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with a hand that looked like bones. The hand wavered like a snake. He said, “Hers will remain the life of a warrior, the only life she ever sought. I could have made her a sing-song girl. I could make her play lute or samisen, and recite lurid poetry for all who visit my court. But I value her for her prowess, and am pleased that you brought her to me. She is known even in the Celestial Kingdoms of Ho as a courageous fighter, having slain many of Ho’s best soldiers to reach a swordsmith from Naipon and end his career. It will be rich irony when I return to my country to overthrow the old dynasty, with Tomoe Gozen as my general. Weep no more, Ushii Yakushiji, for Tomoe is alive and mighty, whereas you are merely alive.”
    Ushii fell into a crouch, wrapped arms around his knees. In obedience to his new master, he did not weep.
    The sorcerer called aloud, “Tomoe Gozen.”
    Like a titanic stone warrior come to life, Tomoe slowly turned her head and looked precisely at the one who called.
    â€œTomoe Gozen, you have dishonored yourself. What must a samurai do?”
    Although Tomoe could not recall what she had done to bring dishonor to herself, she felt vaguely that this was true. She removed a short knife from a sheath at her thigh and raised it to her throat. Seppuku among men involved inflicting disemboweling wounds upon oneself; among women, the ritual suicide consisted of jigai , the stabbing or cutting of the throat. Ushii shouted,
    â€œIt is not true! The honor of Tomoe is unreproachable!”
    The sorcerer waved an unsteady hand and said, “I was mistaken, honorable Tomoe.” His glee manifested itself in an ugly fashion when he peeled back his lips to reveal black, receding gums. Tomoe replaced the knife in its sheath, taking once again her rigid posture. Throughout the brief ordeal, her expression had not altered.
    More delighted than ever with his puppet, the sorcerer started another game. “Tomoe!” he said. “An evil man reposes on this throne, thin as sticks and easily slain. What deed would a strong samurai perform?”
    Butterfly-longswords slid out of their scabbards. Tomoe stalked forward. Ushii was caught between fear and delight. Tomoe’s swords were held at her extreme sides. They were long enough to reach across the brazier. The skeletal sorcerer spoke calmly to Ushii,
    â€œIf I said for you to stop her, you would have to try.” Again, he exposed his gums with a horrible grin. “Am I right?”
    â€œI am sworn to your service,” Ushii said simply.
    â€œI would not think of that command!” exclaimed the sorcerer, toying cruelly with Ushii’s emotions. To Tomoe he said, “Why do you hesitate?”
    Her swords came together so quickly it was almost impossible to see the motion.
    The sorcerer didn’t flinch. The swords stopped a hair’s width from either side of his neck. Even Tomoe could not guess what staid the double blow. For a moment she felt concern rise from inside her, from wherever feeling was hidden. The sorcerer must have seen the change in the woman’s visage, for his homely smile dwindled and he said swiftly,
    â€œTomoe, you must forget that swords forged in the Celestial Kingdoms cannot harm me! Forget my game immediately and feel at peace with yourself.”
    The woman stepped away from the warmth and sweet repugnance of the brazier, her sense of smell deadened by the fumes. The fear that had almost awakened her was forgotten. She saw Ushii Yakushiji on his knees beside her, whining pitifully. Why he was so dispirited she did not know and could waste little effort considering.
    â€œWhat have I brought upon you, Tomoe?” Ushii wailed. “What have I done?”
    â€œHonored warrior,” said the sorcerer, a bony finger leveled at Tomoe. “If you can speak, pledge service to me.”
    Ushii fell from crouch to knees and crawled toward the side of the sorcerer’s throne, begging,