Kachiko watched as the Emperor slid deeper into the sickness that had befallen him. The scents of incense were thick in the room from the holy men that prayed to the Gods of Fortune, but she knew it would take more than prayer to save the dying Lord. Shugenja from across the Empire pored over their ancient scrolls of wisdom, but so far, none of their spells could break the Great Lord's fever. Already news was arriving from every Province, telling of the six Clans moving against each other. It was only days ago that the Emperor's Emerald Champion had fallen and until a new Champion could be chosen, the Clans would be free from enforcement of the laws of the land. While some Clans would cling to the provinces they already controlled, others would be acting quickly to snatch up the provinces that were vulnerable to attack.
The thunder of samurai riding into battle was commonplace. Fields were aflame with the ravages of war, and word of the ninja moving among the shadows was in the air. It was a time of distant thunder, and distant thunder always warns of present danger.
The Emperor's coughing resumed in earnest and Kachiko leaned in close to whisper in his ear and touch his trembling hand. It would not be very much longer that the plague would claim his life. So often the wise men marveled at the Lady's courage, being so close to the Emperor at the hour of his greatest weakness.
Kachiko looked at the wise men and smiled so delicately. "They believe you are dying of the plague, but we know differently, don't we my Lord?" The Emperor could do nothing but tremble under her tender touch, knowing that dark forces were moving against the six Clans and he was helpless to hinder it.
The thunder of samurai riding into battle was commonplace. Fields were aflame with the ravages of war, and word of the ninja moving among the shadows was in the air. It was a time of distant thunder, and distant thunder always warns of present danger.
The Emperor's coughing resumed in earnest and Kachiko leaned in close to whisper in his ear and touch his trembling hand. It would not be very much longer that the plague would claim his life. So often the wise men marveled at the Lady's courage, being so close to the Emperor at the hour of his greatest weakness.
Kachiko looked at the wise men and smiled so delicately. "They believe you are dying of the plague, but we know differently, don't we my Lord?" The Emperor could do nothing but tremble under her tender touch, knowing that dark forces were moving against the six Clans and he was helpless to hinder it.
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