Son of the Shadows RK Style

The morning has past and still I have not heard word from Enishi. I have been waiting in the garden for close to an hour already. It’s not like Enishi to be late or cancel a meeting without notice. Something must be wrong.

Walking back towards the house I notice my father sitting on a bench smiling in my direction. Though it is not uncommon for father to frequent the garden he often doesn’t do so at this hour or without my mother’s company. Though his posture looks relaxed I’m sure the purpose of his visit is to speak to me.

“It’s not like you to go unaccompanied into the garden,” I state in amusement as I take a seat beside him. “Don’t tell me that you are concerned for your daughter’s safety. I might not be a talented as Misao or Kenji when it comes to self-defense but I think I can hold off an attacker long enough for help to arrive.”

Smirking playfully father retorts, “I never thought about the possibility of something happening in the garden. Perhaps I should ask your uncle to station more men around the parameter and provide you with armed escorts.”

With a ‘humph’ I reply, “I have been taking care of myself for a while now. Surely you would trust me to tell you if I felt my life to be in danger!”

“I am not concerned,” my father calmly states, “But I’m sure that the young man I was supposed to meet earlier this morning is. He has been overly concerned with your health as of late.”

“I assure that I am fine,” I utter in annoyance. “And who is this mystery man who feels that my health is any concern of his?”

Giving me a sideway glance father replies, “That is not a way to speak of a friend. What would Enishi think if he knew you spoke of his feelings thus?”
Looking at my father in anger I retort, “I’m sure the same way I feel about me behind my back.”

“Megumi,” my father utters in shock, “I have never spoken of your personal affairs with Enishi nor would I ever do so without your knowledge. Enishi mentioned that he wanted to propose an offer to your uncle, Kenji and I this morning but he had to leave unexpectedly. He left a note stating that a matter of grave importance needed his attention. He has asked us to hold Chizuru as a guest until the matter is resolved and to alert you that he will be unable to meet with you this morning.”

“I see,” I reply with a sigh.

“Megumi, do you have any idea what Enishi wanted to talk to you about?” Father inquires in contemplation.

Shaking my head ‘no’ I reply, “All he told me last night was that he wanted to speak to me. Thinking back on it, he seemed rather eager.”

“He also seemed eager to meet Okubo, Kenji and myself earlier,” Father states with a small smile. Taking my hand his he continues, “Megumi, have you ever thought about the prospect of marriage?”

I stare at my father incredulously. I am going on my sixteenth year so I have expected requests but never would I have imagined that father would look at any of them until Misao is at least engaged. It seems unorthodox to wed the youngest daughter before the eldest.

“I know that you probably haven’t thought much on the matter, but you are nearly sixteen years of age. Many of our neighboring tuaths find it strange that your uncle and I haven’t already arranged a marriage for either Misao or yourself yet,” Father mentions in concern. “Your mother and I would rather see both of you wed for love. There is no greater joy in the world than being with someone of your own choosing and I want that joy for all of my children.”

After a slight pause father continues, “Because I wish to see you happy I must ask, do you love Enishi?”

My jaw drops in astonishment. Do I love Enishi? I’ve never really thought about it. Sure I find him handsome and decent company but do I love him? This seems all too sudden!

“You do not have to give me answer, all I wish is to do is prepare you. All the signs seem to point that Enishi wants to propose to you. Why else would he request a meeting with the men of the house before speaking to you in private? Maybe I am wrong, but it does not hurt to consider the possibility,” Father states with a sad smile.

“This just seems so sudden,” I reply with a sigh. “I don’t know what to think.”

Lifting my chin Father comments, “No one expects you to have an answer right away. Whatever business Enishi has will more than likely keep him busy for a while. You have time to think over your feelings. Remember that you are young and will have many more offers in the future. If you do not care for Enishi do not feel pressured to marry him. If you wish not to marry that is also an option. You will always have a place here in Sevenwaters.”

Holding back my tears I embrace my father. I have been truly blessed to have such a wonderful father.

“Your mother might kill me for telling you this but I really wouldn’t mind if you or Misao never married. I would rather see the two of you happy and healthy rather than marry you off to some undeserving men who would use you as political tools.” Father passionately exclaims.

