It was the events of the recent past, the slaughter of the Unicorn Youth Brigade and the closing of the borders that sparked the concern of this samurai, Genshu. Under the advice of Desmond, Genshu came here to seek the assistance of the City-State in stopping this war before it began. He only knew he would have to convince Lord Gorudo of the events he had witnessed.

Led to the double doors of the Throne Chamber, Genshu waited as an assistant entered the room to announce their arrival. Genshu took this opportunity to remove his canvas cloak, fold in neatly, and set it to the side. The robes worn underneath this gritty cloak were not the tired, traveling robes he wore, but a deeply rich purple and white Master Robe, enhanced through magic to offer additional protection to the wearer. Genshu then pulled his scabbard and sword from the loop of rope sown to his robe. Kissing the silver diamond on the sheath, Genshu placed the sword carefully on the ground.

Genshu bowed to the guards at the door, as the attendant instructed him to enter. Genshu stepped through the door, followed closely by Desmond.

“Ah, I’m sorry sir.” Stated the attendant, holding Desmond’s arm. “But I ’ve been instructed only to allow Master Genshu to enter.” This puzzled Genshu, but not as much as the fact that the attendant knew his name. Genshu reassured Desmond, then entered the large antechamber. Upon observation, Genshu could see the rich, lavishly decorated room, adorned with weapons and trophies of battle and warfare. Laid out before the samurai, was a rich, red carpet that followed the floor until it stopped at a series of steps, on top of which rested a throne. Within this cavernous chamber were four guards, honor guards of the White Knights, locked in their vow to defend their lord to the death.

Lord Gorudo sat in his throne, his excellence and prowess of nature radiating from him. He seemed made for the throne he sat upon, as he reveled in the air of superiority. He gazed at Genshu, his arrogance expressed through his coal black eyes as he gazed upon his guest.

“So, you are the Lord Genshu?” Gorudo asked, leaning his large frame forward, despite the protests of the groaning chair. “I have heard a great many things about you, like how you practically destroyed our inn.”

Genshu however, remained silent, his honor forbidding him from speaking out.

“I’m certain you are wondering how I know about you?” Gorudo pressed the issue. “We received an anonymous letter, stating that the criminal Genshu was in our domain. Now, not one to take the situation likely, I saw to it that you were found. You are quite the wanted man in Harmonia. You were charged with killing your lord, the highest disgrace of the samurai. Yes, I know of your code, and of your temple.” Gorudo continued. He seemed to truly enjoy pressing Genshu.

“Well, as I have known that you were in our region, I discussed with my closest advisers how best to deal with you.” Gorudo remarked, his hand waving toward the assistant that led Genshu into the chamber. “However, I know a man of, your ‘honor’, would not foolishly come to a territory such as Matilda without proper reason. Therefore, I will inquire of you as to why you have come here.”

Genshu had not liked the way this had started. His mysterious antagonist had apparently sent another sign of his presence to further frustrate Genshu, and now he would have to explain his logic to a man who more than likely, did not care to listen.

“Milord Gorudo.” Genshu said, bowing to the high monarch. “I have come bringing a warning.”

“A warning? A warning of what may I ask?” Gordo inquired. “What might you possibly come to warn us about” Gourdo’s gruff voice seemingly filled with joy at his mockery of this samurai.

“I come to warn you of the Highland Army’s intentions to attack this land.” Genshu spoke. “I have walked through the ambush of the Unicorn Youth Brigade. I have seen the people armed and angry at the display of violence that has destroyed the lives of those young boys, and so many others. The lords of Highland have blamed the slaughter on the City-State. I know this is not possible, because I am not affected by emotion of the tragedy, as I am an outsider, viewing this from the outside. However, I have chosen to involve myself, because my honor would not permit me to allow this pending war to proceed without intervention. I come to you, to ask you to assist me in staying the Highland forces.”

Lord Gorudo listened intently, his eyes riveted on the passion that Genshu, so rarely allowing himself to express, spoke with. Yet Gorudo was also of stone, his eyes and posture were ridged as he stared down at this man, this dishonored samurai who came to make demands upon him.

