Chapter Nine
Winter came and went, the icy cold being replaced by the kiss of spring. The air was fresh and warm, and the daylight made my armour gleam like fire. I smiled, embracing the warmth. The Takeda forces had stayed at Hima for three months, while the villages and the people of the region became accustomed to the new rule of the Takeda. For the first few days after the battle I barely got any sleep, and instead spent most of the nights reading books, or practicing the blade with Himichiro and Ieyasu. I am anxious to return to Owari, and I am fearful for my soldiers and people.
I was flanked by two retainers, and the soldiers bore their duty with pride, however nothing could hide their restlessness. I told them that we would go home, and yet we sit here, training and reading and laughing. We do not act. I do not act. “ Summon Himichiro and Ieyasu, if you will.” One of the retainers turned swiftly on his heels, and marched off, to do as I bid him. I peered at the bright sky, listening to the hum of the air, and beat of the wind, the rustle of the leaves and the chirp of birds. Nature is beautiful, and yet the world is tyrannical.
Ieyasu was the first to appear, his feet seemed to glide across the stone, more so than walk. That one is agile as a cat, and as fierce as a tiger. He nodded to me, his face was passive, and yet his eyes could not hide his curiosity. His Yari was starpped to his back, as always. When I had spoken to him of it he replied that he was not armed when Mikawa had been attacked by my father. He declared that he would never be unarmed again, as a foe could take you unawares anytime. That is a good sentiment, one I should adopt. “Thank you for coming so swiftly, Ieyasu-san. “ he nodded, but did not reply, I saw that his eyes were cast down, as if he was afraid of looking me in the eyes. Odd that he defers to me, as we are of the same rank. “The Oda will soon enough be rulers of Owari once more, Nobushige has sworn it. However, we have not discussed you. Ieyasu-san, I must ask, are you my foe?” Ieyasu’s eyes narrowed, and his head rose up like a viper.
“Your foe, Nobunaga-san. That depends, are you asking me whether I seek to kill you? To avenge my family as you do yours? It is true that I held resentment and hatred towards you at the beginning, and yet I see that you have suffered the pain and loss that I have. You spoke truly, it was not you that burned Mikawa, it was not your father that put my people to the sword. But, it was your family that killed my father, it was your father whom ordered the death of soldiers I had known since I was a babe, and it was your father whom took me captive, a hostage so that the Tokugawa could not ever rise to power again.” He strode forwards, and he grabbed the Yari, drawing it forth. My retainer went forwards immediately, a yell on his lips. Yet Ieyasu moved the yari swiftly, slamming the shaft of the yari into the man’s head. He aimed the point of the blade at my heart. “I am not your foe, Nobunaga-san, Daimyo of the Oda. But I will not kneel before you, when I return to Mikawa I will raise my men and I will battle alongside you. But I shall not serve you, I shall not bend the knee. For now I am powerless to do anything but obey and serve, but that does not make me broken.” I am not broken, you may well not be. But I am, I lost my father, my mother, my family. My arrogance burned Owari, my foolishness killed my mother and my lust for glory killed my people. The Yari moved from my chest, and a sigh escaped my lips. Footsteps appeared behind us and Himichiro entered, followed by the retainer. He looked at the man on the ground and immediately went for his blade, stepping between me and Ieyasu. “Calm, Himichiro, there is no danger here.” Yet the man did not deter, his blade and Ieyasu’s yari met, and a grin appeared upon Ieyasu’s face. “Dueling you would be an honour, Himichiro-san. However I have other duties to attend to.” he spun away, and placed his yari back in its sheathe. He nodded towards me, his eyes once again clouded and meek, instead of fierce and wrathful.
“Ieyasu-san, you have my word.” I will not kneel, I will not break, father. “You will never kneel to anyone again. When we battle we shall fight as allies. I shall never ask that you bend the knee.” I turned away. “However, both our peoples are enslaved by the dogs of the Imagawa. While I will not make you swear an oath of allegiance to me, I fear that the Imagawa will not be so kind to you. After all, your father was a vassal to them, and he followed their heels like a dog.” A sharp intake of breath from Ieyasu answered him. Good, so he is not without anger. “Should I lose, and that possibility is a high one, then you will once again have to answer the call of the Imagawa, I will be dead.” For moments only the soft chime of the wind was all that answered him, and then Ieyasu spoke.
