By Rusty Priske

Editing by Fred Wan

Bayushi Norachai leafed through a pile of scrolls on the side table for a moment, trying to focus his thoughts. There were several deployment orders, couched as requests, to fortify the defenses of Toshi Ranbo. They were too late, even if the various clan champions did their duty and sent the troops. From the moment the Empress named him Protector of the Imperial City, he knew that he had to act quickly, as uncertainty surrounding the throne often put ideas in men's heads. History was clear on this.

He slammed the scrolls onto the table with a resounding thud and stormed from the chamber. He would give the capital the best defense he could, even if it was too late to implement his plan in its entirety. If only the bulk of the Shogun's forces had not been sent away. Norachai walked the halls of Kyuden Otomo, searching out the proper opportunity. If he was going to convince anyone that the best interests of Toshi Ranbo coincided with the best interests of the Crane Clan, he needed allies, even unwitting ones.

He found his opportunity near the Lion Embassy. Akodo Setai and Doji Seishiro were in serious discussion. Their voices were low but intense.

"Akodo-san. Doji-san. These are troubling times." Both bowed to Norachai and Setai said, "Troubling for traitors to the Empire. If the Unicorn wish to face the Lion again, they will find their continued ability to do so in question"

Norachai nodded. "There is no question that the might of the Lion armies is one of the greatest assets at the disposal of the Empress, but what of the conditions?

Troop movements are difficult through the snow. Do you believe that the Lion alone can repel such a treacherous assault? Can the Lion field enough defenders around Yoshi Ranbo in Setai nodded. "We will do what must be done."

"Few other clans could redeploy their forces in time to meet the Khan's thrust. They might be able to arrive in time for a counter-assault, but I would rather protect Toshi Ranbo now, rather than plan how to retake it"

"I would die before I saw the Khan on the Steel Throne, even temporarily." Setai said quietly.

Norachai nodded again. "As I said, the Lion are appreciated greatly by the Empress. However, even if one Lion samurai were worth three of the horsemen-"

"They are worth five."

Norachai did not appreciate being interrupted but he needed Setai's fervor. He had the Lion but he needed the Crane. He continued, "As you say, Setai-san, but we can not be certain it will be enough. Our scouts tell us that the Unicorn army is very large. Toshi Ranbo will need all of her defenders. Speaking of, Seishiro-san, I have not received the Crane champion's response to my request for troops. With the new information we now have, I am sure that Domotai-sama will send not only the requested amount but also more. I know how faithful and loyal the Crane are to the Empress"

Seishiro frowned. "I have not received official word, Norachai-sama, but I am not certain that the response will be as you hoped. The Crane continue to defend our borders from unwarranted attack. As long as the Dragon maintain their assault, how can we abandon our homes and vassals?"

"The Dragon threaten your lands but the Unicorn threaten the Empire" Norachai's voice was stern but not reproachful. "The needs of the Empire are paramount in the minds of all loyal samurai"

Seishiro stared at Norachai. "Then why are you not talking to the Dragon right now? Tell them to withdraw, "for the greater good."

Norachai frowned. "I shall, but thus far the Dragon have refused to speak on their war with the Crane. They offer no reasoning or remorse of any kind. I do not believe they stand with the Unicorn; I do not believe they would interfere if the Crane diverted troops to defend Toshi Ranbo. Send your troops. The Dragon will respect the sacrifice"

Seishiro shook his head. "The Dragon are ever inscrutable. I would never presume to predict their actions I am afraid Toshi Ranbo will have to mount a defense without the Crane"

Norachai seethed inside. Setai did not try to shame the Crane into doing their duty, as the Protector had hoped. No other troops could reach Toshi Ranbo before the Unicorn arrived. It would be up to the local Imperials and whatever the Lion could muster in time.

It would have to be enough.