Read L5r - scroll 03 - The Crane for Free Online

was sent to the Akodo War College when he was young."
    "That explains the torn inon on the armor, then." Shizue said quietly. As the Lion's elaborate shoulder plates were fastened by three samurai retainers, the clear impression of a golden mon appeared. The gold had been scratched away and repainted with care but was still visible on the enamel of the laced plates.
    "Now he and his family serve the Ikoma, since the Akodo were dishonored when the Son of Heaven declared their death. Some say the Scorpion were the lucky ones."
    "Some do not speak of it at all," Shizue warned carefully.
    "Mmm," muttered Toshimoko. "And some men are fools."
    Unsure of the dueling master's intent, the Dragon samurai shifted in his stance. "Perhaps. The Lion certainly aren't. Not this one, at least."
    "He came alone to the Festival of the Last Harvest. What does that speak of his foolishness?" Shizue prompted.
    Taki chuckled. "Less than it says of his courage."
    Toshimoko's grin twinkled in his eyes. "Poor Ikoma Jushin. I'm certain that when he returns home, he'll help the plants grow in the fields of his father's house."
    Taki looked at the cheerful old man with a curious gaze. "You think Tsuko will strip him of status?"
    "Bah," Toshimoko replied. "She'll send his ashes to fertilize the ground!"
    "He has friends in the Imperial Court. Dangerous to send, and more dangerous to lose."
    "One might say, invaluable," whispered Shizue thoughtfully. "We thank you, Mirumoto Taki-san, for your insight and valuable time. My uncle and I are pleased to have spoken with you on this beautiful morning. Perhaps we might meet again, over the days of the festival?"
    "Of course." Taki smiled, bowing politely and gesturing his men aside. "I am at your disposal, gentle sister of my host."
    Shizue smiled, returning his bow. Smoothly, the two Crane stepped from the doorway down the stairs of the palace, and into the grassy pathway that divided Kyuden Kakita from its inner courtyards.
    "You speak too much to the Dragon, Uncle," Shizue said, as if commenting on some small flower by the path.
    "The Dragon are our allies, Shizue-chan. Taki was trying to help us." Toshimoko said jovially, eagerly walking toward the tournament fields.
    Shizue sighed, shaking her head. "You play too many games, Toshimoko-sama."
    "The same games you courtiers play, squirrel, but with swords and not fans."
    The samurai on the dueling ground before the dais were resplendent in their gleaming armor. Lacquered plates shone purple, blue, gold, and green. The mon of the Six Clans waved on banners that hung from every corner of the field.
    Toshimoko had always liked tournament days. Although he had long ago ceased to compete—it would not have been generous for the Crane to sponsor a tournament and win every prize—he lived the excitement of the bouts through his students, encouraging them to succeed and shouting in disappointment when they were beaten. This year, four of his best had entered the competition, two in the grand ken-jutsu melee, and two more in the single-duel bouts.
    Across the field on the wooden dais stood Doji Hoturi, surrounded by courtiers of all clans. Although the young man's face was stoic, Toshimoko could see the envy in his eyes as he watched the dueling. Hoturi had always done well on the iaijutsu field. Toshimoko sighed and spat out the tasteless cinnamon bark. All the good warriors were forbidden the competition of the ring. That must be why there had been so many wars lately.
    Taking a pair of practice bokken lying by the field, Toshimoko strode toward one of his students and gruffly pelted him with a shomen strike.
    The boy, a Kakita of good breeding but slow wit, fell to the side from the blow. "Hai, Sensei!" he yelled.
    "Ho! Hoturi-sama!" Toshimoko called from the field, bowing and motioning to the student beside him. Hoturi looked toward them with interest, recognizing his old friends voice. "This one needs to work on his ma-ai—his timing."
    "Oh?" Hoturi called.