“I will not kneel before the Imagawa, I will never allow my people to be cast to that fate again.” He snarled, but I turned back. We seek the same goal, freedom for our peoples, and yet I am willing to commit henious acts for my people’s freedom, is he willing to do the same? “And how would you help your people rise? How would you break the chains they hold them? Would you be willing to order your soldiers to kill sleeping foes? Would you be able to execute those dearest to you, all for strength?” No answer came from Ieyasu, but Himichiro’s gaze met mine, and his eyes held a clairty to them. Yes, my friend, I would let you die for the good of the Oda. I would throw myself onto a wall of spears if it brought my people hope and happiness. We will never bow again, we will bend, and never break.
“We are the Oda.” I spoke to Himichiro now. “I will sacrifice anything, anyone, for the betterment of the clan.” The wind blew, and once again I felt the chill of winter. But this is spring, so why do I feel so devoid of warmth now?
Ieyasu strode away, the sunlight glinted off his armour. I let him leave, making no move to call him back. I sighed. “Leave me.” I spoke softly, speaking only to the retainers. The two men bowed, and strode away, Himichiro turned to leave as well. “No, not you, stay, please.” Himichiro did so, I could feel his gaze on me.
“We’re so close.” My voice was a whisper upon the wind. “We have the means, the soldiers, Takeda yari, katanas and yumi.” I stopped, shuddeirng I turned around, “and yet, for all that. I do not feel any better. Thousands will die while I rage a war to retake my home, and after that, will it be worth it? The Imagawa will march on us once more, and I will not have the men to repell them, let alone beat them on the field.” The wind roared then, screaming at me, bellowing, raging. Yet it spoke no words.
“Then, perhaps . . .” Himichiro sighed. “Then perhaps you should sheathe your blade, and kneel, to the Imagawa.” My fist lashed out, but he caught it calmly. His eyes looked sorrowful. “We don’t have the men, Nobunaga-sama.” He whispered softly. “Victory would be impossible.” He released my hand, and I turned towards him. Coward! bastard! Traitor! “You bastard! Was it not you that spoke, saying I was their only hope for survival, for victory!” Himichiro opened his mouth to speak, but my words overtook him. “Was it not you that told me to fight? To defend my people?”
Himichiro’s voice washed over my own. “Indeed it was, and sometimes defending your people mens kneeling to a foe, sometimes that is the only path you can take, the only path that will save your people. Nobunaga-sama, I am not asking you to kneel forever. Gain your strength while the Imagawa believe you serve them, make political allies within their ranks, and break them from within!”
I roared, shoving him backwards. “Are you so cowardly? I trusted you! Bastard.” I spat. “Leave my sight, coward, and do not deign to suggest such actions to me again.” Himichiro’s face was grave, he nodded, and walked off, heavy in his steps.
I turned away, the wind roaring around me. “I will not kneel!” I bellowed to the wind. “I will not break! I will fight!” The wind gave no answer, and so I yelled more words. “I am of the Oda clan! I will avenge my father, I swear that to you! All those that died at Owari, all those that have been felled by Imagawa blades, I will avenge you!” I thought of Yoshimoto, of my dead mother, of my father, of my people, and of the pain Ieyasu must have felt. He hides it better than I do, but he is as lost with rage as I am. “Yoshimoto, I will kill you, I will plunge a blade into your black heart and I will tear out your throat with my hands for what you’ve done.” I will kill them all, every last one of them.
The warhorns blew, and a call went up from the soldiers. “We’re marching home!” a few of them called. “To Kai!” A few men bellowed about seeing their wives, to whom others replied about their daughters, and the men laughed. I felt water upon my cheeks, yet looking at the sky I only saw blue sky. Tears, but what do I cry for?
I’m going home, but first I must go to war.
***Ieyasu
The column of marching soldiers made good pace across the country side, he watched as Nobunaga-san rode with Nobushige, the two spent most of the days talking to each other, despite this there was no warmth, no laughter from the two. They speak of warfare, of death and of sorrow. He had noticed that, while Himichiro kept close to his young charge, that he and Nobunaga were cold and distant. Odd, did Nobunaga play the fool? Or did Himichiro suggest surrender? He looked at the aging man, his stance was relaxed, yet you could see that he would react at a moment’s notice. He has the reflexes of a warrior of a hundred battles. Ieyasu had not personally witnessed the man’s feats, yet even so he knew that he was a dangerous warrior. Fighting him would indeed be an honour, and would most likely also bring about my death. Yet Himichiro’s face was aging, wrinkles lined his face, and scars crisscrossed his brow. He is old, likely he asked Nobunaga to give up the war.
