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My name... is Tanukisama Ryorin-Ieuso. I am a draconian spellsword of the high order, Shi-Heika. Our clan maintains the peace of our lands, training its members in the art of the blade, as well as magery. Together, with Kan-Meirei, Neiban-Rairin, and San-Kokudo, we protect our people from the scourge of war.

Our lands lie to the far north, isolated from the realms of humans and minotaurs. We draconians are a peaceful race, wanting nothing more than to live our lives in solitude. Among our people are stonemasons, blacksmiths, and many other craftsmen and women... but the tides of war will not allow such foolish desires. Because of this, our four clans have taken up the sword, and made an oath to our gods that we will protect our people.

We were called to battle only twice since our clans were formed, both involving potential invasions of the human Imperial empire to the immediate south of our lands. The battles were long and arduous, and much blood was spilled, both human and draconic alike. After the second invasion, our council and the human senators agreed to an armistice. We draconians were overjoyed when we heard the news. It meant that we could put up our steel, and return to our normal, working lives.

That all changed three years ago, when a human soldier appeared at our borders, severely injured and quickly approaching death. A handful of us rushed to the border to intercept the dying human. Together, we carried him to our trade town of Shouhou, where some of our healers could tend to his injuries.

The doctors came to the conclusion that the human was suffering from a severely fatal form of dementia, along with a gored wound on his left shoulder. They worked non-stop to find a cure for this illness, but to no avail... the human died within two hours of arrival to Shouhou.

Death is a serious issue to us. No living thing, human, draconian, or anything else, goes without a proper burial ceremony. That night, we returned to the border of our lands, to bury the fallen human. As we began our rites, a group of Imperial insurgents flashed before our very eyes and began a ruthless assault. We tried to explain to them their comrade was near death when we found him, and that there was nothing that could be done, despite all of our efforts...

But our words of reasoning didn't register with the humans as they continued their rampage. We were defenseless to their powerful steel and magic. I thought they would never stop, as they killed one after the other, their faces emotionless as they stained the ground with draconian blood. By the time it ended, twenty lives were ruthlessly taken, all of them draconic.

This infuriated the council, as well as the four clans. What the humans had done was a direct and blatant violation of the armistice our council and the human senators decreed. At that time, everyone came to grips with the grim truth; we were at war once again. Noone knew what the humans were after... was it total domination over all races? Or were they so obsessed with their bloodlust, that they made it their lifelong mission to spill as much of it as they could, because it aroused them in such a way that normal love making could not? In any way, the humans were indeed a serious threat, and they had the knowledge and power to obtain dominance over every other race.

I have personally shouldered the burden of keeping our people alive.

Tanukisama Ryorin-Ieuso fussed with his armor as he waited for his summons from the esteemed superiors of their clan, Shi-Heika. Shi-Heika loosely translated to 'Four Swords,' which meant that they were in charge of every battle-related issue. All of the members of this clan were spellswords, trained in the arts of swordsmanship and magery. The white draconian rested a hand on the hilt of his weapon, while the other rubbed his neck nervously. He's been in the presence of his clan leaders before, but this the first meeting with them as a high-ranking officer.

"You may come in now," said an orange scaled draconian, outfitted with simple white slacks and a suit of chain mail. He held an iron spear diligently in both hands, with a makeshift wooden shield strapped to his wrist. His features were rugged, a sign that he has seen the battlefield on more than one occasion. It was no doubt that he served as a guard for the inner sanctum of the High Council.

The village of Yasuraka was a small gathering of tents, giving the surroundings more of a tribal feel. Large tent-style houses surrounded the village square in a circle, and it was designed this way so the villagers were all together in a concentrated area. The largest structure sat at the back of the village, which housed the delegated leaders of the four clans. The guard pulled the tent flap back, allowing the spellsword to enter. Tanukisama breathed in as he lowered his head a bit, and proceeded through the tent opening.

The inside was dim, save for a huddling of candles placed on a small table towards the back of the room. In the middle rested a lavish rug made of some unknown fur. Sure enough, there sat his clan delegates, sitting cross-legged around the rug, with a single candle placed delicately in the middle of the circle, the flame gently flickering.

One of the leaders, Reikon, a muscular pale blue colored draconian, stood up to greet their guest. He wore a slightly tattered white tunic with matching trousers, all covered by a worn, pale blue jacket. His features were mostly kept hidden by the darkness of the room, but he emanated with a fiery demeanor that felt oddly calm. He placed an arm over his huge chest, and dipped his head. This was a typical greeting between clanmates. It meant that they were giving their thanks to the draconian gods for their everlasting protection, and renewing their oath to serve their will.

Tanukisama followed Reikon's greeting with one of his own. Once the formalities passed, the blue draconian wrapped one arm around his shoulders, and the other raised out towards the rug.

"Welcome, welcome, my friend," Reikon said, his tone earthy and pleasant. "Come and sit with us. There is much to discuss, and I would dislike it to be postponed any longer."

