The Messenger lead Takeo thru the forest and wetland to Yukimira just as the sun set. The city was starting to come alive with lights and paper lanterns on every corner. Takeo walked the labyrinth of buildings and streets to the ancient palace at the heart of the city.
Takeo took a moment to take in the sight. He had been there more times than he dared to count, but for the first time it looked like the Dragon Emperor's fortress as the legends said it had been during the Ancient Crystal Wars. Something about the dark wood and stone building atop the endless stone stairs and gates guarded by stone dragons against the blood red sky felt foreboding. Like a seasoned warrior, it was as though the city itself sensed danger approaching.
Takeo began his ascent to the hidden servents' door past the second set of stairs. The Emperor's Advisor Sun Kai and the leader of the Emperor's Hand Liu Bu were waiting for him.
"Master Takeo, I'm glad you made it so quickly." Sun Kai bowed before the younger man, his long grey beard touching the ground. He was dressed in his normal yellow and black embroidered uniform. He turned to Liu Bu. "I told you that Master Takeo would make it before the moon rose."
"Well, that tavern his wife runs isn't that far away. " Liu Bu scoffed. He was only twenty years Takeo's senior, but only became the leader of the Emperor's Hand after Takeo turned it down. Takeo had been a member of the Emperor's Hand-- the Emperor's secret army of guards, spies and assassins to keep the Empire at peace-- since he was thirteen and had been a close friend of the Emperor's eldest son Prince Jia. He was bitter about being the second choice after an Ice ninja.
"What trouble has Prince Jia gotten into this time?" Asked Takeo. The elder men sighed. "That bad?"
"The Emperor is waiting in the throne room." Sun Kai led them down the darkened corridors thru to the main palace. The throne room was nearly empty save for the frail old man dressed in the red and gold robes sitting on the Dragon throne. The three men bowed before the Emperor.
"Rise, my friends." Even at this late stage of life, Emperor Nobu's voice was still strong and commanding. The three did as they were told. "Takeo, I have had the honor of watching you grow up along side my own son Jia for many years. I could not be more proud of you if you were my own blood, so it pains me to ask you to take on this most dangerous mission."
The Emperor paused. "Two days ago, Jia was on an ambassadors mission to the Draconian kingdom of Gilder. While on the road, he was attacked by bandits and taken to Moon Valley."
"What about his royal guards? Prince Jia wouldn't be reckless enough to go thru bandit country without them." Asked Takeo. The Emperor shook his head.
"Every single member of his Royal guard that served as his escort on his trip were slaughtered in the road. The bandits painted a nearby bridge with their blood." Emperor Nobu was not one to mince words. "A small squad of my Hand will accompany you to the bandits' hideout. They will serve as your distraction while you locate and free Jia."
"The Prince will return to you alive. I'll make sure of it." Vowed Takeo.
"Take care. May the Ancestral Dragon watch over you, my friend. I fear for what will pass if you or my son don't make it back." The Emperor took a deep breath. "You leave at daybreak. Sun Kai, please take Takeo to his rooms for the night. Liu Bu, continue to monitor Princess Rin and little Ikki."
"Yes, your grace." The two said in unison.
After they left the throne room, Takeo turned to Sun Kai. "Princess Rin doesn't know her husband has been kidnapped, does she?"
Liu Bu laughed before entering the royal appartments, "Unless it shines, sparkles or is in a mirror, she doesn't notice anything. She mistook her own son for a servent last week. I don't even think she has realized that her husband has been gone the last few days."
"Princess Rin . . . Is very different from Empress Hitomi. She tends to not concern herself with the upkeep and goings on beyond the banquets and festivals." Admitted Sun Kai. Takeo had only met Jia's wife afew times; it was actually Jia's impending marriage that lead to Takeo's destined meeting with Reisha. She was every bit a beautiful as anyone would expect a princess should be, yet she always came off as very vain with her perfect nose stuck in the air and her eyes filled with mischief to match her red painted smile. Something had always felt off about her, but it was hard to tell if her naivety was an act or her true self. Either way, Jia had seemed happy in his letters. "Here is your room for the night. Sleep well, Master Takeo."
"Same to you as well." Takeo bowed. A meal of grilled shrimp with stir fry vegetables and rice was waiting for him. He broke open his moon cake dessert. Inside was a message. "'Meet me in Jia's bedchamber at midnight.'"
Takeo looked at the clock. Midnight was three hours away.