He kicked his heels into his horse’s ribs and trotted forward, following the column. He looked at the banner and imagined his own, the banner of the Tokugawa, flying upon their shafts, bristling within the wind. Soon enough. He told himself. Soon I will be back in Mikawa. His eyes drifted to Nobunaga. But what then? When I am home, what shall become of me? Nobunaga will undoubtedly wish to meet Yoshimoto in the field. Ieyasu was not the greatest of tacticians, but even he could see that Nobunaga’s fight may well be futile. If I joined with Yoshimoto, and struck at the Oda from behind . . .
“No!” He cursed aloud, a few of the marching soldiers took such a fright that they leapt backwards, one of them stumbling into his horse making it rear and nicker. A few other soldiers went to the aid of their friend, pulling him away from the horse. Ieyasu looked down on them, a fire in his gaze. The soldiers bowed. “Sorry, Ieyasu-sama, pardons.” They ran off to join back on with the column. He sighed, and rode alongside them. He looked around him, the trees that guarded the roads were dark and large, towering into the sky. They make beautiful sights, if ominous. He shook his head. I must think to the future of my clan, Nobunaga thinks of nothing but vengeance, he does not think for what will happen to his clan afterwards, and that is his downfall. He rode alongside the column, trying to reach Nobunaga and Nobushige. Should I join forces with Nobunaga-san? If we defeated Yoshimoto in the field, then we could build the strength of our clans, defeat the Imagawa, but thousands would die. His head throbbed as he thought, yet he did not curse. Silence is a deadly weapon, those that speak too much give away their nature. The more a foe knows of you, the larger a threat they are to you. Knowledge is the world’s greatest weapon.
Nobunaga turned when he heard the hoofbeats, he smiled at Ieyasu when he saw him. He motioned for Nobushige to slow. “Got bored of marching behind the column?” Nobunaga chided, a small smile came to Ieyasu. “Not quite, I need to think to the future of my clan.” He stated this cautiously, Nobunaga turned his horse towards him. “The future of your clan is warfare, Ieyasu. That is the plain truth of it, and of this cruel world. Once we defeat Yoshimoto, do you believe that his sons will not wish vengeance? And after that, the Hojo may decide to make us a foe, or vice versa. Our lives will be filled with warfare, we have to embrace it, to adapt.” He heard Nobunaga mutter after this. “To bend, do not break.” Ieyasu raised a hand stopping him there.
“No, Nobunaga-san, I mean the needs of my clan. The future of the Tokugawa may not include your visions of conquests and grandeur.” Their gazes met, and anyone looking upon them could see the battle of will, Ieyasu’s gaze, frozen over like ice, and Nobunaga’s eyes, burning with a rage. Neither of them gave. Yet Nobunaga replied, a hint of anger in his voice. “And why would that be, Ieyasu-san?” Nobunaga’s voice was soft, almost distant. Nobushige looked between them, a frown upon his face. “You are both children, playing at war. Leave the politics for when they are needed, for now, neither of you are home, neither of you have won your wars.” Nobunaga laughed at that, but there was little mirth to be held in his voice.
“Nevertheless, Ieyasu-san, I swore to you that I would bring you home, and Yoshimoto’s blood. Plan your clan’s future as you will, but I will see my oaths fulfilled.” Nobunaga began speaking with Nobushige again. “Will the Saito join us? Should we liberate them from the Imagawa . . .” Nobushige waved a hand. “Liberate them from the Imagawa and submit them to the Oda? You may well be a more gracious and kinder lord than Yoshimoto, however a lord is still a lord, and they will not see it as liberation, simply as conquest.” Nobunaga looked enraged at this, and Ieyasu saw his fists clench.
