Journeys Through SpaceTime

By James Talisman

A mysterious being of immense power and wisdom appears in the minds of inhabitants across the vast MultiVerse of space and time to provide both warning and encouragement to fellow souls.

An exciting journey of adventure and discovery develop for these inhabitants as a sword master’s son, a powerfully enlightened Queen, a skilled warrior, an “ordinary” college student from Earth, a reptilian humanoid scientist, and a wise and beautiful leader of a utopian world use newly acquired knowledge and skills to battle evil forces intent on ensuring reality forms as they intend.

Puzzlement ensues as special mentors appear and seem to defy what reality means. Wielding godlike powers, these teachers help illuminate the secrets of all creation.
Follow the amazing stories and unity of our heroes across diverse worlds as they fight for victory. Even their powerful inner mentor must fight for continued existence in this ancient battle of ideals on how reality should form.

With the fate of the entire MultiVerse at stake, which side will become the victor in the end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Talisman
• Release date: Apr 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9781734038835

James Talisman

Author of the Journeys Through (metaphysical fantasy-syfy-adventure) series. Books currently in the series are book1: Journeys Through SpaceTime, book2: Journeys Through TimeSpace, and book3: Journeys Through AllCreation.While more books are planned for the series, the first three fiction novels make up an epic fantasy adventure spanning the MultiVerse of space and time. Numerous characters and the vast array of worlds they inhabit (including modern day Earth), make for grand exploits and breathtaking backdrops, as battles for how the MultiVerse should continue to unfold pit the story's heroes against formidable opponents. Unique concepts are also explored in each story, as well.Together with completing a Journeys Through Collection Volumes 1-3 boxset, I have just started a non-fiction book that will discuss the ancient wisdom concepts featured in the fiction novels. In addition to exploring principles on how reality is formed and expanded, the writings will show the different levels of consciousness we all embody as we work to grow within.Four movie screenplays based on the first two Journeys Through novels have been developed, as well.Along with a new passion for bringing characters and their worlds to life, I enjoy mountain biking, walking in nature, and spending time with my family.

Book preview

Journeys

Through

SpaceTime

A Novel of the Journeys Through... Series

James Talisman

Journeys Through SpaceTime is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright 2019 by James Talisman

All rights reserved.

Revised 2021

Published in the United States by JayCeeAsh Publishing, LLC

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CATALOGING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA

Talisman, James

Journeys Through SpaceTime: A Novel of the Journeys Through... Series

ISBN 978-1-7340388-0-4 (paperback: acid-free paper)

EPUB ISBN 978-1-7340388-3-5

Kindle ISBN 978-1-7340388-1-1

Cover design and illustration: May Dawney

May Dawney Designs

Character List

CRITONIAN EMPIRE WORLD

Cassius, elite guardsman for the Critonian Army

Brutus, elite guardsman and Cassius’ best friend

Master Jedovan, Cassius’ mentor of ancient wisdom traditions

EARTHVERSE WORLD

Matt Larson, college student from Colorado

Julia Harper, college student from Colorado and Matt’s girlfriend

Dan Alderson, college student from Colorado and Matt’s longtime friend

Thomas Halloway IV, student at Yale University majoring in politics

Master Kenjison, Matt’s mentor of ancient wisdom traditions

ISONIAN EMPIRE WORLD

Queen Neferities, beautiful and intelligent Queen of the Isonian Empire

Amon, Queen Neferities’ brother

Thoran, Queen Neferities’ longtime warrior friend

Master Amati, Queen Neferities’ mentor of ancient wisdom traditions

THE UNITED COMMONS of EUROTOPIA WORLD

Rashella, wise and beautiful Co-Councilor for the UCE

Cysoro, roboticist and Rashella’s husband

Rashael, Rashella’s strikingly beautiful mentor

Captain Pikeson, Captain of Starship1

––––––––

HYDOSITO PREFECTURE and DAMEON PROVINCE WORLD

Hirisho, guardsman for Shogun Lyshido and son of a master swordsmith

Tazon, master Shinobi warrior

Shogun Lyshido, Supreme Commander for Hydosito prefecture

Master Lyricus, Hirisho’s mentor of ancient wisdom traditions

HERESSON FACTION of ELIPSSON WORLD

Tysson, junior level scientist and engineer for the Space Command Research center

Lizon, Tysson’s friend and co-worker

Captain Critosson, captain of the Elipsson starship Dragocriton

AUM WORLD of the CENTRAL UNIVERSE

Zenon, Primary Universal and Master Geneticist from the Aum world

Hadeson, elder member of the Central Race from the Aum world

Tanon, younger member of the First World of Aum

Dedication

I would like to dedicate this novel to my beautiful and amazing wife Colleen and my wonderful and loving daughter Ashley. These two young ladies are my everything and I truly enjoy sharing my life with them.

