Editing Memories of a Stone Wall (section)

===Act XLV: Shiro Kuni===
:>That night was peaceful, and I caught a few hours of rest after breakfast.
:>When I woke up everyone else was waiting around, and slightly restless.
:>Did you find something?
:>Naomi nodded.
:>I asked the water kami where the one who broke the seal was.
:>And...?
:>Toshiro growled.
:>The visions in the water were clear. He's heading to Shiro Kuni.
:>So you got a look at him?
:>Naomi shook her head.
:>I thought that spell showed multiple visions, though?
:>...
:>The silence from my friends made my hair stand on end.
:>It did, Ishigaki-san.
:>But they were all Shiro Kuni.
:>Burning.
:>Toshiro's fists clenched.
:>The Heavens have made it clear. The one that destroyed the seal is going to be instrumental in destroying Shiro Kuni.
:>He looked at me.
:>He must be stopped.
:>I nodded.
:>We got packed up and headed for Shrio Kuni right away.
:>Shiro Kuni was, as you would expect, the seat of the Kuni family.
:>It was the second one, built after the destruction of Kyuden Kuni when the lands of the Kuni were overrun by the Maw.
:>As such, Shiro Kuni was built just a bit north of the Wall, close enough that it could serve not only as the main home of the Kuni, but also a hub for command of the Crab armies.
:>As a command center, and the home of the Kuni laboratories and libraries, as well as being shielded by the Wall to the south, it was built less like an impregnable fortress, and more like a fortified barracks.
:>Which meant if some enemy were to find a way to get around the Wall, they would only need to deal with the the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth legions of the Crab's Third Army, as well as the large number of Kuni on hand, while fending off assaults into their rear from some the Crab Clans most rabid berserkers sortieing from the Fortress of the Forgotten.
:>I stuck my tongue out at the back of Kitsuki-san's head as I finished my lecture on Shiro Kuni.
:>He wasn't the only one who could spout off long winded speeches about this or that topic.

:>Mantis-san snorted.
:>Gee, is that all? With defenses that weak it's a wonder Shiro Kuni is still standing at all.
:>Toshiro glared.
:>Naomi is sparing with her divinations, but because of that we can be assured of their accuracy. Shiro Kuni IS in danger.
:>Mantis-san waved his hands in protest.
:>I know, I know.
:>Kitsuki-san joined in.
:>He is just being his pessimistic self, Toshiro-sama, pay him no mind.
:>Pessimistic?
:>Even you must have thought it, Monkey. We are attempting to stop something that could threaten all of THAT.
:>Uh... I hadn't actually. Until just now, anyway...
:>Mantis-san grumbled.
:>Yeah, well it's not like YOU need to worry anyway.
:>And that was how I managed to reinforce the danger of our task and settle a nice pall over the group as we made the trek from Ishigaki Mura to Shiro Kuni.
:>As we neared the castle, a patrol picked us up.
:>Naomi and Toshiro presented their magistrates chops and explained to the leader of the patrol, a Tai-sa named Hida Adachi, that we had business in Shiro Kuni.
:>He narrowed his eyes, looking over at Monkey, Mantis-san and Kitsuki-san.
:>What kind of business?
:>Toshiro answered simply.
:>Jade Magistrate business.
:>Adachi grunted.
:>Fine, we'll escort you the rest of way.
:>Toshiro then made up for his earlier brusqueness by chatting up Adachi.
:>Is Masagoro-sama still in charge of the garrison?
:>Adachi cast him a sideways glance before answering.
:>Yes.
:>Toshiro nodded. He's a good man, though getting on in his years. Have you heard any rumors of him being made a courtier, or sensei?
:>Again, Adachi paused and considered his words before answering.
:>He glanced back at his troops, then lowered his voice.
:>Next year, or the year after they say he will be offered a post at the Hiruma Dojo.
:>Ah.
:>The Hiruma had lost their original Dojo when the Maw overran Shiro Hiruma.
:>After that, the Hiruma scouts trained with the Shinjo.
:>However, in the twelfth century, Hida Yakamo retook Shiro Hiruma. For a time.

