Secrets on the Wind
by Rich Wulf and Shawn Carman

Prologue

 With the coming of winter, the snows settle heavily across the fields of Rokugan. Even the great roads of the Lion provinces become choked with mud. Only a fool would dare set out upon a prolonged journey, much less attempt to field an army. Wintertime in the Empire has been, traditionally, a time of peace. Things are no different today. The starving armies of the Dragon prepare to build their camps at the edge of Phoenix territory, determined to eke out what sustenance they can before the frost sets in. The armies of the Crab and Crane shall soon retreat to their battle lines, glaring at one another behind sharpened stakes and well-manned fortifications. Winter will be a time of peace, but it is a false peace. Behind the walls even greater destructive magics and engines of war shall be constructed to be unleashed with the coming of spring.
 The new year shall be a bloody one.
 Or will it?
 Sensing chaos on the horizon, the Four Winds have determined to do what they can to prevent it. Even the most selfish and ambitious among them does not wish to see the Empire destroyed. For the sake of peace they have agreed to make one final effort to choose which one will succeed their father's throne. To this end, they have issued invitations to the Emperor's Winter Court, a gathering of the most influential samurai of the Empire, held in the ruling house of the clan most favored by the Imperial Family. Worthy bushi, cunning courtiers, and powerful shugenja will be gathered together under one roof beneath the flag of truce.
 The location of the court has not yet been decided. The Winds themselves are unable to agree. Hantei Naseru - the Anvil - believes only Kyuden Seppun is fitting for a gathering of Toturi's children. Akodo Kaneka - the Bastard - prefers his own home, Shiro Akodo. Toturi Tsudao - the Sword - has demanded neutral ground, and wishes to meet at Kyuden Suzume, home of the Sparrow Clan. Toturi Sezaru -
the Wolf - does not care where they meet, so long as they get the wretched affair over with so he can return to his own private affairs.
 So the Winds have left the decision in the hands of the representatives of the Great Clans, and this is where you come in, my friend. Prove yourself worthy, and Winter Court shall be be held in the home of your daimyo. The honor of protecting the Four Winds shall fall upon your family, and their favors shall be heaped upon your house. The Steel Throne shall grace the home of your daimyo.
 For a time, you shall be the heart and soul of Rokugan.
 While the Winds are reluctant to directly involve themselves in the civil wars which embroil the Empire, the favors that shall be heaped upon the clan that hosts Winter Court are not inconsiderable. Consider well which Wind you shall support, for their favors shall fall upon you when you succeed.
 If the Crab should win favor, the Wind you have chosen shall offer his or her support in their campaign against the Shadowlands, thus freeing Crab troops to war against the Crane.
 If the Crane should win favor, the Wind you have chosen shall favor your clan in the manner that the Hantei once favored the Crane... he or she shall take a Crane spouse.
 If the Dragon should win favor, the Wind you support shall gain a private audience with Togashi Hoshi, and a glimpse of the future that only a true Dragon could provide.
 If the Lion should win favor, the Wind you have chosen shall appoint a Lion as Protector of Otosan Uchi, and place their own life under the protection of the Emperor's Right Hand.
 If the Phoenix should win favor, the Wind of your choice shall grant your clan a powerful magic item, an heirloom of the Imperial Family as a focus for their eternal study.
 If the Scorpion should win favor, they shall perform a favor for the Wind you find most favorable... a favor to be repaid in time.
 If the Unicorn should win favor, the Wind you have chosen shall endorse their wish to open trade with the gaijin for a time, granting access to new opportunities for wealth and technology.
 If the Ratlings should win favor, the Wind you have chosen shall acknowledge the Nezumi with new respect, and accept one of their number as his attendant.
 And if the Shadowlands should triumph, the Winds fail to agree. The forces of darkness cause dissension among the descendants of Toturi. The Dark Lord's favor shall fall upon the Wind you have chosen...
 

Part 1

Crab
 Hida Kuroda paced the Wall, his impatience drawn clearly upon his face. His years with the Unicorn had seeded his blood with their restless energy. He could not stand in one place for long. Nearby, his brother Kuon watched with detached amusement, his face calm as he leaned against the signal tower and carved at a small chunk of wood with his tanto.
 "Winter Court?" Kuroda asked. "The heirs seriously expect us to vie for their favor for something so ridiculous as where they shall spend the winter?"
 "Winter Court may be irrelevant to men such as us," Kuon said, "but the promise of an Imperial Legion on the Wall is a prize worth winning."
 "But why must we caper to their tune?" Kuon said, continuing to pace. "Do they not realize how important our duty is?"
 Kuon smiled faintly. "Do not seek to understand their ways, brother," the larger Crab said with a chuckle. "They are of Imperial blood, and thus better than us."
 Kuroda fixed Kuon with a stern look for a moment. The other twin lifted one eyebrow, and they both laughed. "Of course," Kuroda replied, the tension in his voice replaced by sarcasm. "The winter home of Toturi's children should be our highest priority. Surely the wars with the Dark Lord's spawn and the thieving Crane can be rescheduled." He shook his head ruefully. "Why, Kuon?" he asked.
 "Why did -other ask me, of all of us, to attend to this nonsensical errand? There are plenty of more capable diplomats in Kuroda cut off quickly.
 "The Yasuki?" Kuon said, looking off to the south with a grimace.
 "Indeed," Kuroda said thoughtfully. "I had not considered what a political disaster that would be. A Crab loyalist would not survive two minutes in the court with that wretch Naseru. And the others may fear that to accept such an envoy would demonstrate favoritism, a venture they are clearly not prepared to enter."
 "So it falls to us," Kuon said.
 Kuroda shaking his head. "It falls to me, Mother gave me this mission."
 "And I stand by your side," Kuon said. "We're brothers, aren't we?"
 Kuroda looked at Kuon. Kuon's dark eyes were fixed, his jaw set. There was no purpose in arguing with him. "Yes," Kuroda said. "So what's our next move? If we are to win the Winds' favor I think it best that we start with the one most sympathetic to our cause."
 "Which one?" Kuon asked. "They all seem to care little about the Crab."
 "Not so," Kuroda said. "Merely because they have goals and desires of their own does not mean they do not appreciate the defenders of the Wall. Remember that it was the Anvil's intent to send the Phoenix and Lion to our aid when he established their alliance."
 "A lot of good that did," Kuon snorted, flicking another chip of wood over the side of the Wall.
 "Even yet, Naseru is a pragmatic man," he said. "His sense of justice is strong, though his methods are often questionable. Our war with the Crane began because he hoped to settle the dispute of the Yasuki succession. Who better to resolve that dispute?"
 Kuon grunted, unconvinced. "I do not trust Naseru."
 "You have never even met the man, Kuon," Kuroda said with a laugh.
 Kuon shrugged.
 "What of Kaneka, then?" Kuroda asked. "He has a warrior's spirit. Surely he would support our cause, and perhaps his Akodo kin might offer to help us chase the Crane out of our lands... unofficially, of course. The Winds must remain, above all, impartial."
 Kuon chuckled. "No wonder mother chose you. I think the Sword would be a good choice, as good as or better than Kaneka. She would lead the Legions here herself, no doubt. From her reputation, I wouldn't be surprised if she carried the fight to the Pit. The Wall would be in good hands. I know that I would welcome her."
 "And I suppose the rumors of her beauty do not influence your judgment in the least," Kuroda asked, folding his arms as he paused his pacing.
 Kuon said nothing, but kept whittling.
 "Then there is Sezaru," Kuroda mused, continuing his wandering again. "Who can know the mind of such a man? How can one gain the favor of someone so arcane?"
 "The same way a Crab accomplishes anything, Kuroda," Kuon replied. "Persistence." Kuon held up his completed work, a small statue of Fukurokujin, the Fortune of Wisdom. "For you, brother," he said. "Perhaps he can guide you when you face the Winds."
 Kuroda looked at the statue, then at Kuon. "I thought you said you were coming with me," he said.
 "And I am," Kuon nodded, "but if you think I'm going to be the one speaking to those pampered courtiers, then you clearly need a Fortune's guidance." He offered the statue again.
 "Strange, Kuon," Kuroda said. "I did not think you were a religious man."
 "I'm not. Not usually. I just think we need all the help we can get."

 Crane
 "Tanitsu," Doji Kurohito said without prelude. "You know why I have called you."
 "I do," the young courtier said, stepping into the darkened audience chamber with a bow. "Rumor flies swifter than our clan's namesake."
 "You know the Four Winds, Tanitsu," Kurohito said, his gravelly voice echoing deeply. The shoji screen slid shut behind Tanitsu, guided by unseen hands. "Kakita Nanami claims that you have won the friendship of all four heirs." Kurohito indicated the small Kakita woman kneeling at the table beside him with a negligent wave. In the gloom, Tanitsu had not even noticed her.
 He smiled in her direction. "Nanami is an old friend. Certainly she exaggerates, but I shall do my best."
 "Hai," Kurohito nodded. "If you are half as adept as she claims, then I shall hold your counsel more highly than anyone's."
 The Crane Champion's ice-blue eyes watched Tanitsu carefully, eyes that could render an enemy helpless before blades were even drawn. Tanitsu did not flinch, though he lowered his gaze respectfully. "I thank you for your faith in me, my Lord Doji," he said, bowing once more, deeper than the first time. "I will do my best to fulfill your expectations. I may not possess my noble lord's legendary skill with the blade, but the Kami whose name we share has blessed me with her sharp eyes and her giving heart. I can only hope that my feeble political games can gain us half so much glory as your great victories against the Crab. But I digress; your time is too valuable to be wasted with flattery, Crane Lord."
 Kurohito smiled a crooked smile. "Sit," he said simply.
 Tanitsu did so, arranging his courtly dress deftly as he settled before the low table.
 "You believe you can gain the Winds' favor in this venture?" Kurohito asked.
 "My lord, if I may be so bold, I already possess the Winds' favor," Tanitsu said with no hint of arrogance. "I count each of them as friends, even distant Sezaru. In the unlikely event that they choose a setting other than our own for this court, I can yet influence them in a manner that will be to the Crane's advantage."
 "Then victory is assured," Kakita Nanami said. Her cool voice seemed to brighten the darkened chamber, and even Tanitsu's practiced gaze could hardly remain unaffected by her simple beauty. Kurohito was unmoved. He looked upon Nanami as he would any of his servants; the grim Crane Lord's heart was spoken for. "All that remains is for us to determine who would make a most suitable spouse for the Wind we favor most," she said.
 "We must take care not to show one undue support," Kurohito said. "They all have something to offer us."
 "All are worthy leaders," Tanitsu added. "At any rate, the choice is not ours, but theirs. We must prove to them that whoever ascends the Steel Throne, the Crane shall stand at their side."
 "Exactly," Kurohito said. "You know their minds, Tanitsu. Whom do you recommend we offer as spouse for each?"
 "Hantei Naseru would accept any wife we offer," Tanitsu said, "but unless she could match his wit and ambition, he would treat her with no more respect than a valuable piece of furniture. I think that Kakita Kaiten's niece, Kyruko, may have the fire to challenge Naseru's sharp mind. Though she is older than he, I think the Anvil would welcome the challenge. And no doubt Master Kaiten would appreciate her being taken off his hands."
 "I doubt the Temptress would appreciate an arranged marriage," Nanami said with a smirk.
 "She has no say in the matter," Kurohito said dispassionately. "What of Tsudao? Shall we likewise pair her with a samurai to match her strength?"
 "Toturi Tsudao is a complicated woman," Tanitsu said hesitantly. "Outwardly, she may be a bold warrior, an idol to be followed. The face she keeps concealed longs for acceptance, love, and friendship. A gentle heart is needed to tame the Lady of the Sun. I think Doji Nagori, your cousin, would serve well in that regard."
 "Hachi's sycophant?" Kurohito said. The Crane Lord rolled his eyes. "So be it. And Sezaru?"
 "Sezaru is an independent soul, but like the wolf of his namesake the bonds he makes last forever," Tanitsu said. "I am proud to call him friend, and would not suggest we pair him with anyone less loyal than he. I would recommend a spouse with strong power in magic. Sezaru has a great deal of trouble relating to those who cannot understand his power. Though of course we cannot offer an equal to the Wolf, I think a shugenja would be best."
 "An Asahina," Kurohito said. "Perhaps Kimita. She is the most powerful of their number."
 "With respect, I do not know Kimita, and loyalty is my true concern, Doji-sama," Tanitsu replied. "Sezaru's episodes can be taxing, often terrifying. It will take a steady soul to anchor him."
 "Kimita shall be that soul, should I command it," Kurohito said confidently.
 "And what of the one they call the Bastard?" Nanami asked. "The half-peasant who wears a Lion name?"
 "Ah, Kaneka," Tanitsu said with a broad smile. "Do not underestimate him, Nanami-san. He is a bold man, but an honorable one. He is more like his father than he admits. Like Toturi, his perfect match would not be a warrior, but a caregiver. Not a trophy wife who nods her head and smiles, but a sharp mind who knows the paths of power. One who would know his humors and curb his temper. One who could take the raw ore of bushido veined deep within his soul and forge him into the hero our Empire needs. I would recommend you, Kakita Nanami."
 Nanami looked shocked. "Me?" she asked. "Marry a Lion? His claim is illegitimate. Do we even need his favor?"
 "If we do," Doji Kurohito said, "then you shall marry him, Kakita Nanami. And that shall be that."