With a giggle I reply, “That cuts down most of the offers Misao and I will receive.”

“You only need one offer to be wed so I see no fault in using such a standard. Besides, if no one fits the criteria then I will never have to say goodbye.” Father declares with a smirk.

“I knew that there was an alternative motive,” I exclaim playfully. “You may pretend to be calm and relaxed but in reality you are just as over protective as any other father.”

With a chuckle Father replies, “And I thought I did so well hiding it.”

Embracing my father once more I whisper, “I love you father.”

“I love you too Megumi.”

“As much as I hate to interrupt such an intimate moment between daughter and father I was hoping to talk to Megumi before I leave. Perhaps I should come back later….”

“You have not interrupted anything Shougo,” Father states cordially. “I promised Kaoru that I would accompany her this afternoon on a visit to the village.” Addressing me once more father informs with a peck on the cheek, “I will see you later this evening at dinner.”

“Thank you father,” I reply with a smile.

“There is no reason to thank me. I enjoy our conversations.” Looking at Shougo father comments, “Just in case I do not see you before you depart, I wish you a good journey.”

“Thank you Iubdan (Youb’ dan). May the Tuatha De Danann also watch over you and my sister,” Shougo replies with a sad look in his eye.

With a bow and some unspoken understanding my father makes his way slowly toward the house. Meanwhile my uncle asks while taking in the sights and sounds of the early morning, “Days such as today are better spent exploring. Would you like to accompany me on a walk?”

“I think I could use a walk,” I reply with a sigh.

Giving me a concerned glance Shougo challenges, “I know that look; I’ve seen it on my sister many a time. Something is bothering you.”

“I feel like something is going to happen yet I do not have an inkling as to what. It doesn’t help that something seems to be wrong with mother and Enishi has up and vanished on the eve of some important news. I’m a little lost.”

“I could feel your distress last night,” Shougo calmly admits. “I wanted to speak to you earlier but I couldn’t seem to find a good time to do so.”

“I completely understand. You were busy last night. I am honored to know that you are concerned about my well being,” I assure him with a smile.

“Why wouldn’t I be concerned over you’re distress? Shouldn’t an uncle be worried over his niece?” Shougo inquires in bewilderment.

“You may be my uncle, but you also have other weighty responsibilities to attend to,” I state calmly. “I know what it’s like to have divided attention. My matter could wait; you’re duties could not.”

With a proud glint in his eye Shougo exclaims, “It’s times like these that I nearly forget how young you are. Your responsibilities have made you mature beyond your years.”

“I’d like to think that I have had good role models,” I state with a grin. “The gift also helps play a factor.”

With a grim look on his face Shougo states, “I have been meaning to talk to about that. What has your mother told you about your uncle Soujiro?”

In bewilderment I reply, “Not much other than he too had the gift and that he went missing several years before my birth. Is there something about him that I should know?”

“I always appreciated your blunt manner and as usual you ask the right question. There is more to the story than your mother and I have admitted to and we feel it important that you know. What you are feeling and experiencing are beyond our knowledge; you need guidance that neither of us can give you,” Shougo remarks with a sigh.

“Uncle Soujiro isn’t dead, is he?” I inquire in deep thought. “I had suspicions that he might not be, but I thought mother would have announced some news of his whereabouts if she has found him.”

“Your mother and I do not enjoy holding such a secret. If Soujiro hadn’t made us promise to hold his whereabouts in secret we would have alerted the household,” Shougo explains apologetically.

“If you have been holding this secret for as long as you make it sound why are you telling me now?” I ask in disbelief.

“I don’t know why Soujiro wished to make his appearance known to you now but he thinks that you are in desperate need of guidance. Soujiro isn’t one to answer questions; he’ll either tell you on his own or never tell you at all. It’s part of the burden he feels from possessing the gift,” Shougo explains depressed.

Nodding my head in understanding I comment, “I can relate. Not every vision is clear and when they are there is a feeling of hopelessness. What if you can’t change the situation, or by acting you’ve made it worse?”