“Forgive me for my questioning, Lord Genshu, but are you certain you witnessed this ‘slaughter’ as you describe it.” Lord Gorudo questioned. “I truly do not believe the murder of a group of boys would warrant the declaration of warfare by an entire country. You seem to be interested in spreading wide spread hysteria, declaring that Highland will proclaim war on the City-State. Yet you can not give me any substantial reason why I should believe you.”

“I vow to you Lord Gorudo, on my oath of honor, that what I speak is the truth.” Genshu pressed. “You have not seen the tragedy, nor have you heard the citizens of Highland cry out for warfare as I have…”

“Your honor?” Gorudo barked, his tone of mockery all too present. “Genshu, you come, a wanted fugitive of Harmonia, stating these wild claims that Highland will declare war. I assure you, the last thing anyone wishes, is to declare war. War is costly, and in the end, it proves nothing. Except perhaps, who has the greater right to live. Perhaps the problem is that maybe you have been drinking too much Green Tea.”

Genshu stood, unmoving, his face, a sheet of granite. He could see from Gorudo’s expression and hear from his tone, that he would not be swayed into believing this to be true. And once more, Gorudo has insulted his honor.

“Now, since I have heard your farfetched ideas and opinions on the politics of the world, we can get to my business as to why I summoned you.” Gorudo stated, his eyes delighted as to crushing this man’s spirit under his superior will. “Now, as I see it, you are a capable fighter. A man of your skill is wasting himself, wandering around, starting wars.” Gorudo remarked, waving his hand in an almost dismissive way. “So, here is the proposition I propose to you. I will hire you, or rather, you WILL be my new bodyguard.” Gorudo spoke, his words rather distinguished, yet spiteful.

“The problem I am having, is that a certain young lady has come around, threatening my well being. Though I do not fear this young woman in the least, I do however, feel that her, shall we say, charms, is influencing one of my knights. It has been brought to my attention, that this young woman has departed with this knight, perhaps he has fallen to her siren charms. I can only speculate as to why. But, as a man of *honor that I know you are, I, as the lord of these lands, am ordering you to find these two, and if need be, dispose of them. The knight’s name is Miklotov, and the woman is named Alexandria. I expect you to leave immediately.”

Genshu listened to these orders, given by this lord. Something was truly wrong with this situation. He did not like being ordered by anyone, to commit what was, in his opinion, murder, without justifiable cause.

“May I ask, why do you expect I shall do this for you, Lord Gorudo?” Genshu asked.

“Why? Because it is in your honor to obey the orders of your master.” Gorudo responded, as a smile creased his bloated face. A cruel, almost obscene grin. “And also, because if you do not obey my orders, your Kolbold friend will find the accommodations of my dungeon far less suitable than the warm, cozy inn of last evening. That is why.”

Genshu closed his eyes, his breathing slow, yet deep. Upon opening his eyes, he bowed deeply to Gorudo. “Yes, of course milord.” Genshu turned and walked from the chamber.

“Nothing gives me quite the satisfaction as seeing an underling who knows his place.” Gorudo responded as the heavy doors of the throne room closed.

Genshu turned, knelt down, and picked up his sword. Rising to his feet, Genshu kissed the silver diamond once again, and turned to replace it into the sown loop. His right arm sliding the sheath into its place. Then, in a blur of motion, Genshu’s right hand swung outward, backhanding the guard on his right side. Allowing the momentum to carry himself around, Genshu spun in a complete circle, throwing his leg outward, and catching the unaware guard in a spinning roundhouse. Genshu’s hand then darted outward, catching the same, nearly unconscious knight by the throat, and slammed the back of his head against the thick, granite castle wall. The first knight slumped to the ground in an unconscious heap as Genshu turned toward the second guard.

The second man was startled by the brash quickness that this man had attacked with, and moved to intercept this attacker, yet was caught short. Genshu, reaching out with his left arm, connected with a blinding series of kicks from both his left and right leg. The attacks started at the shins of this second guard, and worked their way up his body, until within the matter of a mere minute, he was knocked against the wall, his mind dazed and his senses and desire to fight, shattered.