Dragon
 Mirumoto Uso, daimyo of the Mirumoto, sat unmoving upon a rock near a waterfall high in the Dragon mountains. His twin swords balanced carefully in his lap, he fell into a deep trance, extending his senses all around him. Uso could sense the fish swimming in the frigid water. He felt the insects writhing in the dirt beneath the rocks. The ripples of air caused by birds in flight far above his head washed over his body.
 "Greetings, Uso-san."
 For all his discipline, for all his concentration, Uso could never sense the approach of his lord Togashi Hoshi any more than he could stifle his flinch as the half-dragon interrupted his meditation. Flushed, he bowed deeply to Hoshi and thrust his swords back into his obi.
 "Did I disturb you, Uso-san? That was not my intent." Hoshi arched an eyebrow in an expression that might have seemed comical were it not for the gigantic tail that thrashed about behind his four reptilian legs. Uso shook his head. "The fault is my own, lord. I have yet to master the Sense the World kata. When my spirit is properly aligned, I will no longer be so prone to distraction."
 Hoshi regarded the daimyo curiously. "You have mastered both the sword and the court, Uso-san. The man who strives for too much risks that which he already has. Heed the wisdom of the Tao."
 Bowing low, Uso nodded. "I will study its wisdom, my lord."
 Gazing across the serene meadow, Hoshi turned to other matters. "The Winds have announced their intent to choose a Winter Court. Have you made preparations?"
 Uso nodded again. "Hai, Hoshi-sama. We have salvaged enough supplies to support such an event if need be. But with our clan so besieged with difficulty, what possible incentive can we offer the Winds?"
 "If Winter Court is held in our lands, then I will meet with whichever Wind finds favor with you and the other daimyo at winter's end."
 Aghast, Uso tried in vain not to show his shock. Hoshi rarely met with anyone, even within his own clan. "My lord," he stammered, "do-do you think that is wise? The Winds would surely attempt to exploit your good nature and unique gifts."
 "Indeed they would, Uso. But it matters little. Their fates are set, and even with my forewarning they can but change the circumstances, not the outcome. Toturi Sezaru knows this, although his siblings choose to deny the truth." Hoshi contemplated a tiny butterfly lighting upon the surface of the water. It would barely manage to avoid being swept away in the currents, only to take flight and return to the water's surface once more.
 Uso walked beside his lord silently. Finally, he asked, "Do you know what they will ask of you?"
 The half-dragon nodded simply. "It has all been written. To Sezaru, I will offer the gift of knowledge. Knowledge of his father's death. It is his only desire."
 "Kaneka, on the other hand, will wish to know of his future. That is simple enough. Even if he does not find our favor, the stars will reveal such to him soon enough. My imparting such knowledge will matter little. His youngest brother, Naseru, will wish for knowledge as well, but of his enemies. I will only confirm that which he already suspects."
 "And what of the Sword, Hoshi-sama? What of Tsudao?"
 Hoshi walked silently for a moment. "She will ask only for our support, Uso-san. She is an innocent soul, one without duplicity or malice. If she should find your favor, we will give her a token of our trust. That task, I will leave to you."
 "To me. You honor me."
 Hoshi shook his head. "No, Uso-san. I merely recognize your gifts. You bring honor to the Dragon. Only you can choose the proper gift. This, too, has been written."
 Uso stopped by the mountain stream as Hoshi walked away, disappearing into the forest as he always did. His mind raced as his hands adjusted his obi, the weight of his swords shifting as he did so.

Lion
 The cool autumn wind stirred the falling leaves in the field overlooking Shiro Ikoma. Ikoma Otemi barely noticed. He continued his kata in the open fields, alone except for his ancestors and the great steed he rode into battle. The fury boiling inside him gave him strength, his katana moving almost faster than the eye could see. Most of the day had been spent in practice, and perhaps the evening would have as well had Otemi not been interrupted by the soft clearing of another's throat.
 The Lion warrior spun around, sword in hand. From the shadow of the tree where his steed stood tethered came a soft chuckle. "Would you vent your fury on an old man, Otemi-san?" An aged man with a long white beard emerged from the shadows. "When we have so many enemies to choose from?"
 Otemi smiled sadly. "There are no enemies left for me, uncle. Nimuro leads the charge against the Dragon while Dejiko guards the Hall of Ancestors. I am left to guard our borders from anyone who attempts to exploit our condition. But no one is so foolish as to tempt the Lion, even when we are besieged on two fronts." He gestured about at the serene landscape. The older Ikoma could only nod in sympathy. It was only right for a true Lion warrior to long for battle.
 The cool breeze blew again. Sume glanced about and stroked his beard. "Winter comes soon. And with it, the season of court." Otemi only shook his head, grimacing in disgust. He had often told his uncle that court was not a battlefield he understood. Sume smiled. "You no doubt know of the Emerald and Jade Champions, but tell me, nephew, have you ever heard of the Protector of Otosan Uchi?"
 The young warrior furrowed his brow. "I have seen that title with the names of my ancestors, but I know not what it means. I thought it simply a rank in the Imperial Legions."
 Ikoma Sume shook his head. "No. It is a powerful position within the court. One that has been vacant for many years, much as the Jade Champion was until a few short years ago. Many Lion have held that sacred duty since the post was established following the Battle of White Stag. You see, after the gaijin invaders left, the new emperor..."
 Otemi cut his uncle off with a curt gesture. "I need no history lessons today, Sume-sama. I am a warrior. I know nothing of court, and nothing of Otosan Uchi. Your wisdom is better spent elsewhere."
 A sparkle entered Sume's eyes. "Oh, you are quite mistaken, Otemi. The Protector of Otosan Uchi should interest you very much indeed. The Protector answers only to the Emperor himself, and is charged with the protection of Otosan Uchi, with an entire legion of guardsmen under his exclusive command. In a city so full of people and conflict, the Protector is never without duties to fulfill. Only the most honorable and capable warrior could fulfill such a position. Someone like Nimuro-sama." Otemi winced at the name. Sume continued to stroke his beard. "But of course, Nimuro-sama is busy with our war with the Dragon. Perhaps, in his absence, someone like yourself."
 Gripping the hilt of his katana tightly, Otemi pondered the historian's words. "It does sound- interesting, Sume. Very interesting indeed. And as loath as I would be to abandon my," the warrior suppressed a grimace, "obligations here, I would not be able to refuse an Imperial position. It would be a dishonor to the Lion." The young samurai mused for a moment, lost in thought. A moment later he shook himself from his reverie. "But this is pointless. There is no Emperor. There will be no Protector. I shall fulfill my duty here until the day of my retirement."
 "The season of court is coming, Otemi. If Winter Court comes to the Lion lands, then the Winds will be open to our suggestions. Kaneka will find himself in need of those he can trust if he takes the throne. I believe you two knew each other as children, did you not?"
 Otemi only nodded.
 "Tsudao will likewise need allies, and who better than the clan who taught her? That has known her all her life? That supplies soldiers for the legions she commands? She, too, will call upon the Lion."
 "But the others," Otemi protested. "Naseru and Sezaru. They have no such obligations."
 "That is true. They are strong men who need little from others. But Naseru would appreciate an ally who could disrupt the activities of the Crane and Scorpion within the capital. And Sezaru has little time for the nonsense the other clans so often bring to court. A Protector who could free him from such petty trivialities would receive much favor in his eyes."
 Otemi stood silently, regarding the plains around Shiro Ikoma for many long moments. "My duties tie me to the lands," he finally said. "Perhaps I should take a more active role in our affairs. Such as the preparation for court."
 Sume nodded wryly. "I am certain your ancestors would approve of your diligence."