:>It is not clear, what happened in that fortress.
:>But Yakamo came back changed... part of the Naga, it was said. A short time later, he ascended to become the Sun.
:>Although the forces of Jigoku retook Shiro Hiruma, Hida Yakamo did manage to bring something back to the Hiruma. Their original bushi school, based on Hiruma's own fighting style.
:>The Hiruma family still bear no mon, no motto.
:>But at least some of the shame had been cleansed, and fewer of their number become berserkers than in previous years.
:>Though the Hiruma family is not yet resurgent, they are also no longer in decline.
:>This is good for the Clan as well, as Hiruma was the chief lieutenant of Hida, and so the Hiruma still play a vital part in Crab strategy.
:>So then, it seemed that this Masagoro that Toshiro spoke of was a Hiruma, and trained in the old style of the Hiruma Bushi.
:>Yes, there would be pleasure for anyone with knowledge of those techniques to become a sensei. An understandable concern, given the school was lost to the Hiruma for centuries.
:>At last, we could see Shiro Kuni in the distance.
:>A low, squat rectangle, a wide opening in the southern walls to allow large numbers of troops.
:>The main castle hugged up near the north wall and rose to a second floor, while towers rose up from the points where the south wall met the east and west walls.
:>A massive gate stood open in the south wall, admitting and disgorging a steady stream of bushi.
:>It was my first time seeing it.
:>Adachi looked over at us.
:>I suspect you'll want to meet with Hiruma Masagoro-sama then.
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>This way.
:>Kitsuki-san whispered to Toshiro.
:>Not Kuni-sama?
:>Toshiro shook his head.
:>Kuni-sama may be the lord of this castle, but he is not a military man. He stays out of Masagoro's way and lets him handle the military matters. It's been that way for centuries.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.

:>We entered into a room where a lone man knelt before a table.
:>I ran an appraising eye over Hiruma Masagoro.
:>He wore a simple kimono, the only sign of his rank a haori.
:>He had a bushy, but not wild, beard that hung down to his chest, and had a shaven pate and top not, in the traditional manner.
:>He presented the image of a proper, refined samurai.
:>Despite that, there was a flatness in his eyes, and a sense of wariness that was present in many veterans.
:>To me it seemed obvious he'd worked his way up, and earned his rank.
:>He looked at us in turn, appraising us all right back.
:>Now then, what business do Jade Magistrates have with me?
:>Toshiro handled the explanation.
:>We're in pursuit of a Maho-Tsukai.
:>Pursuit?
:>Toshiro nodded.
:>We know that he has come here. Has anyone arrived recently?
:>Masagoro frowned.
:>The Fourth received reinforcements a while ago. Several hundred people have arrived recently...
:>I exchanged a glance with Mantis-san.
:>He didn't have to speak; I knew what he was thinking.
:>Nothing is ever easy, is it?
:>Masagoro's lips pursed, like he had bitten into something very sour.
:>...
:>There is something else I must mention, Toshiro-san.
:>Toshiro tilted his head.
:>Masagoro looked at me, briefly before turning back to Toshiro.
:>His eyes were tight when he glanced my way.
:>The Shadowlands have been quiet for a while now.
:>The way he said that...
:>Toshiro and I both stiffened up as the realization hit us.
:>The others sensed our shock and looked at us expectantly.
:>I spoke out of turn.
:>Masagoro-sama, you think the Angry Season is upon us?
:>Masagoro nodded.
:>Toshiro elaborated for everyone else.
:>The Shadowlands... have periods where it is seemingly quiet, almost tranquil. As though it were inviting the foolish to enter it. And other times it has periods where it is quite active, and the wall is assaulted almost daily. Like the turning of the seasons, or the movement of the tides.
:>The dormant periods always precede the Angry Seasons.

