Anger and fury filled Genshu. Hwould find the butcher, the slayer of children, and that person would pay. The trek to Ryoko town took a half a days march. Genshu, in his state of rage, made it in less than 2 hours. Monsters, unlucky enough to cross his path, would often flee, those foolish enough soon ended in extinction. Genshu sought vengeance, and he would not be denied.

Upon entering the city, Genshu passed a young boy, of about 16 years of age, being led by two Highland solders. The boy’s eyes reflected the same sorrow as Genshu’s soul. However, another boy, about the same age, wearing a green bandana, quickly made his way to the three traveling companions. Genshu was concerned by the first youth, though feared to make his discovery known, for he knew not who to trust.

Silently cursing himself for his uncontrolled expression of emotion, Genshu made his way to the local inn. Upon entering, Genshu noticed the looks of all of the people sitting in the tavern. These were the people who learned their sons, or brothers would not be coming home. Many of the looks were of hopeful doubt, praying this visitor would bring news that this horrible tragedy was a violent nightmare. Yet, seeing this man, most sorrowfully returned to their drink, save one kolbold, in a purple coat, sitting in the corner, who seemed to study Genshu with great interest. Genshu did not concern himself with this, as he was tired, the distress of his discovery had made him very weary.

“Greetings, sir. Might you like to stay at the finest Inn in Ryoko? Asked the innkeeper.

“Yes, I would very much like to do so, but I have taken an oath of poverty, and have no money. Might I work for my lodgings?” Genshu responded, his voice, as always, a low rasp of a whisper.

“Forgive me sir, but I do not take charity cases here.” The Innkeeper stated.

Upon hearing this, the kolbold, wearing the long, purple coat, and carrying what looked to be a leather briefcase, walked to the counter, and continued to study the weary Genshu. “If it pleases you,” Remarked the kolbold. “I shall pay for his lodgings.”

Genshu and the Innkeeper were both surprised by this act of kindness. The innkeeper, however, not caring who paid the bill, only agreed, and directed the kolbold to take his guest to the room upstairs.

Genshu walked up the stairs, and nearly collapsed on the bed, as the kolbold followed, closing the door.

“I thank you for your kindness, sir,” remarked Genshu, “though I fear I have no way to repay you.”

“Actually, I believe you may have a way to repay me.” The kolbold smiled, looking at the warrior. “You see, I’m a story collector. Basically, I study and collect stories. I’ve become quite good at it. For instance, did you know, that the hero Genkaku, lived in this town. I’ve written down his entire story, and hope to have it published, so the world will know what a hero he truly was.”

“I see,” Genshu spoke briefly, yet not knowing why this kolbold would extend his kindness to him. “So, if I may ask, why do you seek me?”

“Oh, I don’t seek you sir, only your story.”

“I’m sorry? You want my…story?” Genshu asked, visibly confused, though his fatigue did not make it easier for him to comprehend.

“Yes, I’ve become a very good judge of character,” the kolbold said, taking a seat at a nearby table and turning to look directly at Genshu. “And so, one of the very first things I noticed about you, was you had a story, quite unlike any other I believe. Ho Ho, though, no two people have the same story, but you have the look of a man, with a proud history, and yet, a lot of tragedy. So, I would like to write your story, if you don’t mind.”

Genshu paused. He was very skeptical about this nosy kolbold. It was possible he was a Harmonian plant sent to find his location, though he doubted Harmonia would employ kolbolds to spy. And despite his logical argument, his honor would not allow him to withhold from repaying this kolbold for his kindness.

“My story, you want?” Genshu began. “Very well. You have extended a kindness for which my honor will not permit me to fail in repaying the debt.” Genshu stared at the kolbold for a moment, then drew his sword, startling the story collector. “Observe, I am a warrior, and all warriors are much like this sword.” Genshu continued. “A sword is crafted, as is a warrior, forged in the heat of conflict and battle. Every imperfection removed, until all that remains is a weapon, of perfection. However, the sword is nothing without the arm that wields it. The weapon must require direction, and so, the arm and sword, become extensions of each other. One exists to serve the other, while the other directs the weapon. The lord and warrior acting in the unity of design. Yet, when the sword ceases to do what the arm commands, it becomes, yet a piece of scrap, to be discarded. That is my story.”