“You act as if you have personal experience with these types of visions,” Shougo states in deep concern.

“I haven’t yet,” I reply with a sigh, “but I know it’s only a matter of time before it happens. I feel like something is about to happen that will change everyone’s lives, yet I can’t do anything about it. I’ve become so frustrated that I raised my voice towards my father when he mentioned that he and Enishi were concerned with my health. I may lose my temper at other people but never at my father!”

“Iubdan is an insightful man. I’m sure that he understands that your anger wasn’t directed at him,” Shougo assures sympathetically.

“You are probably right, but it doesn’t change my guilt. Father has a right to be concerned; I shouldn’t have directed my frustration towards him.”

“You are only human,” Shougo retorts compassionately. “We all have our times of weakness. All I can tell you is that one can only carry so much before they fall under the weight. If you wish to carry on you must pick and choose what burdens you will bare and always have someone there to assist you if the load becomes too heavy to manage.”

“Thank you for the advice.” Taking in our surroundings I continue, “I don’ think I’ve ever seen this lake before. Why are we here?”

Leading me towards a well hidden cave a few yards from the lake shore Shougo replies, “There are a lot of answers that you seek that are beyond my knowledge. The guidance you need is within this cave.”

“Guidance?” I inquire in confusion. “You can’t mean….”

“It’s time that you meet my brother in person. I’m sure you two could communicate mind to mind, but your first meeting should be more intimate given the subject you two will be addressing.”

Not knowing what more to say I quietly follow Shougo into the mouth of the cave. The sight before me is awe inspiring. The cave looks more like another realm with the way the natural pool of water is being caressed by soft beams of sunlight and thriving greenery. Never have I seen a cave with such life and an aura of magick.

“Soujiro,” Shougo states in a soft yet clear voice. “I have brought Megumi as you have requested.” Whispering in my ear Shougo continues, “I will be outside the cave. Soujiro is far too timid to speak to more than one person at a time.”

Nervously I nod my head in understanding.

Giving my hand a gentle squeeze, Shougo comments, “If you are nervous one can only imagine how horrified my brother is. He hasn’t spoken to anyone outside your mother and me for years.”

“I will be fine uncle. I will meet you outside the cave when we have finished speaking.”

“Take your time.”

With that my uncle makes his way out of the cave I begin to slowly inch my way towards the pool of water. Looking at the calm glass-like surface I suddenly feel a sense of calm I haven’t felt in years. There is something about the cave that exudes a feeling of serenity and enlightenment.

Entranced by the body of water I begin to study my reflection. Within a blink of an eye what once was my reflection begins to mold into a clear vision of what I can only assume to be the past. I notice a little girl with a long lack braid sitting on top of a rock beside Rock Lake. I cannot tell who the little girl is due to the fact that her back is turned.

Suddenly a little boy with long red hair makes his way beside the young girl. My eyes widen in shock as I recognize the little boy as my twin Kenji. As Kenji sits beside the young girl he states calmly, “The swans should be back sometime tomorrow.”

Snapping her head in excitement the little girl now revealed as Misao replies, “Really? How do you manage to always know of their arrival?”

“I guess it’s just a gift,” Kenji remarks cockily.

In the corner of my eye I notice a young girl, whom I can only assume is a couple of years my sister’s senior, in the distance. I can’t make out who she is but telling by the stance she is either really shy or extremely troubled. As the vision begins to fade away the young girl’s figure is consumed into darkness.

Waking from my vision I suddenly get a feeling of dread. Who was that young woman and why wasn’t I there with my brother and sister? I remember spending days just like that with my siblings. Kenji and Misao used those same exact phrases but the context was very different. Why would I be given a false vision of my past?

“It’s not necessarily a false vision though it might seem so looking at it from hindsight,” a soft mental voice enters my head.

Who are you?” I inquire in fear. It’s not every day that someone unfamiliar speaks to me mentally.

“I’m sorry to have scared you but I am out of practice speaking physically. I thought Shougo might have warned you earlier,” the strange voice states apologetically.

