Masters and Disciples 5

Masters and Disciples 5

Zenji was shocked to see Kyusai in the same village they were passing through, but his thoughts were suddenly cut short by the feeling of a hard rough hand on his shoulder.  The hand of his vassal, the ninja Ono.

“My lord.  We must continue on our path to meet the Emperor.”  The rough ninja’s eyes, all that was visible of him other than his tufts of coarse hair sticking out of the mask, were heavy with weariness.

Zenji acknowledged his prudence.  “Yes, of course Ono.  Ono, let us continue on our way.”

The ninja and the sword master walked through the cold desolate town.  The city was frozen in anticipation for the coming conflict.  Most of the windows and doors were shut, some even latched shut.  Only steam from a few restaurants floated out into the empty streets.  The open windows and canopies showing customer’s sitting inside.  Brooding over the sad state of the town.

Zenji shook his head in disgust.  “The Emperor’s have never attacked any of the outlying fiefs.  What is this Emperor doing?”

Ono nodded.  “Everyone’s worried about it.  It’s certainly not protocol.”

“Perhaps there’s nothing to worry about.  But it is bizarre.”

Ono retorted, “They say his majesty has been seeking out foreign advisors.”

Zenji was un-phased, “Wisdom comes from many sources.  Perhaps he simply wishes to glean from their knowledge.”

Ono shook his head violently.  “There’s something ominous about it.”

“Well there’d be no problem if men like the Governor fulfilled their duty.  What does he have to gain anyhow.”

Ono’s voice grumbled low, “They say, he’s sought out allies.  This is but the trigger for a greater war.”

“A greater war?  But who would raise a sword against the Emperor?”  Zenji locked his eyes onto the horizon.  “These are strange days Ono.”

Ono nodded in agreement.  “Yes my lord.  But me, and the school, we’ll follow you always.”

Zenji looked back at his companion shocked.  “Ono, your loyalty and assurance of the schools loyalty is invaluable to me.  But, to think.  I hope war does not consume us as well.”  He walked briskly.  “No, I hope it does not reach us.  But rest assured.  If it comes to us, I shall lead us to victory, or die trying my dear friend Ono.”

Ono followed mouth agape.  “Yes my lord” he grumbled low.  “Yes my lord, you saved me from death, my life is yours.”

The still town remained silent as the two veteran warriors marched out towards the capital.  It could be said that they were marching into the past.  The sun was setting on their age it seemed, and soon, everything would be different.  But it would not pass, without the glory of a crimson sunset, one of which the world had never seen the likes.