Samurai: The Valiant Series, #3

By Joanna White

A brave samurai woman, a one-armed Empress, and a dying clan searching for a breakthrough…

 

War is near, and empress Megumi and samurai Akari cannot trust anyone else to save their clan. While out on a mission, Akari is shocked to discover technology she's never seen before in the hands of their enemies. How can they fight against guns and cannons with only swords?

 

Noble-born Megumi is forced into a position she never wanted, and her disloyal court is searching tirelessly for any reason to have her dethroned and killed. How can she lead her people to safety if they won't accept her?

 

To defeat the evil forces conspiring against them, Akari and Megumi may have to give up everything. Is their loyalty and bravery enough to defeat a darkness more powerful than anything they've ever seen? Or will they sacrifice everything in vain?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joanna White
• Release date: Sep 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201764319

Joanna White

Joanna White is a Christian Author and fangirl. Hunter and Shifter are the first two books in her debut series, called the Valiant Series. She writes Fantasy, Science Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Historical Fiction, Nonfiction, and more. Her short stories have been featured in several anthologies.  She graduated from Full Sail University with a BFA in Creative Writing For Entertainment. Ever since she was ten years old, she's been writing stories and has a deep passion for writing and creating stories, worlds, characters, and plots that readers can immerse themselves in. In 2020, she reached her personal goal of writing a million words in a year. Most of all, Joanna loves God, her family, staying at home, and being a total nerd. To stay updated and find out more about her novels, where her inspiration comes from, games, giveaways, and more, visit her website at: authorjoannawhite.com

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Samurai

Valiant Book Three

Joanna White

Contents

OTHER BOOKS IN THE VALIANT SERIES:

Copyright Page

Dedication

Map

Map

1.Chapter One

2.Chapter Two

3.Chapter Three

4.Chapter Four

5.Chapter Five

6.Chapter Six

7.Chapter Seven

8.Chapter Eight

9.Chapter Nine

10.Chapter Ten

11.Chapter Eleven

12.Chapter Twelve

13.Chapter Thirteen

14.Chapter Fourteen

15.Chapter Fifteen

16.Chapter Sixteen

17.Chapter Seventeen

18.Chapter Eighteen

19.Chapter Nineteen

20.Chapter Twenty

21.Chapter Twenty-One

22.Chapter Twenty-Two

23.Chapter Twenty-Three

24.Chapter Twenty-Four

25.Chapter Twenty-Five

26.Chapter Twenty-Six

27.Chapter Twenty-Seven

Part Two

28.Chapter Twenty-Eight

29.Chapter Twenty-Nine

30.Chapter Thirty

31.Chapter Thirty-One

32.Chapter Thirty-Two

33.Chapter Thirty-Three

34.Chapter Thirty-Four

35.Chapter Thirty-Five

36.Chapter Thirty-Six

37.Chapter Thirty-Seven

38.Chapter Thirty-Eight

39.Chapter Thirty-Nine

40.Chapter Forty

41.Chapter Forty-One

42.Chapter Forty-Two

43.Chapter Forty-Three

44.Chapter Forty-Four

45.Chapter Forty-Five

Part Three

46.Chapter Forty-Six

47.Chapter Forty-Seven

48.Chapter Forty-Eight

49.Chapter Forty-Nine

50.Chapter Fifty

51.Chapter Fifty-One

52.Chapter Fifty-Two

53.Chapter Fifty-Three

54.Chapter Fifty-Four

55.Chapter Fifty-Five

56.Chapter Fifty-Six

57.Chapter Fifty-Seven

58.Chapter Fifty-Eight

59.Chapter Fifty-Nine

Epilogue

Reclaimed

Assassin's Cover

Sneak Peek of Assassin, Valiant Book Four

Author's Note

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OTHER BOOKS IN THE VALIANT SERIES:

Forgotten – A short introduction to Hunter

Hunter – Valiant Book One

Rebels – A Valiant Companion Novel

Sightless – A short companion to Hunter

Shifter – Valiant Book Two

Reclaimed – A short companion to Shifter

Samurai – Valiant Book Three

Healed – A short companion to Samurai

Assassin – Valiant Book Four

Victorious – A short companion to Assassin

Rogue – Valiant Book Five

Bound – A short companion to Rogue

Survivor – Valiant Book Six – Coming Fall 2024

Mortal – A Valiant Prequel

Immortal – A Valiant Prequel – Coming 2024

The Republic Chronicles Series:

