Lady Samurai

Chapter 57

"We should not have let them go unattended!" Nabutada was striding from wall to wall in an impotent anger.

"They needed some time alone." Kazuki's grin seemed to Nabutada highly inappropriate, perhaps even insolent. "They will be fine." Kazuki continued, unconcerned.

"It's too dangerous out there. What if they need our help?"

"You seem to forget that Ana-San has the experience of surviving in these conditions. She lived outdoors in America for many years. They will find a shelter and wait it over."

"What if they encounter any bandits?" Nabutada couldn't stop fretting.

"They are both armed and quite capable of defending themselves. You taught her well." Kazuki grinned again.

The arrival of Lady Mariko prevented any further exchange. "I thought we could practice a little." She said hopefully, looking at Nabutada.

He bowed a little stiffly and without a word turned to retrieve a weapon. His discomfort was concealed well enough, but it did not escape Kazuki's penetrating gaze. For some time now the former Ronin had suspected that Nabutada harboured some feeling towards Lady Mariko, but, loyal servant as Takeda's retainer was, he would never allow himself any such indulgence. Not with his Lord's sister! He trained with her diligently, but never dared to hurt her, as he did with Ana-San.

Kazuki observed them now, seemingly without much interest. Left quite alone and free of the scrutiny of others, they both behaved more naturally. Nabutada was still a little gruff, but Mariko showed a great interest in his instructions and definitely smiled at him more often than was just polite. Kazuki wondered idly if either of them had any idea of their mutual interest.

He slipped out of the dōjō and went in search of Sumiko. Lord Takeda had not officially approved of their marriage yet, but they expected it shortly.

"It has stopped snowing." These were the first words his betrothed had for him. "You can now go and search for our Lady."

"I am also glad to see you." Kazuki bowed with a crooked smile.

Sumiko blushed. She still couldn't believe that Kazuki would like her for his wife. "Forgive me, My Lord." She bowed low. As a chief bodyguard to Lady Ana, Kazuki was entitled to respect. "I have been remiss..."

"Sumi-Chan," He laughed, lifting her up. "When will you learn that I don't need respect from you? I need affection." He finished softly.

She reddened even more.

He hugged her and stole a kiss, which embarrassed her even more, but she couldn't hide a happy smile. "Kazuki-San, you must remember your new position." She tried chiding.

"Why should I? You will be my wife. I have the right to a kiss from my betrothed."

"That's true. But now you must do your duty and go out in search of Lord Takeda and our Lady." She repeated, freeing herself from his embrace.

"Why? Let them enjoy a little carefree freedom. They deserve it... Lottie certainly does." He added quietly.

Sumiko gasped. His overfamiliarity with Lady Ana was a source of worry for her. He should not allow himself to call her by her pet name. Only Lord Takeda had that right.

Kazuki only shook his head with a smile. He greatly enjoyed his friendship with Anna. It would not prevent him from giving his life for her. In fact, just the opposite: because of that friendship he was sure he would never fail in his duties. "I will obey your command, My Lady, and go in search of our Lord." He bowed, not even trying to conceal his amusement.

He was soon joined by Nabutada, who chose ten men to accompany them.

"Where do you propose we look first?" Kazuki asked when they mounted.

"There is one place they could go. It's been forgotten for years, since old Lord Kiyori's death, but I believe that Lord Takeda would go there to find shelter." Nabutada was strangely reluctant in sharing these details.

"This place, what is it?" Kazuki asked quietly after some time. He and Nabutada were riding a little ahead and could speak freely.

"It was Lord Kiyori's... secret escape." Nabutada chose his words very carefully. "He discovered hot springs there and ordered a lodge built. He used to visit it with his... favourites."

Now Kazuki understood the reluctance with which Nabutada was sharing information. It was the old Lord's love nest. He was very careful not to show any of his amusement, not to provoke Nabutada's prickly sense of honour, but he thought that if Lord Takeda and Lottie were there, they might not be pleased at being disturbed.

After another hour Nabutada pointed ahead. "The lodge is just behind this ridge."

"Do you think it prudent if we leave the men behind, until we know for sure that the Lord is there?" Kazuki suggested.

For once his companion agreed with him. He ordered the men to dismount and wait to be called upon.

Everything was covered in a picturesque layer of fresh whiteness, but with a start Kazuki noticed a bloody hand protruding from the snow. He stiffened, ready to draw his sword. Nabutada also noticed the gruesome sight. They couldn't be sure whose hand it was. But then they heard a snorting horse and, without the need to communicate, they split up. Kazuki went towards the sound and Nabutada moved carefully to the door, which, he now noticed, didn't quite fit the frame.

In a lean-to Kazuki found two horses and recognised them as Lord's and Anna's mounts. He was about to turn away when he felt a knife pressed to his back. He tensed, preparing himself to overpower his assailant, when he heard a content laugh in his ear. 

"Got you!" 

He recognised Anna's voice and silently breathed with relief. Until this moment he had really feared for her safety. "Subarashii!" He turned to face her and bowed with a grin; yet that grin couldn't hide he was truly impressed. "My Lady, you have bested me for the second time. Please, let me congratulate you."

"Thank you, Kazuki." She smiled, sheathing her tanto. "You trained me well."

They stepped out from the lean-to. Nabutada was talking to Lord Takeda in front of the lodge.

"Who was that?" Kazuki casually pointed to the hand in the snow.

"Bandits, I assume." She shrugged. "They dared to disrupt our Lord's sleep."

"Only sleep?" Kazuki teased.

"Don't be insolent... They surprised us..." Her eyes went flat for a moment.

"What did you do?" His tone became that of a teacher instructing his student.

"Lord Takeda distracted them with a burning log. We both dived for our weapons. I used tanto. I threw it as you taught me."

"Was your aim true?"

"As true as it could be." Her smile was a little pale. "He fell where he stood. Still with that nasty grin on his face."

Kazuki just nodded, acknowledging her skill. He knew that Anna didn't have it in her to kill without a reason. She could only do it defending herself or the people she cared about, so he didn't dwell on it any longer.

They joined the Lord as he was saying: "Lady Ana made sure I was fed and warm. She is remarkably resourceful." He smiled to her.

"Best service in town." She grinned in response. The dead men forgotten for the moment.

Both, the Lord and Nabutada thought suddenly that her grin was surprisingly similar to that of Kazuki, who was standing beside her...