Letter to Gaijutsu -sama
Dear Grandfather,
I pray that you are well. I trust that you would have a close friend read this letter to you, sama. For helping me to communicate to my Grandfather, you have my thanks, blessed friend.
I have met my fellow Tanto Bearers. They are not what anyone would have imagined. The Kami’s choose us all. Among our ranks are a Lion, a Scorpion, a Crab, a Sparrow and a ronin-ko. Clan and personality differences aside, our destinies are intertwined. That just proves that the Kami’s work in mysterious ways.
My journey began like a new heart beating for the first time. Sama, I have experienced so many new things already! I have seen such wondrous places that I had only heard about in stories. I have visited great and wondrous Otosan Uchi. The Empire’s famed city is breathtaking and full of marvels. The size is astounding. I could walk a whole day from one side of the city and not reach the other side by nightfall. The air here smells of salt from the sea. The sea! It is an awesome thing to behold, deep-water stretching to the horizon. The waves thunder as they crash towards the sandy shore.
I have seen some of the beautiful geisha’s that you spoke to me about, sama. They make me nervous. It has helped me understand Togashi Mitsu-sama and his desire to find strength in the face of temptation. The temptation is there and I must learn to trust myself around them. I have met many new people in my wandering. I met representatives from each Clan while I was in Otosan Uchi. But most importantly, I saw cousin Hitomi-sama. It saddened me that she did not say hello, but I understand. She has grown into quite a different person then the girl I used to play with when we were children. Her smile is gone, I hope one day it will return, sama.
Our destinies cried out right away. We met all of the magistrates and were presented to Lord Hantei-sama the 38th. After court, we were to meet with the Hantei-sama, in his own chambers. On our way, a bushi wearing the Mon of the Phoenix attacked us. The Tanto Bearers came together as one for the first time and prevailed. We then met with the great Lord Hantei-sama the 38th, himself, in his own private chambers. The Kami’s had blessed him with the Tanto of the Hantei. Speaking with the Hantei-sama taught me that I must learn patience. I disrespected him and disgraced myself twice. First, nervousness prevailed and I did not call him by his proper title. Then, overzealous to protect him, I touched the Tanto. If my path permits me to come before him again, I will be sure to conduct myself with honor and intelligence.
The Lord Hantei-sama has charged us to find the remaining Tanto Bearers. We left the palace and began our quest. Quickly our path darkened. Grandfather, as I tell you this, my body shakes with guilt. I killed someone, sama. I used my fire, and I took a bushi’s life. I have prayed for my transgression, but part of me will always be haunted by his eyes. The story follows.
How it all happened is quite a blur. We were on the road, getting to know each other when three bushi’s wearing Unicorn Mon’s road up hard on fine steeds. They wished to challenge me in a duel for the Ki-Rin Tanto I carry. Apparently I am not worthy in their eyes. I accepted the duel, but then was reminded that Lord Hantei-sama forbade all challenges to the Tanto’s. I had forgotten until one of the other Tanto Bearers refused to allow the duel to happen. Then, they posed us with a loosing proposition of accepting their horses (and thus accepting the duel) in order to save another Tanto Bearer that they saw was being chased by unknown pursuers, about two hours away. Why they did not help a soul in need is beyond me, but people in the wide world, I am learning, do not hold fast the same ideals as the Ise Zumi and myself. Regardless, we accepted their horses and raced to save our follow Tanto Bearer.
Two falcons and their masters wearing the Falcon Mon were attacking him in a clearing. They chased him for days. He was exhausted. After a quick battle (the strength of my companions amazes me) we soon road, one more added to our number, back to return the horses. The three bushi still insisted on a duel. When they realized that there was no duel forthcoming there was another deadly battle. I do not know what happened, everyone was moving so fast and instinct took over. I am ashamed to write this, but my instinct chose to kill. One bushi attacked my companion, and before I could think, my fire quickly engulfed him. It happened so fast. I reacted and didn’t realize the consequences of my actions until the battle was over. I can only take solace in the fact that I was protecting a companion.
Our paths then lead us to a desolate village lost to the dark taint. Three of us entered. I heard the cries of children and saw Lion bushi with torches heading towards boarded houses. Their deadly intent was clear. Even the children were going to be burned alive. The three of us convinced the Lion bushi to allow us to try to cleanse the village of the taint. It was an impossible task, which we failed miserably. I have never felt so hopeless and useless as I did that day. It was a humbling lesson for us to learn. We needed to face our hubris and accept the fact that there are some things that are beyond our control to change. Regardless of our courage, honor and goodwill. Like the Tao says, “We each have a role in this world, and we must do no more and no less than that.”
Grandfather, I am writing you now from the palace of the Emerald Champion. It is a magnificent castle. Truly it is the jewel of Rokugan. We were invited here by; Doji Hoturi-sama and the iaijutsu master Kakita Toshimoko-sama, after meeting them on the road. I have spoken with both and I hold them in high regard. Sama, they are both fine men, with bright, warm and shining souls. Given the chance, I think you and Toshimoko-sama would be great friends.
Sama, I think I may have found my place with my companions. After a recent meditation I realized that I would serve my companions best as their candle against the growing darkness. Already the darkness threatens to consume one of us, but I will pull him from the depths. I have faith in that. In our short time together, I have realized that my companions are remarkable people. I have no doubt that his will is strong and that he has no desire for the darkness. That will be my aid.
I miss your smiling face and hope to see it again soon, sama. Please give my warmest regards to the rest of my family. Inspired by one of my companions, I have just started to write haiku’s. Please accept this meager one and trust that I will get better.
Crisp high mountain tops
Path of daggers down below
Rhythm moves life on
With Lady Sun’s warm smile, Togashi Udon.