 Phoenix
 Deep within the recesses of Kyuden Isawa, the Council of Elemental Masters sat around the table that symbolized of their control over the Phoenix Clan. Once, years ago, the table had been shattered by the impudent Shiba Tsukune, who took advantage of the council's weakness at the time and demanded representation for the Phoenix Champion. But little had come of that foolish demand. Shiba had sworn long ago to defend the Isawa line, but Isawa had made no promise to share power over the Phoenix Clan.
 Isawa Hochiu gazed across the table at his fellow Masters. "Our task is simple, brothers and sisters," he began. "The location of Winter Court will be announced by the Winds soon, and there is little doubt that we shall be the hosts. Kyuden Asako has served our clan well in the past for such events and doubtless shall again." The others nodded in mute agreement. "The question facing us now is this: how shall we use the ambition of the Winds to our benefit? Each of them would gladly accept the support of the Phoenix."
 Isawa Riake, Master of Water, added her voice to the council. "Toturi Tsudao is a strong, honorable woman, if somewhat naÔve. The power of the Isawa behind her would grant her claim a great deal of legitimacy. In exchange, we would merely wish to examine the Golden Obi of the Sun Goddess that she wears."
 Hochiu nodded. "It is one of the few artifacts still tied to the power of the Lady Amaterasu. Perhaps even a portion of her essence is contained within. If so, only the Phoenix could understand such a power." The Master of Fire inclined his head respectfully to Riake, then turned to another master. This time, there was no show of respect, nor even of simple courtesy. "What of the one they call the Anvil, Nakamuro-san?"
 The weathered face of Isawa Nakamuro betrayed no hint of emotion. "Hantei Naseru has many things at his disposal that would benefit us. Our support could easily grant the study of such items. In particular, the jade goblet of Gohuri. No shugenja has ever deciphered its mysteries."
 Hochiu nodded again, grudgingly. The goblet's secrets were lost to time, known to no living creature. At least, not yet. One more secret for the Isawa to master. He turned to face the simple features of Shiba Ningen, the Master of Void. "Ningen-san, you know of Toturi Sezaru. Like you, he plumbs the depths of the Void. What of him?"
 A knowing smile graced Ningen's face. "There are no items he possesses that would be given to an ally, even to such as us. However, Sezaru can still aid the council. Never has so powerful an ishiken also been a master of other elements. Though my skill with the Void dwarfs his, his gifts with the other elements far exceed my own. The insight of such a man could lead to many great discoveries. In exchange for our support, he will gladly aid us in the creation of a new, powerful nemuranai. One we might even put to use against the Dragon."
 Hochiu glanced at Isawa Taeruko, the Master of Earth, but the final member of the council only sat, staring unpleasantly at Nakamuro. For his part, the Master of Air avoided her gaze. Shaking his head in disgust, Hochiu finished the discussion. "That leaves only Akodo Kaneka, Toturi's bastard son. Although his claim to the throne is not legitimate, he is also the Wind with the most to offer us. In exchange for our support of his endeavors, he will deliver us the bloodsword Fukushu, formerly held by his daimyo, Akodo Ginawa." The other masters all nodded in assent. "At last, we will be able to decipher the enchantments surrounding the cursed blade. Once we understand it, we can destroy it. No one has been able to destroy the Iuchiban blades as yet, not permanently. The Phoenix will succeed where the others all fail."
 "Will Kaneka be able to acquire the blade?" asked Nakamuro.
 Hochiu only sneered. "He will. We are the Lion's closest allies. If he cannot win our support, his cause is lost. He will produce the blade. He has no choice." Hochiu rose from his seat at the table, a signal that the meeting was at an end. "With this matter resolved, only one other task awaits us." The Master of Fire gestured toward the west. "The Dragon Clan and their upstart Tamori family must feel what it means to arouse the wrath of the Isawa."
 As one, the masters left the room, leaving only Nakamuro in the council chamber. As he ran his hand across the table, he wondered how the others had become so much like the cold, hard stone from which it had been crafted.

Scorpion
 "You are a difficult man to find, Yojiro-sama," Bayushi Paneki said, ducking to push aside a tangled branch as he picked his way through the undergrowth.
 The aged Scorpion daimyo did not turn; he had sensed Paneki's approach long before he had spoken. He simply continued to crouch in the high grass, gazing off into the thick branches of Traitor's Grove. Discarded weapons and armor from a hundred traitors to the Scorpion chimed an eerie melody in the wind. Yojiro seemed almost hypnotized by it. "This place helps me to think," he replied. "Here, I can put matters in perspective."
 Paneki moved closer to his lord's side, glancing warily about the haunted forest. The Legionnaire was more accustomed to cities and camps than forests, and the half-remembered legends of the Grove from his childhood unnerved him. "This place is dangerous, my lord," Paneki warned.
 "Precisely," Yojiro replied. "What worth is life, without risk, Shireikan?"
 Paneki inclined his head, acknowledging his lord's wisdom. Though Paneki and his lord disagreed on matters of tactics, they were often of one mind on subjects of a more philosophical nature. Both were men of action.
 "You have come to deliver the message of the Winds," Yojiro said, "to announce the contest of Winter Court."
 "Hai, Master of Scorpions," Paneki said with a nod, still waiting several paces behind his master and to one side. Paneki was not remotely surprised that Yojiro knew his message even before he had delivered it despite the breakneck pace with which he had ridden here. Yojiro may not have been as ruthless as many of his predecessors, but he was as keenly aware of all that transpired in his domain. "They wish diplomats from each clan to state their case. The one they find most reasonable shall host the Winter Court."
 "Host it, or merely choose where it is hosted?" Yojiro said, glancing over one shoulder. Behind his fearsome mask, Yojiro's eyes were shrewd and thoughtful.
 "The choice is ours, should we triumph," Paneki said. "Kaukatsu should have the matter well in hand. He only awaits your order. The Winds have offered us an opportunity to perform a favor on their behalf to be repaid in time."
 "To be repaid when they are Emperor," Yojiro corrected. "We should choose carefully; select the one who would serve us best. Select the one who would be most indebted to us."
 "Clearly, it is so, my lord," Paneki said. "Choose, and I shall relay your command to Kaukatsu-san. I believe it would be wisest to seek the one who needs our guidance the most, who will ever have need to turn their ear to the Scorpion."
 "You would make the Emperor a figurehead, Paneki?" Yojiro chided.
 "If I may speak frankly my lord, each has already demonstrated their unworthiness to rule merely by instigating this war of succession," Paneki said, lowering his head. "I believe that only the Scorpion's wisdom can guide the rule of the successful Wind along an untroubled path."
 "Your honeyed words smack of deception, but I concede the point, Paneki," Yojiro said. "Which shall we choose? Naseru? Kaneka? Sezaru? Tsudao?"
 "Each has merit, my lord," Paneki said. "Sezaru and Kaneka are unfamiliar with politics. Given the proper encouragement, I believe we can guide them. However, both are men of fierce temper. Should we make a misstep..."
 "All our work would be lost," Yojiro finished. "Use caution. Kaneka is like his father; easily goaded but resentful of manipulation. And Sezaru? I know as little of Sezaru as anyone, and a Scorpion never enters a venture unprepared. I would be cautious."
 "Yes, my lord," Paneki said. "Naseru is already an ally, but so is he an ally to our rivals, the Crane. It may be worth our time to ingratiate him to us fully."
 "Naseru is a clever man," Yojiro said. "He would lead Rokugan to a golden age, if his arrogance can be properly guided."
 "Agreed, my lord," Paneki replied.
 "What of Tsudao?" Yojiro asked. "You know her best, from the Legions."
 "I find her a most worthy commander," Paneki said. "She is bold, fearless, and charismatic. She is the sort of woman a samurai would follow into Jigoku. But-" He paused for a long moment. "I am uncertain of her worth as an Empress."
 "Why?" Yojiro asked.
 "She is naive," Paneki replied. "She shines as brightly as the sun, but like the sun she cannot see the shadow. I am afraid she would unknowingly lead the Empire to ruin."
 Yojiro stood and turned around fully. Pushing his straw cloak aside, he revealed the monstrous Scorpion armor he had worn since the War of Spirits. The Scorpion Champion looked almost like a thing out of nightmares, a warrior to be feared. "If Tsudao does not know the dangers of the darkness," Yojiro said calmly, "then someone must show her. For the good of the Empire."
 Paneki was quiet for several seconds. "Yes, my lord," he finally said with a bow. "I believe that will be all, except for the matter of the favor we shall owe. What favor will the Scorpion offer the heir to an Empire?"
 "Leave that to me," Yojiro said cryptically. "Return to Kaukatsu, Paneki-san. Tell him what has been said here, and take him this." Yojiro produced a rolled scroll from his sleeve, sealed with the blood-red mon of the Scorpion.
 "Yes, my lord," Paneki repeated, accepting the message and hiding it away among his robes. Paneki bowed a final time and departed without a sound through the darkened forest.
 Bayushi Yojiro remained where he was, calmly listening to the deadly song of Traitor's Grove.

Unicorn
 "You called for me, my Khan?" Ide Tadaji stood, hands tucked within his sleeves, while the enormous form of Moto Chagatai groomed his powerful war-horse. The massive warrior only grunted in assent and continued brushing the majestic animal's fur. Tadaji waited wordlessly. He was accustomed to Chagatai's thoughtful silences. Outsiders had interpreted them as a sign of a slow mind, but the aged courtier knew the truth was very much the opposite.
 "Tell me of this contest," Chagatai finally said. Tadaji smiled inwardly, both surprised and delighted at the Khan's interest in matters of the court.
  "It is actually quite simple, my Khan. The Winds have requested an emissary from each clan to present their petition for hosting Winter Court. The most convincing representative will earn the right for their clan to select the location."
 Another grunt from Chagatai, followed by another long moment of silence. "How would such a thing benefit us?"
 Tadaji took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Such a simple yet complex question! "It is an opportunity for us, Chagatai-sama. One of the Winds will become the Emperor. A full winter with them as our guests gains us the chance to earn their favor. Toturi was our ally, but few emperors have been in the past. If the Unicorn are to flourish, we must have an ally upon the throne."
 Chagatai put his brush aside. With one last comforting pat on the flank, he turned from his steed to face the much smaller man. "They will expect us to ask for what is already ours. My armies hold the crater near Seikitsu Pass. It is not theirs to give."
 "Of course, my Khan. Yet if the Winds expect such a request, as you say, then perhaps another, less politically charged request might find favor with them instead."
 "Indeed." The broad-shouldered man nodded sagely. "Then we shall seek to open the trade routes outside the Empire. The other clans will care little, embroiled as they are in their own petty squabbles. And the promise of secrets from beyond will entice the Winds, perhaps even aiding them in their quest for the Steel Throne."
 The courtier nodded. "It would be seen as a small price for the support of the Unicorn. Sezaru, in particular, could be swayed with the notion of gaijin sorcery. The sorcerers of Laramun have secrets even he has never dreamed of. The others might prove more difficult, however."
 Chagatai snorted. "Hardly. Open trade beyond our borders would allow us to expand our influence considerably. We might even find ourselves able to spare enough of our war-horses to equip an entire legion. Tsudao's penchant for swift justice would be well served by such a force, would it not? And surely Kaneka's claim to the throne might seem firmer with an army at his command."
 Tadaji chuckled. "You speak truly, Chagatai-sama. I also think that a Winter Court in our lands would find many outsiders unpleasantly surprised by your keen insight."
 The larger man's laughter rang out through the stables. "Nonsense! Everyone in Rokugan knows that Moto Chagatai is little more than a dullard with a sword, Tadaji. You have been misinformed." The glint in his eyes faded. "However, with regard to Hantei Naseru, I am quite the ignorant fool. What can we offer the one they call the Anvil, Tadaji?"
 "A very simple question, my Khan. With our resources spent trading beyond Rokugan's borders, our trade within the Empire might suffer. Surely a man such as Naseru would be able to guide and oversee our caravans in exchange for a sizable share of the profit."
 Chagatai nodded. "And, of course, the wealth of information such caravans might discover about the goings on in the lands of the Great Clans might be of interest as well. Not to mention the effect they might have on the Yasuki War. It is a good offer."
 Tadaji bowed his head. "I live only to serve, my Khan."
 "Then serve me by bringing this Winter Court to our lands, Tadaji. Go and see the Winds. Convince them of our sincere wish to host their court."
 The old man smiled. "I leave at once, Chagatai-sama."

