Kailu Hayashi - “Yamei” Sensei called out. My head was still swarming with the buzz of pain of my exchange with Echigo. We bowed and returned to our positions on the smooth hardwood floor. I never cared for Keiko, free sparring with the boys was not my strong suit. Though my technique is good and my form flawless, I lack the speed the boys can muster, leaving me on the receiving end of more blows than I deliver. Echigo takes too much pleasure in besting me. I think there was a time he saw me as a potential romantic conquest. I was sure to close down that avenue before it started a something I did not welcome. Since then he has taken out his frustration on me with his bokken.
“Kailu, Saretha Sensei awaits you in the yard. Retrieve our bow and saddle up.” Master Goshu’s words shook me from my musing.
“Hai” I replied. My voice cracked slightly revealing the betrayal I was feeling from my sempai. I returned my practice armor to the peg on the wall of the practice hall and made my way to the stable. My practice steed whickered with excitement at my approach. I placed the saddle on her back and secured the straps. Once in the saddle my poise returned. I urged the mare into the yard, she responded reading my will and making it her own. I settled in checking my equipment before Saretha Sensei arrived with a list of drills and form practice. Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a figure walking up the approach road. A young man with a top knot and simple clothing was entering the yard. I recognized Kai Sato, more from his movements than his look. Warriors instinctively recognized the combination of movements that defines an opponent’s carriage. Kai held himself relaxed and confident. He did not carry the shoulder tension of many students here. He was a natural fighter with a gentile nature.
He had departed less than a week ago with little fanfare. Goshu had only said that he was running an errand. Those of us on the ranch understood what was really at stake. Goshu never graduated a student to instructor status without a test. It was different with each student, but not without mortal risk. We had heard stories of students that failed to return from their ‘errands’. Tamas and Echigo had wagered against Kai’s successful return. Echigo would not look kindly on his new diminished status. He was no-ones Kohai and would react erratically to the news.
Kai took notice of me in the yard. I spent a moment fussing over the saddle and stirrups. It was not considered good form to show off, but I wanted him to recognize my prowess as I would soon acknowledge his. I tugged gently at the reigns and gave the mare a gentle nudge with my knee. She responded with a parade gate that would make the horse guard in Paladorn proud.
“Good Morning Miss Hayashi” Kai Called out. The mare snorted and postured at his approach. Kai halted and smiled. Equine creatures seemed to share a universal distain for this particular young man.
“Good Morning Sato San.” I feigned surprise, but couldn’t help but smile at my own hubris. We exchanged a friendly greeting before delving into his recent adventure. All the while I considered the barriers between me and such a life of exploration and adventure. The cloistered life in my Father’s house would never allow for such recklessness. His tales of fighting trolls and Mud Cows was amazing, but that was not what held my attention after our discourse.
“I learned something even more interesting after I returned to town. It may have something to do with you.” Now it was his turn to wear the ignoble smile.
“What is it!” I called out surrendering poise and posture.
“Hayashi San, Its time!” Saretha Sensei said then cleared her throat.
“I’ll tell you after practice” He said.
I huffed at the interruption letting my curiosity turn to frustration. “I’ll be back in an hour. We’ll talk then. I urged the mare forward and joined sensei. Checking my sheaf of arrows and drawing my bow I set about the most distracted practice in recent memory.