:>Monkey glanced back and forth between me and Toshiro.
:>... I don't get it.
:>I tried to simplify it.
:>Picture a teacup Monkey.
:>Okay.
:>Now imagine it's filled with tea. That's the normal level of activities from the Shadowlands.
:>Right now, the cup is almost empty.
:>At some point, when the cup has been empty like this for a while, it gets filled to overflowing.
:>I glanced at Masagoro.
:>Of course, no one really can predict how long the quiet periods are going to last, or when the Angry Season will start...
:>But some experienced veterans can get a sense for these things.
:>Monkey scratched his chin.
:>So, what you're saying is, things could get very dangerous around here any day now?
:>Yeah.
:>And there's a Bloodspeaker running around somewhere in this castle.
:>Yeah.
:>Well, then I suppose we need to hurry, huh?
:>Yeah, we do.
:>Once Toshiro and I had explained things, Masagoro spoke again.
:>He bowed to Toshiro, showing far more respect than one of his station should, even to a Jade Magistrate.
:>Toshiro-san, I must formally ask that, should I need your assistance you offer it. I know that among your retainers is Hida Ishigaki, and you are a veteran and a Shugenja.
:>Toshiro leaned back, a bit flustered by Masagoro's display of humility.
:>Of course, if your instinct is correct we will help all we can...
:>Masagoro rose and smiled.
:>Thank you Toshiro-san.I will be relying on you all in the future. In the meantime, you have my full permission to investigate for the Tsukai as you see fit. If you have needs from me or the garrison here you have but to ask.
:>Well, that was nice at least. Investigations always went smoother with the full cooperation of the local authority.
:>Masagoro nodded to an attendant.
:>The 17th barracks is empty right now, is it not?
:>Papers rustled, then.
:>Hai, Masagoro-sama.
:>Good, for the time being the Magistrates will be given those rooms.
:>Hai!
:>Toshiro stood, and the rest of us followed suit.
:>Then, if you'll excuse us, we will begin our work.
:>Masagoro nodded.

:>Mantis-san grumbled as we were led to the 17th barracks.
:>Glaring at me he wondered aloud.
:>What makes you so special a general knows your name?
:>I scratched at my beard.
:>I don't know.
:>Kitsuki-san answered him.
:>Look around. Many people here seem to know him.
:>I looked around, and sure enough there were many eyes on me.
:>Young eyes, for the most part.
:>Filled with admiration.
:>Kitsuki-san chuckled.
:>Don't you get those same looks when you go home, Mantis-san?
:>You do?
:>Of course I do.
:>Huh.
:>Monkey slapped Mantis-san on the back.
:>Ah, he probably just doesn't notice.
:>We got to our rooms, and sat down to discuss how we would go about rooting out the Maho-Tsukai.
:>We're going to have to rely on you, Kitsuki-san.
:>He nodded.
:>I expected as much. This is Shiro Kuni, after all.
:>He was right, as a command hub of the Crab military security would be very high here. And there were many, many shugenja at Shiro Kuni.
:>The usual methods would never turn up the Tsukai.
:>So, it was down to Kitsuki-san's eyes to find someone behaving suspiciously, to find the one detail out of place that would reveal our quarry.
:>He smiled at the challenge.
:>First he asked for a list of all the new arrivals for the last month.
:>Then he set about scribbling notes on some paper.
:>For one who always bragged about his memory, if he was taking notes it was going to be a complicated investigation.
:>Since he wasn't going to need any of us for a while I decided to walk about the castle for a bit.
:>Others went about as well. Toshiro and Naomi went to speak with the other Kuni about various spiritual matters, Monkey was just curious about things.
:>As I walked about in the courtyard I could feel stares following me.
:>Someone called out my name.
:>I turned to see a Crab, his armor bright and new, standing by an empty dueling circle.
:>You there, you are Hida Ishigaki-sama?
:>I headed over and nodded.
:>How the hell do so many of you know my name?
:>The Crab-Scorpion war!
:>Huh.