Searching the cave my eyes travel to a short man around my father’s height with wild black hair, deep blue eyes akin to my mother’s own and a swan’s wing in place of his left arm. As not to fear the man I mentally state with as much comfort as I can project, “It’s nice to finally meet you uncle.”

“The honor is all mine I assure you,” Soujiro replies in awe though his smile seems to speak otherwise. “I finally get to meet the one outside the balance. Shougo speaks highly of you.”

“What do you mean by ‘outside the balance,’” I ask in absolute confusion.

Slowly making his way towards me Soujiro states calmly, “You have great aptitude as a seer. It took me several years to learn to do what you just did by accident. I’m very impressed.”

“You saw my vision?” I inquire in astonishment.

Sitting in front of the pool Soujiro explains, “I have seen that vision many times before today.”

“You were in my mind,” I state is disbelief. “How did I not notice your presence?”

Sympathetically Soujiro answers, “I have become a master at disguising myself to the point of forgetting that I’ve done so. You are very strong of mind. I’m sure that if it had not been your first time using the pool you would have noticed my presence.”

“What was that vision and why am I characterized as being ‘outside the balance?’”

Both are very good questions that happen to be related. Shougo was right, you do have a gift for asking the proper questions,” Soujiro comments in amusement. “Unlike my brother I will answer your question bluntly. That vision was one I shared with your mother. The Tuatha De Danann presented this vision to your mother as a gift for her bravery. They only foresaw two children.”

Staring at my uncle incredulously I reply, “They didn’t know about me?”

“One cannot be certain of the Tuatha De Danann’s intentions but either way your role is not written out for you like your sister and brother. Somehow you were born outside the balance and with that comes immense power. The fact that you were born as a seer does not surprise me. Your mere presence can change the shape of battles to come.”

Not knowing what to say I stare at my uncle in wide-eyed shock. How can I live up to such expectations? I don’t know what the Tuatha De Danann even wish to achieve through me? Couldn’t they use someone else; someone stronger or braver perhaps?

“We all have a role to play in the Tuatha De Danann’s plans. It’s scary at first to come to terms with it, but eventually we have to accept our fate,” Soujiro states sympathetically. “They wouldn’t risk giving someone a role if they weren’t sure they could fulfill it. The Fair Folk may enjoy their games, but they always play to win.”

“You sound like a Druid,” I ponder in fascination. “Mother made no mention that you were spiritual.”

“I’m not a leader like my brother but it’s hard not to believe in the Old Faith when our family is so closely linked to them,” With a playful gleam in his eyes Soujiro adds, “I couldn’t dedicate my life the way my brother does. At one time I had an interest in study, but I highly doubt I could surround myself with more than one person at a time. I’m not able to function in the world of man. I can’t even speak with strangers!”

In sympathy I comment, “You’re not doing so bad at the moment and I’m a stranger.”

Looking up at me with a genuine smile Soujiro replies, “It might be the first time that I’ve meet you but I wouldn’t really consider you a stranger. You’re family and we both are linked by a common gift. It makes talking to you easier than most.”

“It’s because of your swan arm isn’t it?” I inquire in concern moving towards him I ask calmly, “Do you mind if I take a look at it.”

In fear Soujiro looks upon me questioningly. I can understand his reluctance. Mother doesn’t visit often and I’m sure it’s the same for Shougo, so Soujiro isn’t accustomed to physical interaction.

In an attempt to break his discomfort I jokingly state, “Naturally it’s all in the name of medicine.”

‘So I’m research?” Soujiro states in mock anger.

“I can’t let such an opportunity pass me by,” I retort with a smile. “What kind of a healer would I be then?”

“How can I argue with that?” Soujiro replies with a smirk

“So you’ll let me?” I inquire in shock.

“Only if you don’t let your mother know,” Soujiro states lightly. “I’ve never let anyone touch my wings. In fact I haven’t had a light-hearted conversation in years. You probably shouldn’t let your mother know anything about this conversation. She’s been trying to make me smile for years now to no avail.”

Studying my uncle’s arm I reply somberly, “I can only imagine how hard it is to be half man, half swan but you really shouldn’t keep yourself secluded in a cave. Mother and the rest of your brothers miss you terribly.”

