Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The rain actually worked in their favour, but that was poor consolation to Kenichi who was soaked through and felt a chill grip his bones. The weather made every man weary including those billeted at the castle. So, as Kaneko his detachment approached, hardly a man looked up at them let alone be on their guard. Naishi and Kenichi were part of the main column, along with Kaneko. Usagi commanded a rear guard unit that would occupy the courtyard. Motokazu, commanding the remaining troops, was hidden in the trees outside the castle walls and beyond the small village that surrounded it. There were only a handful of civilians left. Most were the elderly who were too feeble to make the journey to safety, wherever that may be. Though some peasants remained to act as servants, though slaves was a better title for their lot. Inoguchi soldiers and samurai paraded themselves openly, and took terrible liberties on their surroundings without a second thought. All the while the Hikiji soldiers bristled under their blankets and around their campfires at what they saw and how far they had fallen. Naishi bristled too. As did Kenichi. All the men were angered beyond words. Then a young girl, who looked the same age as Mariko did when they were married, bearing some food, was set upon by several Inoguchi warriors. Incensed, Kenichi quickly turned his horse sharply in the direction of the terrible scene to intervene. He even drew his sword, which set the Inoguchi men off. The girl was mired in a puddle with her face covered in filth and fear. Before a word could be spoken or a sword brandished, a rider came between them. It was Lord Naishi. He glared at Kenichi. The man understood well enough the meaning of such a countenance. He would have to swallow his pride and honour for the time being. There was still much to do. So he turned his mount sheathed his sword and tried to ignore the laughter from the Inoguchi and the screams from the girl.
The gate opened for Kaneko and the men spread out into the courtyard. They kept to five men groups, with one man securing the horses and the rest ready to fight if the need arouse. Their muskets were hidden on their saddles. The soldiers entering the castle had to do without. But the castle was small and so the muskets weren't needed in such close confines. Speed and surprise would be their greatest ally. Kaneko talked briefly with a samurai motioned to the rest they could enter. Kenichi pulled down the visor of his helmet and kept a hand on his sword, as he walked inside the castle. He kept close to Lord Naishi who walked with ease through the corridors of the gloomy confines. There were only a few candles burning and no fires were lit in any of the rooms. After only a moment they were in the main audience chamber. Kaneko was allowed entry along with Naishi, whom it was told was his personal bodyguard. Kenichi and the others remained outside. Inside it was just as dark and cold, but that was fine, as it continued to hide Naishi's true identity. They were told that Lord Tobizuru would only be a few minutes. Both men were becoming anxious.
Out in the courtyard the rain began to fall even harder. Usagi walked from one section of men to another seeing to their readiness. He looked up to the castle and wondered how things were going within. Kenichi thought the same as he stared at the door. He knew that Tobizuru was keeping Kaneko waiting out of spite. Damnable aristocrats. Had they no concept of what was happening around them? There was a bloody war going on and yet they continued to play childish games. Enough. He noticed some men approach. Some wore Inoguchi livery and sat across from them. To Kenichi that signalled that the meeting was about to begin. Finally. He kept his hand firmly set on his hilt and waited for the signal to take the castle. There was to be no mercy for Inoguchi or the Hikiji samurai that colluded with them. Cowards and traitors the lot. They will be cut down or planted in the courtyard on a cross. Even Kenichi was beginning to appreciate the Gieshu's new form of gardening.