Ratlings
 It was a sight no Nezumi had seen before.
 Maybe a sight no Nezumi would see again?
 The leaders of the great Nezumi tribes had gathered in M-atikf'chtr-foo, the Great Home of the Tattered Ear. The thieves of the Grasping Paw, the sea-rats of the Chipped Tooth, even the savage Crippled Bone chitatchikkan and reclusive Green-Green-White scouts had dispatched some of their number to discuss the offer that had been made. At the urging of their Crab friends, the Ashi-romit (the Nezumi name for the pups of the dead human Chief-of-Chiefs) had agreed to listen to their case. If they could win the favor of one of these children, the brave-warriors-who-remember would finally be regarded as equals by the rulers of the Great Tribes.
 No more being hunted. Perhaps no more hunting, as land would be set aside so they could tame the earth as the humans do. It would be a difficult prize to win.
 That was why they had sent Ruantek, the greatest scrounger in the Grasping Paw. If anyone could steal the hearts of the humans, it was Ruantek.
 "What you find-find, Ruantek?" Zin'tch demanded. The leader of the Council of the Eye hopped up and down on a wooden stump. Even for a Nezumi, the young Rememberer was considered tense and hyperactive.
 Ruantek gave him a good long look before talking. Zin'tch calmed down, curling his tail about his feet as he sat. "Sorry," Zin'tch said. "Been waiting long time."
 "All have been waiting long time," growled Nir'um'tuk, warrior of the Crooked Tail. The big Nezumi stood so that all could see him in his shiny red suit of human armor. "The brave-warriors-who-remember been waiting since the Terrible Day to get shred of respect from the pink-skinned monkeys. Be waiting till Tomorrow finds us all before we find it. This waste-waste of time."
 "Not waste-waste," Ruantek said. The small, grey-furred scrounger looked up at the larger Ratling with out any trace of fear. "Humans serious. We save Crab at Hiruma Warrens. We fight Nameless at Oblivion's Gate. Humans finally see how strong the Chi'ch-tch - our people - be. Ready to give us respect."
 "For what it worth," grunted Kan'ok'ticheck. The ghostly white Ratling crouched in the roots of a great tree, pink fingers folded over the hilt of his sword. "What we know of human ways? No make-make friend with chief unless you know how chief thinks. What we know of the Ashi-romit?"
 "Know much," Ruantek said. "Been hiding in great warrens of the Toturi since last snow fall. Been watching Ashi-romit. Know them all good."
 A murmur of hushed surprise echoed through the assembled Nezumi. "Share," said Te'tik'kir, ancient shaman of the Crippled Bone. It was all he said. Te'tik'kir rationed out his words like he had only a pouch-full, and other Nezumi knew better than not to listen.
 "Right-right," Ruantek said. "First, there be Kaneka. Him oldest, but not very popular. Ruantek can see why. Too big - eat lots of food. Too brash - never run-run from fight. Tribe that follow leader like that, get in no end of trouble."
 "Don't know about that," said Yoee'trr, hunter of the Tattered Ear. "Every time humans get in trouble, they ask-ask us for help. If tribe leader troublesome, maybe they need us all the time. If we select that one, Yoee'trr be happy to serve him. Sound-sound like fun."
 "Next there be Tsudao, daughter of Toturi," Ruantek said. "She fierce, strong. Everyone like her. She great warrior. Ruantek guess that why she not chief."
 "Perhaps she too busy fighting to lead-lead tribe?" Zin'tch asked.
 "Could be," Kan'ok'ticheck said. "Humans never run-run out of people to fight. Fighting done? Then they fight each other."
 "Zin'tch could help," the Rememberer nodded. "If we pick Tsudao, Zin'tch could help her remember what most important. Help-help her become great Chief of Chiefs."
 "Third, there be Hantei-Naseru," Ruantek said. "Ruantek use both names since both names seem important. Naseru like-like people to remember both names, since his name so rare."
 "Rare names are good," Te'tik'kir nodded. "Rare names are strong."
 "Guess so," Ruantek said with a shrug. "Hantei-Naseru very important man. Everything he do-do important. Everything he say-say important. Hantei-Naseru go to a lot of trouble to make sure people know how important. Very important."
 "Why him so important?" Zin'tch asked curiously.
 "Don't know," Ruantek said. "He has lots of friends, though. Act like chief already."
 "If he act like chief, then why him not chief?" Zin'tch asked.
 "Again, don't know," Ruantek said. "Hard to understand."
 Zin'tch nodded soberly.
 Kan'ok'ticheck peered up from his reverie. "Sound-sound interesting. Would like to know more. If we choose Hantei-Naseru, Kan'ok'ticheck will follow him."
 "Last, there be Wolf," Ruantek say. "People call him Sezaru but Wolf seem closer to his Name. Mighty conjurer. If he were Nezumi, he maybe be Nametaker! Great magic. Powerful magic."
 "Tribe that follow someone with such strong magic, have no problems," Te'tik'kir commented.
 "Humans think differently," Ruantek said. "Most not like Wolf much."
 "Humans are stupid," Nir'um'tuk spat.
 There was a general murmur of assent to that.
 "If we choose Wolf, I will follow him," Te'tik'kir said. "I will help him show the humans what fools they are."
 "All well and good, but which one we choose-choose?" Nir'um'tuk asked. "Wolf seem-seem to be best choice, but if humans no make him chief then we waste-waste our time."
 "Funny you ask that. Ruantek have perfect way to choose," Ruantek said. He drew out four chips of wood, painted red, black, gold, and white. "Kaneka," he said, holding up the red. "Tsudao," - black - "Hantei-Naseru" - gold - "Wolf" - white. Ruantek dropped each chip into his pouch, shook it up, and reached in to draw one out.
 "Anyone want-want argue?" he asked before pulling out the chip.
 The assembled Nezumi said nothing, but twitched their tails in agreement.
 Ruantek drew out the chip...

Shadowlands
 The Dark Daughter lay back languidly, teasing bloodstained fingers against her full lips. The knife in her other hand dragged heavily against the sand, drenched with the blood and gore of the unfortunate Miya herald. The man's body lay in a savaged heap nearby, mostly. Parts of it were in the river. Bits were in the trees. Some clung to Shahai's gossamer kimono, causing it to cling scandalously to her lithe body.
 "The Four Winds," Shahai said. She breathed the smoke of her incense deeply and glanced over the Imperial scroll pinned open with finger bones nearby. The message had been intended for Usagi Ozaki, daimyo of the Hare. Unfortunately for him, the messenger met Shahai first. "One last chance to unite an Empire. I, for one, am quite pleased with the way the Empire has turned. Would you not agree, my friend?"
 The oni hunched in the shadows nearby nodded sharply. It had only recently come to this world, summoned by the death and torture of the unfortunate herald. Already, the strife and discontent rampant in the Empire had made it strong. It shifted from one foot to the other, eager to go out into the world and wreak havoc at its mistress' command.
 "Soon enough, little one," Shahai said, gazing at the beast through the ritual mask of blood that covered her face and dampened her long black hair. "An opportunity taken thoughtlessly is an opportunity wasted. You must know our enemies before I unleash you upon them."
 The oni settled itself, folding its thin arms against its body. It watched Shahai carefully, waiting to hear what she would say next.
 "Patience?" Shahai said with a mild note of surprise. "A rare trait in your kind. You will do well on this mission, I think."
 The oni smiled.
 Shahai's fingers brushed against the painted skull that lay in the sand nearby, summoning her grandfather's power to augment her own. A whispered spell, and the images of four faces wove themselves from the smoke of Shahai's incense brazier. Three men, one woman. All were different, but all had something distinctly familiar. At the sight of them, the oni hissed and spat.
 "Heroes, yes, dreadful things," Shahai said with a nod. "Or, at least, they could be. It is your mission to change that. Already they have helped us greatly, weakened the Empire against the forces of your master. It should be a simple matter to finish the job. Rivals they may be, but still they are family. Push one over the edge, and the other three will fall."
 The oni nodded its head quickly in understanding.
 "Kaneka," Shahai said, gesturing at the face of a determined-looking middle-aged warrior. "The image of Toturi, but without his father's clarity of vision. Once, Toturi united the Empire against us. Turn his son, and he can unite the Empire against itself."
 "Tsudao." Shahai rubbed her slick fingers and the images rotated. Now a pretty young woman's face was foremost. "He who fights the sun will be burned, but the sun must set. Away from the battlefields, she is vulnerable, pensive. When she falls, the hearts of those who follow her would be crushed. A difficult battle, but a worthy prize."
 "Naseru," Shahai said. She gestured again, and a weathered young man with a patch covering his right eye came forward. "Clever. Manipulative. Powerful. It may be worthwhile to turn him, only to add his keen mind to our own, but separated from his allies and plots he would not be of great use to us. Even so, we always have use for men with such naked ambition." Shahai smiled. "I know I do."
 "And Sezaru," Shahai said, a resentful tone in her voice. A young man with white hair streaked in black moved forth. His eyes shimmered with a strange light. At the sight of him, the oni hissed and withdrew. "Of all of them, he is the only one we truly need fear," Shahai said. "His power is great, perhaps as strong as your master's. Even still, of them all he lingers closest to madness. If he joined us, he would be greater than Tsuke. Greater than Junzo. Greater than Yori."
 She paused.
 "Greater than Iuchiban."
 The oni shivered.
 "I leave the choice in your hands," Shahai said, dismissing the images with a careless wave of the bloody dagger. "I trust you, my little one. Go to this Winter Court, wherever it is, and do not return until you have cracked the soul of a Wind. Start them on the road to their own destruction, and I will finish it."
 Oni no Pekkle nodded rapidly, and scurried through the darkness toward Otosan Uchi.
 Her work done, Shahai curled in the warm blood and drifted off to sleep.
 
Part 2

 Shinsei once said that even a mighty avalanche begins with a single pebble. These words echoed through Miya Gensaiken's thoughts. The young herald frowned in concern. Unable to come to an agreement, the Winds had agreed to at least attempt to convene Winter Court at Kyuden Miya. The divisions between the four siblings were already painfully clear. The Great Clans struggled with one another to curry the Winds' favor even as the Winds themselves struggled with one another to prove their worth.
 The Winds were positioned equally around the vacant Steel Throne, though none would occupy it.
 Not yet.

 Toturi Tsudao - the Sword.
 Hantei Naseru - the Anvil.
 Akodo Kaneka - the Bastard.
 Toturi Sezaru - the Wolf.
 
