Winter Thunder

 

by Nancy Sauer

Editing by Fred Wan

 

           

            “Only a fool fights in winter,” Chagatai said. He glanced around at his generals. “We shall show the Empire that the real fool is the one who opposed the Unicorn Clan.”

            “My troops are ready, my Khan,” Utaku Xieng Chi said.

            “As is the Baraunghar,” Iuchi Lixue said. “Also, my family’s shugenja have completed their preparations. In the first stage of the campaign, our supply trains will be able to meet us wherever we choose.”

            Chagatai nodded. “Ide Tang has sent word that his preparations are also complete,” he said. “We have supplies waiting for us throughout the Lion lands.”

            Xien Chi frowned. “Tang’s idea is clever, but it seems risky to store our supplies in enemy territory.” 

            “Risk is a part of war,” Chagatai said. “The wise commander minimizes it. The Lion armies are in their winter quarters now, secure in the knowledge that we will do nothing until spring. If we travel swift and light we will go far before they hear of our movement, but if we are burdened with supply wagons they will have no trouble in mobilizing in time to stop us. The risk of having our supplies compromised by the Lion is less than the risk of meeting their full strength on their own ground--Tang’s merchants worked through intermediaries, so there is no obvious connection to the Unicorn. And who would suspect that we were sacking and burning our own warehouses?” He grinned at the Battle Maiden, who smiled back. Chagatai then turned to the third and final general present. “And you, Shono?”

            “I will follow you anywhere, my Khan,” Shono said quietly, “as will the Junghar.” His magical eye glowed a subdued green that was scarcely visible in the lamplight. “But as your vassal I must ask: Should we really do this? I remember a previous attempt to seize the throne by seizing the capital. It ended with the destruction of a clan.”

            “Shoju raised his hand against his lord and was justly punished for it,” Chagatai said. “We move because we have no emperor. Rokugan has no heart! Naseru is dead. His Empress is the pawn of whatever faction of courtiers pretend to obey her. Sezaru’s mind has been worn thin by the power he wields. And the Shogun,” his voice had a touch of disgust, “refuses to accept his destiny, refuses to claim what is his. Well, if Toturi’s line will not give the Empire the leader it needs, then we will.”

            “Lady Shinjo herself sought to replace Toturi when he was failing to lead the Empire,” Lixue added. “She would surely approve of what we do now.”

            Shono made as if to speak but paused instead and bowed his head. “I cannot speak for our Kami,” he finally said, “but without an emperor the clans will tear the Empire apart. I remember that also.”

 

           

            On White Shore Plain, within sight of Shiro Moto, was the first temple to the Shi-Tien Yen-Wang ever constructed in Unicorn lands. Chagatai stood on the steps of the temple, flanked on one side by Moto Tsusung, the high priest of the temple, and on the other by the officers of his personal guard. On the plain before him the three armies of the Unicorn mustered, and the cold winter wind played with the banners they carried.

            “Today we ride into history,” Chagatai said.

            “Forgive me, my Khan,” Moto Ogedei said, “but you are wrong. Today we ride into victory.” 

            Chagatai laughed. “Is that so? Well, we shouldn’t keep it waiting.” He walked down the steps and mounted his horse, his officers following suit. 

            “The blessings of the Lords of Death be upon you and your enemies, my Khan,” Tsusung said.

            “When you speak to them next, tell them that if I succeed there will be shrine dedicated to them in the Ten Thousand Temples,” Chagatai said. Tsusung bowed in reply.

            Slowly the Khan walked his horse to the front of the mass of soldiers. He glanced over to where Lixue waited at the front of the Baraungher and saw her mouthing something. When she finished she nodded at him, and Chagatai knew that his words would carry to the entire assembly.

            “Sons and daughters of the Unicorn,” he roared out. His armies roared back at him, and he paused until they had finished. “Today we will show the Empire the strength of the Unicorn! Today we will show them the determination of the Unicorn! Today we will show the Empire the honor of the Unicorn! Utz!”

            “BANZAI!” came the reply, and the sound hung in the air for long seconds afterward. Before it had begun to diminish Chagatai turned his horse towards the east and urged it into a run. Behind him came the sound of thunder.