:>Anyway, I was hoping you would spar with me!
:>Ah, that's it? Sure.
:>How do you want to do it?
:>Armor and tetsubo?
:>Alright.
:>I stepped into the circle.
:>Several others who were training nearby stopped what they were doing and watched with interest.
:>What's your name?
:>Me? I'm Hida Giri.
:>Good name. Whenever you're ready.
:>He came at me.
:>I couldn't really call it reckless as he knew how to trust his armor.
:>But it was predictable. I got my tetsubo in the way of his strike, then shoved and pivoted my hips, pushing him past me.
:>He stumbled off balance, and I smacked him in the ass with the pommel of my tetsubo, sending him sprawling outside the circle.
:>Some of the older Crabs had a laugh at that.
:>Giri punched the ground in frustration.
:>I walked over to help him up.
:>That wasn't bad, really.
:>It's just... I figured you were going to attack like that.
:>Really? That's it?
:>Yeah. A minute in real battle is worth an hour of training. Be mindful of that if you plan to challenge veteran warriors, alright?
:>He nodded.
:>I... see.
:>Oi!
:>How about you try me now?
:>An older warrior stepped up into the circle.
:>He looked about my age.
:>Giri gasped.
:>Gunso!
:>I see. Yeah, his gunso couldn't let my easy victory go. He needed to save face for his squad.
:>Alright.
:>Without intending to, I ended up spending the rest of the day sparring with the other Crabs.
:>I was pleased that I didn't win all the matches.
:>The soldiers stationed here were good.
:>I ate in the mess, then headed back to our rooms to see how things had gone for the first day.
:>Kitsuki-san was massaging his wrists.
:>I have a plan to whittle down the suspects now.
:>The rest of us had been making acquaintances all day.
:>Kitsuki-san nodded.
:>Good, good. Those will help immensely. There's just too many to go through on my own, but if we can rely on others to keep an eye out...
:>He snapped his fan shut.
:>We'll find him, soon.

:>The next day was spent moving about the castle, speaking with everyone we could.
:>Fortunately, most Crabs understood the seriousness of hunting a Maho-Tsukai, and few took offense to our questioning.
:>As I came in to deliver my latest report to Kitsuki-san, I saw Naomi fussing over Monkey's shoulder.
:>Kitsuki-san, scribbling on a paper, didn't even wait for me to ask.
:>He managed to give offense.
:>... How the hell did you pull that off Monkey?
:>I DON'T KNOW!
:>OW
:>Stay still, Satoshi-san, we're almost done.
:>Hai, Naomi-sama.
:>I just asked if they thought some guy named... uh...
:>Kitsuki-san refreshed him.
:>Hida Tampako.
:>Yeah! If that Tampako guy might be one.
:>I slapped my face.
:>No, Monkey. Even we have some standards...
:>Don't be THAT direct, just ask if they've seen anything or anyone suspicious.
:>You were probably asking one of Tampako's friends.
:>Okay.
:>I sat down and pulled out the notes I had made, listing off those who were impeccable, and those who seemed alright, and those who might be a bit suspicious.
:>Kitsuki-san crossed off and circled names as appropriate.
:>... so yeah, several bushi I talked with had served with that guy they found themselves all here. Can't be him.
:>Cross.
:>Good, good.
:>Kitsuki-san was muttering to himself as he rifled through the chaos.
:>Oh, I'll find you you clever bastard... you think hiding out in a fortress of 1500 warriors will keep you safe?
:>I shook my head as I stood up.
:>Like a dog with a bone.
:>He handed me another stack of names to go through without looking up.
:>Right then, I'm off.
:>Monkey?
:>Yeah?
:>Don't make any more work for my wife.
:>I headed out.
:>I got about halfway through my next stack when I was approached by a messenger.
:>Hida Ishigaki-san? Hiruma Masagoro-sama wishes to speak with you. He's on the west tower.
:>What? What could Masagoro-sama want with me?
:>He didn't say.
:>The messenger took off.
:>Well, you don't keep a general waiting when he wants you.
:>I headed to the west tower.

