Katana of Trust: The Kami Prophecy, #1

By A.C. Ward

Escaping death by her father's hand was only the beginning....

 

Determined to prove herself to the gods, Shou will do anything to forget the journey that brought her to the island of the kami.  Now is her time to rise up and take her place as the chosen one of the prophecy.

 

But when enemies try to destroy Shou, another human saves her. She's shocked that he bears the same mark as she. Suddenly, Shou questions everything about her history.  

 

Teaming up with Masaru, heir to the Date clan, is her only option to uncover the truth and save herself from death.  As Masaru and Shou grow closer, one thing is certain: they've been wrong about the prophecy all along. Horribly wrong. 

 

Will Shou fight for her place among the kami or forge a path of her own?

 

The first book in The Kami Prophecy, a YA series based on some historical fact and full of action, mythical creatures, and adventure, all set in a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.C. Ward
• Release date: Mar 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393406341

A.C. Ward

A.C. Ward is a little worried that her internet search history is on some sort of watch list. For her writing she has researched demonic rituals, exorcism, and lethal stab wounds. Her next work in process is only making it worse. A.C, lives with her husband, daughter, and various pets – dog, cat, gecko, fish, and tarantula. When she’s not writing she’s watching Netflix or rereading her favorite manga. She’d love to hear from her fans. You can contact her at [e-mail].

Book preview

Prologue

Their daughter had always been quick on her feet, and that is what saved her from her father.

Seika tried to reach them. He had locked her away, but some of his household were still loyal to her. She was the one with them as he fought his campaigns. She was the one that knew them by name while he barked his orders. She was the one that had built a home for their daughter and hidden from his eyes how special the being they had created truly was.

In the mists over the water, a shimmer sparkled in the rising dawn. The island was barely visible. The mountain on it reached toward the fading stars. Seika could hear soft laughter from the beings that resided there.

Please protect her, she huffed, running toward her daughter even through her exhaustion. The kami, the spiritual beings and gods that ruled the world, did not answer but watched in anticipation.

Her husband lifted his sword, no hesitation in his swing as he brought it down toward his daughter. Seika was too far away, by moments.

But their daughter leaped forward, into the water and beyond the reach of the sword. She turned, wariness in her green eyes, the look she always had for her father. A look that Seika had tried to make disappear with her love.

Do not disobey me, Ujiyasu said, his eyes narrowed under his helm. He had worn his armor to murder his child.

But he was too late. Seika threw herself into the water, placing her body between them. There is no honor in this, she told the man that she had never come to understand.

He stared back at her. I was saving you from this task. If you had not hidden the mark from me for nearly six years, this loss would be easier.

It is a mark of honor. The raised swirl depicting a dragon on their daughter’s shoulder was beyond anything of their world. The kami had marked her from even before the womb. Seika felt pride that they had chosen her daughter. She had thought it brought a purpose to her arranged marriage. A purpose to the life she had mourned living. Your daughter is the child of the prophecy.

Which makes removing her from this world my responsibility. Ujiyasu lifted his sword. Do not force me to remove you with her.

Seika lowered her head. The chill of the water weighed down her kimono. She had lost her sandals long before, and her bare feet were visible below the surface, with the tiny toes of her daughter just behind her. The child had always loved the feel of the land beneath her flesh, hating the way sandal straps dug in as she ran with joy.

She turned to her daughter, meeting the confusion in her gaze. Reaching out, she cupped the child’s face, feeling her lean into the touch. I am sorry.

Her daughter’s eyes darted to each of her parents as she backed away from even her mother.

I love you, Seika continued, but the kami are your family now. They likely always were. Seek them and find your place. Go! Swim to the island.

With a scream that was very much a battle cry, Seika flew at her husband. The sword slashed down, and her stomach burned as if the metal were flame. She still managed her purpose and tackled the man to the ground.

Her weight would earn her daughter mere moments, so Seika clung to his armor, grunting in pain each time Ujiyasu tried to throw her off. His blade pierced deep, and her fingers lost their hold, allowing him to shove her away.

Seika’s back thumped to the ground, and she managed to turn her head. Her daughter had obeyed. Sleek in the water, she had already reached midway. If Seika squinted, she could see the green of the island through the mist beyond the child. It continued to shimmer, and Seika prayed for it to wait just a moment longer.

You taught the child to swim in my absence. Ujiyasu gained his feet and stared across the lake.

Their daughter reached the other side, pulling herself onto the land.

The sun rose fully. A flare of bright green light blinded them as it raced across the land. When it faded, so had the mysterious island.

She is safe from you, Seika murmured.

For ten years. You have allowed the abomination time, that is all. Her husband turned to her, a frown marring his features. It held sadness, not the anger she expected. You gave your life for nothing. I will still find her, and you will not be here to protect her. He looked past her. Come, son. Let’s go home.

Seika hadn’t realized he was there. Her focus had all been on their daughter. She hadn’t considered that he would bring his son to the scene.

The boy moved to his father’s side, his eyes on Seika, but not on her face. He stared at the wound in her stomach, the blood flowing. Shouldn’t we provide an end to her? A spark lit in his eyes.

No, Ujiyasu said, placing his hand on the shoulder of his son. Let her face her failure until the end.