“Curse them, then! Perhaps I should simply ride passed their bloody city and attack Owari as swiftly as possible.” Nobunaga mused, and Ieyasu noted that Nobushige did not speak, allowing Nobunaga to either see the flaw in that tactic, or live with its follies. Nobunaga growled. “That would be a foolish move on my part, unless I wanted the bloody Imagawa garrison to take me in the rear when I struck at Owari. No, defeating the Saito at Mino is unavoidable.” He sighed, shaking his head. “So be it, then, I will bring fire and sword to the people of Mino.”
For the rest of the day they rode in silence, they made swifter time than they had on the way coming, as they no longer had to march in near waist deep snows. The air was warm, and the breeze was not unpleasant.
Ieyasu looked at the marching soldiers, looked at the steel tipped yari that rose in the sky, looked to the katanas that hung from their belts and the bows that were hung over their shoulders. I wonder, how many of those soldiers will die in Nobunaga’s quest for vengeance?
He smiled. Best to enjoy the kindness of the world while it lasts. Closing his eyes he embraced the softness of the wind, and the warmth upon his back . . .
***
Nobunaga
They came upon Kai in the night, the column marching strong and proud, the light from the troches giving each man an ominous glow. It took us a month to reach Kai. I was exhausted, too many nights in the saddle, my thighs were raw and aching. Yet upon looking at Kai my pain disappeared, to be replaced by immense joy. Brother, I will take you home. I smiled at the thought. Home, I must have hope that I can reach it. Should I befall to sorrow, should I wallow in defeat, than hope will abandon us, and with it our chance of victory.
The gates opened to a cheer from the gate soldiers, all of Kai had heard of our victory. Though it was late at night, many wives and children ran out to the marching column, though the soldiers were not yet permitted to break ranks, many of them ran towards their wives and children. A few of the wives called out, clutching at their children, trying to find their husbands. “Please, I do not wnat my child to grow up fatherless!” A woman yelled, wailing, but behind her a man came up and kissed her upon the cheek. The woman screeched, but in recognising her husband hugged him tightly. I smiled. Good, enough pain has been caused, and more sorrow will come.
Nobushige ordered his soldiers to break ranks, declaring they could return to their homes and families. A few soldiers continued following them, they would sleep in the barracks, while most of the soldiers would return to their loved ones. We reached the Palace, the moon was shining with a fierceness. A figure draped in yellow and black ran towards me, I dismounted, smiling as Nobuyuki launched himself towards me, hugging me. A smile lit across his face. “Aniki! How was it? How was the battle? The war? Were you brave? DId you kill a man?” The realisation came to me with remorse. I did, brother, I ended a man’s life, took him from his family. I killed a man that stood to defend his home. Yet the smile stayed upon my face. “All in due time, Nobuyuki-san. We will speak of this when the sun rises, you have my word. For now, you must rest.” I nodded to the retainers that stood behind my brother. He smiled, and grabbed one of the men by the arm. The retainer nodded to me, a half smile upon his lips.
“My brother is a better man than me.” I stated, both Himichiro looked at me, it was Himichiro that spoke first. “You have your strengths and he has his, Nobuyuki-sama is kind and benevolent, while you are vicious and stalwart, like fire.” Ieyasu replied shortly after, sounding exhausted, but with mirth within his tone. “I wouldn’t exactly call him a man, yet, Nobunaga-san.” He waved his hand towards Nobuyuki, his small eight year old legs bounding alongside the tall and graceful retainer. I laughed, shaking my head and striding forward. “Come, my friends, we must speak with Shingen and Nobushige, undoubtedly.
We heard the conversation before we entered the room. “And so you swear my troops to some child? So that he may sate his lusr for murder?” I heard Shingen roar, and Nobushige’s voice retorted with as much ferocity. “No! I swore your troops to a man whom saved my life! He has proven himself honourable! I would have died should he not have acted.” Shingen laughed, it was cruel and heartless. “Good! Maybe if you’d been killed we wouldn’t be having this argument at this point in time!”
The door opened and I entered, not having knocked on the door, or bidding leave to enter, it was the height of rudeness. I do not care for manners at this point. I will go home, I will take back Owari and I will butcher the men they betrayed my family. Shingen looked at me incredulously. I nodded towards him. “Considering this conversation decides my fate, that of my men, Ieyasu and my brother. I decided it would be best if I stated my case.” Shingen looked as if he was about to kill me, his eyes bulged and his face was purple with rage.
