Chapter 26
“How can I help you?” the old woman asked after Sheiji had told and retold his story three times.
“We need soldiers to fight Sui-Tsai’s army. Any willing, able-bodied man will be appreciated. But I will not force anyone into service. Anyone who does not wish to come along and fight may remain here,” Sheiji explained. “I thought you might be able to point me in the direction of some loyal subjects.”
The woman beamed, “To think I am actually helping the King of Imatsuro regain his throne. I am honored, Vua, to serve you.”
With that, the old woman began to rattle off a list of names which Sheiji had trouble remembering. He finally had her lead him to the town leaders who then assembled all the inhabitants and announced to them the wonderful news.
“Your king is alive! This is Sheiji-Yueng, the rightful King of Imatsuro. All who wish to follow him to Taiyunyi, to battle and maybe even to death will step over here.”
“How do we know he’s the king and not a pretender?” asked one man.
Sheiji’s guard stepped instinctively nearer to Sheiji, but Sheiji motioned him back. “You are wise to question my identity. I certainly don’t look like a prince.”
The crowd laughed at this.
“But see here,” Sheiji held out his right hand. He wore his coronation ring on his right hand. “This is the Ring of Kings, given to me by my father, King Kawa, on his deathbed.”
“He is the king,” the old woman cried. “I believe him.”
“If you believe him, then I believe him,” the man nodded. “I’m willing to fight for you, Vua.” He stepped over to the side where the town leader had directed. Most of the able-bodied men followed him.
“Wait,” Sheiji called out. “I do not wish to be responsible for the death of fathers. All those who have families must remain here.”
“That would be most of us, Vua,” a man hollered. “How will you fight the Usurper with young boys and old men?”
“Please may I speak, Vua,” a middle-aged woman spoke up.
“You may, madam,” Sheiji replied.
“I am married and have three small children, but I would rather be widowed because my husband died serving his king, than have him safe at home for the rest of my life,” the woman spoke. A cry of agreement rose from the crowd.
“Thank you,” Sheiji replied. “Your loyalty means much to me. All who wish to follow me may. Bring whatever weapons you have. We leave at sunup tomorrow morning!”
Sheiji sat atop his horse and looked over the sea of men who gathered expectantly around him. He had been picking up men from every city they passed and all who came did so out of loyalty only. Now they were nearly to the Charanaro. They did not know what forces they would meet there. They did not know if they would even need the army.
“You will all wear your armor and weapons today. We’ll march prepared. We can stand battle against Sui-Tsai unless we are taken by surprise. That must not happen!” Sheiji cried out. “Be on your guard. Report anything you see to your division commander. Am I clear?”
The men shouted a collective, “Yes.”
“Then onward! We go to the Throne!” Sheiji cried, spurring his horse into a trot. The men let out a yell that echoed off the walls of the river gorge. They were eager for action and hungry for battle.
“Generals, call your men to halt,” Sheiji commanded. They stood on the bank of the Charanaro, a raging river half a mile wide. A bridge spanned it. It was an architectural phenomenon. It was wide enough for four horses to walk side by side. Strong, granite arches held the bridge fast in the swirling river.
On the east horizon ran the Genji River, nearly as wide as the Charanaro, though not as swift. It was a perfect trap: bound in on the north and east sides. An army could come from the west and south, completely blocking off their escape and forcing them to fight. Of course, there was the bridge, but Sheiji’s army could not all escape across it in time to avoid battle.
“What do you think?” Sheiji asked Ariuk and the three generals.
“Everything seems quiet,” replied General Ammar.
“Too quiet,” added General Mura-Tada. “There should be birds and small animals about. I hear nothing.”
“Our army might have scared them away,” Ariuk suggested.
The five sat in silence on their horses, as they wondered what to do.
“We’ll cross,” General Mura-Tada commanded. “General Ammar will go first. Sheiji, you and Prince Ariuk will follow with your bodyguard. General Hano will go next with his division. My division and I will bring up the rear. Should there be an army waiting on the other side Sheiji and Prince Ariuk must escape with their bodyguard. I will not have either of you getting killed.”
“I will not leave you and the men to fight a battle that I am not willing to fight myself,” Sheiji replied stubbornly.
“Nor will I,” Ariuk replied just as strongly. “If my subjects and Sheiji’s are willing to die, than so am I.”
“But if either of you die, your countries are doomed,” General Mura-Tada argued.
“If we refuse to fight, our countries are doomed,” Sheiji replied. “Loyalty and admiration must be won by doing dangerous things. No one wants a king who saves his own skin.”
“Vua, listen. If you are killed, your brother will rule. Better that you save your life and lose a bit of admiration in the process than that you die and ruin Imatsuro with your brother’s rule.”
Sheiji didn’t reply, but he was counting on fighting with his men.
The generals gave the command and the soldiers began filing over the bridge. Sheiji sat atop his horse watching with nervous anticipation. Would there be an attack on his men? Sui-Tsai’s chances were running out. He must act soon or risk the army escaping.
At last the time came for Sheiji and Ariuk to cross the bridge. Sheiji’s hand never left the hilt of his sword, a gift from his uncle, King Naro. All was quiet. The only sound was their horses’ hooves on the wooden bridge. Sheiji felt uneasy. As the last horse in the bodyguard stepped off the bridge, Sheiji heard a shout and saw the reason why.