They stepped over Seika’s prone body. The young boy looked back once, a frown of frustration marking his face.

Seika gazed over the sun-dappled water to an island that could no longer be seen. Please accept her, she prayed. The white sparkle grew until it blinded her. She pictured her favorite thing, the full smile that had crossed her daughter’s face, though not often enough. Accept her as no one besides me ever has.

As the kami watched, her last breath slipped from her body.

Chapter 1

Masaru schooled his expression, which was easy to do when people only saw half his face. His eyepatch and a curtain of hair blocked most of the hidden side. He brushed a finger along the patch, ignoring the pain in his back as he straightened. It wasn’t as if it was the first time he’d experienced it.

His steps were strong and sure as he strode down the castle corridor. His uncovered eye barely flicked as others moved out of his path. Masaru was used to being avoided. The rumors about him were ridiculous to listen to, but even so, they spread throughout the clan. The one he shook his head over most was that he ate babies in order to feed his yokai eye, hidden beneath the patch. Yokai were a myth, just as all kami were. He hated that his people were so superstitious.

I am glad to find you, my lord, Katashi said, following up the greeting with a clap on his shoulder.

Masaru stilled, willing his face to remain void. His retainer’s hand had missed the lashes, but his back reverberated with the pain of the jostle.

Katashi didn’t miss much. His hand fell to his side. She did it directly before the challenge?

Masaru started walking again, not bothering to answer.

I’ll speak to Lord Teremune. Maybe he will—

Masaru rounded on him, backing him into the wall. You’ll do nothing.

Katashi’s lips tightened as he stared into Masaru’s good eye. He nodded. As you wish, Lord Masaru.

Murmurs filled Masaru’s ears as others avoided the hall. He straightened, even that act dragging the cloth of his kimono over the whip’s lashes. I’m not your lord, he said, turning away.

Not yet, but you’re still Lord Teremune’s heir. Katashi met his stride. That’s why you’re representing our clan in the challenge.

Masaru didn’t respond, feeling eyes pressing in on him. He was almost to his rooms. Then he could collect his thoughts and prepare his mind. The sliding door was like a beacon before him, and some of the tension in his shoulders eased as he opened it. You are dismissed until it’s time to depart.

Katashi put his hand on the door before it slid shut again. I am not. He pushed his way forward and shut the door behind him. We’re here now, so drop the act and let me attend to your wounds.

Masaru openly glared at him. I can handle this.

You’re going to allow me to apply salves and cloths. You’re not the type to risk more than you have to. Katashi went to the nearby shelves, pulling down the items he would need. Who knows what this island will hold for you? You must be as prepared as you can be.

Masaru frowned as he eased his robes off his shoulders. A hiss escaped his lips as the cloth stuck to the wounds. Katashi glanced his way but didn’t comment as he finished gathering the supplies. Do you truly believe that the island exists? Masaru asked.

I do. I was raised in the temple, a fact you’re not likely to forget. Katashi moved behind him, and Masaru could almost feel the man’s grimace as he stared at the damage to his back. Something must be done about that woman. That she would—

You will hold your words, Masaru ordered. She is my mother, and wife to the daimyo. He winced as the first of the salve was applied.

Pardon me, Katashi said. He was being as gentle as he could, Masaru knew. Katashi had been his retainer for years, and his father’s before that. The man had practically raised him, though he was only five years older than Masaru’s own seventeen. He was the closest thing to a friend that Masaru had. As much of a friend as he could be, with their difference in positions.

They both allowed silence to reign. Masaru focused on enduring, one aspect of life he excelled in.

Supposedly, the island he was being escorted to only existed on a single evening once every ten years. A line of the kami prophecy had finally been deciphered that spoke of it.

After light is cast on the dragon marked Heirs of the Kami

Seek the island’s blessing during a single decade night.

Masaru brushed his cheek beneath the hair that covered it. Touched by the kami, that is what he’d always been accused of. He had often wished that the mark would fade, that of the dragon chasing its own tail. The mark was the reason his mother continuously tried to remove imperfections from his body. He had yet to see anything that he would consider beyond the human world. His mother and father believed in the kami enough for all of them.

No, it wasn’t the kami that were a risk. It was the heirs of the other clans, all being sent after the same prize. They would be in the same vicinity for the first time, and the situation would be rife with the opportunity to make allies, as well as enemies.

Masaru broke off a hiss of pain as Katashi ministered to a deeper lash on his shoulder. His mother had assured that he would go into the situation at a disadvantage.

Katashi read his thoughts as usual. I wish I could join you.

Masaru acknowledged the sentiment with a nod. Thank you for the additional sparring matches. His friend did not hold back, but showed him his true progress. Masaru did not often come out the winner, but he had done so twice in the preceding weeks.

You’re ready, Katashi said. He laid his hand over the last salve-soaked cloth. Given your sight, remember to open your other senses. You can overcome anyone you set your mind to.

Yeah, Masaru said, but he didn’t believe it. His shoulders tightened as he focused on his goal. He was future lord of the Date. He would manage somehow.

Now, come, Katashi said. When Masaru turned, there was a pleased smile on his retainer’s face. I’ll help you into your armor. It’s almost time to join the clan. We depart soon.

Right. Join the clan. In order to be sacrificed to the gods he didn’t