Lady Samurai

Chapter 56

They were huddled by the fire. The snow had kept falling and was now getting really deep. They were both aware that it was necessary to stay there for the night. It was far too dangerous outside, on the narrow mountain paths, and it would be impossible to get back to the castle before nightfall. Besides, they were warm and safe. And conscious that some time alone wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Lottie watched Hikaru. In the flickering light of the fire his face expressed only peace. The tension and worry lines that seemed a permanent feature these days had smoothed and a kinder, much younger face shone through. Not often was he able to stay relaxed for so long - always the Lord, always the man of power and responsibilities, always on his guard. But at this moment that was all gone. Now he was just a man enjoying the company of a loved woman. Now only Lottie mattered to him.

She reached out and gently stroked his cheek. His head tilted softly into her hand and he kissed the inside of her palm. Then he reached and also stroked her face. Her skin was so smooth and delicate.

They both felt at peace...

*

There were other people lost out on the mountainside during the raging storm. Two men, knee deep in the snow, trudging wearily up the slope to the safety of the lodge, they knew was just behind the next ridge.

These were rough looking men. With tatty clothes that had seen much better times. With long matted hair that hung over their shoulders, covered now in freezing snow. With rags wrapped around their sore feet to stave off the worst of the cold. With hard eyes and cruel faces. They were men on the run, having been chased up this mountain range by the angry peasants, after they robbed some farmers in a nearby village. One of them carried a long staff that he used to gauge the depth of the snow in front of them and to stop himself from falling. The other followed in his steps, preserving his strength. Now, deathly cold and exhausted, they hoped to reach the lodge before they perished in the snow. The sun was fading rapidly. Very soon the darkness would engulf them as the night fell. They couldn't hope to find any other shelter in the waning light. And without it they would surely die.

They finally reached the top of the ridge and looked down. The lodge was now in sight. But they gazed with apprehension at the flickering light visible through the window. Who could be there at this time? Another lost soul? Surely no one they would like to meet! But at the same time, they understood they needed warmth and shelter to survive. They pressed on, deciding, without the need to communicate, that they would simply kill whoever was inside, throw their bodies out, in the snow, and keep warm by their fire.

The men approached a window carefully and looked inside with caution. Two people were lying beside the fire, asleep in each other's arms. The bandits grinned at each other, imagining the pleasures they would get from the woman before slitting her throat; the vision of her body a welcome distraction from their sorry existence.

But soon the cold got the better of them. They moved towards the entrance, drew their weapons and kicked in the door.

*

Jolted out from a deep sleep, the occupants of the lodge sprung up to their feet and scrambled for cover. Lord Takeda looked to his left, where his swords were standing propped against the wall. Out of his reach. Lottie considered her own weapons, but she realised that she probably wouldn't have any chance of reaching them before the bandits attacked.

The attackers stood for a few seconds just inside the door, adjusting their sight to the bright light and grinning at the woman before them. Tall, pale skinned, with long blond hair. Like nothing they had ever seen before.

That moment of hesitation cost them.

The Lord picked up a flaming log from the fire and hurled it at the men as a diversion, then dived for his swords. One of the attackers ran to engage; his own knife clutched in the raised hand, ready to kill. Takeda reached and drew his katana in the same movement. Keeping low, he swung in an arc, pivoting on the balls of his feet. The exquisite blade sliced deep into the bandit's stomach, drawing a thin line of blood.

A look of bewilderment appeared on the man's face, as his mind processed what had just happened. He felt no pain until he looked down to the wound. The knife fell out of his hand and clattered to the floor. Still with this surprised look, he followed the blade, as his knees gave way and he crumpled in a heap.

Lottie took advantage of Hikaru's distraction and moved to retrieve her weapons, which lay on the floor. She drew her tanto knife and in one fluid motion threw it at the other bandit, just as Kazuki had taught her. The blade bit deeply into his chest and sent him staggering back through the door. He fell in the snow and didn't move again.

Satisfied that the attacker would not be a threat any more, Lottie looked at Hikaru, ready to assist him. But he didn't need her help. He was calmly cleaning his sword on the dead man's tatty clothes. He then grabbed the bandit's arms and dragged him outside, dumping him without ceremony next to his companion. The snow was already turning red around them. He retrieved Lottie's knife, cleaned it and returned inside, closing the door as best as he could.

Then he walked to Lottie and without a word embraced her, drawing her to his chest in a protective gesture.