Having defeated these two guards, Genshu turned to the large double doors, centered his weight, and kicked the heavy, oaken doors open. He stalked purposefully toward the center of the room, confronting Lord Gorudo and his honor guards. Genshu stood, his face and emotionless mask of readiness, as the first guard charge.

Stabbing in a direct thrust toward Genshu the first guard found his target less than willing to comply with this attack. Genshu reached forward, his right hand clutching the wrist of the first knight’s sword arm, and twist the wrist until the knight’s arm was turned most painfully, so that he would have to accommodate his posture, bending at the waist to relieve the pressure on his arm. While rendering the first man helpless, the second of these attackers, charged forward, his sword drawn and tearing through the air in a rage induced fury, preparing to strike Genshu down in an assault from above. Genshu, still holding the first man’s wrist, raised his arm upward sharply, forcing his first attacker to follow the motion. The second man’s sword, attacking in an upward stroke, driving downward, was met by the first knight’s weapon, while still in possession of the first man’s hand, a useless appendage, except to be used as a tool by Genshu. Now, with this strangely alarming display of failed attacks, and helpless guards, the third solder, seeing an opportunity to do what his companions could not, charged at Genshu, his sword angled straight, pointed at his intended victim like a deadly lance. Yet, the moment he was within range, Genshu extended his right leg, his foot kicking against the flat of the sword, and knocking the weapon aside. Genshu, with his leg still fending away the third man’s sword, brought his leg backward, his heel driving into the upper thigh of the third knight, then extended his leg once more, his shin driving into the second guard’s ribs. Both men were propelled back by the force of the attack, as Genshu, still holding the twisted wrist of the first knight, brought his arm down to waist level, as the knight, his arm now numb, was forced to comply. Releasing his hold on his captive’s arm, Genshu brought his right elbow down upon the back of this man’s neck, at the same time his knee drew upward, catching the man’s head in a collision of force.

The first knight now slumped to the ground unconscious. Genshu turned his attention toward the two other victims of his blinding skill, ran full sprint, and jumping off the ground, extended his right leg, kicking the third guard in the chest, then drawing his right leg back while extending his left, striking the second knight in the face. Genshu landed flawlessly on the stone, marble floor as both men fell to the ground. Genshu paused momentarily, looking at the only remaining knight still on his feet, somewhat reluctant to attack this man. The third knight, though kicked in the chest, struggled to his feet, crawling up to his hands and knees. Genshu, turned his attention away from this fourth knight, back to the semi-conscious guard. Jumping off the ground into a forward flip, Genshu extended his left leg, striking the staggering solder on the back of his head, and sending him into an unconscious heap on the stone floor.

Distracted with the most recent attack, the fourth solder drew his sword and charged at Genshu. Yet as the deadly weapon swung toward his head, Genshu raised his left arm, blocking the momentum of the attack. In the mere fractions of a minute that followed, Genshu moved his right arm to the knight’s right wrist, as his left arm slid away from the blocking defense, spinning until his back was to the front of this last guard. Genshu then raised his left arm, his elbow driving into this man’s face. Yet, as this guards head snapped backward from the force of the attack, Genshu rolled his left arm behind his attacker, his left hand, cupping the back of the solders head to prevent him from falling to the ground. Releasing his grip on the knight’s right wrist, Genshu brought his right arm forward, forcefully driving the palm of his hand into this man’s midsection. The dazed guard bent over as the rush of wind left his body, only to be met by Genshu’s right knee, slamming viciously into his face. The sudden shifting momentum caused his body to spring back to a standing position, as Genshu’s right hand, slammed into the knight’s throat, driving like an axe. Releasing his captive, Genshu took a half step forward, jumped off the ground, spun, as his right leg caught the guard in a sweeping roundhouse. The solder’s head snapped toward the right, the power of the turn causing his body to twist in an unpleasant coil before clasping on the ground.

