Legend Land: Tale of the Nameless God

Prologue

Leaves and flower blossoms swirled down in a dizzying hale, increasing in number with each ferocious gust of wind. The whipping tree branches gave intermittent flashes of cold light from the moon and stars, illuminating their journey in patches. Here past the stream, there over the thicket; Shibi cast a worried glance at her mistress, bending lower over her horse. The night was unnaturally cold for spring. Darkness whispered threats. She could only protect Sakuya from so much.

"We're almost there Shibi," Sakuya gasped, panting nearly as much as her horse. Shibi reached behind and grabbed one of the blankets, along with her own cloak, and handed them to Sakuya as they rode. Sakuya shook her head, teeth chattering. Shibi swore as they parted around a tree, and rejoined under a new flash of moonlight.

"Take them my lady," Shibi urged, shaking the bundle of fabric again. Her mistress's soft hand reached out tentatively through the night, nearly upsetting herself in the process. Sakuya quickly righted herself, wrapping in the blanket while goosebumps spread over Shibi's skin. Her mistress had always been graceful, even when riding, but the pregnancy had given her unaccustomed weight. Hopefully, it would all be over soon.

The horses gave a grateful snort as Shibi and her mistress pulled to a halt. Sakuya waited for her handmaiden to dismount, eying the cabin; it had been a retreat for her and Ninigi in the beginning. They hadn't used it in years, and they hadn't needed to, but now...now things were changing. Sakuya tried to dismount herself, but gripped the mane of her horse, scrunching her eyes shut; even the simple things were beyond her reach. This uselessness was tormenting her. She had been ready to die from the ride over; a saddle was not very accommodating to a woman in her position. But it would all be over soon.

Shibi helped her mistress dismount, wrapping the tall woman's arm around her stocky shoulders. She led Sakuya to the cabin and settled her in the bed. The soft whimpers of her mistress tore at Shibi while she gathered the pots, cloth, and water. The cabin carried in memories of getaways and ancient promises; it also smelled of dead insects.

"Are you comfortable, my lady?" Sakuya's eyes flickered, finding her handmaiden in the dim candlelight.

"Has anyone in this position ever been comfortable, Shibi?" Sakuya gave a weak smile that turned into a grimace all too quickly. Suddenly, her breathing turned erratic. Shibi reached her hand out, gripping her mistress's warm palm. "Thank...thank you. You have always been a faithful friend and companion to me all these years. Perhaps, after—" Sakuya gasped, curling in on herself, squeezing Shibi's hand harder. The moment passed and she laid her head back, keeping her eyes closed. "Perhaps after this, you will have this cabin instead of a room in the palace." Shibi glanced around the musty cabin. It had probably been nice...once.

"No offense my lady, but I think I will be just fine in the palace." Sakuya chuckled, her pulse fluttering underneath Shibi's grip.

"Please, keep watch outside. Nobody can be allowed in." Sakuya's eyes flared open and her handmaiden nodded at the request, disappearing out of the room. This would be a long night.

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"My lord!" Ninigi turned, hand on his sword. The harsh light of the guard's lantern drew his face in stark contrast. The guard bowed and Ninigi inclined his head, resisting the urge to tug at his beard; Sakuya would always chastise him about it. She said it was an old man's habit.

"Speak," His voice was sharp, clipped. He didn't mean for it to be; that's how it had always been. His dark eyes only warmed when focused on Sakuya. His men never seemed to mind; they weren't there for his kindness.