Though, as night had crept across the land, like some lonely assassin fulfilling a contract, Genshu sat, unconscious of what fate had prepared for him. He recalled these past few weeks, with somewhat of an unsavory remembrance, but keeping the images fresh in his mind. He failed to convince Lord Gorudo of Matilda of the pending crisis looming as the Highlanders intended to declare war on the City-State. And as his intention was to address Lord Makai tomorrow, Genshu would keep his failure of the past fresh in his mind, so that he would not repeat the same errors.

Yet, Gorudo was a man who did not deserve his respect, for his honor was of fault. Genshu, did however, remember the words of the Lord Knight, his desire to see a certain red headed female, extracted from his current life. This nagged at Genshu, for a reason he knew not. Why would Gorudo spend so much time and energy to gain the services of a masterless samurai, to kill a woman and her knight escort. He did not trust Gorudo, nor did he fully understand his motives. Perhaps when his business was done, he would investigate the circumstances surrounding Gorudo’s demands in further detail, but as for now, he would have to bide his time. It seemed the pending war posed a more troublesome problem, and took precedence.

Genshu closed his eyes, meditating in deep thought, as he reflected on these thoughts. His mind, surrendering to his doubt and confusion, as he prepared for the pending conflict, and his desire to end the war before it began. His mind, drifting along the subconscious plane of thought, as he surveyed his current dilemma, and the realization that events would be far worse if he did not succeed. And with the weight of the burden he undertook, his mind relaxed into the embrace of meditation.

When Genshu would again open his eyes, the light of morning would emerge through the partially covered windows. Genshu looked forward, and stared into the wide eyes of his friend, Desmond.

“Mas…I mean, Genshu, are you well? I’ve been trying to waken you for some time.” Desmond inquired.

“Yes, I am quite well.” Genshu responded, rising from the bed, more rested than had he been in a deep sleep. This was quite a house Desmond lived in, in the middle of the Kolbold district of TwoRivers. Though not the largest, truly the most decorated and pleasant home in this village. Genshu turned, and gathered his sword, inserting it into the woven loop on his dressing garbs.

“Oh, that’s right.” Desmond responded, leaving the room and returning, carrying a large bundle. “I sent your traveling robes here. I didn’t feel quite right about what was happening in Matilda, so I sent everything on ahead. I’ve had them cleaned and pressed. Perhaps you would like to change into these, and I can have your war robes cleaned while you petition to meet with General Makai.” Desmond completed.

“Yes, thank you.” Genshu took a moment to examine his soft, traveling robes, the warmth of the press, still radiating from the fabric. Genshu removed his war robes, as Desmond was startled to see the ripped scars that extended the length of Genshu’s chest.

Genshu paused a moment to look at his own scarred wounds, then returned his attention to his traveling robes, as he slid the garment over his head, and wrapped the cloak around his body, tying it off with the purple sash that matched the ornate decorations woven into the robe. “The price of honor.” Genshu said simply. “We were required to exercise for the entire day. When we failed, it meant we were weak, and these scars are the markings of that weakness.”

“Th…that’s awful.” Desmond responded.

“That is life.”

After handing his war robes to Desmond, Genshu turned and left the home, thanking his host and friend. He wandered through the town, receiving strange looks from the kolbolds, who had not expected to see a human wandering around in their district. And as he reached the end of the town, one of the kolbolds stopped him.

“You seek to go to human district?” The kolbold inquired. “You watch yourself, you should. Wingers steal money, they will.” And with that, the kolbold stepped out of the way, allowing Genshu to pass. Though Genshu was not too concerned with the thieving habits of the Winger Horde, for he was still in his vow of poverty, and had no money to steal. However, he did rest his hand upon his sword, for this was his valued possession.

Genshu walked through the wooden planks and houses of this town, noticing the apparently poverty which plagued this district of the city of TwoRivers. How could humanity be so blind, as to allow this degree of prejudice to exist within their own eyesight.

