closed shut.
Kaname cursed inwardly at the disgrace his son had brought upon him then regarded his senior advisor with a critical eye.
"I don't have much time to deal with this issue, Kazan-san. I must go see Lord Takakatsu right away about this army being reported at our northern border."
"What are your orders, sire?" Kazan asked. He was old and had served Kaname's father and grandfather. He knew well the events that had transpired between the Katsume clan and his master’s own clan, and knew secret details regarding the bitter feud started between Kaname's and Shogoro's grandfathers. He doubted Kaname even knew the real reason, and wondered if Shogoro knew as well.
It was all because of a woman.
"He claimed to be the bane of two prominent schools that instruct in katana techniques. In Akita and Miyagi. Both are several days to the west. See if you can send carrier pigeons and learn more. I am personally curious about that."
"Of course. I'll do so right away. Might I also suggest trying to contact the Toku clan? Perhaps a shinobi to…"
"Assassins?" Kaname interrupted. "You think this ronin is worth spending the money to have him murdered by ninja?"
"Not to have him assassinated, but rather to have him watched. From what your son has told us Katsume Shogoro is a capable swordsman. Furthermore he is carrying on the decades old vendetta that began with both of your grandfathers. He may be a mere ronin, but he is also dangerous and should be watched until permanently dealt with."
"And how should we deal with him? Do you think I should face him?"
"No sire. It would reflect badly on you and your clan if you faced him. He is far below your class and truly not worth any of your time. You would placate him and do him an honor if you so much as publically acknowledged him by facing him."
Kaname closed the fan and placed it back in his sleeve. "I surmised as much as well. I will not face him. But how should he be dealt with so he takes no more time away from my duties to Lord Takakatsu?"
"Iiso has other ronin wandering about looking to earn coin. Perhaps a bounty on the head of Shogoro will be enough to send him into the Great Void or scare him far away."
"Very well. That's a good idea, Kazan-san. But do so secretly through a third party. Make up some back-story as well. I don't want this coming back to me or my clan."
"Sire," Kazan bowed, "it will be done."
From the Author
Duel at Strolling Ponds and A Ronin's Honor are chapter excerpts from a much larger unfinished novel I had started writing several years ago but never finished. The story background is similar to Japan during the Sengoku jidai "Warring States" period between the 15th and 17th centuries. However, what you have not yet encountered in these first two stories are the Japanese versions of goblins, ogres, and trolls. Much like western fantasy, as read in stories like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Japan also has their own highly detailed cultural based mythological setting that includes evil spirits, demons, kami, tengu, bakemono, and oni, to name a few. So be forewarned and prepared for such mythological creatures popping up from time to time in future stories.
I plan to continue the release of more excerpts from The Tales of Katsume Shogoro. The bad news is that I only have about seven to nine chapters written in the novel. If people seem to be interested in more, I will of course write more, or perhaps sit down with the novel's outline I have and finish the entire thing. You, the reader, will determine that outcome based on your feedback.
Please take the time to write a quick review of my stories at the retail site where you obtained them. Reviews are very important to all authors, especially those that are independent from publishing houses, like me. Any and all feedback is welcome.
About the Author
I've dabbled in writing various genres of fiction, mostly for my own amusement, for as long as I can remember. From the prompting of friends in 2012 to share some of my stories with a larger audience came my 2013 New Year's Resolution. Now here I am self publishing.
My blog page: www.tdbauer.com
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