 The emissaries of the Great Clans stood arranged about the Winds, speaking quietly among themselves. Gensaiken spent his time idly chatting with a minor emissary of the Tortoise Clan. He had been speaking to the man for over an hour, and had not heard a word. For one such as Gensaiken, distraction under the cover of focus was a simple enough trick. His true attention was focused upon the Winds - as, no doubt, was that of the rest of the court.
 The assembled emissaries watched patiently, practiced eyes and lips unreadable. The most prominent among the Great Clans sat nearest the Winds - Bayushi Paneki, Hida Kuroda, Ide Tadaji, Doji Tanitsu, Ikoma Otemi, Shiba Yoma, Mirumoto Uso, and Yoritomo Yoyonagi, a renowned poet of the Mantis. All of them Gensaiken knew by reputation if not by face. A few representatives of the Minor Clans were present as well, including Usagi Fuyuko, a newcomer to the court. Gensaiken watched the young Hare curiously. Her wit and charm had surprised the assembly since her arrival only days ago. Even the dour Crab had quickly warmed to the clever and inquisitive Hare. She had become a favorite of the Winds, and even now her beauty and grace turned the room to her whim.
 Gensaiken was not quite so taken. He could sense there was definitely something sinister lurking just beneath the surface of her pleasant countenance and easy charm. It seemed the Winds had not noticed, occupied as they were with their private competition. Perhaps they simply did not care. Either way, Gensaiken feared the implications for the Empire.
 "My Lords. My Lady," Fuyuko said, bowing deeply to the Steel Throne as she approached the Winds' communal dais. "I know that your time is precious and I am but an undeserving vassal of the Empire, but perhaps you would do me the great honor of indulging me. We have heard much talk of what virtues each clan finds most important in an Emperor, but what are your thoughts? Excusing my impertinence, it may be enlightening to find what traits the heirs themselves value most in a ruler.
 Tsudao spoke first. "Compassion," she said. "Certainly we can all agree upon the need for peace."
 "Tsudao, please," Naseru said with a dry chuckle. "Let us attempt to be realistic. Peace is an admirable dream, but it is only that - a dream. Peace is a commodity that men of action cannot afford. The reality is that men and women will always fight and kill one another. A true Emperor must recognize the fact that there will always be war, and that hiding from reality simply leaves one unprepared. A true Emperor uses the fortunes of war to bring prosperity and strength."
 "War as a tool to strengthen the Empire?" Tsudao sneered. "You relish the death of innocents, brother?"
 Naseru smiled. "Innocents? You misunderstand me, sister. I conserve my pity for the truly innocent, and have collected it in great quantities for to be sure I have not yet met a man or woman who was truly innocent. Present company excluded, of course." A light chuckle echoed through the court at Tsudao's expense.
 Usagi Fuyuko arched an eyebrow and turned toward Kaneka.
 "Naseru has a point, Tsudao," Akodo Kaneka said with a grim from. "Samurai are warriors. To pretend otherwise defies the Celestial Order. Everything has a purpose. We have ours. An Emperor's strongest virtue is courage."
 "I understand your lust for battle, Kaneka, for your life has given you nothing else," Tsudao said. "I do not understand Naseru. His talk of war seems bold for one who has never seen battle."
 "I have never seen the Fortunes nor the Kami either, my sister," Naseru returned with a calm smile. "Have you heard them? Have you seen them?"
 Tsudao regarded her brother with stony silence.
 "As I thought," he said. "So by your own logic, surely you must deny their existence. It must be difficult to lead one's life without faith. Do you not agree, brother Sezaru-san?"
 Sezaru glanced up impatiently, eyes narrowing in surprise. He looked away again just as quickly, his face masked in disinterest. "These games are worthless. I thought you were seeking peace. You fools do nothing but snipe at one another."
 Kaneka's brow furrowed as his hand strayed toward his sword. Sezaru turned and looked back at his brother calmly, with the patience of a coiled snake. Tsudao and Naseru still locked eyes with one another on the opposite side of the chamber. One false word. One false move, and Rokugan's hopes for peace would be destroyed, perhaps taking the life of a Wind with them.
 "My lords," Miya Gensaiken said quickly, hoping to draw the Winds' wrath to himself and away from one another. "For such a complex issue, my lords and lady, you should consult the wisdom of those who have served the Empire since the war against Fu Leng." The nervous courtier stepped forward, nervous at the Winds' sudden attention. Bowing deeply, he said, "The Miya are brokers of peace, diplomats, builders. While all of the noble Winds speak truly, it is with Sezaru that we must agree. Courage, compassion, and wisdom are fine things, but they are nothing without faith. Only faith can move a mountain. The Isawa, the Kitsu, the Tamori have all taught him as much, and I respect their wisdom." Gensaiken turned to Usagi Fuyuko and smiled slightly. "Would your honorable father not agree, Usagi-san?"
 Smiling sweetly Fuyuko replied "Oh yes, Gensaiken-san. He would indeed."
 Miya Gensaiken nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting. The Usagi Fuyuko recorded in our heraldic registries is the child of a dishonored mother and an unknown father. She would not respond in such a manner, for to do so would bring even greater shame upon her father's name and the name of the Usagi. Who might you truly be then, I wonder?"
 A hateful snarl distorted Fuyuko's features. Her hand, now sprouting a full set of blackened claws, darted forth to rip and tear at Gensaiken's throat.
 "No!" a blur of movement from the dais and Akodo Kaneka stood between the two, his blade flashing downward at incredible speed. Fuyuko shrieked as her severed hand fell to the floor. Her other hand lashed out and ripped at Kaneka's ceremonial armor, sending him sprawling to the floor.
 A powerful grip clutched Gensaiken's shoulder. Pulling Gensaiken out of the creature's reach, Toturi Tsudao removed Gensaiken from the battle just as Naseru's fan deftly deflected the creature's next attack while ordering the dazed emissaries to flee with a harsh shout. Even as he did so, the soft sutra of the shugenja Sezaru could be heard above the crisp sound of Tsudao and Kaneka readying their steel.
 Two burly Imperial Guards charged the beast from either side, but Fuyuko deftly ducked below one's strike while catching the other's blade in her remaining hand. A smooth flick of one hand sent both men across the room, impaled upon their own blades. Even as it turned from the carnage to attack again, a look of fear flickered in the creature's eyes. Now it faced Toturi Tsudao and Akodo Kaneka, the Sword and the Bastard. Each of the seasoned warriors easily avoided the creature's clumsy defenses. Kaneka's blow sliced Fuyuko across Fuyuko's midriff while Tsudao buried her own katana in the thing's skull.
 The corpse disappeared almost instantly, belching forth a thick cloud of darkness that permeated the room, burning the eyes and nostrils of many of those present before Sezaru's Void magic dispelled all traces.
 "Well met, my siblings," Naseru called out, no trace of concern in his voice. His calm tone did much to pacify the panicked assembly.
 "Do not be so eager, little brother," remarked Sezaru coldly. "That was a Pekkle, a trickster oni. They are beasts of corruption and deception. There is no way to know if that cloud accomplished its purpose. It is possible that the true ramifications of this encounter are not yet known."
 "This is pathetic," Kaneka literally spat on the floor. "The Imperial Court and we cannot keep one oni from our presence! I'll have no more to do with these foolish negotiations. Brothers. Sister. Contact me again once you have something to discuss." Akodo Kaneka turned and left the room.
 A moment later, Hantei Naseru shook his head quietly, closed his tessen with a deft snap, and departed as well.
 "And with that, there goes all hope of agreement, my brother," Tsudao said to Sezaru with a sigh.
 "This meeting was not my idea, my sister," Sezaru replied.
 Tsudao took a final look at her brother, then turned and exited as well. With her, the assembled courtiers began to depart as well. Soon, only Sezaru, his yojimbo Koshei, and Gensaiken remained.
 "Miya Gensaiken-san," Sezaru said, "your insight may have saved the Empire. "I am not a man who is well used to courtly intrigue. I could certainly make good use of an attendant such as yourself, especially against the underhanded schemes of my brother, Naseru."
 "I would be honored, Sezaru-sama," Gensaiken said, bowing deeply to the son of Toturi.
 "Then follow me," Sezaru said. "I wish to depart this place at once. I have a mission to fulfill, and this farce of a Winter Court has been a great drain upon the time I have left. If the Horde dispatched one minion, they may have sent others. The Horde is never alone." Sezaru turned and exited the chamber, his yojimbo following closely, leaving Gensaiken alone.
 The courtier paused, turned, and looked back at the Steel Throne. A black smear now stained the Steel Throne, the only remnant of the Pekkle oni's passing.
 Gensaiken smiled at the sight. Pausing, he looked down at his hand. During the struggle, he had been cut upon his arm. Now a thin stream of clumped black blood trickled down his fingers. He quickly pulled his sleeve over his hand so that his new master would not see, and followed in the wake of Toturi Sezaru.
 "You are right about one thing, my Lord," Gensaiken chuckled. "The Horde is never alone."
 Shinsei once said that even a mighty avalanche begins with a single pebble.
 But one can do so much more damage with two.