Prologue: The Teachers

All the attendees sat in anticipation for the wonderful event about to unfold. For most of the entities sitting in the grand auditorium, multiple lifetimes of experience had finally brought them to this special time and place. As each one sat waiting in their plush seat, they marveled at the massive room they were privileged to be in.

Beautiful granite and marble walls inlayed with gold and silver symbols surrounded them on all sides. The luminous lighting that shone from above provided both perfect illumination and a soothing effect.

From the amphitheater adorned with elaborate and plush seats, those present looked ahead to the magnificent wooden stage before them. Made of the finest woods found throughout the MultiVerse, the stage with its wooden adornments and marble pillars was truly spectacular to observe.

––––––––

With the auditorium almost full, a brilliant globe of energy appeared about six feet above the stage floor...centered perfectly in the middle of the stage.

Soon, the magnificent golden globe transformed into a dazzling star shape emanating countless colors in all direction. All those in attendance stared in awe at the incredible display of light as it began to take on the form of a humanoid figure.

The bright golden light metamorphosed into a being displaying an ancient royal nature and presence. Neither male or female, this powerful and strikingly beautiful entity poured forth a love vibration that radiated out over the entire amphitheater.

––––––––

The entity adorned in a breathtaking robe made of exquisite material interwoven with various shades of dazzling colors looked out over the numerous beings seated in the auditorium.

"It is such a pleasure to be here at this time and place. Of my many roles, this act is one of my most favorite. At one point, each and everyone in this grand room made a decision to devote their eternal existence to be of service to all creation. That selfless choice and the enormous time devoted to learning the ancient ways and associated skills has brought each of you here. In many ways, I truly envy the experiences, adventures, and journeys all those present will embody and embark upon.

The Celestial ruler nodded and remembered adventures throughout the MutiVerse of space and time before looking out over the future masters seated. It is now time for each being here to begin building the new relationships and connections that will have tremendous impact on all creation. Your efforts and future contributions are so appreciated by the All-That-Is and all those who serve Creation.

An exquisite wooden chest appeared with an ancient but magnificent wooden table beside the Celestial being. The ancient entity opened the chest and took out one of the many gold and silver medallions that filled the chest and held it up to the adepts seated throughout the amphitheater.

As a symbol of the immense sacrifice and dedication you each embody, each new Master will receive a talisman inscribed with the Tree-of-Life and other sacred symbols that represent who and what you are. I now request that each of you come to the stage to collect your talisman and blessing.

Welcome to the MultiVerse

...welcome to the Critonian Empire

The morning air was cool and moist in their nostrils as they breathed while staring across the field towards the maniple of infantry troops assembled for the imminent battle. Each of these seasoned warriors had trained for this and numerous other battles since their early teen years. Adrenaline burst forth as they anticipated the upcoming call for yet another engagement with foreigners trying to change their fundamental beliefs and take the lands that rightfully belonged to them.

These frontline soldiers were among the highest caliber to serve the Critonian Empire, and Cassius was proud to be one of them. He had spent most of the preceding night sharpening his blades and preparing his gear. The scutum felt good in his hand along with the weapons strapped to his sash.

As Cassius steadied his mind for battle, the cornu sounded off. The Critonian army's front guard began their march down the hill and across the field to engage the opposing forces.

The distance between the two advancing forces closed as battle cries welled up from both sides. As was the case for countless other battles, the most elite warriors from both fighting forces would engage first. A decisive conquest of the enemy at the start of battle resulted in a psychological victory for the successors...and almost always guaranteed triumph in the end.

Many yards of distance were reduced to a few feet as the elite forces began to battle each other. Swords swung towards their opponent as the sound of weapons pounding into shields began to ring out across the battlefield. Cries of agony reverberated as razor sharp metal tore into flesh.

While many well-planned strategies were in play during this confrontation, it seemed almost like chaos when viewed from afar.