“Nobushige swore he would grant me the soldiers to retake Owari. That is all, he did not give me soldiers to defend it. But I have a request. I will take Mino from the Imagawa, so that I am not attacked in teh rear when striking at Owari. Mino will go to the Oda clan, to help fuel our economy and bolster us so that we may defeat the Imagawa.” Shingen opened his mouth but I raised a hand. “However, to get there I must first march through Kiso lands in South Shinano, I will take the castle there with fire and sword, after that I will leave a token garrison of Takeda retainers, South Shinano shall be donated to the Takeda, it grants you the security of the mountain-pass, as well as grants you an extra province. After I have defeated the Kiso at South Shinano I shall defeat the Imagawa at Mino, and free the Saito from those bastards. I will then march upon Owari, rubble it may well be, but I will retake it, and build the Oda to something great again. After I have retaken Owari I request that the Takeda forces stay with me for a period of one month, after that you will be granted your soldiers once more, and we can speak of the terms of an alliance, or trade.” I stopped for a moment. “Or we may go our seperate ways, and never cross paths again. But I swear this to you, for teh aid you will grant me in retaking my home and securing my alnds, whenever the Takeda are in need of aid, send for me, and I will march with blade, yumi and yari to your aid.” I bowed, and turned to leave, to allow them to discuss. The die is cast, will Shingen take this how I suspect? Or will it all go awry?
“You . . . you are arrogant, impudent, foolish, brash, and an imbecile, for suggesting such things to me.” Shingen’s face gave way to a smile. “Yet I must admit you have a certain amount of arrogance that is contagious.” He sighed. “My men will rest for two weeks, to reacquaint them with their families, their loved ones and allow for them to spend their spoils of warfare. After that, I grant you three thousand foot-soldiers and one thousand cavalry. You will command them, my brother, nor I, will have any part no this campaign. Should you lose then I will use my remaining soldiers to aid Yoshimoto in eradicating you, so as to keep my people safe.” I nodded, relieved. I will march home. I will defeat the Imagawa in the field or I will die.
I knew that it would not be South Shinano, nor Mino, and not even Owari that would be the challenge. Mino would be lightly defended, and had never been a terrifying stronghold, the castles at South Shiano, while being formidable, would be scarcely defended, the Kiso were not a wealthy clan, and could not pay for large amounts of troops. And Owari, if what Nobushige said was true, Owari will have rubble for walls, and defeating the Imagawa there should be simple enough. But defeating Yoshimoto in the field. Twenty five thousand soldiers . . . I will meet my death with fire and sword, and any man that can hold a blade, or bow, or yari will be conscripted into the army that will face him. I strode through teh halls of Kai, Ieyasu bid me farewell and went to his quarters, but Himichiro followed me, as my sensei, as my guard. I am sorry, my friend. For what I said of you, I realised the truth of your words, even then. But I cannot face defeat. I tried to speak, to make amends for teh words I spoke, but none would come forth. I cannot admit defeat. I sighed. “We’re going home, Himichiro-sensei. We’re going back to Owari.”
Across the hilltops the sun was rising. Has it truly been so long? I laughed. Nobuyuki will wish to hear of the battle. “Best to tell him lies of it.” I mused to myself, Himichiro did not answer. “He must be kept innocent, while I am savage and corrupt, he must be kind and gentle.”
I looked to the sun that graced the sky. “People of the Oda clan, I will return to you, I swear it.”
***
Nobunaga
The sun was bright and gazed across the field, it had risen behind me and my forces. Kiso banners flailed in the rushing wind down below me. They are more numerous than us, I was wrong. Would my fight for home end here, when I was so close to victory? The Daimyo of the Kiso Yoshiyasu, had requested I treat with him, so that we may try to discuss a peaceful solution. Weakling, peace is for those that have no stomach for the fight. “So, the broken Daimyo treats with a weakling, fitting, I suppose.” I msued to myself, yet Ieyasu looked at me questioningly, and I replied to his gaze. “I could kill him during the negotiations, his men would be shattered, to find their Daimyo had been butchered by a child, whilst drinking tea.” A small smile crept upon my lips. Of course, such an act is like to lose me my own men also, but let us see how Himichiro and Ieyasu reply.