Yet, Genshu’s thoughts were disrupted as a blur of motion swooped toward him, a muffled “Hee Hee Hee,” were all that could be discerned of this figure. Yet, Genshu’s hand extended as quickly as the blur of motion, catching in mid flight, what appeared to be a small child, a black pair of wings on his back. The young boy gasped for air, as Genshu held him tightly in his grip. Genshu menacingly directed his icy eyes at this young winger. It wasn’t until the youth’s eyes opened in terror of what he saw in those steely eyes, that Genshu released him.

The boy collapsed to the ground, gasping for air, as Genshu continued to walk through the Winger district, unmolested after this incident. He arrived, finally, at the Human district, sickened at the wealth these humans had in comparison to their winger counterparts. Perhaps if the wingers were better respected, they would not have to resort to stealing to survive. Genshu paused to examine the Rune shop, distressed at the knowledge that his Crest Rune was no longer in his possession. Though he realized, he no longer needed it, his skills were substantial without any aid, he regretted losing the one item he had of his parents.

Genshu paused, cursing himself, and scowling at the thoughts that caused him such emotion. The past was gone, he could not change it, so thus, he would build off of it. The current crisis would not go away, he would have to work very hard to fix it. But staying the hand of war, was an effort he questioned, whether he had the energy to continue. Yet, the memory of the dead children, the loss and suffering brought to the people of Kyaro, for this, he would fight the gods themselves if he could prevent such a tragedy from reoccurring.

Genshu continued his march through the town, finally reaching the town hall. The political structure was not some great building or castle but a modest, almost shy building. Genshu approached, as two guards paused, barring his way.

“This is the City Building of TwoRivers.” One of the guards stated. “Please state your business.”

“I am Genshu, from Harmonia. I have information concerning the slaughter of the Unicorn Youth Brigade, and seek an audience with Lord Makai.” Genshu said, bowing to the two guards. The first guard’s eyes grew alarmingly suspicious, as he turned his attention to the second guard, who only nodded his head.

The first guard entered the large, double doors, leaving Genshu with the second guard, who seemed somewhat tense for only a meeting petition. In but a few moments, the first guard returned.

“Lord Makai will see you now.”

Genshu again, bowed his head to the guards, removed his sword and scabbard from the woven loop, and kissing the silver diamond upon the sheath, and handed the weapon to the first guard.

Genshu entered the building, and was immediately met by an attendant. “This way, Lord Genshu.” The attendant spoke, leading Genshu down the long corridor, and into the meeting room.

It was a large, very spacious room, yet decorated most conservatively. Apparently this man was not too interested in flaunting his wealth and power, yet he still sported the air of nobility, as he eyed Genshu. Lord Makai, himself, was a very young man, well groomed, yet seemed nervous in his position, as if he were not truly certain how he came to obtain his post.

“Ah, Lord Genshu,” Lord Makai stated, standing up from behind his desk, and walking around it so that he may face Genshu. Extending his hand in greeting, Lord Makai was taken aback as Genshu refused the offer, and bowed deeply to Lord Makai instead.

“Well…yes, how may I assist you this day, Lord Genshu?” Makai stated, recovering from this unusual greeting.

“I have come to warn you of the Highland Army…”

“Yes.” Makai interrupted, though not intentionally. “I had heard that some difficulties were beginning to develop among the people of Highland, though specifics are not available. Of course, I am certain I know more than Lord Gustov in Tinto.”

“Certainly milord.” Genshu again bowed. “…Milord, the Unicorn Youth Brigade has been slaughtered. From what I have understood, the brigade was the pride of the local town, and also, a protégé of possible other such organizations. A training troupe for young men, designed to prepare them to service their country in wartime. I believe approximately 30 young men were butchered. I walked through the fields of death, and have heard the voice of the angry citizens, demanding war be declared for this violation.”

“War? War against whom?” Makai inquired, yet the tone in his voice indicated he was far too conscious of knowing, he did not really want an answer.

“The tragedy has been blamed on the City-State of Jowston, milord.”