The killing between these adversaries did not feel right for some reason, and the dichotomy between war and peace revealed itself during the most intense moments of battle. Cassius struggled with these very thoughts even as he swung his blade at the approaching enemy soldier.

Thoughts such as Why am I trying to kill another soul? and What true purpose does all this fighting serve? filled Cassius' mind as he executed the killing moves and counter blows that years of training had made automatic.

I must let go of these thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand, thought Cassius as he countered yet another mighty blow with his scutum and swung his deadly blade down onto the shoulder of his opponent. 

Blood from the wounded soldier flew into Cassius' face and eyes as the severed artery shot blood out in all directions. Temporarily blinded by the warm blood, he instinctively moved his shield into a position to protect his head and upper body. Violently shaking his head to remove the blood from his eyes, he swung his body and sword around 180 degrees to strike a blow at the enemy soldier who flanked him. The move caught the foreigner by surprise as Cassius' swinging blade removed the enemy soldier's head from his body.

The sight of the enemy soldier's head flying through the air gave Cassius slight pause. He quickly regained composure and once again began the next advance on the oncoming forces.

As Cassius ran towards the enemy, a paralyzing ring echoed in his head while an all-encompassing dizziness took over and made him drop to the ground. For a moment, the frenetic sound of battle left Cassius' head as blackness and silence took over.

Now in the void of his inner mind, Cassius saw a bright light and heard a voice say, I am sorry, but I must leave you for a while. Please do not forget what you have learned. You will survive this.

Cassius opened his eyes to find his friend and fellow combatant standing above him with his hand stretched out to help him off the ground.

Brutus yelled, Rise quickly, my friend...there is still a battle to finish.

With the helping hand, Cassius quickly got back to his feet. The sound and sight of battle once again filled his senses.

Teaming up, Cassius and Brutus made a swath through the advancing soldiers. Leaving a bloody trail of dead and wounded bodies in their wake.

––––––––

The superb fighting skills of the Critonian army's front guard was helping secure victory over these foreigners. Seeing the devastation of their elite soldiers lying about the battlefield, the rear-line Thespon soldiers began to instinctively move back.

A barrage of arrows coming from the Critonian army's archers descended upon the retreating soldiers like a torrential downpour of rain. Razor sharp blades from these airborne weapons ripped through the troops as screams of agony rang out and bodies dropped to the ground.

Soon after the second round of devastation riddled the second line of defense with lethal arrow penetrations, the sound of retreat was given by the Thespon command. The foreign troops began a full withdraw back to the lands they had come from.

After cheers of victory sounded from the Critonian soldiers, the task of retrieving their wounded and dead began.

Thank you so much brother for saving me out there, a grateful Cassius spoke as he slapped his best friend on the back.

Who would I have to celebrate this victory with, if I had not? laughed Brutus as he walked away to help with the cleanup.

––––––––

...welcome to the EarthVerse

The strike was solid and powerful as Matt's forearm and back-fist hit the training pad held by his training partner, Dan.

Damm, you can hit hard, Dude! Dan exclaimed as he grunted and moved backwards from the force of Matt's blow.

A slight grin came over Matt's face as he prepared his next 180 degree back-fist into the pad. At 5'11" and a solid 180 lbs, Matt was indeed an opposing figure...but his strength seemed almost unnatural at times.

A grunt and groan escaped Dan's mouth again as the next powerful back-fist swing landed on the training pad he was holding. At 6'2" and 240 lbs, Dan was a huge presence.

Let’s prepare for some calisthenics, yelled the Krav Maga instructor.

With the training equipment stored away, everyone lined up in rows and columns to begin the grueling exercises that were a main staple at the training facility. Moans and groans could be heard throughout the room as each intensive exercise was performed. Within fifteen minutes every member was drenched in sweat from the exercise routines that strengthened the muscle groups associated with hand-to-hand combat. Along with basic knee strikes, palm heel strikes, and front kick movements, the group performed knuckle push-ups, bear crawls in place, burpees, and jumping jacks.

––––––––

With everyone breathing hard from the extensive workout, the instructor yelled out, Time for a few laps around the complex before we call it quits for the night.

With that, all the members filed out the door to begin the run around the building complex the Krav Maga training center was part of. Winded from the workout, Matt was still feeling in prime condition as he ran out the door onto the parking lot outside. Inhaling and exhaling the cool Colorado mountain air, Matt surged ahead towards the group of runners in the lead.

