Will of Iron

 

by Shawn Carman & Fred Wan

 

 

Kyuden Doji, year 1168, month of the Ox

 

         Doji Domotai strode into one of her private audience chambers and removed her helm, shaking her head to free her short, bleached hair as she did so. Despite the scar that marred her otherwise perfect features, she still had the look of one far too young for a position of such importance as the Crane Clan Champion. It was ironic, perhaps, because of late she felt very, very old.

         “Domotai-chan,” a voice called.

         She looked up and smiled. “Kusari,” she said. “I thought you would not return from the coast until tomorrow.”

         “I only arrived a short time ago,” Doji Kusari said. “I finished the negotiations early and... I was concerned about you.”

         Domotai could not help but feel tremendous appreciation at his words, more so because of his Lion upbringing. Such things were difficult for him, and her as well, if the truth were told. She had trained with the Matsu, after all. “I am well,” she said, “but I thank you for your concern.”

         “The battle?” he asked.

         She sighed and sat her helm upon a low table. “As well as can be expected,” she said. “The front is at a standstill with the onset of winter. Neither we nor the Dragon can make any significant advances without the risk of sudden weather completely stranding our forces without shelter and supplies. It will likely be so for at least a month, perhaps longer.”

         “The winter will end it,” Kusari said. “The Dragon cannot endure for long after a winter trapped in the mountains. They have not the supplies to survive it and launch a war effort when the thaws come.”

         “If this war has taught us anything, it should be that the Dragon cannot be anticipated,” Domotai said grimly. “Their strength is in surprise more than anything.”

         “True,” Kusari admitted. “What of the Daidoji?”

         Domotai grimaced. “They are... difficult. They obey orders as always, but Kikaze’s disgrace seems to have crushed their spirit. Some fight to regain their honor, while others seem only to hope for death in battle.”

         “Deathseekers among the Crane,” Kusari said. “That I should live to see such a thing... amazing.”

         “I am quite certain I will be remembered as the Champion who ushered in the disgrace of the Iron Crane,” Domotai said. “What a legacy to leave to our children. My father would be most proud.”

         “You are always so sour when maneuvers go badly,” Kusari observed. “They must have been cut short by the snow.”

         She glared at him for a moment, then looked away and smiled, shaking her head. “You are ever so perceptive. I should have sent you to Winter Court, perhaps.” Her smile faded when she looked back and saw the grim expression he bore. “What has happened?” she demanded. “Something at court?”

         “Nothing insurmountable,” he said slowly. “There was... let us say, an incident. With the Imperial Chancellor, no less.”

         “Kaukatsu?” Domotai demanded. “What happened?”

         “It is a bit unclear,” Kusari said slowly. “It seems one of the elder Crane representatives responded poorly to Kaukatsu’s manipulations. He had an episode of some sort, and made several public statements that portrayed us in a less than favorable light.”

         Domotai cursed. “Who was it? Not Seishiro?”

         “No,” Kusari answered. “It seems Seishiro and his niece have tried to gain control of the situation. The responsible party has committed seppuku, and Seishiro has made a token apologetic offer to the Scorpion.” He visibly braced himself. “Some of which will doubtless find its way to the Dragon lands.”

         Domotai cursed much more loudly. “What is Kaukatsu’s game?”

         “So near as can be determined, he seems intent on pitting the Empress against the Shogun.”

         She shook her head. “No, he wants to pit their adherents against one another.”

         Kusari nodded. “That may well be the case. Regardless, he is creating a political environment almost completely suited to his needs. With each passing day he controls more of what goes on in the court. Soon, he will be an insurmountable opponent.”

         “I think not,” Domotai said. “Otomo Hoketuhime is among our strongest allies. If we anchor our support around her, not even Kaukatsu can attack her openly.”

         Her husband considered it for a moment. “A dangerous play, to place all our support in a single individual. Hoketuhime is not a young woman.”

         “She is strong enough,” Domotai said. “With the Crane, she will be even stronger.”