“I want to see them but I’m no longer the brother they once knew. I do not live like a man. I do not eat, drink nor fear as a man does. I have always felt alienated due to the gift but now I cannot control my visions without the constant aid of the pool. I cannot leave the cave without fearing a hunter or a dog might attack me. I’m a man in-between the margins. I have no place within the realm of man.”

“That’s not true,” I exclaim in irritation. “I understand that you are torn between the man you are and the swan you were cursed as, but your family loves you regardless of your changes. They love you unconditionally. If you came back they, along with the tuath, would hold you in honor. Everyone misses you.”

Soujiro says nothing as he studies the floor below him. I can feel his emotions as strongly as I can feel my brother’s or my own. Taking a second to absorb Soujiro’s fear and anxiety I state apologetically, “I’m sorry to have yelled at you, but you have to understand that you do have support. When you are ready to face our fears I will do my best to help you through it. No one should be imprisoned within themselves as you have become.”

“Thank you, Megumi,” Soujiro replies still unwilling to look up from the ground. “I appreciate your concern and will do my best to fight back the fear. I just don’t think I’m ready yet.”

“I understand. One does not recover over night. We can take it one step at a time.”

“You are strong just like your mother.”

“And as stubborn as her too,” I add in amusement. “Everyone seems to make a point of reminding me, especially my father.”

With a longing glint in his eye Soujiro states, “It’s only natural that your father would take pride in such inherited traits. He loves your mother more than life itself.”

With a frown I inquire, “I don’t know how to ask you this kindly but have you been in love? You do not have to answer if you don’t feel comfortable.”
We sit for a moment in complete silence before Soujiro replies sadly, “I once was in love but it wasn’t meant to last.”

Looking upon my uncle in sympathy for bringing up such a sensitive subject I comment, “I’m sorry to bring up such a sensitive subject.”

“Don’t be. It was a long time ago.”

Still not quite sure over addressing such an issue I state warily, “Mother never made mention of any past courtship.”

“She never knew about it. I didn’t know how she would respond to the idea of my starting a family while cursed as a swan,” Soujiro replies in shame.

“You shouldn’t be ashamed. You were cursed as a swan for years. It’s only natural that instinct would drive you towards mating with another swan.”

“It’s more than that,” Soujiro comments painfully. “A swan mates for life. As much as I wanted to return to my human form I was torn between my devotion for my mate and our child.”

“I could not image how much pain you must have endured. Is that why you were the last to arrive?”

Soujiro nods his head yes sorrowfully.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” I state apologetically.

Thank you for the concern but I assure you that I have come to terms with what happened. I will be alright.” Pausing for a couple of seconds Soujiro continues, “It’s starting to get late. Shougo and you have a ways to travel before sundown.”

Making my way out of the cave I look back towards Soujiro’s solitary form. For the first time I notice how frail and sickly he looks. It looks like he has been undernourished for several years.

“Thank you for inviting me. If you don’t mind I’d like to visit you again in the near future.”

Looking back at me Soujiro replies with a smile, “I would like that. Feel free to call upon me if you need any advice.”

“I will,” I state happily. “Take care of yourself.”

As I make my way out of the cave towards Shougo Soujiro’s calm voice softly enters my head, “You too Megumi, you too.”

*******

It has been little over a month and still there has been no word from Enishi. As the days grow longer so grows the rest of the families concern, all excluding one, Misao. In fact, little seems to be concerning her at all.

When she isn’t off on some mysterious rendezvous she is lost in her own world. Her favorite phrases the past couple of weeks are “um” or “I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” Misao has always been a bit of a dreamer but never has she been so out of touch with reality. Chizuru has given up trying to reach Misao which means a lot being that Chizuru is usually far more patient with Misao than I am. I think Misao’s aloofness has truly insulted her. Normally Chizuru and Misao are attached at the hip, but now Chizuru is being pushed to the side without reason.

Because of Misao’s distant behavior Chizuru has been my constant companion. I do not mind since Chizuru is very respectful and willing to lend a hand but it would be nice to have someone else assisting me in entertaining our guest. I am not used to being the hostess, but with mother being sick and Misao gone I have little choice in the matter.

