Chapter 6

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            Yasuhira waited for as long as he could for his father to come and bid him farewell, as he promised

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Yasuhira waited for as long as he could for his father to come and bid him farewell, as he promised. But hours went by and there was no sign of the Shadow Lord. He looked up at his father's tower and the small window slit. He spotted a figure within, who then quickly ducked back into the shadows. So be it. Yasuhira turned his horse around and galloped to the front of the column, where he gave Naka only a single nod. With that the Ninja turned to the long procession and with a shout ordered them forward. The main gates were opened and those who lived in the castle knelt or bowed as the long train of people, horses and palanquins began to march away. Even Hebi was present and bowed deeply. Yasuhira didn't even glance in the serpent's direction. That indifference did raise a smile from Hebi; it was a cruel and malevolent sort of smirk, as if he knew all the dark secrets of hell and decided to keep them for himself.

Riku shared a palanquin with Akako. The young girl insisted, and since Riku was a lithely little thing, her presence was hardly a burden for the bearers. Akako buried herself into the Dancer's lap and bosom, which startled her, naturally. But after a few minutes, Riku didn't mind. The girl was troubled about something, and for all of her outwardly signs of menace Akako was still very much just a little girl. In no time at all Akako was asleep. Riku found herself cradling the child close to her, brushing hair from her eyes and in time fell asleep as well. It was to be a long, slow journey. Might as well rest while you can. After a few miles, a hand pushed aside the bamboo window cover and Yasuhira peered inside. He smiled as he saw the two women fast asleep in each other's arms. It was a tranquil scene. One that he hoped would last for the duration of not only the journey to the Geishu, but for their return as well. He took one look back to the castle where he was born, before it was out of sight. That was an odd thing for him to do, as he was never one to be that sentimental. He never looked back when he set off on his journey. He knew he would be coming back. But the journey to the Geishu, which would amount to maybe a six to eight weeks, including travel time, felt different. Now he felt as if that was the last time he would ever see home again. A melancholy wave of finality came over him. He quickly shook his head, and turned Sakura back to the head of the column.

Kenichi was still nervous about the entire adventure; his mind ventured in ten thousand directions at once and he could see disaster at the end of each one. How he wished he was home with his beloved wife. Maybe, even Jotaro would return for a spell. Kenichi so wished for that above everything else. How he loved that boy, who was now a man, but he still felt he had some wisdom to bestow upon him. If he was willing to listen. Jotaro was very much like his father and Usagi never listened to anyone. He took a deep soulful breath. Then Kenichi felt a sudden slap to his shoulder, which nearly made him fall from the saddle and it took him a few second to regain his seat.

"Daydreaming already, Kenichi?"

"Forgive me, Tono, I was thinking of the best way to broach the subject of opening our borders to the Geishu mining routes."

Yasuhira smiled, "Yes, I'm already missing home too."

Kenichi sighed at being so transparent. But in quick order they both began to laugh. The two men talked for many hours after that, about every subject under heaven. And in no time, Kenichi's began to relax. Yasuhira had that sort of effect on people, especially his closest retainers. And Kenichi was beginning to feel a great affection for the young man, more so than for his father if the truth be known. But he would never say such a thing out loud, even to Yasuhira's private ear.

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