Dark Magi – A Republic Chronicles Prequel

Light Magi – Republic Chronicles Book One

Shadow Magi – Republic Chronicles Book Two – Coming Soon

The Calamity's Hope Series:

Volcano – Calamity's Hope Book One

Earthquake – Calamity's Hope Book Two

Wildfire – Calamity's Hope Book Three

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Copyright © 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 by Joanna White

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review. For more information, address: [e-mail].

Fourth Edition, 2024 by Joanna White.

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Thanks to God, my Father in Heaven, for giving me this talent and passion for writing and for giving me this story to tell. This book is dedicated to my family for all their support, especially to my husband for being my editor and encouraging me on this journey.

A huge shout out to the fans and readers of The Valiant Series and your excitement and patience as you waited for this book.

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Chapter one

AKARI

THE LAND HAD never been more alive. Crystal rivers snaked through verdant forests and across lush prairies and peaceful hills, flowing with beauty and life. The grass constantly moved and shifted due to the wind, with no concern for time or space. The many different colored trees danced as the wind caressed their leaves. So many colors dotted the landscape; purple vines hugged tall tree trunks, spidering down them like webs. A few trees held leaves as yellow as the dawn itself. Fruits—oh, the delicious fruits—grew in vast quantities; the sour and sweet ones, the ones with brown dots as dark as bruises, others bigger than a human head. Some were thick enough that only a sword could penetrate them. Several had seeds and others were seedless… All were unique in their own way.

Out of all the trees, the most elegant was the cherry blossom. It was the time of its blooming, which only came for a couple months every two years in our world. Pink and white petals cascaded off the branches. Their balletic movements looked like falling snowflakes; so alluring, yet so fragile. Like a life that was blessed, but would too soon meet its end.

I, Okada Akari, stood below their shattering beauty, gazing at the rare and precious moments of their lives.

Well, well. What is a girl from the Sakamoto Clan doing all the way out here? The voice which had spoken was low, the voice of a man. His accent sounded vaguely familiar—that of the Iwashita clan to the East.

I turned, allowing my hand to rest within reach of the katana at my left hip.

The man wore a dark blue kimono made of light silk; fit for the season. The quality of the silk implied he held some importance. He wore his katana on his left hip, with a matching wakizashi just under it. There was no doubt that this man was a samurai. Though his lips upturned into a smirk, his eyes narrowed on mine, alert and fierce. His face looked quite handsome, and he appeared no older than I. His colors—dark blue and white—were that of the Iwashita clan, as was the insignia on the end of the handle of his katana.

The colors on my kimono, as well as the insignia on my own weapon, had revealed to him what clan I hailed from. I would have to proceed cautiously to avoid a fight. I could say the same of you, Iwashita samurai. I narrowed my eyes, but slightly shifted my right foot back in case I would be forced to draw my katana.

Half his mouth lifted into what was something in-between a grin and a smirk. And here I thought today was going to be boring. Though his eyes never left mine, his hand drifted toward his sword.

I rested my right hand on my own. Do you realize you are outside your clan’s borders?

He raised an eyebrow and looked around, feigning surprise. Oh? I truly hadn’t noticed.

I frowned at him. What is your purpose here?

He shrugged—his expression indifferent.

Whatever his intentions, I could not allow him to remain in our borders. He did not seem to be the sort of man who would listen, nor honor any request I would make, but I knew I had to try.

It would be wise if you would return to the Iwashita Clan’s borders. I kept my voice calm, but firm.

And if I don’t? I suppose you plan to make me? His eyes slid over me lazily.

Only if I am forced to.

He used his thumb to unsheathe his katana just a bit. Before he could draw his weapon, I darted toward him. As I moved, I pulled out my katana to hit his ribs with the hilt as I ran past him. Only when I did so, he was not there. The blow would have been strong enough to knock his breath out, especially at the speed I had been going.

Yet he had been faster.

I glanced over my right shoulder, moving my right arm in the same direction as I turned around. The movement came just in time to block a strike from him toward the right side of my neck.