A fortnight after the festivities mother’s condition became all the more apparent. Father never leaves her side and it isn’t rare to find her retiring early. Father has done his best to keep himself composed but I see his concern in every touch and glance directed towards her. Mother’s time is coming soon but we are all hopeful that she will not suffer too long in pain. We are lucky that her illness hasn’t debilitated her yet. At least we can still enjoy her company for brief moments of normality.

Lifting her head while rubbing her hands in an attempt to warm up, Chizuru states short of breath, “Tell me again why you decided to talk me into walking you to the village in the middle of winter.”

“Illness knows no season. Ryoko needed treatment and sadly the healer stationed in the village was called away to assist another village,” I reply in frustration towards our current trek through the mud. Last night there was a strong thunderstorm and though beautiful, I am not enjoying the aftereffects.

“I can’t wait to get back home and drink some ale in front of the fire,” Chizuru comments with a sigh. “We could sit and talk before dinner.”
With a smile I state wistfully, “That sounds lovely though I think it best that we try to make it back home with all of your limbs intact. I’d rather Kenji not kill me before I have a chance to eat my last meal.”

Laughing loudly Chizuru retorts, “Kenji isn’t that cruel. He’d at least allow you one last meal before killing you.”

“You wouldn’t be laughing if you were in my position,” I reply in mock anger. “Kenji becomes brutal towards anything and everything that might get in-between the two of you. I fear for my life!”

Looking at me in annoyance Chizuru remarks, “Seriously Megumi, aren’t you being a little overdramatic. I’d expect something like that from Misao!”

“Misao has been out of sorts so I’m more than entitled to a momentary lapse of sanity,” I comment playfully.

“About Misao,” Chizuru states in concern. “Misao has always been off, but I’ve never seen her like this. I’m starting to wonder if she might be seriously ill.”

“The thought has entered my mind, but I can see nothing physically wrong with her. If something is plaguing her it would have to be mental.”
With a look of distress Chizuru replies, “If that is true I highly doubt anyone would be able to reach her. Hopefully she will come to her senses quickly.”

“I can only hope,” I state with a sigh.

“Megumi! Chizuru!” Kenji yells as he runs toward us. “Enishi has just returned from his trip and has important news. We have been waiting on you two!”

“We came back as quickly as we could,” I reply while frantically matching my pace with my brother’s. “How long has Enishi been here?”

“He just arrived an hour or two ago,” Kenji states slightly flustered.

“Is my brother alright? Has he mentioned why he left for so long?” Chizuru inquires frantically.

“He is fine,” Kenji replies compassionately toward his fiancée. “He told us that the news was important and that he wanted to wait for both of you to arrive before speaking further.”


Not a word was uttered in response as the three of us hastily make our way to the assembled household.

Entering the hall Enishi immediately runs over to my side and assists me to a chair. I know that we have been running but Enishi is over-reacting. I could easily make it to my chair without assistance.

“We’ll take a couple of minutes for the girls to catch their breath before I relate my story,” Enishi states in concern towards my direction.

“Do not wait on my behalf. I am perfectly able to listen in my current state,” I retort with restrained irritation. I do not need anyone treating me as if I were some delicate flower.

“I don’t mind….”

“I’m fine Enishi. Tell us before we all die in anticipation!” I exclaim firmly.

Giving me a disbelieving look Enishi slowly begins, “I am sorry to have left without word but I was alerted late in the night that there was a threat being opposed on my lands and that I was needed.”

“What type of threat?’ Okubo inquires in concern. “Are you and your people alright?”

“We are now, but I’m sure that it won’t be the last we see of the invaders,” Enishi replies with a tinge of distaste.

“Invaders?’ Kenji asks enraptured. “Who would dare to threaten your keep?”

“It would be best to start at the beginning,” Enishi states in exasperation. “When I was first called there were a number of attacks reported by my men stationed at villages near the western border. Many of my men died but no property was stolen from any of the towns. At first I thought it might be an invasion from a neighboring tuath but all reports claimed that these men held neither recognizable crest nor coat of arms. Their efficiency and creative style of murdering my guards is something I have never seen the likes of before.”