 Part III

 A small man in dark black robes bearing a battered, jade-encrusted staff hurried up the stairs to where Hida Kuon and Hida Kuroda waited. Both men were now fully armed and armored now, as were the six Hida guards that accompanied them; it was something of a breach of etiquette at the Winter Court, but under the circumstances no one had complained.
 "My lords," the small man said, bowing his head and catching his breath as he waited for their attention.
 The brothers turned from their search of the halls of Kyuden Miya. Their house guard stood at attention. The small man fell into a deep bow, his shaggy black mane spilling over his blue painted face. When Hida Kuroda had chosen to bring a tsukai sagasu -- a witch hunter -- along as part of his entourage, the emissaries of the other clans had snickered.
 No one snickered now.
 "Report, Kiyoshi-san," Hida Kuroda commanded.
 "I have found nothing, my lord," the witch hunter hissed, his voice rapid and impatient. "I have sensed a Taint in the court itself, and most of that lingered about the dark stain upon the throne. I can sense it even now, though it is at the other side of the Kyuden."
 Kuon frowned. "We should have brought Rohiteki," he grumbled. "She knows the purification spells. She could have dealt with that."
 "Mother needed her expertise in the fight against the Crane," Kuroda shook his head. "We could not have known this would happen."
 "Damn the Crane," Kuon snarled.
 "No," Kuroda met his brother's gaze squarely. "A Crab does not shift his mistakes to others. The fault is ours, and only ours."
 Kuon looked at his brother for a moment, then nodded. "What do we do now? I do not think that creature was here alone."
 "Nor do I," Kuroda said. "So we keep searching." The son of O-Ushi frowned as he glanced about the vast halls. Kyuden Miya was immense. A man could lose himself in these passageways forever.
 "Only nine Crab to search all of this," Kuni Kiyoshi said with a sigh. "Excuse my impertinence, my lords, but the task is impossible. Akuma himself could be hiding in this palace and we would never find him."
 "Then we shall not search alone," Kuroda said. He looked down the hall, to a point where two Seppun miharu stood on guard. A look passed between Kuroda and his brother.
 Kuon nodded. "You two!" the big Crab bellowed, moving quickly toward the Seppun and pointing at them with his tetsubo.
 The two guardsman looked up and blinked in alarm. Their hands tightened on their yari, as if they feared the mad Crab would attack them both.
 "In the name of the Emperor, I command you to split up, find your brethren, and search Kyuden Miya, room by room," Kuon barked. "No one leaves. No one enters. If anyone questions the orders I have given, bring them to me. If they resist, kill them."
 One of the Seppun stepped forward. "Excuse me, Hida-san," he said in a quiet voice, "but what right have you to give me orders? We are the Imperial Guard. Our duty is to the Winds, not to some Crab vagabond."
 Kuon was silent a long moment, eyes narrowing dangerously at the Seppun. The Imperial Guard were known for their intimidating presence, their strength of will under pressure.
 The Seppun looked away first, sweat trickling down his brow.
 "My brother commands you by order of Emperor Toturi the First," Kuroda proclaimed, stepping to his brother's side. "We are the Crab, commanded by Imperial Edict to defend the Empire from the Shadowlands. The Shadowlands are here now, like it or not. You may not wish to help us on the Wall but you will help us here. So either you rally your troops and place them at our disposal in the search of this palace, or you can answer to your Four Winds when another Pekkle slips through your defenses."
 "That's right," Kuon said, as if suddenly hitting upon the idea. "It was your shoddy defense that allowed the Pekkle to slip through, miharu." He took a step toward the man, so that he could feel Kuon's breath on his face. "Are you interfering with the duty of the Crab, Seppun? If so then do not worry for your Four Winds. You can answer to me."
 "N-no, Hida-san," the man said rapidly. "We'll rouse the guard. We'll search the palace. We'll do whatever you require!"
 "Excellent," Kuroda said. Kuon stepped back and continued to glare. The two Seppun scrambled off in opposite directions, shouting orders to their distant comrades.
 "Go with them," Kuon said to two of the Hida guards. "Make sure they don't get lost." The two Crab bushi nodded and complied.
 Kuon turned to his brother with a smile, mouth half open to utter some humorous comment, but a second shout from across the palace cut him off. This was not the shout of the Seppun guardsmen, but a frightened cry of alarm. Both brothers were instantly in motion, the Crab house guard following close behind. Kiyoshi ran even ahead of the brothers, his jade staff clutched in both hands.
 "What is it, witch hunter?" Kuon shouted as they ran. "What do you sense?"
 "Nothing," Kiyoshi snapped.
 "Nothing?" Kuroda said. "It cannot be nothing."
 "No, you do not understand," Kuni Kiyoshi replied. "I sense nothing. I do not sense the Tainted Steel Throne. Either it is no longer Tainted... or it is gone."
 "Fortunes!" Kuroda swore, and kept running.
  Doji Tanitsu knelt in his chambers before a low table. He held a long brush gently in one hand; its tip glided across the soft rice paper, leaving the dark black ink to soak into its surface. The image of a crane soaring toward the rising sun soon took shape upon the paper.
 "Very beautiful, Tanitsu-san," Toturi Tsudao said, peering at his work from the open doorway of his chambers.
 "Thank you, Tsudao-sama," Tanitsu said, turning and bowing his head toward her.
 "I did not know you were an artist," she said, returning the bow as she entered the chambers.
 Tanitsu chuckled. "Artist?" he asked. "No. I paint only to relax. After the events in the court today my nerves needed calming. But perhaps there is a bright side to all this chaos. If the Empire continues to spiral to destruction, perhaps I will become a talented artist yet." He smiled as he set his brush aside and gestured for her to sit.
 "I have no time, my friend," she shook her head in polite refusal. "I must return to the search."
 "What has happened in the last hour?" Tanitsu asked. "Have you found any signs of the culprit responsible for the beast's appearance?"
 "The Crab have commandeered the Seppun miharu," she replied. "They tear the palace apart looking for any sign of the Pekkle's summoner."
 Tanitsu nodded. "Crab zeal is a useful tool at times," he said. "This is one of those times, to be sure. What of the Hare maiden?"
 "Usagi Fuyuko's entourage have been detained for questioning. It seems they were all recently hired in Ryoko Owari. None of them knew their mistress' true nature. I wonder if the Hare's invitation ever arrived safely. I suspect Usagi Fuyuko is alive and well, many miles from here, and knows nothing of the changeling that took her place."
 "I see," Tanitsu nodded. "And what of your brothers and sisters? How have they reacted to all of this?"
 "Typically," Tsudao said. "Sezaru has already spirited himself away. Kaneka is angry; I think he believes all of this was done to paint him the fool."
 "With all respect due, Kaneka is right," Tanitsu said. "Fuyuko's... that creature's intent was to set you against one another, and it very nearly worked."
 "If not for that Miya, it would have," Tsudao nodded.
 "Kitsune Fusaie once said 'If the Emperor is the heart of Rokugan, the Miya are its blood,'" Tanitsu replied. "We are indeed fortunate that Gensaiken-san was present. What of Naseru? I have not seen him since the incident."
 "Naseru is bitter," she continued. "Even he did not see through the creature's facade. I suspect he's off somewhere scheming, concocting some counter-measure to prevent his being fooled again. I feel almost as if I should apologize... that creature nearly had me at my brother's throat..."
 "Your brother would see apology as a sign of weakness, Tsudao-sama," Tanitsu advised. "It is in the past. Leave it in the past."
 Tsudao nodded gravely. "Sometimes I think you know my siblings better than I do, Tanitsu-san," she said. "The four of us have been divided by circumstance and design, and now by politics. Only you know each of us as we know ourselves."
 "My duty and my privilege, Lady of the Sun," Tanitsu said with a proud smile. "You know that I am ever at your service."
 "And Kurohito's," Tsudao said shrewdly.
 "Of late the two have followed a similar path," Tanitsu answered.
 "Really?" Tsudao asked. "I had heard Kurohito had favored Akodo Kaneka, that you had turned his ear with talk of 'taking the raw ore of bushido veined deep within his soul and forging him into the hero our Empire needs.'"
 "I may have said that," Tanitsu grinned.
 "And yet when you arrived here, you supported me in nearly every discourse, every discussion," Tsudao said, "knowing that in return for your support my siblings had offered the Crane the right to an arranged marriage."
 "Water under the bridge," Tanitsu said with a sigh. "There will be no Winter Court, so the agreement is void."
 "And yet I wonder," Tsudao said. "You are friends with all of the heirs. Why would you offer your support to me when Kurohito favors Kaneka?"
 "Kurohito has much in common with Kaneka," Tanitsu said noncommittally. "But a soldier in the field must sometimes obey his own instinct. Kurohito-sama knows that. That is why he sent me."
"So it has nothing to do with your own feelings for Kakita Nanami, who was to be Kaneka's betrothed?" Tsudao asked. "The clever courtier offers the damsel to the Lions and then rescues her single-handedly? A love story for the ages, to be sure."
 Tanitsu glanced up for a moment, startled. His practiced courtier's mask shattered. He quickly composed himself.
 Tsudao grinned. "I'm not half as naive as my siblings think, Tanitsu," she arched an eyebrow. "You may know me, but I know you as well."
 "So I see," Tanitsu answered with a short laugh.
 A sudden cry echoed through the halls of Kyuden Miya. Tsudao was on her feet in an instant, hand resting upon the hilt of her blade. Tanitsu was at her side as a shaken Imperial Guardsman appeared in the doorway.
 "Report," Tsudao demanded.
 "The Steel Throne," the man gasped. "The Steel Throne has been stolen!"
 Only a few weeks ago, the winter breeze had been pleasantly cool. Now it cut through Uso as surely as a blade of ice. The frigid wind numbed his skin, nearly burning him with its intensity. Yet he did not move; he simply stood at the edge of the tall tower of Kyuden Miya and contemplated the power of the wind.
 Mirumoto Temoru could only watch as his daimyo stood facing the fierce winds in some sort of bizarre ritual that only he understood. Was it meant to be penance for his perceived failure at Winter Court? Temoru shook his head. How could Uso have hoped to succeed? The Winds were at each others' throats before the negotiations even began. There had been no chance the heirs would agree on a location, much less one in the beleaguered Dragon holdings.
 "Uso-sama," Temoru began, "we must return to the palace. It grows dark." The daimyo of the Mirumoto gave no indication that he had heard his kinsman. Temoru frowned and braced himself against the chill wind. He would not leave his daimyo, even if it meant remaining here throughout the night.
 Fortunately, that was not necessary. Uso finally stepped away from the window and turned toward Temoru. With a slight smile, he nodded, signaling that it was time to return to the palace. They walked in silence for a time before Uso finally spoke. "What have you heard from our men?"
 A tense look passed over Temoru's features, one that spoke of frustration and anger. "There is no sign of the Throne, my lord. Kitsuki Remata could find no trace of a thief, nor any sign of how it could have been removed."
 "Unfortunate," Uso mused. "If it had been any sort of mundane theft, Remata would have discovered it. Therefore it must be a threat of a different sort. Perhaps the Shadowlands is to blame, or perhaps some foe we cannot predict or foresee. Patience will show us the truth." Uso suddenly changed the topic of the conversation. "Do you know why I stand against the fury of the elements as I do, Temoru?"
 The warrior shook his head. "It is not my place to question your actions, Uso-sama. It is my place only to obey."
 Uso nodded in mute assent. "You are a fine warrior, Temoru. But you must open yourself to question before you can perceive the true way of things." The older warrior turned toward the winding stairs leading to the heart of Kyuden Miya. "I allow myself to experience the fury of the elements in order to remind myself that there are things I cannot control."
 Temoru shook his head. "You are not to blame for Winter Court, Uso-sama."
 "I realize this," Uso said flatly. "There is a destiny for all things, and though we can change the circumstances that surround them, our destinies themselves are already written. Hoshi-sama has often said this, though I did not understand it until now."
 Temoru walked in silence for a time. "Uso-sama," he said, finally, "it is difficult for me to believe that a warrior cannot change his destiny. Was my end written before my life began? Can I not transcend it?"