He raised his eyebrows and clicked his tongue. Not bad. Too slow, but not bad. He grinned as his blade pressed against mine.

The force shoved me backwards.

I recovered quickly enough to block another attack at my left ribs. He attacked up higher and to the right, which I blocked, and then I lunged forward as he back stepped. Sidestepping, I parried another jab toward my chest.

His attacks continued, and though I was able to block them in time, he was not using his full strength.

He only toyed with me.

I ducked underneath his next attack and slid past him. With a quick turn, I swung toward him, and then continued the movement by slicing it all the way across, where his back should have been.

Once again, he was not there.

Though he dodged, I continued the flowing movement, turning around to face him. Tightening my grip on my weapon, I slid my feet to form a defensive stance.

He stepped toward me, in an aggressive stance.

I swung toward his stomach.

He blocked and lunged at me faster than my eyes could fully follow. I just barely managed to block him with the back of my katana, but he had the offensive once again. He twisted to the left, and before I saw anything, he appeared behind me.

The cold steel of his blade bit at the right side of my throat.

He laughed. Now what?

I shifted my feet to get a better position so that I could kick him, but he shoved me forward. Grabbing my right wrist, he twisted, making me groan and drop my katana.

I moved my right leg to try to kick his knee, but he twisted me to the left and slammed my chest against a tree.

His legs pressed roughly against mine, keeping me from moving. Letting go of my wrist, which was no doubt sprained, he grabbed my hair. He roughly jerked my head back so that it was beside his.

I grunted and struggled, but to no avail; his grip was like iron.

He chuckled at my struggling. What’s the matter? Can’t get away from me, woman?

I clawed at him, digging my nails into his arm. Fighting back only seemed to entice him, however.

This might hurt a little. With those words, he slammed my head against the tree. My vision darkened, and I fell unconscious.

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WHEN I FINALLY awoke, I leaned against a tree with my hands tied around the trunk behind me. My katana and wakizashi had both vanished. I pulled, but I couldn’t break out of whatever held me.

Welcome back, woman, the samurai said from where he sat against a tree. Why don’t you tell me your name? Unless you’d rather I just keep calling you ‘woman.’

Okada Akari, but you may call me by my family name.

Hmm…. Okada... Where have I heard that name before?

Instead of answering him, I focused on my surroundings.

We camped in a small area surrounded by trees. He leaned against a tree to my right, and a fire sat directly in front of me. My katana and wakizashi lay just beside him on the ground. His katana laid atop his knees, which he had drawn up to his chest, and his hands rested atop his blade.

Because of the nighttime around us, and our moon stayed far away and dim, I had only the light from the fire to see with. With that light, I could just barely make out his features.

His dark eyes and sharp features gave him an intimidating appearance. Despite the smirk that seemed permanently etched on his face, an air of seriousness flowed around him. His eyes appeared lazy but missed nothing. Yet something about him showed that he was neither inexperienced or naive.

He kept part of his dark, shoulder-length hair pinned back, leaving a few loose strands hanging down by his face. Cherry blossoms fell around him like gentle rain. It was a picture of fierce serenity, like the calm before a storm destroyed everything you held dear; agonizingly beautiful and viciously peaceful.

What are you staring at? Though his expression was a mixture of boredom and irritation, his tone sounded merely curious.

"What should I call you?" I asked instead of answering.

Shinji. He closed his eyes.

Just Shinji? Is that a family name?

No. He answered without opening his eyes.

I sighed and saw no reason for further conversation.

I had no idea what fate awaited me.

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Chapter two

MEGUMI

EVERYTHING INSIDE THE imperial palace was a riot of deep shades of violet, red, and white. Silks and velvets hung along the walls, as did vivid paintings of the Old World. Scrolls also scattered about with famous poems etched upon them, written in masterful calligraphy. These poems spoke of beauty and life and sometimes bushido—the way of the warrior.

Inside the council chamber, a large, wide table sat low to the ground—as was customary of all the tables in our world—that could sit many people. Around it sat the leaders of the most prominent clans, the right-hand advisor to the Emperor, the Shogun who was the military advisor, the ten most important advisors to the Emperor, along with the Emperor himself, his wife, and I.

