Death's Sword Book 1: Finding and Seeking

Chapter 12, part 2: Day 17

The next day started by following a pattern that was already becoming familiar to Kleymin. They rose early and broke camp quickly, eating a cold breakfast as they tended to their beasts. They continued along the Haydash road, only leaving it to avoid a couple of small villages. When Kleymin asked why they did not enter the villages, his back beginning to get knots in it from sleeping on the hard ground that even his daily exercises weren't shifting, Tania said, simply, "Trouble," and tossed a glance full of significance at Burrowwold.

The gnome glared back at her and replied to the boy, "We've worked this area dry. That's why we're headed for the border now - richer pickings in fresh fields, maybe an adventure or two. A quest for buried treasure, or rescuing a noble's daughter from some villains or.." Tania interrupted the gnome with a snort of disgust. Burrowwold ignored her and continued, "..or raiding a tuigrahan stronghold, after their war-bands have brought home some loot, of course. That sort of thing. Anything with a bit of spice to it and a pot of gold at the end. You'd be welcome to join us, Klaydark. A lad like you could come in handy, being useful in a tight spot as you are. Earn some cash, see the world. I might be able to teach you a few tricks myself." He rubbed his hands and smacked his lips in anticipation, then glanced at Kleymin to see how effective his patter was being. "He's always putting my life at risk with his wild schemes," said Tania, tartly, "That or spending weeks at the waterfront, stuffing himself with fish and nearly killing me with boredom."

Burrowwold caught Kleymin's eye and gave him a knowing look, jerking his head towards the girl, "Let that be a lesson to you, boy. Women are never satisifed with what they've got, never." He paused then, staring ahead, "Oh-hoh, looks like trouble."

Kleymin had already taken in the scene they were about to enter. Five men were squaring up to fight, katanas drawn, three against two. Nearby, two peasants were kneeling, kow-towing in the dust at the side of the road. Both were visibly quivering with fright, sneaking occasional surreptitious glances at what was happening between the two groups of samurai.

"Jianjun versus Hojo," said Burrowwold to the boy, conversationally, "With a Cheika, hereditary ally to the Jianjun, involved as well. Better put a stop to this before it gets too messy." Much to Kleymin's surprise, the gnome kicked his dorvei sharply in the ribs through the side of the pannier, urging it to a trot. "Ho, there!" he shouted, "Put up your swords!" The samurai sprang apart in furious confusion at this interruption. "Oh, no," groaned Tania, "Why can't he just leave things alone for once? He's going to get us all killed one of these days." She nudged her dorvei to a faster pace, cantering towards the small gathering.

Kleymin heard one of the Jianjun samurai saying, "..to you, gnome? Be off, before I slice away your nose. Be off, and let me deal with these pigs."

"Yes, away with you, then we may teach these curs a lesson," snarled one of the Hojo, waving Burrowwold away with a flick of the hand. "I am an accredited mage with the College of Illusions," snapped Burrowwold, swivelling a steely stare between the two factions. "Duelling without observing the proper procedures is proscribed by edict. If you fail to put up your weapons, I shall report you to the authorities in the next town. Your clans will be required to turn you over for punishment or pay a forfeit. Would you bring such dishonour upon them? Would your daiymo accept anything else but a strulachow to restore your honour?" If looks could kill, the gnome would have been dead five times over. Grumbling and muttering insults, however the warriors sheathed their katanas. "Very good," said Burrowwold, smiling grimly, "Now, you Jianjun and Cheika will accompany me down the road, whilst you two Hojo will head in the opposite direction."

"What about the peasants?" growled the senior of the Jianjun samurai. The gnome considered the matter for a moment, stroking his long beard, "Hmm, yes. They will wait here until we have passed beyond that far rise and the Hojo have crossed the ford, then they will depart as they please. My assistants will wait here with them until that time, to ensure that no-one tries any tricks." Everyone began to move in obedience to his instructions, with varying degrees of reluctance.