“Such an act would be . . . questionable, Nobunaga-sama. But, shall you order it, I will see the deed done.” Himichiro’s voice was grave, and his face looked as if it had aged considerably in the last few months. I insulted him, and still his loyalty is mine. He is a good man, and I must make amends for my wrongdoings. Ieyasu’s reply was a lot less composed. “Try to murder that man in his tent, while drinking his tea, and discussing terms of peace? Should you live long enough to escape the clutches of his forces, you will be killed by your own soldiers for that act. Should you not die by their hand, no head of a clan will ever treat with you again, making foes where once you could have found allies. Such an act would be foolish, Nobunaga-san.” I don’t think I’ve ever heard you speak so many words, Ieyasu-san.
“You have grown a taste for Nobushige’s honour, I see.” I smiled. “Good, one of us needs to have a good heart.” For mine is already black. A few retainers came up the hill, accompanying my brother. He looked eager, but frightened as he looked over the Kiso soldiers. “Brother, may I accompany you while you negotiate with the kiso?” My brother’s language sounded so formal, so noble that it took me by surprise. He is a scholar, not a warrior. “Indeed, Nobuyuki-san. It is past time you begin to understand the concerns of governing a clan, making peace treaties and war.” Ieyasu looked at me with an eyebrow raised, and the message is clear. And who shall teach him, pray? You? With all of your experience? I smiled slightly, just enough to put my brother at ease. There are worse people to train my brother. Ieyasu is a good man, and he seems fond of Nobuyuki’s kind nature. I took Himichiro and Ieyasu aside from the others, taking them into the woods that surrounded both our armies.
“Himichiro, position the cavalry within the forests, I want them close to the Kiso encampment, we will strike when the negotiations are over.” I stopped for a second. “Also, I feel . . worried, I suspect treachery.” Ieyasu smiled, shaking his head.
“What of me, Nobunaga-san? Will I be accompanying you to these negotiations?” He sounded curious, undoubtedly he wished to see the Kiso Daimyo for himself, and evaluate the man. I looked towards him. “No, to you I give command of the foot-soldiers. Strike on my order, and attack swiftly should we be betrayed.” Himichiro looked worried, his face was creased in a frown, and his features were grave and grey.
“Will I not be accompanying you to the negotiations? Nobunaga-sama?” I’m sorry my friend, I know it looks as if I am casting you aside, but you and Ieyasu are the only ones I trust. I need you here, to lead the cavalry. “I trust you will avenge me if I am killed by the Kiso Daimyo.” I smiled, and laughed. “You have command of the cavalry, Himichiro-sensei, you will know what to do.” Himichiro did not look appeased. “Besides Himichiro-sensei, I will be guarded by all of my retainers, and those of Nobuyuki’s as well!” Yet none of them match your skill, nor your loyalty, my friend. The facade must be kept.
Himichiro nodded, and rode away towards the cavalry, to position them. Ieyasu and I rode for a while in silence, before turning back to camp. “If you suspect treachery, why do you bring yourself and your brother to your foe? Why not keep one with the army and one with the Kiso Daimyo?” Why indeed? It endangers both of us, and should we both perish then all hope is lost.
“Because I do not fear death, if I am to die at the hands of Yoshiyasu, if my brother is to be felled by Kiso blades.” Never, I will die before I allow harm to Nobuyuki! “Then it will be because fate decrees that my cause is lost.” I sighed. “Come, it is past time we make arrangements to head towards the White Tent.” I scowled. White stains easily with blood . . .
I rode towards the White Tent, Nobuyuki at my side, and nigh forty retainers at my heels. The White Tent was not guarded by Kiso men. They will be on the inside. I knew, the tent was large, magnificently so, large enough to hold about thirty men. “impressive.” I muttered, Nobuyuki laughed beside me, such as the child he was. “We’re going home!” He laughed and smiled, I turned towards him. “Soon.” I promised. “but not yet, first we must win the day here, and at Mino, and then at Owari itself.” Yet Nobuyuki was not deterred, he looked at me, and said matter-of-factly. “You’ll beat them all, brother! You swore to take me home, and you always keep your word.” He rode ahead of us. Always keep my word, if only that was true, brother. Why does he look to me so? Why am I a beacon of hope for him? I could not understand it. I will win, Nobuyuki, or try to, at least.