I sat at the end of the table, directly opposite from the Emperor. As his daughter, I was to sit quietly and listen in on the meeting. Everyone tucked their legs beneath them as they knelt on the floor. My mother and I kept our hands folded in our laps. I kept my face perfectly composed, showing nothing of my anxiety to leave.

This particular discussion focused on the clans and their alliances. Two of the biggest clans, beside ours, were on the brink of war: the Iwashita Clan and the Nishimura Clan. The rest of the clans’ loyalties were in question; none of the advisors knew exactly which side they supported in the conflict. My father wished to settle the disagreements without the use of the samurai.

Most of the politics were still slightly confusing to me. However, I was forced to listen in should the day come when I would take the throne. I knew it never would. Once I married, my husband would take the position of Emperor and he would rule, not me.

In addition, I knew that none of the clan leaders or members of the council would rest easily with me on the throne. Not one of them would accept me as their Empress, in any case.

No clan would accept an Empress who had only one arm.

As soon as the meeting ended, my father dismissed all the clan leaders. Only his personal advisors remained in order that they could discuss the matter further without the prying ears of the other clan leaders.

The Iwashita Clan will not listen! If we receive the loyalty of the other clans, they will only feel threatened. The man who had spoken was my father’s right-hand advisor, whose family name was Okada.

Another advisor spoke up. Especially if the Nishimura ally themselves with us! What will the Iwashita do then?

Though it was rhetorical, my father spoke up. Either way, one clan will feel threatened over the other.

It would be in our best interests, and the interests of the people, if we were to stay neutral to this conflict, the Shogun said.

My father’s eyes narrowed. He was a middle-aged man, bulky and brave. Although he was the emperor, and not expected to fight, he kept himself in good physical shape. His eyes held wisdom and experience. The only signs that the stress of leading our entire clan had taken its toll on him were the lines that had begun to age his face, ever so slightly. And leave the people of both clans to suffer, due to their war?

Yet we would be placing our own people in harm’s way in the process, the Shogun continued. I think it would be best to let these two clans fight it out on their own.

My father thought about this deeply. He was not one to want innocent people to suffer, but he always put the needs and interests of his people first. It was rare for anyone in a leadership position, and even more so for an Emperor. I cannot deny assistance when it is asked for. The Iwashita may only fight the Nishimura, but should they overtake the Nishimura, how long before they turn against the other clans, or even our clan should they gain enough support? I have no choice but to involve myself in these affairs. All we can do is pray it does not result in all-out war.

The somber faces around the room showed no disagreements. My father had made up his mind.

As the rest of the advisors filed out, Mother stood and left the chamber, leaving only Father and I. I rose and had almost left the room when he spoke. Hurrying off so soon?

I smiled at him sheepishly. I was just…

Going to train with Ryosuke again?

My eyes widened and I was not able to meet his gaze.

Megumi, I know how much training means to you. I am glad Ryosuke helps you. Better hurry to him.

I looked at him, shocked, unable to reply for a few seconds. Normally, I would have been scolded or worse. I knew it was not my place to train with the samurai but to focus on politics and policies, laws and elegance, formality and sophistication. Maybe it was the tension between the clans, or the fact that we were on the brink of war, but something had compelled my father to encourage my training, not rebuke it.

I nodded and started toward the shoji again. The moment I placed my hand on the side of it, I hesitated, turning back to my father. If the Iwashita go to war with us, can we hope to beat them, Father?

He met my gaze and smiled, though it did not reach his eyes. For now, do not worry on such things. Enjoy the present time, or you will miss out on the precious moments as they pass you by.

I nodded and headed out the door.

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Chapter three

MEGUMI

AS SOON AS I reached the dojo grounds, my stomach danced with butterflies and nerves. I was more excited than anything, but a part of me felt nervous whenever Ryosuke and I trained. He was wise well beyond his years. At only twenty-three-years-old, he served directly underneath his father, the High General, and had earned every bit of his position. Despite the fact that I was only four years younger than him, his strategies and advanced techniques made me feel no more than a mere child.

If I remember correctly, you have a council meeting to attend. The moment Ryosuke’s eyes rested on mine, he spoke those words to me.

I did, and now I am here, I replied simply.