The kolbold sat on the chair, almost disappointed that more information had not been lured from the samurai, however, he was quite intrigued by this individual. “And so, you are, the sword.”

“Correct.”

“And, you refused the commands of your master?” The Kolbold continued.

“Yes.”

“If I may ask, why?”

“Very well, I see you are not satisfied with my tale, I shall give you my life. My former lord, Master Kin, once told me, ‘Emotion is a weakness that may exploited by your enemies.’ In my youth, I once served an order known as the Temple of the Silver Moon, in Harmonia. While I was there, I became the Master Sensei. The Master Sensei was the second in leadership, under the Master. Though, when my friend, and rival, Sai, felt he should have been Master Sensei, he plotted my demise. He informed me that as Master Sensei, the pupils under my tutelage were being used to pillage and destroy the Barbarian tribes of the Eastern Grasslands Region. This was to clear the territory so the High Priest of Harmonia could claim more lands.”

“I was enraged, and so, driven by my anger, I challenged my Master to a Duel of Honor, a fight to the death. Though, I defeated him, I let him live, so his life would be a reminder of his dishonor. He betrayed the purpose of the temple, our society was designed to protect lives, not see them destroyed, and saving his life in a Duel of Honor, was the ultimate disgrace. However, Sai, taking the opportunity, killed Master Kin, and in the samurai tradition, a master is replaced by his better. Sai became leader, even though Master Kin did not die in honorable battle, his death was declared a murder, for which I was blamed for killing a great patriot of Harmonia, and have become a hunted man. ‘Emotion is a weakness, that may be exploited by your enemies.’ Sai used me, because he knew, my one fault, was my desire to cure the world. I fled my homeland with but a few, meager belongings, and my sword, though my family heirloom, I had to leave behind, as payment to Master Sai. Sai, has led the Temple of the Silver Moon to become a truly deadly force, though, they are diseased with power. There is no organization that defies them. Even the Howling Voice Guild, does not question the motives of the Master, as he is blessed by High Priest Sasarai.”

“Because of my dishonor, I have taken a vow of poverty, and strive to use my sword in the means of justice.” Genshu concluded his tale, and leaned against the headboard of the large bed. “Does that tale now satisfy you?”

“Dishonor? Dishonor for what? For being a part of the temple, or…”

“Both.” Genshu interrupted, foreseeing the kolbold’s question. “I hold a great burden on myself, as my students skills killed many innocent people. Though, my own dishonor comes from betraying the temple. A samurai must always agree with the commands of his lord, even if he does not agree in his heart. Otherwise, the sword becomes a discarded piece of scrap. And so, I have betrayed my lord, and myself. Thus, I forge my vow.”

“But, you didn’t know your pupils were…”

“It matters not. I have used my skill, and was wronged in its use. I must atone for the sins my students have committed, even if it takes my lifetime to correct.”

The Kolbold sat, amazed by the tale of Genshu. This man, this hunted samurai, vowed to reclaim the honor of his students, no matter how large the burden that existed. He truly felt the honor within this man was genuine, and his quest, no matter how unreachable, was noble. “Yes, but, why…?”

“Why?” Genshu echoed the kolbold’s question. “Why anything? Here is a riddle. A rich lord, and a poor lord go to war. The rich lord proclaims that his country has grown too fast, and his people need more land. The poor lord states that his people have a right to exist. Who is in the right?”

“The poor lord.” Stated the kolbold, most assured his answer was the accurate one. “He is protecting his people.”

“Yes, but if the rich lord cannot gain the lands needed to suffice the growing population of his lands, then his people will suffer also.” Genshu recanted. “The answer is, there is no answer. It is just the way of things.”