When we reached the entrance of the tent I bid Nobuyuki to enter, and went in with half a dozen retainers behind me, the rest stayed outside. The interior of the tent was even more magnificent than the exterior, lined with velvet on the sides, katanas, yumi and yari hung from the sides, each of them cleaned so that not a speck of dust touched them. A few of them held ornately done hilts and shafts, one of the yumi was black as a moonless night. Impressive, mayhaps I was wrong about the wealth of the Kiso. That disturbed me. A miscalculation could mean the death of every one of my men, and my brother. I hid my worry behind a smile, and bowed before the Daimyo of the Kiso. “Kiso Yoshiyasu-san.” I spoke softly, and took one of the free seats, there were two. Nobuyuki took the seat beside me, he was silent, which was unusual for him. Perhaps he realises that it is I whom must speak during this negotiation, and so does not wish to make a fool of himself. I looked around, the Kiso Daimyo was guarded by eighteen soldiers. Triple my own defenders in this tent. Perhaps it is he who fears betrayal. After all, I am outnumbered, and killing him in this tent would be a mighty blow towards his soldiers. “And so you are cunning.” I spoke softly, soft enough that he could not hear my words.
“Oda Nobunaga-san.” he spoke just as softly, and his eyes held a cool intensity to their gaze. “You are a child, surely you do not believe you can defeat me upon the field?” He boasted, he was old and looked frail, but his eyes held a deep light to them. To this I smiled warmly, my gaze locking with his. “I believed this was a tent of negotiations, not for boasting?” The man’s smile curled on his face.
“Listen here, boy. Bloody braggart that you are, you are like dirt beneath my boots, nothing! Do not think I could not crush you if I wished it.” he had risen from his seat, so he now stood taller than I and my brother. Nobuyuki looked fearful, frightened by the man’s outburst. I myself was anxious, but I kept my composure as much as I could. “Should you wish to crush me, prove it upon the battlefield instead of making idle threats across a table. Should you wish to negotiate sit down and state what you will, else my party and I shall leave, and we shall battle this very day.” The old man looked as if he was about to burst,m his mouth was agape with astonishment. It has been a long time since anyone has taught you manners, yes? Yoshiyasu sat back down, and look of pure contempt upon his lips. Yet he spoke softly once more. “The Kiso clan will aid you in your struggle against the Imagawa, you can even keep that foul smelling city of Mino, if you want it. But in return the Oda will be vassals to the Kiso, and will pay us yearly tribute of -” My hand crashed upon the table, and I rose swiftly, my retainers went forward, drawing their blades. “The Oda will bow to no man! Bastard! I will not bend to you!” I snarled at him, growling , teeth bared like an enraged dog.
“You are like a wolf, a wolf without a pack. Cornered, you fight because you have nothing else to do.” Yoshiyasu mused. “The Wolf of Owari.” he laughed and then did a mock howl. Laughing again. “lower your weapons.” His men did as bid. But my men still held their own at the ready. I sighed, bowing my head in disgrace. “Sheathe your blades.” I spoke softly, but my soldiers did as bid. Nobuyuki looked between me and Yoshiyasu, obviously trying to decide whom had won that stand. Yoshiyasu won that one, brother. I sighed. “I guess battle is our only option.” I nodded towards him, and turned to leave, walking towards the tent’s exit. Yoshiyasu smiled. “Well, not our only option.” He smiled at me, it held a devilish nature within it. “Kill them.” He spoke two words, and yet with them my hopes died.
My soldiers drew their blades, but were not swift enough, two of them were cut down before they could unsheathe their blades, the other four battled, but were swiftly cut down. I stepped between Nobuyuki and Kiso soldiers. My own katana was at the ready, but behind me I heard shouts from my men as they drew their swords, I heard soldiers yelling for them to surrender. We are surrounded. I thought, dazed. How could this have happened.
The Kiso soldiers turned their blades towards me, some of them dripping with blood, I looked to the six corpses upon the floor. We were going home, home! I snarled at them, and at Yoshiyasu. “I will die before I allow you harm my brother!” Nobuyuki was behind me, on the ground, looking down at him I saw his face was pale, the blood had drained from his face at the site of corpses. He is only eight! A child! Bastaard!
Turning back towards Yoshiyasu I saw a smile upon his lips, he cocked his head and laughed at me. “Indeed, you shall die.” His tongue flicked across his lips, like a serpent. “Kill him.” |