As Matt closed in on the lead runners, he started to feel very dizzy. A loud ringing began in his head as blackness took over and he dropped to the ground. Drifting off into the black void of unconsciousness, he saw a bright light in his mind.

"I'm sorry, I must leave you for a while. Please remember your lessons from the past. It is very important that you do," rang through Matt's mind as he struggled to regain consciousness.

Hey you alright man? said Dan as he helped Matt get up from the ground.

Yeah, I think I'm okay now...thanks, Matt assured his friend as he got back up on his feet.

What the hell happened?

I'm not quite sure...but I feel okay now, Matt assured his longtime friend.

I probably hit you too hard during practice tonight, laughed Dan as he smacked Matt on the shoulder.

Doubt that, buddy. You seemed to be the one taking a beating earlier, shot back Matt as he fake-punched Dan in the gut.

––––––––

...welcome to the Isonian Empire

The mid-morning sun's warmth felt good on Queen Neferities’ body as she gazed out over her lands and the wonderful society she helped create. Draped in a light silken tunic, the slight breeze helped keep her cool from the arid desert surrounding the capital city. The queen marveled at all the incredible monuments in the distance. Many of the cenotaphs had been built to honor ancestors in her own lineage.

Born as the only legitimate heir to King Solomities, Queen Neferities had ruled the Isonian Empire for over ten years.

Even as a child, the queen had a keen ability to understand complex concepts associated with the engineering and scientific disciplines. Due to his daughter's innate abilities for the sciences, King Solomities made sure she had the best training possible to develop her natural talents.

In addition, the Queen studied the ancient esoteric wisdom associated with the Alchemy-of-Mind and the composition of true reality. Legend spoke of these ancient teachings and how they were part of creation from the beginning of time on the planet Urasa.

Utilizing her innate abilities and her knowledge of the ancient teachings, Queen Neferities helped usher in the greatest period the Isonian Empire had ever experienced...and her subjects adored her for that.

––––––––

Eventually, the morning turned into evening. After consultation with her many advisors and a wonderful meal, Queen Neferities bid her guest goodnight.

The queen retired to the main palace terrace to meditate and ponder her plans for the next day. Two moons shone brightly in the night sky as the queen gazed out again at the lands that made up some of the Isonian Empire.

Reclining in her favorite terrace chair and closing her eyes to shield the bright moonlight, the queen journeyed inside her mind to that special place that was always void of all the numerous thoughts that filled her head most of the time. This special region in her mind brought her much peace, and she had learned how to enter this place at will.

As the queen moved into this powerful space in her mind, her body would shudder from what felt like mighty jolts of energy entering it before a special brightness would engulf her inner paradise.

Sensing an outside presence, Queen Neferities slowly came out of her meditation to find one of her most trusted assistants waiting to communicate with her.

My Queen, your baths have been drawn as requested, spoke Aderan.

Very well, Aderan...thank you.

The air was fragrant from the smell of Articulus tree blossoms floating in the soaking bath as two beautiful women waited naked in the cleaning bath for their queen.

The queen smiled and nodded at the two young women as she disrobed and entered the bath. Using fragrant lysisium soap, the beautiful young ladies began to lightly swab the queen's body with the soapy lather. Wonderful smells filled the queen's senses as she lavished in the warm soapy water.

Feeling a tingling in her most private areas, Queen Neferities exclaimed to the two young women, I believe we should retire to the soaking bath and ignite our climactic powers to the Universe.

The two women giggled and nodded in agreement as they and the queen rose to join in the soaking bath.

Rising out of the cleaning bath, Queen Neferities was a stunning woman whose prime physical shape revealed exquisite feminine curves. The queen's beauty matched her intelligence in every way. Breathing in the wonderful Articulus blossoms, her heart beat with excitement for the coming sexual copula with her willing assistants.

As the three beautiful women began kissing each other's bodies, the queen suddenly felt a dizziness and ringing in her head. The sounds got louder as blackness overtook her mind before she went unconscious and floated to the bottom of the bath.

As she had encountered in many of her meditations, Queen Neferities experienced a black void. Soon a bright light shown in her mind and a voice inside her head spoke, I'm sorry I must leave you for a while. Please continue exploring the teachings you learned so long ago. These teachings will help you fight the coming evil you will face.

Frantically, the young women raised their queen from the bottom of the bath. One of the young assistants cried out, My Queen, are you alright?

Jolted from the inner plane of her mind, the queen looked dazedly at her helpers before responding, Yes. I am fine now. Thank you.