Does your father know you’re here? He slightly narrowed his eyes, but his expression looked pleased.

I shrugged yet smiled.

You need to pay closer attention to the meetings. Someday…

I interrupted him. Someday, someday, yes. Look at me, Ryosuke. You know as well as I do that I could never be the Empress. For now, I will do what I want to do.

He looked as if he was about to protest, but changed his mind. What is it you want to do then?

I wish to train here with you. I smiled warmly.

The first time he had ever looked at me, his expression had been like everyone else’s when they saw me: full of doubt and disbelief. Some had even looked at me with disgust.

For a second, his expression mirrored what it had the first time we had sparred, but it quickly changed to understanding. He met my gaze, as if trusting the decision I had made, and placed his hand on the katana at his left hip.

I drew my shortened katana. It was a little longer than a wakazashi, yet shorter than a regular katana, forged especially for me. It enabled me to wield it with only one arm, so my strikes would still be effective. Many samurai used both hands to get the most power behind their attacks; a one-handed samurai was unable to fight to his or her full potential. It was why I was seen as, not only as a disabled girl, but one who would never learn the art of the sword. Someone who would never be able to strike with full power or win against an equal or better opponent.

The first time Ryosuke and I had sparred, he had been surprised at how well I had fought. Though I had lost to him that day, he knew from then on that I was not as weak as everyone assumed. It took some time, but eventually he had seen me as a warrior—an equal.

I slid into an aggressive stance, with my right foot back, right hand facing downward and behind me.

Ryosuke pulled out his katana, raising it above his head, stepping out with his left foot forward. I charged toward him, stepping with my right foot and moving my right arm forward as I did so. I lunged with the blade toward his chest, but he gracefully parried it away to the right.

I slipped around and behind him quickly. My technique focused on speed and smaller strikes, whereas his focused more on strong, single-attacks. I spun about, so that I faced his back, as I struck forward with my sword.

He had predicted what I would do, and dodged to the right, turning halfway to face me as he moved. He went into action then, striking toward my head from above with a powerful attack. I twisted to the side, stepping closer to him. While inside his guard, I thrust toward his neck. He swiped my sword aside, stepping backwards to create distance before he attacked again. I jumped back to avoid his blow before reengaging again.

We read each other perfectly. When one took a step, the other moved as well; when one attacked, the other blocked or dodged it. For the next several minutes, we danced back-and-forth. Neither one of us was able to gain the upper hand. What we could not say with words, we spoke with our swords. He understood me in a way no one else did. I was not weak in his eyes nor disabled. He was more than just a mindless soldier to me; he was all the strength I did not have and provided the confidence I needed. Though we were indeed two very different people, we complemented each other.

Our swords and techniques worked similarly to our personalities. What everyone saw as a less powerful technique, evasion and quickness, worked against his undeniable power and strength; opposite in every way, yet neither able to overcome the other.

He advanced toward me, jabbing his katana toward my heart. Though I blocked and deflected his blow, it was still strong enough to knock me backwards. Fortunately, I stayed on my feet and recovered as quickly as I could, just in time, as he stepped closer to me. I stepped forward just as he did. We were inside the other’s strike zones as we both lunged for a final attack.

I stopped at the last minute, my katana just an inch from his chest, while his just barely touched the skin on my neck. I smiled at him, breathing hard. He returned the smile and lowered his weapon, sheathing it. I took a step back, trying to control my breathing.

You’re getting faster. Although, you need to work on your stamina. Moving as fast as you do is good, especially against a larger opponent, but if a fight lasts for a long period of time, your energy will be spent before it’s over.

I nodded, taking in his words carefully, as I sheathed my own katana. How do I preserve my energy then?

You may be fast, but you use too much energy too quickly. You must use your energy in short bursts. You need to learn to pace yourself, taking short periods of movement, with long periods of dodging. There are also ways to build up your energy, just as there are ways to improve techniques.

I nodded, thinking back to the fight and how often I moved quickly. His words explained why I felt so tired. I decided to watch myself more closely next time; no more dashing around needlessly.

He grinned. Enough practice. Come, there is something I want to show you.

