Read L5r - scroll 03 - The Crane for Free Online Page B

bitter smile.
    "It is not the place of the champion to fight on the day of the festival," Hoturi said, and the words were made of ice. "This is a day of celebration, Ikoma. Let it be so."
    Toshimoko watched as the Lion bowed slightly less deeply than protocol would demand. Behind them, courtiers of all clans watched in sadistic fascination, hoping to see the argument blossom into a political occasion. Toshimoko knew his student better than they did, and he understood the restraint necessary to keep from slicing the Ikoma's head from his arrogant body.
    Hoturi returned the bow properly, only his eyes noting the fact that he had been insulted. "Sensei Toshimoko-san?"
    "Hai, Hoturi-sama?" Toshimoko leapt forward as his champion called his name.
    "Although it is not seemly that I join the fighting on this day, I would not want to see our Lion friend disappointed on the field of combat, I would like you to enter the trials, and ensure he has a fitting opponent for his ... training."
    Without the faintest touch of a smile, Kakita Toshimoko bowed first to his champion, and then to the suddenly stoic Ikoma Jushin. "As you wish, my lord," he said, raising his eyes to meet the Lion's. "It will be my honor to exchange lessons with a Lion."
    Oh yes, thought Toshimoko. This was going to be a most excellent morning.
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    The honorable daimyo of the Kakita was resplendent in his silver-blue kimono, leading his assistant, Shizue, and her three handmaidens into the grand hall. When Yoshi stepped through the sliding shoji screens of the main room, a faint sigh of appreciation wavered among the guests. Yoshi smiled.
    The fighting had ceased and the armor had been put away, the swords were encased in colorful obi, and bushi of the six great clans feasted on delicate rice and fish. Elaborate fusuma screens festooned the palace's largest hall. Brightly colored paper lanterns cast a soft light around the room. The massive fireplace blazed, warming and brightening the stone chamber and reflecting from the white-painted faces of the ladies. Bowing like willows, the most beautiful women in the empire vied with the fire for attention. Their smiles sparkled and danced among boldly dressed samurai. Here gathered the highborn folk, those invited to the private festivals of the wealthiest clan in Rokugan.
    This was Kakita Yoshi's battlefield, his home. The manipulations of the court were as natural to him as breathing.
    Shizue greeted the Phoenix ambassador, slowing her pace to fail farther behind her master. Yoshi was delaying discussions with the Phoenix, and Shizue skillfully screened his escape. Her handmaidens fanned out, their dark blue robes sparkling with painted scenes of rivers and elaborate waterfalls. No expense was spared for the assistants of the Kakita Daimyo, and each movement was as precise as a master's calligraphy.
    Let the shugenja have their spells and the swordsmen their weapons. There was no practice in the empire as dangerous or as exciting as this.
    Now the games would begin.
    Kakita Yoshi raised his fan from his obi. He smiled politely to the visitors who bowed before him and ignored his three Daidoji bodyguards. They growled and hovered like overprotective wolves. Among the courtiers, frankly curious stares greeted his choice of kimono. Beneath the silver-blue of the Crane, a second kimono peeped. Its golden tan reflected the color of the Lion Clan. Let them wonder, Yoshi thought, noting a gruff Ikoma Jushin resting his bruised ribs by the fireplace. Let them remember that silver and gold are the colors of the emperor's own heir. Bold, yes, Yoshi smiled, but effective.
    One of the first to approach through the mingling crowd was the Crab Tsuru, who bowed respectfully and offered Yoshi appropriate greetings.
    "My Lord Kakita," the Hida began, adjusting his obi as he bowed, "from the clan of the Crab, you have our gracious thanks for your hospitality and friendship. My lord offers his own, should you or your family be inclined