Queen Neferities rose from the bath to be dried off and escorted to her sleeping chambers.

Lying in bed that night, the queen pondered the inner voice in her head as she contemplated what possible evil could be coming.

––––––––

...welcome to the UCE

Whenever she thought about her position as co-councilor for The United Commons of Eurotopia, Rashella could not help but marvel at the history of Eurotopia and how she was privileged to be part of its advance to the stars.

It had only been a few short years since the Eurotopian people made contact with the off-world species. The peaceful spacefaring Andotian race intercepted transmissions from Eurotopia indicating the Eurotopian people were already traveling within their own solar system...and current technologies would soon give them the ability to traverse across the galaxy. Realizing there would be a new spacefaring race in their home galaxy, the Andotians initiated first contact with the Eurotopians to welcome them to the greater universe of space-travelers.

Rashella's thoughts returned to the present and the meeting scheduled between the Andotion delegation and the co-councilors for the UCE the next morning. This important meeting was planned to discuss progress on the starships being developed for both Eurotopia and the Andotian race.

The collaboration between the UCE and the Andotians on these starships benefited both races. Eurotopia and its surrounding solar system was rich with the vital material needed for the ship's hull and power for the FTL drive. The Andotions could provide the valuable navigation technologies required to maneuver the ships while in FTL.

While Rashella was hopeful the meeting would go well, she was concerned there might be some resistance concerning some aspects of the starship builds.

––––––––

Adding weapon technologies to these starships is a huge concern for me! exclaimed co-councilor Marduk, And I feel this goes directly against the mandates our council has upheld from the very beginning of its inception.

I understand your concern, Councilor. Our experience has shown us that there are races out there who are not as benign as our races are, interjected Tolus from the Andotian delegation.

Our shielding technologies have withstood direct solar burst from close orbits to our sun. I'm sure they could withstand weapons fire from any aggressive race we might encounter, added co-councilor Larden.

I'm not interested in starting conflicts with any race we may encounter...but having some kind of defensive weapons seems prudent to me, said Rashella as she looked towards her fellow councilors.

As a former engineer and current technology liaison for the UCE Council, Rashella had already been prewarned that the topic of weaponizing the starships would be brought up.

After mulling over the pros and cons for weapons integration on the vessels, Rashella was convinced that having weapon capabilities in conjunction with the Eurotopian shielding technologies would be the best course to take.

Even though she was siding with the Andotian delegation on this matter, it was still a difficult decision for Rashella to make. Eurotopia had advanced very quickly due to its unique social structure that had been developed since the early days of its civilization. Like everyone else, Rashella did not want to damage this social construct in any way.

The history of Eurotopia was indeed extraordinary when compared with other races in the galaxy or the universe for that matter. Within a relatively short span of approximately 5,000 years, the people of Eurotopia had gone from hunter-gatherers to the advanced civilization they were now.

Ancient wisdom from unknown alien sources had been presented to the warring tribes during the hunter-gather period of the Eurotopian people. Due to the profound nature of the source and the wisdom they received, the leadership for each tribe decided to fully embrace the teachings and incorporate them into their respective cultures.

One of the main tenets of these ancient teachings was the concept that everyone was connected to the same source, and true power and knowledge came from embracing that connectiveness. Instead of continuing to fight against each other for land and resources, all the tribes on Eurotopia decided to work with each other for the good of everyone.

Formal training on these teachings began. Soon, most of Eurotopia's growing population had a fundamental understanding of the powerful concepts surrounding this ancient wisdom. Through the combined efforts of the Eurotopian people, and a strict adherence to the extraordinary information they were taught, the planet's inhabitants started to make incredible advances in all the sciences.

After a lengthy discussion, the UCE Council and Andotion delegation unanimously agreed to incorporate weapons technologies into the starships they were jointly developing.

Let’s meet tonight to celebrate our continued partnership on these space vessels and the wonderful relationship that has developed between our races, Tolus suggested to the rest of the members in the meeting. The UCE Council members nodded in agreement.

––––––––

After some meditation time and a change of clothes, Rashella and her husband Cysoro summoned a sky transport to the restaurant where everyone had agreed to meet.

The Porotaria Lounge was a first-class restaurant on the fortieth floor with a breathtaking view of the capital city.

Walking into the elegant restaurant, Rashella spotted Tolus and waved. As Rashella and Cysoro walked up to the table, Tolus got up from his chair.