A couple of the delegated clan leaders moved themselves over, allowing Tanukisama a place among their circle. He slowly placed himself on the rug, assuming the cross-legged position like the rest of his clan. He sat directly across from Reikon, whose face was still shrouded by darkness, but the light emanating from the candle was strong enough to reveal parts of his firm, toned features. The blue draconian then reached for the candle and held it close to his chest, signaling to the rest of his clanmates that he was ready to speak.

"My bretheren," Reikon began, his voice loud and clear. "The humans seemed to have halted all hostilities for the time being against our people. That gives us an opportunity to unleash our power against them, in honor of the soldiers slain by their blood soaked hands."

"Are you asking us to assemble our spellswords and mobilize?" asked Gokai, a brick red draconian seated to the immediate right of Reikon. Gokai was the clan's second-in-command behind Reikon.

"That would be unwise, Reikon," said Heihouka, a purple draconian sitting next to Tanukisama. He served as Shi-Heika's chief strategist. "I feel that it would be much safer if you sent out a small contingent to enter the human lands, rather than a full frontal assault."

"I understand that, but don't you think that this is the best chance for us to inflict some damage against those human bastards for taking so many of our people's lives?" retorted Gokai.

"No, actually, it is not," replied Heihouka cooly. "Yes, the humans have stopped acting for now, but that does not mean that they will not be expecting action on our part. If we were to attack right now with our army of spellswords, we would be wiped out in an instant."

"And how do you know that, master strategist?"

"It is not that I know, but rather my intuition. Trust me, esteemed leader Reikon... you would be safer to send a small group like I have suggested."

"That's not your decision to make!"

"Gokai," Reikon interrupted, raising a scaled hand in front of his face. "Would you calm yourself, please? Heihouka has provided us with tactical guidance for years now. I trust him. Do you?"

"But, sir.." his overeager assistant whimpered at being cut off.

"Show some patience, please, Gokai," the proud draconian breathed irritably, peering at his assistant through the corner of his pale eyes. "Has Heihouka done us wrong in the past?"

"No, sir."

"Or has he done something to cause you any kind of a grudge against him?"

"O-of course not, sir!"

"Then you will not object with Heihouka's suggestion?"

"...I will not, sir, if that's your wish."

"That's acceptable, then. Thank you for your input," Reikon said, apparently relieved. True, his pupil was rash and quick to act, but he really did mean well, and has a good heart. That was why he took Gokai under his tutelage.

"I apologize, Heihouka, and to you, sir," Gokai said sorrowfully. "I didn't mean to question your judgment, for it is far superior to my own."

"Do not dwell on it, young one," reassured the older draconian softly. "The fact that you stated your opinion did more good for you than you might think. It is proving to your mentor and the rest of us that you are maturing."

"U-uh, thank you, Heihouka," the red draconian stammered, floored by the tactician's words of encouragement. He wasn't known for moral support... most tacticians weren't.

"Anyways," the purple one said after a moment, "let us get back to the task at hand. Since everyone is on board, we should plan out how it will be done. How many people will go, when the move will be made... specifics like that. I would hate to miss something in the planning, and have it all turn for the worse."

"I'll go," Tanukisama said, finally entering the discussion. He had been sitting silent during the entirety of the meeting, and his lack of involvement began to eat at his nerves.

Reikon, Gokai, and Heihouka all turned their heads in perfect unison, their eyes wide with surprise, almost forgetting that he was even there to begin with. The newly appointed officer had not been able to perform for them since being appointed, and this was the perfect timing to prove his usefulness.

The strategist snorted. "Are you sure, Ryorin? I understand that you are now a high ranking officer in our clan, but we do not, in any means, want to endanger your life. I am sure that Shi-Heika would be devastated if we lost a fine individual such as yourself."

The white draconian paused for a moment, his eyes fixated on the flicker of light coming from the candle that Reikon had placed back on the floor minutes before. Of course he wanted to go.. what kind of question was that? Heihouka's concerned inquiry ate at his mind. Did he really want to lay his life on the line for the sake of his people? Was he willing to take that burden upon his shoulders, knowing exactly what would happen if he failed?

"I am sure, sir," Tanukisama finally spoke, his voice proud and confident. "I care for our land and our people as much as anyone. I am more than capable of carrying out this request, and I am confident enough in my abilities that I will come back."

That was all the council members needed to hear. Heihouka offered him a light smile, and Reikon nodded his scaled head in approval. The uneasy feeling that had began to form between the four of them had all but dissipated, relief washing over everyone, Tanukisama especially.

"Thank you for volunteering, my friend," Reikon said warmly. "I know how hard it must be to willingly put yourself in the line of fire, so to speak. I wish it didn't have to be done, nor ask for it, but you understand the situation we're in, am I correct?"

"Indeed, I do. I had thought about it the entire time during the meeting. I have looked at all possible outcomes, best-case and worse-case scenarios. I don't like it myself, sir, but this is my chance to do some good for us. For our clan. For our people." Tanukisama was unwavering in his pledge, each word emphasized with urgency and determination, yet hinting his desire to act for the betterment of his people.

