phoenix Inquisitors determined that the reason for the mobilization was that the peasants were being manipulated by a fledgling maho-tsukai who hoped to marshal a private army with which to conquer the surrounding provinces. The Inquisitors dealt with the maho-tsukai while the Khol dealt with those among his followers who were irredeemably influenced by his powers. Roughly ten percent of the force had to be eradicated for corruption, while another ten percent resisted the intervention of the clans and were killed outright.” Shoin placed a scroll upon the table. “The others dispersed peacefully after submitting to the inspection of the Khol and Inquisitors to ensure there was no further corruption.”

“That the corrupt would so abandon the interests of the Empire is worthy of the condemnation of the Heavens,” the Voice observed.

“The Phoenix were likewise active in confronting a large force of skirmishers that descended from the northern battlefields,” Shoin continued. “I have reports that a large force was intercepted by a joint force of Dragon and Phoenix, specifically the Mirumoto Elite Guard and the Legion of Flame. The infantry forces were commanded by a young officer named Mirumoto Maisetsu, who worked hand in hand with the ranged abilities of the Isawa shugenja attending the Legion thanks to the help of Isawa Takishi.”

“So many heroes have been mentioned during this war,” the Voice observed. “The Empress wonders if a list might be compiled for future recognition?”

“I would be overjoyed to assist with such a thing, Divine One,” Shoin said with a broad smile.

The Voice nodded. “The Empress wishes to hear the fullness of your report, Herald, but she also wishes to know if the state of the Scorpion might be addressed? She has concerns.”

Shoin raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Of course, Empress. The reports I have received this week indicate that the two most prominent units during the course of this war, the Shadow Blades and the Bayushi Elite Guard, continue to serve with distinction. The threat of the plague has been all but extinguished, but unfortunately there are still periodic outbreaks. Fortunately, the Scorpion refuse to accept the possibility that the threat is at an end, and the Shadow Blades just this week dealt with a new, vastly smaller outbreak. At the same time, the Bayushi Elite Guard dealt with a Centuriae of Destroyers, using tactics the herald assigned to the unit indicated were best left without description.”

“Has there been any indication of loss of morale or other oddities among the Scorpion ranks, so far as your heralds have reported?”

Shoin frowned. “No, Empress. Not that I am aware of.”

“Thank you, Shoin-san,” the Voice said. “Please, continue.”

Shoin gathered up a pair of scrolls. “There is not a great deal more to report this week, Divine One. There is an account of the Lioness Legion intercepting and wiping out a scouting party. One young hero, Matsu Yosa, will be one name added to the list you requested. There was a dangerous wildfire as well, but a cooperative effort between the cavalry forces of the Shinjo family and the Dark Wind eliminated it without conflict or tremendous loss of life or resources.”

“That is fortunate indeed,” Susumu said with a smile.

“Agreed,” Shoin said. “Beyond that, for now, there is nothing further to report.”

“The Empress is grateful to her Herald for his continuing service. She is given to understand that you are returning to Kyuden Miya for the time being?”

“Yes, Empress,” he answered. “I have family matters as well as my reports that require my attention.”

“As it should be,” the Voice answered. “Thank you, Miya Shoin. The Empress must take her leave for now, but your service will be forever remembered. If the Advisor will accompany her?” With that, the Voice, the Empress, and the Imperial Advisor rose and left while the Herald and Chancellor bowed deeply.

After they had departed and the other two men rose, Shoin looked after the Empress for a moment. “Why was the Empress wearing white?”

“She mourns,” Hisoka said.

“Yes, the war has been terrible indeed,” Shoin said. “I hope the rumor-mongers will not make too much of her attire, however.”

Hisoka stopped and looked at Shoin carefully. “You do not know, then.”

Shoin froze in his tracks. “Know what?” he asked. “Has… has something happened?”

“Bayushi Paneki was infected with the plague, and no treatments were effective. He sought and was granted permission to commit seppuku to cleanse the plague from the family’s honor.”

Shoin covered his hand with his mouth and bowed his head. “Fortunes. What a horror. What a tragic end to such a noble and heroic life.”

“Would that it was the end,” Hisoka said quietly.

“Eh?” Shoin asked. “What do you mean?”

“Nothing,” Hisoka said.

Shoin shook his head. “I am sorry, Chancellor. If there is anything I can do to assist you, please ask it of me. I would be honored to be of service to you in this time of need.”

Hisoka looked at him for a moment, then chuckled slightly. “From anyone else I would assume such words were sycophancy,” he said. “But I know you have no such thing within you. Thank you, Shoin. You are a good man, and a good friend. Such things are rare in this city, I fear.”

“Not as rare as you might think,” Shoin said.

“You truly believe that?”

“I do,” Shoin said earnestly. “It is what keeps me going in the face of all adversity.”

Hisoka nodded as the two men walked from the room. “Would that there were more men like you, Shoin-san. Or even that there were more men worthy of your beliefs. It would make life grander by far, I think.” He bowed. “Please have safe travels, Herald. The Empire would be far darker without you within it, I think.”

Shoin blinked in surprise, then returned the bow. “Thank you, Chancellor. Good fortune to you.”

Bayushi Hisoka watched as the Herald left the palace. “Good fortune is not in the Empire’s future, I fear,” he muttered under his breath.