I briefly furrowed my eyebrows in curiosity, but stepped in to walk beside him as he led me away from the training grounds. As we exited the palace gates, the samurai posted there shot us both harsh glances but said nothing. Ryosuke slowed his pace so that I stepped in front of him. To anyone else, now it would look as if I headed into the city and told him to follow as a protector. We followed the road for a few more yards before Ryosuke gestured to the right. I turned and headed in that direction. It wasn’t long before we were out of sight of the samurai patrols.

He picked up his pace so that he walked in front of me. We followed a small creek until we reached a grove of cherry blossom trees. It was the time when they were in bloom, which in our world, came so rarely. We stared at the falling petals dancing around us gently as the wind blew. We watched them for a while, both of us silent and enjoying the peaceful moment together. After a while, he turned to face me. I met his narrow-shaped eyes, his gaze kind and loyal, yet fiercely protective. His dark hair was tied back, and came down to his waist. It blew in the wind with the falling petals, and I could not take my eyes off him.

Megumi. He whispered my name, and it was as soft as the wind on our faces.

Ryosuke. My reply was just as soft. I was afraid to speak any louder, afraid to shatter the moment into a thousand tiny pieces. He believed in me when no one else did; he was the first to see me as a true warrior and not as a disabled failure.

He reached his hand out and I allowed my fingertips to barely touch his. Neither of us moved or spoke for a long time. Though we stood there for several minutes, it felt like but a moment; a single moment where only the two of us existed. One heart, one soul… Both of us together. No soldier, no princess, no samurai, just he and I. It was the only moment we allowed ourselves to share.

By the time we started back toward the palace, the sun had already set. My mother was sure to scold me harshly for not returning sooner, and I was sure my father would as well.

When we reached the gates, they were closed. I glanced at Ryosuke. What’s going on?

He grabbed my arm and pulled me against the walls, pushing me further from the gates. When we slipped into the shadows, he put an arm around me protectively. Something’s wrong.

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Chapter four

AKARI

SHINJI TRAVELED CLOSER toward the Iwashita borders. Despite the fact that he had captured me, deep inside, I felt glad he at least left my clan’s borders. We did not need the extra trouble.

Though I believed that God would find a way to save me—at least, that was my hope—I did not have in it me to sit back and wait. I tried to escape several times. When he slept, he always kept a hand on his katana, and his muscles always stayed tense. The moment I started rubbing the ropes against a rock to try to cut through them, his eyes snapped open. I waited several more hours before I tried again, but the same thing happened. He had obviously faced many battles; no one would sleep that light unless they had trained well.

Another time, I simply kicked him in his groin as hard as I could. We walked for a while and since he did not wish to carry me, he was forced to leave my feet unbound. The instant I kicked him, he doubled over in pain, grunting and cursing at me heartily, but I ran, not bothering to look back. I intended to stop and untie my hands as soon as I ran far enough away. He recovered quicker than I thought and came after me. I heard him coming but continued running until I knew it was no use.

I turned to face him.

His lips set in the smirk he usually kept there, but his eyes narrowed and blazed with anger. He lunged at me, but I kicked toward his ribs. He smoothly stepped to the right and grinned. Oh, so you want to play rough, do you?

I darted toward him, and using the tree to my right, I launched off it. My body twisted in the air and I landed a side kick to his face.

His hands caught my foot. He slammed me to the ground, hard.

I grunted, gasping for air. Not pausing for a breath, I twisted my body to the left, yanking out of his grasp. As quickly as I could, I slid backward and then rolled to my feet.

He had stayed perfectly still, unmoving, waiting for me. Once again, he toyed with me.

I glared at him, my fists clenched.

My frustration only seemed to edge him on further. I sliced my foot against the ground, causing dust to fly up around his face.

Though he cursed at me again, his tone wasn’t angry or annoyed. Just as I turned to my right, I was grabbed around the waist and tackled to the ground.

I hit the ground with a hard thud, and he landed on top of me with a grunt. Get off of me! Furiously, I kicked at him, but his legs pressed against mine tightly.

His voice rumbled right in my ear. What? Aren’t you having fun yet?

I cursed at him, but the words came out sounding more like a growl.

He just chuckled and pulled me to my feet, shoving me forward. Go on, walk.

Naturally, I had tried to run more times after that, but no matter what I did, he always caught me. Eventually, I gave up.

