The cottage nestled in the old growth maples was surrounded by a vegetable garden. Mature varieties of leafy greens filled in oversized garden boxes. A single candle burned in the window facing the cobbled path. Mayaku moved down the path, brushing aside a low hanging branch. Her eyes combed the facade for a sign the occupant was within. Stopping at the front door she discovered a basket laid at the threshold. A smile bent the edges of her mouth, turning an expression of concern to one of joy. The young woman measured out several coins into a vase by the door and claimed the basket. Layers of folded sack cloth could not disguise the fragrant feast inside the basket. Mayaku inhaled deeply of the spiced meat pie.
Kabane will love this, she thought. If only it were still warm by the time it gets to him.
Picking up her stride she sought out a shortcut through the village. The sun had dipped behind the mountains leaving vestiges of plumb colored skies to illuminate the shadowy path.
The grass ahead shivered in response to the creature pawing its way toward the young girl. Mayaku stopped and waited for the creature to reveal itself. It didn’t, preferring the safety of the shadows and ribbons of grass. Mayaku lowered herself down to the creature’s level.
“No need to be afraid little one.” She said, extending a hand to stroke the creature’s back. “I don’t have time to return home tonight. Will you deliver this basket to the cabin on the lake?” The creature did not reply, nor did it shrink from her.
“Very well.” Said Mayaku. “Be a good girl and go strait there.” Mayaku used a kerchief to help the creature balance the load, before sending it off into the darkness. Kissing her fingers and blowing across her outstretched palm she said a soft prayer.
Standing once more she bounded through the village woods heading for the center of noise and light. The feast was already underway with the strangers sitting at the head table facing the council. The spidery Jihae was spitting venom and cautioning against taking risks. She continued in her lecture as Mayaku entered the pavilion, punctuating her protests louder now that the girl was in full view of the others.
“Sorry I’m late. My errand ran long.” Mayaku said as she surveyed the feast. Wasting no time she shoveled loads of the carefully prepared food onto a shingle before taking her place at the end of the table. “What did I miss?”
The row of frowning faces that sat across from the visiting adventurers was offset by the exuberant and expressive consumption by Councilman Muguro. His love of food evidenced in his animation. Kolya used a hand to brush his mane of hair from his eyes before continuing his point in the discussion. He and Takeshi were matching Councilwoman Jihae word for word in this contest. Mayaku smiled at the attention and skill. She would be in the capable hands of this company of men and their Kami. Mayaku noticed the fox-girl’s venom and gave her a wide berth. She did not fear the creature, only fearing to offend her.
As she returned her attention to the council she saw that Jansai was passing around a sack for the counting of the vote. Spilling out the contents he counted silently, though his lips still shaped to the words.
“Then it is decided!” Jansai said after counting the stains upon the sticks. “Four to three in favor of letting Mayaku depart for a season to aid the Daimyo on opening the highway.”
Shortly after daybreak the the company of seven members had grown to eight. Equipped with fresh horses and a fair knowledge of the road ahead Mayaku observed optimism as they set out to the south. Travel through the woods was slow due to the narrow trail and hilly terrain. The long pine branches obscured much of the sky. Kolya whispered instructions to his bird before launching it skyward. Mayaku had not been around soldiers, but she imagined that it must feel something like this. Each of the members responsible for watching areas of the road and surroundings. Thane, the half elf hoiyman, had volunteered to act has her shield should danger find them. Though he was taciturn in speech his actions told the larger story. He was accustomed to routines that did not offer him much room for comfort. The scars of previous battles evident on his dark skin.
The group came to attention at the sound of screeching from high in the trees. Whiskers began chanting almost at the same moment the Tengu became visible. Mayaku, according to plan, moved closer to Thane. She had only started to move when a number of arrows skittered off Thane’s armor as he batted away arrows that were meant for her. There in the shadow of the soldier she saw three shapes leaping from the edge of there road where nothing had been a moment before. A sinewy spider had its gaze set on the mixed blood elf. With all her might she shoved Thane away from the pouncing spider, only to get caught up in the melee herself. Disoriented by the arrows and the spiders, a third circumstance descended. Behind the protective embrace of Thane, Whiskers cast a spell that rendered her invisible. The sensation would have been intoxicating, but for the chaos of battle. Kolya’s arrows had felled one of the Tengu and chased the other two away. The trio of spiders were dispatched in short order. The corpses of the felled spiders vanished back to where they had been summoned. Thane had experienced a spell of dizziness or something after the spider attack, but the effects seemed short lived.
"Where did the spiders come from?" Hissed Whiskers. "Tengu can summon creatures can they?" He directed his gaze at Mayaku.
"It is not in their power." She replied. "Though they may not be acting alone." Mayaku replied, unsure of what more to add.
Whiskers did not like the answer, but was appeased for the moment. "Lets keep moving." he said finally.
Mayaku enjoyed the effects of the invisibility spell as the company of men in which she traveled encountered Akifumi a portly man in his late twenties and his employer, Giichi his gregarious benefactor. The two of them had been working steadily to complete work on the Daimyo’s bridge for an inspection that may never come. After a few well wishes from the men, travel south resumed.
The morning melted away as the miles passed beneath them. Dust from the horses made traveling in the back of the line uncomfortable. Mayaku made every excuse to move toward the front of the group, only to be told she must remain in her place for her protection. Mayaku was glad to break formation around midday as they came across a shanty town located at the crossroads. A bare-chested man stood blocking the road. His bravado seemed ill-conceived considering the number of armed men on the trail before him. Mayaku puzzled at the calm demeanor of the group in general, then she remembered that it was her gift that showed the man for his true form. The blue-skinned Oni was eyeing the group as a potential target. Several other Oni were mixed in with a population of humans.
“These men are not what they seem.” Whispered Mayaku into Thane’s ear. “We should keep moving if we wish to avoid conflict.”
Kolya and Whiskers received her warning and navigated the troop past the ambush and headed west on the Daimyo’s road. Mayaku continued to watch the camp for signs of an attack the never came.
By early afternoon they had arrived at Mamoru Castle. Positioned on a flat mesa with a commanding view of the surrounding lands, it was an impressive and daunting structure.
Some debate was made regarding the approach. Eventually Whiskers, Takeshi, and Thane approached the gatehouse. Time passed slowly under the cloudless sky. In due time the trio returned. Whiskers was the first to speak.
“The guard captain is prepared to receive us. We must move quickly.” He said, already turning toward the structure.
The inside of the fortress was brimming with undelivered supplies for the outer areas of the prefecture. Civilians from the row houses quickly took notice of the visitors from the east, sparking many hushed conversations. Taka guided the group around the civilian settlement and past the open western gate. The teeth of the portcullis in the raised position provided a clear view into the distance.
Arriving outside the Lord Commander’s door Taka raised a hand.
“I will go ahead and get permission from my Lord. I will return momentarily.” With that he entered the hall and disappeared behind the door.
“How long do you think he will be gone?” Whiskers asked to no-one in particular. “Less than seven minutes you think?”
“That is an oddly specific amount of time.” Kolya replied.
“This benefits you more than me.” Whiskers replied. “I have a spell that should turn that bow of yours into a proper killing machine. Lasts about that long.” Whiskers said smugly.
“I’d guess less than seven minutes then.” Kolya said with a smile.
Whiskers conjured the magic in anticipation of the fight to come. Mayaku tensed knowing her role in the coming fight would be key. Closing her eyes she said a silent prayer.