Crab Clan Letter - #15

War.

The Crane obeyed Toturi's wishes, but they will not obey his squabbling children, and they will not obey an empty throne. Their armies march south, led by the Daidoji dog who dares wear a Crab name. The true Yasuki cannot fight them alone. The warriors of the Hida shall greet the Crane in an appropriate manner.

For now, I want Okyo and Rohiteki to take the lead. Take bushi who can ride, and Hiruma scouts with swift legs. Do not stop marching until you see the Black Crane Estates, and rest only as long as you must before marching on to engage the Crane on their own lands.

Kuroda; you shall remain in reserve, patrolling the Kuni Wastelands. The Shadowlands have been too quiet of late. A bad season is coming. Stay here, but be ready, for Rohiteki and Okyo may need your speed. Kuon, you will remain at the wall for now. We have much work to do.

Another matter of importance: a number of our Hiruma scouts prowl the Shinomen with the Bayushi, hunting the Slayer of Toturi. The scouts say they have encountered a new kind of creature. Like an ogre with a great horn, but stronger. Not an oni, either. The Kuni desire one for study. The first one of you who brings me the head of one of these horned beasts may choose: join my household guard or choose your next post. And you will have many glorious posts to choose from. We have Cranes to kill and Shadowlands scum to hunt.

Master Sun Tao once said that only a fool fights a war on two fronts.

Hah!

Sun Tao was not a Crab.

Hida O-Ushi
Crab Clan Champion



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