:>Masagoro was standing on the southern edge, looking out.
:>A wind was blowing up from the south, stinging my eyes.
:>I went to stand beside him, as we both looked southward.
:>From up here I could see the Wall, looming in the distance.
:>You can smell the stench even here.
:>I sniffed at the air.
:>Masagoro was right, it was there, stinging the back of my throat.
:>He glanced at me.
:>I've seen three Angry Seasons, Ishigaki-san.
:>Every time it's been the same.
:>It always, ALWAYS comes a surprise when it starts.
:>We know there will hell to pay for the quiet times we enjoy, yet can never seem to catch the end when it comes.
:>You understand?
:>I nodded to buy time for me to organize my words.
:>In a way, the quiet times are the worst. Looking for the enemy you know is out there but won't show... it wears you down. And when your attention slips, for even a moment...
:>Masagoro nodded.
:>But not this time. No, not this time.
:>I can tell. I've seen it enough times now. Like an old man who can predict a storm because his joints ache...
:>I glanced at the grey streak in Masagoro's hair and said nothing.
:>This man had as many years on me as I had on many of the bushi drilling in the courtyards below.
:>I could believe that he was right.
:>As you and the Magistrates scour this castle for a Tsukai, I must scour the Shadowlands for the force that is coming.
:>Uh oh. I could tell by his tone he was coming to his point.
:>I need accurate intelligence.
:>He looked me in the eyes.
:>I NEED it, you see.
:>It's not enough just to know that a patrol didn't make it back...
:>Someone, anyone, must return to tell me what they saw.
:>You want me to go out with a patrol then?
:>He nodded.
:>Hai.
:>I waited a moment, then nodded.
:>Alright.
:>He smiled and clapped me on the shoulder.
:>Yosh! I'm glad. I know I don't have the authority to order you.
:>I didn't explain that I was thinking about the prophecy, of Kuni Shiro burning.
:>Masagoro could very well be right.

:>WHAT?!
:>Quiet down, would you?
:>I folded my arms and looked Kitsuki-san in the eyes.
:>He could be right, you know.
:>Kitsuki-san rubbed his palms against his face.
:>You're thinking about the prophecy?
:>You really think that a horde of monsters from the Shadowlands could overwhelm the Wall and threaten Shiro Kuni!?
:>Toshiro spoke up from where he was sitting.
:>Masagoro is a long serving veteran; his instincts can be trusted. If he's worried, then it's with good reason.
:>Naomi looked at me.
:>But, the way Masagoro said it... it sounds like he is expecting his patrols to be attacked?
:>Yeah. That would be the first thing to do: Blind your enemy.
:>I mean, you can guess where they'll strike by that, but if you don't know how much is gathered, or have any clue when it's coming...
:>Naomi leaned in closely.
:>But the implication was that you would make sure the patrol would come back.
:>That means if the patrol is attacked, and had to withdraw, YOU would be the rear guard?
:>I sighed inwardly. Of course she would catch on to that.
:>Naomi, the rear guard does not HAVE to die, just buy time for the main force to get away.
:>Naomi shook her head.
:>It is to dangerous for you alone!
:>Monkey sat up then.
:>Well then, why don't I go too?
:>I looked at Monkey.
:>I closed my mouth.
:>You... you're joking, right?
:>He blinked at me.
:>No...
:>Monkey rubbed at his shoulder.
:>People don't seem to want to talk to me much anyway...
:>Toshiro looked over at me.
:>I just glanced down at his club foot.
:>He nodded, sadly.
:>Okay then. Ishigaki, Monkey and Mantis-san should all go and keep each other safe on that patrol while the rest of us continue to hunt the Tsukai.
:>Wait, how did I get volunteered for this?!
:>Between Ishiaki being damn hard to kill, Monkey being lucky, and you being good at killing things, I'm sure that you'll be able to handle whatever you may come across out there.
:>I nodded at Mantis-san.
:>You would be a great help, especially if an Oni shows up...
:>He sighed.
:>Fine, fine. I'll go too.