The Outlander 1 6
#3 of The Outlander
Book 1 Chapter 6
6
The Shogun of Jima, the great badger Lon, was known as a great protector of his subjects. His rule was stern, but fair. None of his good-beasts were under the whip or the chain, they were free to live as they wanted. However the one thing Lon demanded out of his Samurai above all things was loyalty. The great badger lived in a fabled palace built from white limestone with a pagoda tower spiralling into the heavens. The palace had its own allotments for growing crops, the Shogun's personal forge for making weapons and a most magnificent oriental stone garden for meditation and spiritual healing. The massive throne room was donned by silk drapes hanging off the walls, with brass ornaments burning incense over the high beams of the door frames. The council of the triad were three great warriors from each island. The sea otter Ken was one of the triad, however having heard of the distressing news from Jinkai in the south, it seemed Ken would never participate in another meeting. Also with Krinz hanging up his sword and a replacement about to be sworn in, it seemed the perfect time for Claw to launch an attack. Lon was in an audience with Krinz and an albino wolf named Fujokai, the last remaining members of the triad. Fujokai's strength was in the bow. He had become such a master of the art that acts of his daring and skill were legendary throughout Yoshino province. The wolf however was not in a happy mood. Having Krinz to appoint a pupil, who had not seen a single battle, as his successor was unprecedented and the news of Claw's troops landing in Yoshino and overrunning the domain unsettled him even more. "One of your students?" the wolf spat at Krinz, "How can you even justify such a decision?" "Sandokhan perceives much and he is a most promising student," "Is he even aware of the responsibility about to be thrust unto him?" Lon rapped the armrest of his throne with a heavy paw. "Friends, please. I know you have doubts Fujokai but Akito has never let me down before. I trust his judgement and so should you, my bow." Lon then turned his gaze to Krinz, "Is your successor prepared yet Akito? I would like to see him now."
Tin-Jin stood with his two aides as Sandokhan emerged from behind a dressing screen, every inch of him a fearsome sight. He was clad in Samurai armour, mainly fashioned from thick leather with plates of metal overlapping the gaps in the layers. The greaves, pauldrons and gauntlets were studded and plated with steel, while the cuirass was covered in a thick coat with lotus flowers embossed on the fabric. Sandokhan adjusted the gold sash across his chest with the Starfire katana fastened securely to his waist. "How does it feel wearing armour?" asked Tin-Jin. "It feels quite strange. But it doesn't make me feel fatigued at all," the fox replied. The blind mouse smiled, "That's a good sign, but I'd prepare myself mentally now. I can hear Fujokai coming." Sure enough the white wolf stood in the sunlight of the slightly cloudy morning. "Come fox," he called. Tin-Jin placed a reassuring paw on Sandokhan's shoulder. "Sandy, ahhh, good luck!" The fox then stepped out into the courtyard and followed Fujokai towards the pagoda. "Have you ever been in the presence of the Shogun before, vulpine?" asked Fujokai, his voice had a hint of authority. "Actually now that you men-" "Why do you use a string of words when only one will do?" Fujokai growled. "No," Sandokhan replied knowing it was better not to annoy the wolf. As Sandokhan was escorted down a corridor to the throne room Fujokai expressed the importance of etiquette. "Speak only when spoken to, if he stands you must bow, if he bows you must bow lower. If your intentions prove false you will be cut down by the blade you carry. Is that clear?" "Yes," replied Sandokhan. The massive wooden doors slid open revealing Lon sat in his throne holding a mighty double-pawed dai-katana. With his old teacher stood to his right. "Remember what I told you," Fujokai voiced through the side of his snout. Sandokhan bowed respectfully to the great looming badger who had beckoned him to approach. Sandokhan treaded gingerly towards Lon. Inside the fox began to feel out of place amid the regal splendour of his surroundings. A total fool hobbling in all that armour. He bowed once more in front of the badger and then knelt before him. Lon then unsheathed the massive dai-katana and placed the flat of the slightly curved blade on Sandokhan's shoulder. "Akito Krinz, can you vouch the loyalty of this beast?" "His loyalty is absolute and his faith is strong," the battle scarred hare replied. "Sandokhan, disciple of Akito Krinz, your master has vouched for your loyalty but I must hear it from your own lips. Will you follow me even if the path you must tread meant your demise?" "Yes," "Will you follow me to flames, to darkness and to the grave?" "Yes," "Rise." The great badger lifted the massive sword and pointed it's stabbing edge towards the fox. Sandokhan then rose to his footpaws, his eyes level with those of Lon. "Shed your right gauntlet and grasp my blade." The fox did as he was bidden, he grimaced slightly in pain as he felt the cutting edge slice lightly into his paw. Now Sandokhan had to recite an oath that Tin-Jin had taught him only hours before. The old mouse had made sure that Sandokhan knew it word for word. "I, Sandokhan, son of Christos and Nanya offer my blood and soul to the service of my Shogun. For the noble truth for which he stands; one great cause for the hope and future of all Jima." He then pulled his clenched paw free of the blade, his blood smearing the edge. The pledge now a blood oath. "Then I hear by accept you Sandokhan into the circle of the triad. My head-taker. My sword!" * On the western coast of Mochizuki, the Stormvermin general Gash stood among the corpses of dead beasts; formally defenders of the western coastline. The wearets had done most of the slaughter with their ferocious toughness and tenacity. Huge black scorpions were being waded ashore from the ship Black Coral with a clamouring din of hissing and clicking. Their stings were removed eliminating any threat to their riders and adding to the indignity of their captivity. Gash looked around at the red stained sands and could see pockets of stormvermin still fighting with defenders who were determined to fight on. A large wearet, the tribe's chieftain, saluted smartly at Gash. "We's gorrum almost done." Gash hardly turned his gaze towards the lumbering juggernaut beside him. "Roygel, round up any still alive and finish them as quickly as possible. We march for the Niji gate tonight."