“Could they have been Vikings? There have been many reports of new Viking raids,” Kenji comments in shock.

“I thought of that as well, but none of their patterns fit. I am too far inland for a Viking raid plus no one would be foolish enough to ally with them. Viking take no side other than their own,” Enishi replies deep in thought.

“It might not be typical but it’s not unheard of,” Father states calmly. “When I was in Harrowfield I was once told by the leader of a neighboring Kingdom that Vikings once raided his lands despite the fact that they hold no ports. One of his neighbors had paid the Vikings to attack one of the villages.”

“I didn’t completely rule out a Viking raid until a few weeks ago when I finally encountered them while patrolling the western lands,” Enishi relates with pure venom in his voice.

“You saw them?” Kenji inquires with restrained excitement.

“Only once,” Enishi replies somberly. “We were on our way to the main camping grounds and thought our path was highly secure. The marshes surrounding the grounds are extremely treacherous. No one besides my men has ever been able to make their way through the marshes alive.”

Pausing to take a sip of wine Enishi continues, “There were ten of us riding back single file since the path is narrow. It was late afternoon but the mist that covers the marshes make the day feel like dusk and dusk feel like night. My men and I have sound ears but none of us heard the attack coming. Somehow they were able to each capture us, one of his men for every one of my own. Each man held a different form of weapon to dispatch my men. I was held in place by knife point unable to see my captor despite my best attempts. I watched and listened as one after the other my men were murdered. My mount and I were spared and later set free.”

“They let you go? Why would they do such a thing?” Okubo interjects in awe.

“I don’t know, but at the moment that I was being held I couldn’t help but believe the stories the villagers had been spreading about these men being Otherworld creatures. Not only were their methods unique but their appearance was frightful. Each one of these warriors bore markings of a wild beast and pelts to match. One bore the markings of a Dog while others bore Wolves, Bears and other ungodly creatures. What were most freighting were their eyes. They were so calm; almost like death,” Enishi states with a wavering voice.

“I’ll never forget the leader. Though I was not able to see his face I will always remember the black feathers marked upon his arms and the sound of his voice.”

“What did he tell you?” Kenji inquires in disbelief.

“As he vanished into the mist he stated in an arrogant voice, ‘Learn from this, Enishi. Learn well. I am not done with you yet.’ With that he and his men vanished. I thought that was the last of them until two weeks past and I was given a message,” Enishi reminisces.

“What type of message did you receive?” Father asks in concern.

“Such details would best not be uttered in front of ladies,” Enishi states calmly.

“I will find out regardless of whether you tell me now. What did you receive?” I retort in irritation.

In defeat Enishi replies, “The next two weeks following the attack there was no further raids on any of the villages so I felt that would be the last I would hear from the man the villagers dubbed ‘The Painted Man.’ Two weeks later I was proved wrong when my men brought to me a leather pouch containing a neatly severed hand. His challenge is clear, he and his men are at the service for whoever’s purse is the largest.”

“What kind of person would purchase their services?” Mother states in disbelief. “One such as himself would have no alliances or duty.”

“Judging from Enishi’s story many leaders would be willing to pay a hefty price for such services. With a proper army and the appropriate funding I could only imagine the possibilities,” Kenji remarks in excitement.

“You can’t be seriously contemplating such a service!” Uncle Okubo exclaims in disbelief.

“I’m just stating a fact,” Kenji retorts in exhaustion. “This Painted Man has a service that many will find tempting.”

“This man may hold a profitable group of men but I assure you that he tampered with the wrong man. If I ever catch sight of him I will take pleasure in killing the man myself. Blood will be spilt if he sets foot on my territory or touches what is mine. This I swear.”

Wisely Uncle Okubo adjourned our meeting soon after. Wishing to avoid Enishi I make my way quickly to my room. Never have I ever seen Enishi so clearly powerless over a situation, nor do I ever wish to see it again. I can’t help but feel dread overwhelm me just thinking about Enishi’s threat towards the Painted Man.