Welcome Rashella, so glad you and your guest could join us all tonight! exclaimed Tolus as he gestured to the other guests at a large table reserved for them all.

My pleasure, Tolus. Please meet my husband, Cysoro. After pointing towards her husband, Rashella greeted Tolus with the customary Andotian bow and handshake.

Dinner conversation was light and entertaining as everyone talked with each other. Rashella took a moment to look out the large window at the lit-up city below.

Suddenly, there was a loud ringing in her head as Rashella began to feel very dizzy. She faintly heard the words, Are you alright, dear? from Cysoro as blackness began to overcome her.

From the black void in her head, Rashella could see a bright light before hearing the words, So sorry I must leave you for a while. Eurotopia has been a spectacular experiment. Please ensure Eurotopia continues on her wonderful journey.

Feeling her body being lightly shaken, Rashella started to become conscious again.

Honey. Thank the Universe you are awake, exclaimed Cysoro as he worked to help his wife up from the floor. Shaken, he looked around the table towards the other guest. Can someone please call a doctor for my wife?

I'm feeling okay now. I don't think a doctor will be needed, Rashella assured her husband and the other guest as she got back up and sat down.

––––––––

...welcome to Hydosito prefecture

Near the top of Thisan peak, Hirisho looked out over the lush valley below and marveled at its beauty. Hirisho loved to come up to this place to think and meditate. This special place was a wonderful getaway from the grueling training he endured as one of Shogun Lyshido's elite soldiers.

Whenever opportunity presented, Hirisho would make the climb up towards the highest peak in the Hydosito prefecture. While most of his fellow warriors preferred to bathe in the natural hot springs and drink rice wine close to the training camp, Hirisho chose the solitude of the mountains instead.

As he continued to look out at the valley below, Hirisho reflected on how he had arrived where he was presently.

It had been twenty years since Hirisho was born the only child of one of Hydosito prefecture's greatest swordsmiths. Hanzo Hattori's sword craftmanship was revered throughout the province and beyond. Along with Master Hattori's incredible skills, the Hydosito prefecture had some of the best raw sword-building materials for hundreds of miles.

Starting at ten years of age, Hirisho had worked as an apprenticeship for his father's sword building business. As was tradition, Hirisho would one day take over Hanzo's craft and continue the family business.

Soon after Hirisho's eighteenth birthday, the village leader contacted Hanzo Hattori to inform him that Shogun Lyshido would be visiting the village and would like to meet Master Hattori and witness an exhibition of the Hattori Sword's legendary capabilities.   This was a huge honor for Master Hattori. He quickly began preparations.

Hirisho, you are the best swordsman and archer we have in the village. I would like you to perform the demonstration for our Shogun, pronounced Hanzo as he put his hand on his son's shoulder.

Soon, the Shogun's arrival came. After a wonderful play performed by some of the village artists and a huge feast, the village prepared for the sword demonstration.

Master Hattori walked over to the powerful warrior lord seated at the table with the village leadership. It is such an honor to meet you, Shogun Lyshido! exclaimed Hanzo Hattori as he bowed deeply towards the Shogun.

The shogun rose from his seat. As am I to meet you, Master Hattori. The Shogun gestured for Hanzo to rise so they could see each other eye to eye. I was told you have a demonstration planned to showcase your incredible weapons, spoke Shogun Lyshido respectfully to Master Hattori.

I do indeed, Sir. said Hanzo while gesturing towards the many Toroshian wood poles in the distance. Master Hanzo clapped his hands loudly two times. Hirisho came around the corner wielding a magnificent sword as its razor-sharp blade glistened in the afternoon sun.

Hanzo clapped twice more. Hirisho began upward and downward slashes at the hardened Toroshian wood. Each powerful swing of the blade made precise cuts through the hard wood as tops of each pole fell to the ground. For Hirisho's part, each sword movement was incredible to observe as each swing revealed incredible skill.

Within a short time, all the Toroshian poles had been cut down by Hirisho's powerful slashes with the incredible weapon. With the demonstration complete, the Shogun clapped loudly as did the rest of the village attendees.

The shogun looked at the swordsmith with admiration. As expected, the weapon you crafted did not disappoint!

The proud sword master bowed before looking the region's warrior leader in the eyes. Thank you for your appreciation and kind words, Supreme Commander.

"I do have one question. Who was the young man wielding your magnificent