Chapter 7

Ichiro, Lord Sato’s personal bodyguard had been ordered by Lord Sato back upstairs out of the dungeon to check on the current situation. Ichiro decided to check on the guards at the front gate.
“What’s the status?” Ichiro asked one of the guards.
The guard bowed. “It’s been quiet sir. No one has come near the gates. I don’t think anyone would be stupid enough to come through here anyway.”
Ichiro had been around long enough to know anything could happen in the heat of battle. “That’s not your concern. Stay sharp. Make sure no one gets in. Is that clear?”
“Yessir,” the guard replied quickly.
Just as Ichiro was about to head back inside, he heard the familiar drumming sound of a galloping horse. The horse was travelling fast and it was getting closer.
Ichiro responded immediately. “I want archers at the ready! Get me reinforcements to barricade this gate, now!”
The Sato Samurai leapt into action. Archers on the front two sentry towers loaded their bows and were poised ready to fire. Fifty others ran to the front gate and braced themselves against it. Ichiro moved to the side of the gate and held his hand up, demanding silence.
The horse came to an abrupt stop. A person wearing a hooded robe dismounted from the horse and walked towards the gate. They calmly knocked.
Ichiro wondered what kind of enemy would knock before attacking. But then he remembered the stories he had heard about the Clan and the strange powers they possessed. “Who goes there?” he shouted through the thick wooden gate, trying to hide the fear in his voice.
“I am Toyotomi Kimiko, daughter of the Toyotomi Hideoshi, Shogun of Japan. I request to speak with Lord Sato Okinaga.”
Ichiro’s muscles relaxed slightly. But what was the Shogun’s daughter doing riding around at night? “Of course, right away. Open the gate!” he ordered.
The gate was opened and Kimiko led her horse through.
“Lady Toyotomi,” Ichiro said his voice full of concern as he bowed. “It is not safe to be travelling at such an hour. Especially by yourself.”
The Shogun’s daughter removed her hood to reveal her stunning face. Ichiro found himself staring at Kimiko’s beautiful eyes. When she spoke he watched her lips move ignoring what she said.
“Samurai?” she asked, wondering why Ichiro wasn’t responding.
“Lady Toyotomi, what are you doing out so late?” he repeated.
Kimiko looked frustrated that he was not paying attention. “I just told you,” she said irritated. “Someone massacred the Samurai at Kumamoto castle. I managed to escape. I came here looking for refuge.”
“You were at Kumamoto castle?”
Kimiko was at a loss. “Yes! The Samurai… they’re all dead!” she screamed as tears fell from her eyes.
Ichiro knew it had to be the work of the Clan. He put his arm around Lady Toyotomi. “You must come inside. It's not safe out here.”