Unicorn Clan Letter - #1
My distant friend -
It has been a long time since we have had a chance to speak, and much of it has to do with the Crab army positioned directly to the south of our Provinces. It is a massive army, and even with the swiftness of our steeds, we are unable to move against it.
For now.
However, if you are reading this letter, it means that our spies were successful in their task and we have found a means of moving our cavalry out of our Provinces and into the battlefield. Soon, we shall be moving against this wall before us from its backside. A Crab may have a powerful shell, but if you turn it onto its back, you will find that it has a tender belly that bleeds.
We have heard talk of the engagement between the Crab army and the Crane army and how the Lions and Phoenix came to the Crane's aid. We have also heard that an army led by Lord Yasamura came to the assistance of the Crane. It is good that the Clans are working together in this hour of darkness, and it is also good that our presence was there to show support for our allies. However, we have also learned to never trust the Crane or Lion. They have always worked to their own interest, constantly competing for the Emperor's favor. We should warn the Phoenix against further actions lest they find themselves on the wrong end of a political bargain.
I should also tell you of our lost Unicorns. As I mentioned before, a single unit of cavalry led by Lord Yasamura became separated from our Stronghold when the Crab army retreated. We sent them down into the battle to observe and support, but the retreat of the Crab (something we did not expect) cut them off. We have heard they have joined with Akodo Toturi and his wandering band of samurai and ronin, but that is only speculation. Our spies have also told us that they have seen the Phoenix Master of Earth in the camp of an army of walking dead men, but I am not certain if that report is to be trusted.
With the Crab armies positioned just to our south and the returning Phoenix armies approaching our borders, perhaps it is time we sought allies among the serpent folk our ancestors encountered during their journey to Rokugan. Or perhaps even turning to the Phoenix Clan would provide us with allies. We have never had reason to mistrust the Shiba family, and now with the Shadowlands moving further north every day, we need to discover a means to halt the approaching darkness quickly.
Speed has always been our greatest strength, but now it would appear that even the speed of the wind may not save us if we cannot break through the rock hard carapace of the Crab.
Shinjo Yokatsu