Genshu then turned toward Lord Gorudo, who was stunned at this spectacle, the entire event taking mere minutes to play out. Genshu walked up the few stairs toward Gorudo’s throne, pulled his sword, spun it while raising it into the air, and bringing it down in a furious attack toward Gorudo, stopping a mere breath from Gorudo’s exposed, fleshy neck.

“Y…you BASTARD!” Screamed Gorudo, trying to keep his senses about him, his eyes filled with fear, yet tainted with spite and malice.

“You have dishonored me, Lord Gorudo. Do not question my honor.”

“I…I can’t believe you beat my knights! You bastard!” The word seemed to be the only means by which Gorudo could distinguish his hate.

“When you coil a viper and taunt its very existence, do not be surprised when it strikes.” Genshu commented.

“You…I…I’ll see you die for this!” Gorudo screamed. “By my honor, I will have your head decorating my chamber wall before this day is done.”

“Honor, you sir, have no honor. You would use me to attack a woman I have no quarrel with. And yet, sit about your throne like some despot, believing you can rule the lives of everyone who comes to you. I have requested assistance to stop Highland, and you have mocked me. I have listened to your terms of servitude, and I have responded.” Genshu spoke, waving his hand over the unconscious guards. “Now, you will hear my request. A life for a life. Where is Desmond?”

“What? You mean the kolbold?” Gorudo inquired, his eyes sparkled, believing he could still get what he wanted. “You mean you for the kolbold?”

“No, I mean your life for the kolbold.” Genshu said. He turned to the attendant, who seemed ready to faint. “Bring Desmond here.”

The attendant was in a fit a shock. He stood, his body weaving as if he were a flower, waving in the wind. His eyes glazed over as he looked at Lord Gorudo.

“Go get the damn kolbold, dammit!” Screamed Gorudo. Though the sword barely touch his skin, it was still cutting his flesh, proving how incredibly sharp it was, and making Gorudo rather nervous.

The attendant left, hurrying to fulfill Gorudo’s demand. “Do you really think you’ll get away with this?” Gorudo inquired, his eyes burning with a hate that could twist metal.

Genshu didn’t bother to answer, his face looked down at Gorudo, the same, calm expression reflected throughout his entire battle. He seemed to have no emotion at all in combat. And this only added to Gorudo’s hate.

The attendant arrived to the throne room, Desmond following in short order. Looking at the display of bodies littering the chamber, Desmond’s eyes grew wide with disbelief.

“Desmond, close and bar the door.” Genshu spoke.

Desmond did as he was instructed, closing the heavy wooden doors and laying the large wooden plank across the cast iron guards. Though he struggled with the wooden plank, it wasn’t until Genshu instructed the assistant to help that the door was secured and barred.

Genshu then turned his attention back to Gorudo.

“I’ll see you in Hell you worthless Son of a Bi…” Gorudo’s words were cut short as Genshu backhanded the lord of Matilda, his forearm slamming into Gorudo’s face. Genshu then raised his left leg, his shin driving into his face, knocking Gorudo back into his throne, his hefty form slumped in the oversized chair.

Genshu turned toward the attendant now, sword in hand. The attendant, already terrified beyond words, passed out at the sight of this man coming toward him.

Desmond was still suffering shellshock, witnessing this, yet not seeing the entire seen. He looked up from the unconscious guards, sprawled on the ground, his eyes questioning.

Genshu did not respond, he turned, walked up the stairs to Lord Gorudo, pulled his unconscious form from the throne, as he fell heavily to the ground. With his sword in hand, Genshu cut the back of the throne in half.

Returning to the knocked out form of Gorudo, Genshu returned his sword. “I have taken redemption for the dishonor you have bestowed upon me.” Then turning toward Desmond. “It is time to leave.”

Walking behind the throne, Genshu led Desmond to a secret tunnel, which, with hope, would lead them well beyond the walls of Rockaxe. Genshu had seen the passage during his ‘conversation’ with Gorudo. He also knew all of these lords and kings held a secret escape in case of siege. And so, Genshu and Desmond would barrow this one.