 Uso smiled slightly. "I do not know the answers you seek, Temoru. But I do know this: questions such as those you ask now are of the sort that have driven the greatest heroes of our clan's history." The older man stopped and stared pointedly at Temoru. "The quest for enlightenment should never be abandoned for the path of the blades alone." Temoru nodded, and the two men continued their walk toward the palace.
 "What will become of the Dragon Clan, Uso-sama?"
 Uso folded his arms within his kimono and was silent for a moment. "It is difficult to know, Temoru. The volcano has delivered us a great wound, one that could prove mortal if we are weak. The news from the front is that our troops have seized the Shrine of the Ki-Rin and the fertile lands that surround it. Unfortunately, we will be unable to use those lands until the spring. Our battle is not yet won, but neither is it lost. There are rumors that the Lady of the Sun, Toturi Tsudao, will lead the Imperial Legions to aid us. Whether or not such rumors are true," he shrugged, "it is not for such as me to say. There is but one thing I know for a certainty." The two men stopped again. Uso turned to face Temoru, and the younger man was taken aback by the sudden change in his lord's features. Uso's mouth was drawn into a thin line and his eyes were filled with a cold fire the likes of which he had never seen before. "The Dragon Clan will someday perish, as all things must. But it will not be at the hands of the Phoenix."
 "Hai, Uso-sama." Temoru gripped the hilt of his katana tightly. "That much of my destiny I can foresee."
 Akodo Kaneka cursed himself for a fool. If he had not been so angry, so frustrated over the ridiculous fiasco of Winter Court, he might not have sent the Seppun escort away. But he had, acting with the same brashness that had caused trouble for him his entire life. Only this time, it might his last mistake.
 The attack had seemed to come from nowhere. Lost in his own thoughts, Kaneka was not sure where the bandits had come from. There had been over a dozen, although that number lessened considerably once Kaneka's blade was free of its saya. But these bandits were both cunning and vengeful; they did not abandon the battle, nor did they attack senselessly. Instead, they circled Kaneka and attacked two at a time, carefully probing his defenses, looking for weakness. Now Kaneka was tiring, while several of the bandits remained fresh. Perhaps he would join his father soon, if he was worthy of a place in the afterlife beside him. He would soon know if he was worthy. But would he be remembered?
 The bandit leader laughed. It was a petty, cruel sound. "You will soon be dead, Akodo Kaneka! And I will be known as the Wind Slayer!" The wiry man had a dangerous glint in his eye. The katana on his hip bore the mon of the Unicorn Clan on its tsuba, doubtless stolen from some lone careless samurai.
 "Face me, fool. We shall see of whom the tales will speak." Kaneka's voice was grim and even, only the barest hint of anger creeping into it. His unquestioned resolve caused the bandit's grin to falter somewhat, but he would not back down. Not in front of his men. To do so would mean mutiny and death at the hands of his own brigands.
 Unfortunately, there was simply no way for Kaneka to finish all of them. He would die here, on the road between the Unicorn and Lion lands. And without him, the Empire would fall into the hands of one of the others. I pray it is you, sister, he thought to himself.
 As Kaneka prepared himself for the final charge, a great shout rose up from the west, followed by the sound of thunder. He dared not turn his back on his attackers, but Kaneka could read the fear in their eyes. Some turned to flee, but were quickly cut down by Kaneka's lightning fast blade. At last, he turned to see what approached.
 Eight great horses streaked across the plains, each ridden by an armored Lion warrior. The plates of armor upon the samurai were laden with the flecks of snow that marked the early winter season. At the head of the Lion scouts rode Ikoma Otemi, the guardian of the western border. Kaneka could not help but appreciate Otemi's look of unabashed joy as he ran down the last few bandits. Combat was the soul of the Lion. Kaneka turned with a flourish, cutting down the final bandit as he turned to flee the field of battle.
 Otemi turned his steed back as his men pursued and eliminated the last remaining bandits. Dismounting quickly, he bowed deeply from the waist in respect. "Konnichi-wa, Kaneka-sama. While I have no doubt that you could easily have defeated such offal yourself, it would be unseemly for the son of Toturi to enter the Lion lands without an escort. My patrol would be honored to serve you."
 Kaneka's face remained completely emotionless as he sheathed his blade. "Of course. It is only fitting, that they died facing me. A bastard should be surrounded by his own kind." A long moment of silence passed as the two men regarded each other stonily. Finally, they both broke into easy grins. "It is good to see you, old friend," Kaneka said folding his arms and nodding at Otemi sharply.
 "You as well, Kaneka-san. And my men thank you for the exercise. These bandits have been plaguing this road for weeks. I had feared they would go to ground during the winter and we would not see them for months." The younger man frowned. "It is extremely unlike them to attack lone targets. It simply is not profitable."
 Kaneka nodded in assent. "It is possible they were told to expect me. There are many who would not see a Lion upon the throne. And my exit from Winter Court was hardly subtle, I fear."
 "Winter Court," sighed Otemi. "I had hoped it would provide me with an escape from my duties here." He gestured to the peaceful plains that surrounded them on all sides. "This is no place for a warrior." Otemi frowned, his frustration evident.
 "A man's position is unimportant," Kaneka admonished. "It is his actions that prove his worth. When it was revealed who my father was a few short years ago, Matsu Nimuro, regarded by many as an arrogant and spiteful man, offered to step down as the Lion Clan Champion so that I might assume my birthright."
 Otemi frowned. "And you said no?"
 "It was not my destiny," Kaneka said. "I had not earned it."
 "Nimuro is an honorable and virtuous man," Otemi agreed. "I merely wish to join him on the front rather than remain here."
 Kaneka shook his head. "Do not be so eager for enemies, Otemi. One day you might find yourself surrounded by them on all sides. What's worse, you may be unable to tell friend from enemy, and want only for the peace you have now."
 Otemi nodded thoughtfully. "You are home now, Kaneka. The Lion are your allies, and you will have the peace you desire, if even for only a short time."
 "Indeed," Kaneka said, looking off to the great plains of the east. "Welcome home."
 Even deep in meditation, Nakamuro easily detected the approach of his scribe. The whispers of the wind that enveloped the Master of Air told of the young man's clumsy climb up the rocky trial where Nakamuro sat overlooking the Phoenix lands.
 "I instructed you not to disturb me, Moroken-san," Nakamuro chided softly. "This cliff is far to arduous for one so inexperienced as you."
 "Please forgive me, master," the boy panted, out of breath from the exertion of the climb. "But you have a visitor. I felt it important to come and inform you."
 Nakamuro raised his eyebrows questioningly. "A guest? How unusual." He thought for a moment. "Still, no one of consequence visits my home. Can this individual truly be so important that you risk your life rather than wait until my return at nightfall? I hardly think so."
 "It is Toturi Sezaru, master."
 Nakamuro was on his feet before he realized he was moving. "The Wolf? Here?" The young apprentice only nodded mutely, his face a mask of reverence and fear. "Yes, master. He requested an audience with you."
 The Master of Air's mind was swimming. Toturi Sezaru was possibly the most powerful shugenja in all of Rokugan. He could quite simply have appeared upon the cliff beside Nakamuro if he wished. Not doing so was a show of respect and courtesy, qualities that the Wind known as the Wolf was supposedly lacking. "Tell him," Nakamuro told his apprentice, regaining his calm, "that I will be with him very shortly. And that I apologize for keeping him waiting." Moroken nodded and half ran, half stumbled back down the cliff towards the simple dwelling that Nakamuro called home. In the meantime, the Master of Air sat down once more and returned to his meditation. "Regardless of his station," Nakamuro thought, "regardless of my distance from the rest of the Council - I am still the Master of Air. I will behave as such rather than some fawning sycophant in court."
 Almost an hour later, Isawa Nakamuro entered the guest chamber of his meager home. Awaiting him was the lone figure of Toturi Sezaru. Clad in robes of red and white, the stern features of the shugenja regarded Nakamuro with an unreadable expression.
 "Welcome to my home, Toturi Sezaru-sama," began Nakamuro. "It is my honor to have such an esteemed guest. I apologize for the delay, but I was-"
 With a wave of his hand, Sezaru cut the Master of Air off in mid-sentence. "Your apologies are unnecessary. Of all people, I understand both the need for meditation and the desire for solitude. Should I find the need to call upon you again in the future, I will inform you in advance."
 Nakamuro nodded mutely. "How may I serve you, Sezaru-sama?"
 "The Phoenix Elemental Masters have certain insights into the nature of the elements that normal shugenja do not typically possess," Sezaru said bluntly. "Normally, I have little for use others, and those who comprise the current council tend to be arrogant and demanding. As fortune would have it, however, the insight I require can be gained from the one Master worthy of my respect." The Wolf turned to face Nakamuro. "You."
 "I am unworthy," Nakamuro said without conceit or malice. "I failed the only task that ever mattered to me. I shall spend my lifetime in penance."
 "Don't be a fool," barked Sezaru. "I know of you and of Taeruko's daughter. Tragic it may have been, but it is in the past. You must leave it there or it will destroy you."
 Nakamuro turned away, unwilling to hear such things. "Ask of me what you will, Sezaru. But I will not speak of this any longer."
 Waving his hand dismissively, Sezaru continued. "I foolishly allowed myself to be distracted by my siblings and their farcical Winter Court." He grimaced as he recalled the incident at Kyuden Miya. "I should have ignored such nonsense and continued my true mission. I will find my father's killer, Nakamuro. No matter the cost, I will avenge his death."
 "It is only just that you do so," Nakamuro said with a sincere nod. "In what way can I aid you?"
Sezaru sat upon the cushions in Nakamuro's home. He folded his hands in the sleeves of his robes and stared intently at the Master of Air. "On the day of my father's funeral, I witnessed a sight unlike any I have seen before. Tell me all you know of the Oracle of Wind."
 Nakamuro sat. The two talked long into the evening.
 "That was weird-weird," Ruantek said.
 The little Nezumi was crouched in the rafters of the court. He'd been there for hours now, and was just thinking maybe it was safe to climb down. When the little oni popped its claws, Ruantek had known-known exactly what to do. He ran! He scampered up the wall, found a good hiding place, and holed up there till it was safe. The big-shiny guards had searched the room from top to bottom, but found-found nothing. Had not even found Ruantek. Sloppy big-shiny guards. Time to get out of here and run-run back home. Other tribes would be disappointed when Ruantek came home. They all been looking forward to this, finally a chance to sit at the big-big Winter Court of the humans and make the Four Winds see that Nezumi were just as important as anyone else. Then stupid the stupid black-claws-oni-Hare-girl messed it all up.
 The Winds probably forgot they'd even invited Ruantek. Ruantek sighed. Sometimes he felt like he was just bit character in kabuki about someone else.
 Well, if the Winds didn't care-care about Ruantek, he didn't care-care about them. He would go back home and tell the tribe what he saw, though.
 About the little black-claws-oni-Hare-girl who turned into an oni.
 About the man with the black blood who walked out with Wolf.
 About the Steel Throne... how it waited till everybody left the room (but Ruantek!) and disappeared in a cloud of greasy smoke and laughter.
 Ruantek would have to tell other Nezumi, since humans would never believe it.
 "An exciting morning, wouldn't you agree?" Hantei Naseru asked. The Anvil strode quickly through the entrance to his personal chambers servants scrambled out of his way. A dozen peasants hurried to pack the heir's belongings so he could leave Kyuden Miya as rapidly as possible. A dozen armed Imperial Guardsmen stood about at attention, ready to give their lives for the Anvil.
 Bayushi Sunetra entered just behind Naseru. Both were dressed in light armor, following the lead of the Crab and disposing of etiquette for practicality. "Exciting, yes," Sunetra said dryly. "If you consider coming a hair's breadth from death and corruption exciting."