One day, about a week and a half after he had captured me, I finally decided to ask him where he was taking me. I had not mentioned it before because I knew he would never answer, but since I had given up on escaping, I thought I would try. It was likely he was leading me to my death or worse, slavery. A woman samurai would be worth a high price to the Iwashita.

Where are you taking me?

He looked up from where he skinned a fish he had caught earlier. You already know we’re inside the Iwashita borders.

I know, but I meant where? What city? Do you plan to sell me?

Sell you? His eyes widened in, what appeared to be, genuine surprise.

I did not look away from his gaze.

He began to laugh. "You’re not that beautiful, woman."

Despite that I had the urge to roll my eyes at him, I did not. I would have preferred to stab him. Good. At least you know that there is more to me than my looks. Besides, I told you before, you may call me by my family name.

Okada? Yes, I remember. I also remembered where I’d heard that name before. Your family serves the Emperor of the Sakamoto Clan, don’t they?

I kept my gaze firmly on his. If my family worked for the Emperor of my clan, I would be dressed better.

He chuckled. I don’t take you for a woman of finery.

I narrowed my eyes. Do not pretend to know me, samurai of the Iwashita. He had told me enough. Shinji knew who I was, and planned to barter me off, not just for money, but because of who I was. He would fetch a higher price now that he knew my identity, and whoever I was sold to would use me for information about my family as well as the Emperor.

He shrugged and continued skinning the fish. About an hour later after dinner, we had just started walking again when a loud thundering crashed in the distance.

What…? I murmured under my breath. As we broke through the tree-line, my voice trailed off. We stood on a hill, overlooking a lush, green valley that stretched far into the distance. A river flowed directly through the center of it. Tents and people filled it, to which I saw no end. To the right, a small group of samurai trained. To the left, men prepared horses. Throughout the camp, groups of people milled about, talking animatedly, while others sat together and ate their evening meal. A group of samurai in the center knelt down, cleaning their katanas, as if preparing for battle. They wore the Iwashita clan’s colors, and I finally understood that this war camp belonged to Emperor Iwashita.

They marched toward the Sakamoto borders.

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Chapter five

MEGUMI

RYOSUKE AND I quietly jogged along the walls which surrounded the palace. We did not stop until we reached the section of the walls that was older. The stones were splintered and cracked, providing more hand-holds, and would make them much easier to climb over.

Despite that I was much slower than Ryosuke, it did not take us long to reach the top. We had climbed up along the east side of the wall, and fortunately, it was high enough to see through the windows on the second level of the palace. A lot of commotion came from every direction; the palace itself seemed to be in an uproar. Men yelled and shouted, and the sound of metal clanging against metal echoed and bounced off the walls.

What is happening? I demanded.

The sounds of katanas slicing across flesh squelched in the distance. Men screamed and cried out in agony. I winced.

It sounds like it’s coming from the north side. Ryosuke glanced at me before looking back down the wall. He appeared to debate whether to join the fighting to help or to stay and protect me. The longing in his eyes made it obvious he wished to join the fighting, but his samurai duty to my father bound him to protect me at all costs. He seemed to come to this realization long before I did, however, and climbed down the wall. Once he had reached the bottom, he waited for me, in case I would need help.

I was slower, and had difficulties. Climbing was not easy for me with my disability. It was one of the few things, outside of sword fighting, that actually made me feel disabled and weak.

I lost my hold and fell, but he easily caught me. Quickly releasing his hold around my waist, he backed away to a more respectful distance from me.

Should we try to reach my chambers? I asked quietly.

He shook his head. There is commotion inside the palace as well. We do not know what’s going on, so for now, the most secure place is in the pantries. Stay close to me.

I nodded and followed behind him.

Once we reached the inside of the pantry, Ryosuke placed himself in front of me protectively. His right hand held the hilt of his katana, clenching it tightly. The pantries lay in the back of the south side, completely opposite of the fighting. That explained why Ryosuke deemed it the safest place. Despite that we hid away from where the commotion happened, the sounds of it still faintly reached my ears. I hated the waiting; not knowing what exactly happened, who had been hurt, or how many. What had happened? How long before it ended? If the waiting nearly