"Now that's settled, we need to figure out how to get our brave draconian brother into human territory without being detected," Reikon said. Indeed, the human mages would more than likely be on full alert, all things considered. Human mages were some of the most powerful around, easily on par with the more refined minotaur mages.

Heihouka brought a scaled hand to his chin. He didn't move, speak, or even breathe for a few moments. Suddenly, a sly smile formed across his face, followed by a quick nod.

"Tanukisama, we shall send you off at sunset. You can use the treeline to keep yourself concealed, though I am not certain how long it will take before the Imperial mages sense you. To my knowledge, they have trained a handful of mages exclusively for tracking."

"May I ask a question?" Gokai asked nervously. He had already acted out of line earlier in the meeting for freely stating his opinion. While Heihouka shrugged it off, telling him that it was a sign of his growing maturity, asking permission would be a safer method, and it would keep the tension to a minimum.

"You may, Gokai," Reikon approved with a light smile and a nod. "I appreciate your patience, and would very much like to hear what you have to say."

"Thank you, sir," his assistant said, his voice regaining some sense of relief. He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts so he could present the strategist with a legitimate argument. Shifting his body to meet the purple draconian face to face, Gokai took a deep breath and began.

"Sir, I understand that sending our brother after the sun fades and using the treeline will aid in keeping Tanukisama safe from the Imperial tracking mages, but there's one thing that puzzles me."

Heihouka leaned forward, his foggy grey eyes gazing at the red draconian with a profound curiosity. "And what is it that troubles you, young one?"

"If you know so much about the tracker mages, why do you insist on sending him regardless? Surely, with no magical protection, our clan mate will be lost to us for sure!"

The tactician's face brightened, a sly smile twisting his muzzle. "You present a very perceptive argument, young one. That pleases me, to know that you are beginning to think like a leader, but I have already taken the necessary precautions to ensure Tanukisama's safety. You need not worry yourself."

Gokai's expression remained the same. Yes, the strategist answered his inquiry, but it did little to alleviate his mind. In fact, the purple draconian had succeeded in confusing him even more. He released a sigh of discontent, turing away from Heihouka. He dipped his head a bit, his eyes staring at his lap. Normally, he wouldn't feel this troubled, but it was Tanukisama's life that was at risk, albeit at his own accord.

Tanukisama rubbed his neck, his mind enveloped in his thoughts. Heihouka was indeed an interesting fellow. He had joined Shi-Heika a couple of years ago, long after the Borderline Massacre. Ever since, he has provided the four clans with flawless tactics, rewarding them with victory after victory on the battlefield.

Yet, despite how much the strategist did for the clans and the rest of the draconian, but Heihouka remained perfectly unknown. So much about him was shrouded in mystery... did he want it to be that way? Or was there something deeper, more profound, that the purple draconian wanted to hide?

The white draconian couldn't take it anymore. There are things he may never know about this mysterious fellow, but he was certain that Heihouka was holding something. If he was going to selflessly risk his life for the sake of his people, he wanted to know everything, and was determined to find out.

"There is still some time before sunset, Tanukisama," Reikon said after a few moments of uneasy silence. "I would like for you to prepare for tonight. And please, try to get some rest until then."

The muscular draconian stood up, crossed an arm over his chest, and bowed, signaling the end of the clan meeting. Gokai was the first to leave, followed by Heihouka. Tanukisama was the last to leave. He stood up and started walking to the tent flap, when Reikon turned to face him, his powerful gaze looking down upon the white draconian.

"I want to thank you again for helping us," the blue draconian said softly. "You do know that you don't have to throw yourself out like this, right?"

"Yes, I know...," Tanukisama said as his voice lowered to a mere whisper.

"Then why do it, child? Just because you are gifted with superior talent with a blade, doesn't mean that you have to go off like this... You know I care about what happens to you, right?"

He lowered his head, eyes lifelessly peering at the floor. "I understand... father, but I have to do this. I NEED to do this. For our people... for their future. I care about them too, you know. I understand your concern, I really do. You trained me, remember?"

Reikon sighed, looking away from his son. If it were possible, he would go instead of Tanukisama. It wasn't that he wasn't trustworthy, and he blamed it on his overprotective nature. If anything were to happen to his son, surely it would break his heart like nothing. He went through one devastating death already, when his wife - Tanukisama's mother - was one of the innocent lives taken by the Imperials during the Borderline Massacre. But still, his son was an adult now, and there was nothing he could do to stop him.

"Yes, Ryo, I remember," Reikon said, slowly walking towards his son. He wrapped his giant arms around his shoulders, giving him an embracing hug. "You be careful out there, and you come back here. I don't know what I would do if you died."

"And you won't have to worry about that happening, father," Tanukisama said in an attempt to calm his father's distressed mind. "I'll leave at sunset, just like we discussed. I'll come back. You have my word."

The white draconian broke the hug, one hand resting on the hilt of his sword. He crossed his over his other arm and bowed. Reikon simply nodded his head as his son left.