I hope that this message reaches you.
The vast plains beyond the northern mountains are a bizarre and
confusing place. These Yobanjin are a treacherous people, and
I do not trust them. Yet this "sha-man" that I have
met assures me that he can see to it that this message is delivered.
It required the barter of the tanto that you bestowed upon me
years ago, but I hope you will find no dishonor in my sacrifice.
It seems at times that my travels
here are pointless. Every time I have been prepared to return
and join you in the battle against the Phoenix, however, I find
the tiniest suggestion that my quest will bear fruit. I cannot
abandon my search if even the smallest chance of success remains.
The clan will not survive if the Wish is not stopped, and the
only chance of destroying it may very well lie somewhere upon
these endless plains.
The Fortunes are surely with me, for
somehow your last message reached me even here. It saddens me
to hear of Junnosuke's banishment, but I cannot fault my lord's
judgment in such things. That one has ever been ruthless and
unstable. Were it not for his brilliant tactics, he would doubtless
have been cast out long ago. A shame that his honor could not
equal his talent. Nonetheless, the truth of his departure from
the Legions surprised me, for I thought such renegade behavior
beyond even him. Should ever I meet him again, I will cleanse
the stain upon our clan's honor, though it would pain me to strike
down one I once called my comrade.
I must hurry now, for my guide insists
we move on. There are creatures that prey upon these plains at
night that my mind can barely imagine, despite that I have seen
them myself. I long to return home, yet I am resolute in my duty.
I will return to you with that which we require to end the Phoenix
threat, my lord.
Or I will not return at all.
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