 Naseru turned to Sunetra. "I yet live," Naseru said. "And while I live, I shall mock those who dared oppose me. The Shadowlands failed, providing an exciting morning, nothing more. If more of them linger in the palace, the Crab shall deal with them appropriately."
 "Possibly," Sunetra said. Her blue eyes were hooded in concern. "The Crab's pet witch hunter says that the beast was a Pekkle. A shape-shifter that radiates no Taint."
 "A shape-shifter?" Naseru's eyes hardened, and his expression became serious. "Like the minions of the Lying Darkness, the ones my father fought?"
 "Not as extreme," Sunetra answered. "They are very rare, and are only known to assume the shapes of the young. They are seducers, deceivers. They are undetectable, save for their black blood."
 "Seducers. Deceivers. Kindred spirits, Sunetra?" Naseru chuckled.
 Sunetra scowled. "I am serious," she said. "These beasts are dangerous, my lord."
 "I am serious as well," Naseru said. "I will show you how serious. Isei," Naseru said. "My lord," Naseru's chief yojimbo stepped forward, a broad-shouldered older bushi with a great scar across his face.
 "Cut every man and woman in this room," Naseru said, eyes fixed on Sunetra. "Across the left forearm, so that they can still work. Begin with me." He held his left arm forward, rolling the sleeve back with his other hand.
 Isei drew a short dagger from his belt and obeyed his master's orders without questioning. He drew the steel quickly across Naseru's arm. The blood welled up, bright and red.
 "If the blood runs black, kill them," Naseru said, making sure all those in the room heard him. "Go to Paneki, give his troops my permission to do the same to every living creature in this castle, be they eta scum or Elemental Master. I will not endure the Taint beneath the roof of an Imperial Family."
 "Yes, my lord," Seppun Isei said, bowing deeply to his master. The yojimbo paused long enough to cut his own arm, displaying his own red blood. He then stepped toward Bayushi Sunetra. The young samurai-ko glanced from Isei to Naseru incredulously.
 "Surely you can't imply-" she began.
 "The Scorpion talk much in defense of the Empire," Naseru interrupted, ignoring the blood streaming down his arm.   "Are you prepared to bleed for the Empire as well?"
 Sunetra frowned, then unlaced her kote, pulling the armor aside so that Isei could see the fair white flesh of her arm. She said nothing. Isei drew the blade sharply, and the blood ran red.
 "Excellent," Hantei Naseru replied. "What else needs attending before we leave this accursed place?"
 "There is yet the matter of the Steel Throne," Sunetra said. "The Crab reported it missing from the court only an hour ago. Their witch hunter believed it was Tainted."
 "Why is that my concern? Any thief who can spirit a throne of pure steel from a palace guarded by Seppun miharu is certainly not someone I plan to deal with personally," Naseru said. "The Crab have already begun the hunt. Let them finish it. If they need me, they know I am here."
 "There is also the matter of the favor we had planned to offer the Winds," Sunetra said. "With the disruption of Winter Court, the opportunity seems to be lost."
 "That opportunity, perhaps, but all opportunity?" Naseru asked. The Anvil took a scrap of silk from his pocket, tying it tightly about his arm to staunch the bleeding. "Look again. A house in chaos. From the highest to the low, all are suspect, Imperial Guards slashing people's arms with wild abandon. I predict that more than a handful of the pampered courtiers in this palace would give much to avoid the pain of steel on their delicate flesh. I have given you an opportunity, Bayushi Sunetra. If you choose to discard it, that is your own decision."
 Sunetra smiled.
 "Now go," Naseru said, "and let the Scorpion remember who gave you this gift."
 "Yes, Naseru-sama," Bayushi Sunetra said with a bow."
 Ide Tadaji strode solemnly down the halls of Shiro Moto. It had been over a week since the fiasco of Winter Court. He had not been called to see Moto Chagatai during all that time. That the Khan was disappointed in Tadaji's failure was certain. What was not certain was exactly how angry Chagatai was with the aging courtier. The Khan did not have a reputation for mercy or forgiveness.
 With a deep breath and a calm mind, Tadaji walked confidently toward the doors of Chagatai's audience chamber. The silent guards effortlessly opened the massive doors to allow the courtier entrance.
 The chamber was virtually empty. The only other person within the room was Chagatai. Standing near the dais where the Unicorn Champion would hold court, the powerful warrior seemed lost in thought. He stared at the wall were a gaijin scimitar hung, the symbol of the power of the Moto family.
 "This is the blade my grandfather carried when he led the Moto to Rokugan," Chagatai said. "It is the blade he used to destroy the Dark Moto. He set it aside in favor of a katana when Shinjo granted him leadership of the clan. But while he carried this blade, he shook the Empire to its very core. There had never been anything like him in Rokugan." The Khan turned to face Tadaji. "My blade will hang beside it one day."
 "Of course, my Khan." Tadaji knelt before the Champion. "It is my great shame to have failed you, Chagatai-sama. You bade me bring the Winter Court to the Unicorn lands and I did not. I await only your punishment."
 To Tadaji's surprise, the younger man only laughed. "You have never been a fool, Tadaji. Do not begin now. The Winds squabble like the spoiled children they are. It was an impossible task. I sent you only because you have achieved the impossible so often before. Rise." Chagatai gestured for the diplomat to stand, then returned to face the scimitar of Gaheris. "In the end, little was lost. In any event, my preference would be to demonstrate the Unicorn's power through action rather than words."
 Tadaji nodded. "Your generosity overwhelms me, my Khan. But what of your desire to open trading routes beyond Rokugan? Without the approval of a Wind, it seems unlikely that this can be accomplished."
 Chagatai snorted derisively. "I have had merchants trading with the gaijin beyond Rokugan for months now, Tadaji."
 The old courtier rocked on his heels, a carefully masked expression of shock on his face. Such an undertaking would require a massive allocation of resources, yet he had noticed nothing amiss in the Unicorn lands. Winter Court had only been a way to legitimize what Chagatai was already doing, not gain permission. "My lord," Tadaji framed his next comment very carefully, "this is a very profitable yet dangerous undertaking. There are numerous Imperial edicts against trade with gaijin."
 The Khan nodded. "Yes, there are. Yet there is no Emperor upon the throne." Chagatai turned to face the courtier. "Nor is there even a throne, as I understand it. What can you tell me of this phenomenon, Tadaji?"
 "Only that the Steel Throne was moved to Kyuden Miya for Winter Court, then mysteriously vanished in the aftermath of the oni attack. It was simply... gone. All efforts to locate it have failed."
 "Would anyone be able to steal such an item? Would they be foolish enough to try?"
 Tadaji mulled the question over carefully, shifting his hands inside the sleeves of his kimono. "There were, of course, some who blamed the Scorpion. But in truth, I cannot imagine anyone who would have both the knowledge and the resources to do such a thing. Even Yojiro, while certainly cunning enough for such a ploy, would not commit such an offense."
 Chagatai was silent for a moment. "There are those who say that this is an omen," he said simply. "There are those who believe the Winds are not fit to rule the Empire."
 Tadaji said nothing. The Khan's ambition was boundless, and Tadaji could not be sure that it was not warranted. Chagatai was certainly an able leader.
 "The Baraunghar, the Army of the West, has already been dispatched to aid the Crab," Chagatai changed the topic. "Chen has asked to lead the Army of the East, the Junghar, into battle as well. What are your thoughts, Tadaji?"
 "If the war turns against the Crane, they will offer us a great deal to withdraw our support of the Crab. It could be used as leverage to strengthen our position in the courts."
 Chagatai nodded once more. "Good. Exploit that opportunity when it arises. I will instruct Lixue to redouble her efforts. Just as we dominate the battlefield, so too must we garner respect in the courts. This I leave to you, Tadaji."
 The old man bowed deeply. "Yes, my Khan."
 The warrior turned once again to regard his grandfather's blade. "My day will come soon."
 Miya Gensaiken looked out at the road ahead. The winding path led deep through the heart of the Dragon mountains. There would be war and battle ahead, war between the Phoenix, Dragon, and Lion. Even yet, none would block their travel. Not so long as they traveled beneath the banner of the Wolf, potential heir to the Empire. The Emerald Legion that protected Gensaiken and his group would dissuade those who dared meddle with the servants of Toturi Sezaru.
 Rank had its privileges. Gensaiken could get used to this.
 "I do not believe we have met," said the tall, thin man riding beside Gensaiken. "My name is Ryoma, of the Asako house." The man bowed and held out his right hand, displaying the white eye tattoo upon his palm.
 Gensaiken carefully prevented his face from showing any dismay as he returned the bow. This one was an Inquisitor, a hunter of hidden darkness. That one would have to be dealt with. "It is an honor to meet you, Ryoma-san," Gensaiken said. "I am-"
 "I know who you are," Ryoma replied. "Koshei told me everything. You are the man to whom my master owes his life, his honor, and his soul. I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Miya Gensaiken-san."
 Gensaiken smiled politely. "It is the least I can do for the son of the Splendid Emperor."
 Ryoma inclined his head in acknowledgment.
 Gensaiken took Ryoma's momentary distraction as an opportunity to look into the man's soul.
He saw obsession. A deep dedication to the pursuit of purity. A deep loyalty to Toturi Sezaru. He saw boundless courage and a thirst for justice. He saw a very clear, personal image of what Ryoma believed justice and purity truly were.
 Asako Ryoma would make a dangerous enemy... or a useful tool. Enemies could always be destroyed later. A new tool was always worth consideration.
 "If there is anything you need, friend Inquisitor, consider me at your disposal," Gensaiken added.
Ryoma nodded and returned his attention to the road, not suspecting the deeper meaning of his new companion's words.
 "Enjoying yourself, are we?" spoke a voice within Gensaiken's soul, or within what passed for it.
Shahai.
 "Life is joy, Lady of Blood," Gensaiken replied, speaking the words in his mind. "I am fortunate in that my occupation is also my passion."
 "Idle luxury?" Shahai asked.
 "Manipulation," Gensaiken added.
 "I know your kind, Gensaiken," Shahai said. "I know more than one Pekkle oni who grew too comfortable in the life it created for itself."
 "You do not know me," Gensaiken said. "I live only for the war against the Empire, for the sake of corruption. I look upon these bags of flesh and see only empty vessels to be filled with the glory of the Dark God. As you were."
 "Watch your tongue, Pekkle," Shahai said. "You are never beyond my reach."
 "Indeed," Gensaiken mused. "If you have not already heard, dark mistress, the plan was a success. I suppose your threats are my thanks?"
 "I never threaten," Shahai said. "I heard the other was slain."
 "I work alone," Gensaiken said. "For eighteen years I have cultivated my position in this family, since the day I devoured the true Gensaiken in his crib and replaced him. None suspect me. The one you sent was sloppy. She caused trouble. Another day, another hour perhaps, and the Crab's witch hunter would have known her for what she was. By destroying her, I was able to secure my own position with the Wolf and none are the wiser."
 "The summoning was difficult," Shahai replied, her mental voice tense now. "There are only a handful of Pekkle in the whole of the Empire."
 "The prize is well worth the expense, Shahai-sama," Gensaiken said. Inwardly, he was glad to be rid of the competition. There was no room for incompetent spies in the ranks of Fu Leng. "Thanks to her sacrifice, we now lay coiled about the heart of the Wolf."
 "Fine," Shahai said. "I will trust your judgment. I have no choice. What of the throne?"
 "The throne?" Gensaiken asked. "Sezaru will secure the throne soon enough. With my aid-"
 "No, I mean the Steel Throne," she said. "My spies report that it vanished."
 Gensaiken paused. "I know nothing of that," he said. "However... my sister's Taint ran rampant when the Winds slew her. Any man or woman in that room may be corrupted now, despite Sezaru's attempts to dispel the darkness. The throne itself possessed an obsidian streak when I saw it last. Tainted nemuranai have a mind of their own, my Lady. Perhaps it left seeking a new master?"
 "Who?" Shahai asked.
 "I suppose we shall find out," Gensaiken answered. "I doubt something so powerful as a Tainted throne will remain concealed for long..."

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