The village of the [Iron Viper] samurai clan was an actual secret forest realm. It was secluded deep in the heart of the cold forest. In white hills, in white cattle, in white snow. The homes were simple, with hard roofs to hold warmth.
The village was arranged in the shape of an arrow's forked head; as Rafel followed Shingami down to the clandestine hamlet, it was impossible to miss. At the arrow's tip sat the vision Rafel was expecting: a pagoda. It had up to six levels. And it was red and black, like the Oni mask of the Samurai leader.
"What's with the fake name?" Khalifa sidled up to Rafel. She pushed through foliage wet with snow and dew. Rafel didn't turn to look at her, lest the gallant samurai striding ahead hear. He whispered. "Hush! Just go along with it. Okay?"