Lord Makai took this opportunity to walk back to the seat behind his desk, and sit down. “I had heard of the tragedies of the Unicorn Youth Brigade, yet details of the information was not complete. I thank you, Lord Genshu, for coming to me with this. I assure you, I shall do what I can, though I do not know how much that will help. It would be best if you travel to Muse, and address these issues to Lady Anabelle. She is more certainly, the person to speak to regarding this, though I shall support your claims, and information. Again, I thank you for bringing me this news.”

“Yes milord, I thank you as well.” Genshu stated, bowing once more, before turning toward the door.

“Oh, Lord Genshu.” Makai spoke out, stopping the samurai as he turned back to the mayor of this city. “I understand that there are certain problems in Muse. Tragic business, with children disappearing, among all other things.”

“Ch…children, disappearing?” Genshu stated, his eyes fearful, and his skin fading to a chalk white.

“Why yes.” Lord Makai stated, continuing his explanation. “Anyway, as it turns out, Muse has guarded their doors. You will not be able to arrive into Muse without a pass. So, upon hearing your statement, I shall have a hand written letter of introduction prepared for you by tomorrow. That will allow you to enter Muse easily.”

“Th…thank you milord.” Genshu stated again, bowing before turning toward the door and exiting. He exited the hall, and turned toward the first guard, retrieving his weapon. Kissing the silver diamond once again, Genshu returned the scabbard and sword to the woven loop, bowed to the two guards, and walked through the city.

“Children missing” Genshu pondered, his hand moving to his chest, and examining the scars beneath his robes. “No, it can’t happen here.”

Genshu was lost in his own thoughts. He hadn’t even realized he had entered the Kolbold district until he came to realize he stood outside Desmond’s house. Entering the house, Genshu ignored Desmond, who held out the neatly folded bundle of Genshu’s freshly washed and pressed war robes, and walked directly to a table, and began scribing some words on a sheet of paper. In approximately half an hour, Genshu had finished, and turned toward Desmond.

“It is imperative this letter reaches Muse. I leave it to you to find someone you trust to deliver it.” Genshu spoke briefly, before rising from the writing tablet and returning to the room designated his for the duration of his stay here. He fell heavily on the bed, his mind in agony. How could his past so haunt him here. And as Genshu drifted into a fitful sleep, his mind returned to the man in the black tunic and gray leggings. His tormentor, who has haunted his visions and his life since arriving here.

Though, it was through difficult effort, that Genshu finally found sleep. As he awoke to the morning sun, wearily rising from his exhaustion and distress, he found Desmond waiting by his door.

“Good morning master.” Desmond said. “Oh, this letter arrived for you from Lord Makai this morning. And I found someone to take the message you wished to be sent to Muse. He left last evening.

“Thank you.” Genshu stated, looking at the letter from Lord Makai. With this, Genshu gathered his war robe, and walked out the door, followed closely by Desmond.

“So, I believe it is time for us to depart once again, no?” Desmond asked.

Genshu did not answer, he simply looked outward, toward the grassy plains of Greenhill. “Desmond,” Genshu stated, after many minutes of awkward silence. “I will be traveling alone from now on…”

“WHAT?!” Desmond questioned. “Bu…but why? I don’t understand…”

“Desmond, listen to me. It is no longer safe for you to travel with me. I am leaving you hear for your own protection…”

“But Master, I will not get in the way…I…I want to follow you. You have made a big influence on my life. How may I write your story, if you are not there to observe.”

“Desmond, there is something else.” Genshu stated, his eyes, continually focused on the fields and horizon before him. “I need you to speak to this General Ridley. He will believe a kolbold, more than he would believe me.”

“But, didn’t you meet with Lord Makai yesterday?”

“Yes, but, though Lord Makai is a caring leader, he is weak willed. General Ridley is the strength that backs this City, and that is why you must speak to him. You must have him prepare for what will only be, a matter of time, until the Highland forces attack. And so, this is where our paths must separate.”

“I…I understand master.” Desmond stated. “I will do my best. But, I shall never forget you. Had it not been for you, I would still be stuck in Highland.”

“Yes, and had it not been for you, I would have bowed to my honor at Lord Gorudo’s demands, and committed a terrible act. We are even, no more debts remain between us. From this day forth, we are friends.”