Napo River Fort (West)

The Fusei quickly fell on command when another of their own was dropped that quickly. There were only two choices: submit or die. Nori was pleased with this, and soon they were all completely disarmed of even the smallest tools, forced to their knees and hands clapped behind their heads.

The archers would return within the hour, the task complete and hauling several sharpened saplings as ordered. Meanwhile, the troops and the prisoners would re-position themselves further from the fort and around the western side as it burned to the ground, the towering structures crackling and groaning before finally toppling over in might crashes heard across the river. The mist was already clearing as the fires ate up the moisture in the area.

There was minor commotion across the river but nothing that signaled anyone headed outside that fort or towards the river. However there were several lookouts along the palisades trying to find any indicator as to what happened from the safety of their fort. What in the world set their other camp alight like that?

It would be done. With Nori helping enforce the ranks, the rabble of prisoners would be shoved along until they were in clear view of the other fort. They would be marched to the water's edge and forced down to their knees once again - barked at to keep their hands behind their heads. There was to be no room for any more flight or fighters. They were to keep their eyes on their comrades across the river, and not see as the makeshift spears for impalement were passed among the archers.

A terrible shriek rang out as the first man was impaled, far too shocked to do anything more than tremble as the blinding pain ripped through his body as he was hoisted upon the spear. A wave of terror and dread rushed down the line of prisoners that were kneeling along the river. But another wave of agony wound follow just as quickly as the archers, some a little hesitant in such a cruelty, followed suite. They did not dare disobey - these were not men but monsters, and monsters were slain.

The fort across the water wound be seized by the same sense of dread as many men watched their brothers in crime were impaled and lifted to squirm and writhe upon pointed posts until the last of their life bled out to silence and stillness. The archers in the towers couldn't even bring themselves to lift their bows - it was a horrifying sight, something few present had witnessed beforehand.

In the background, their men were left to hang over the spears in gruesome as their fort was ablaze and everything inside it destroyed.

There was little encouragement for anyone to leave the second fort. Especially since their leader, who was on the enemy side, was nowhere to be found. None knew of the fate of their commander.

Nori watched with indifference as the dead leader was beheaded, though his brows lifted high when the head was offered to him - and the request was made. Yet he grinned behind his mask and took the head in hand, letting the blood drip to the grass as his feet. "I can make it happen, my Lord. This will be interesting to watch."

There was a chorus of acknowledgement from the men, feeling a little more bold and brave what with their piling victories thus far. And the sheer confidence in their Shogun only added to their fervor. Within mere moments, the archers were banding together to dip and light their arrows in the blaze behind them and send them flying into the fort across the water. Before the first arrow even thumped into the dense wood structures were the bandits inside scrambling to get the heavy gates open and flee southeast. Any that stood up to try and return fire in a foolhardy attempt found themselves being impaled with the fiery arrows and quickly set ablaze, as well.

Those desperate enough to seek the river to put themselves out only found dead by the archers not pelting the walls. Bodies would flop in death mere feet from the river bank, still on fire.

It was better than many would have thought - two heavily manned and armed forts, brought to ruin and the Fusei within killed or sent running. This series of victories in the face of possible defeat brought the moral of men to a shrill height, and those under Haitaka's banner were all the more keen to fight for him.

Nori could only watch in amusement before looking north to where the river flowed from. "Well... perhaps we shall have a good evening before moving on, my Lord?"

Nori watched the Shogun carefully, wondering what was going on in his head. His eyes were alight, like something was there. Something good, he thought. He remembered this man as a boy, and knew that look. He was plotting something, and considering the nature of this victory, it might actually be something terribly cruel.

But then again, that is what made it fun.

Both structure would burn for hours as the day rolled on. A camp was erect well within the trees, and with a very clear view of the mine entry in the distance as the river spilled from it. It was still a good half day out, but now they were prepared. They had sight of the goal, and were well nestled within the forest to give him the first view of oncoming enemies from anywhere else around the two flaming monuments of Fusei defeat. Nori had set up a few traps he was familiar with - simple pitfalls that were very shallow, but would trip a man into falling into the rest of the pit that was full of pointed objects to impale a man several times over in many places. It was easy to create and cover. Not to mention bent saplings ready to snap from their ropes binding them over and have them flail about with small spines tainted in poison to strike at whatever loosed it.

Being a shinobi left him with all sorts of small tools at his disposal. And he employed any he could come up with upon request to ensure that they were protected from ambush.

Later into the evening, when the fires finally died to something that could be worked around, troops wandered into the charred remains of the western fort. It was a terrible sight. Bodies were warped and twisted in their last poses before death consumed them, most of them bandits. A pit dug beneath a platform, now collapsed, revealed more burned bodies - and these were in chains. Prisoners, more than likely. It was a grim thing to witness, and two men would return to camp to report the finding - having not been able to stomach being there any longer upon the discovery.

But in some means of uplifting news, there were intact remains. Boxes were ruined, but there were pots and jars. Salted venison from bucks - at least the Fusei had kept rations of game. There was plenty, and it would require another trip to drag back more. But at least there was something to accompany the rice, and even a little trout from the river! Perhaps this was not a completely terrible ordeal.

The evening and the night were quiet - there was no ambush. No scouts. Nothing. The Fusei had been sent running like frightened children, and they were victorious. They ate well - and for what little sake they found in the ruins, pleasantly warmed after the fires - they drank merrily. Despite everything and in such a good mood, the boundaries of lord and soldier and servant became blurred. Some tried to dance. Some sang. Lord Haitaka was responsible for this good fortune and win, and they reveled in a moment to celebrate with him.

Come morning, however, this would have to cease. They all knew this. And come dawn they were stirring and preparing for march and possible battle. Quivers were full and swords cleaned. Armor fitted properly. A hangover or two would pound away. But they were ready and awaiting the command of their beloved leader.


Nori had been patrolling for a majority of the night, choosing not to partake in the festivities. He explored much of the surrounding area, seeming not fatigued in the slightest. He found a tiny shrine by the river - a once lovely ceramic figurine of a serene monk in prayer, his hand lifted in polite greeting with a gentle smile on his face. However, someone had broken it - the head lay near the water. It was a miracle the waters hadn't swept it up to carry it off.

Makoto came to mind. She was his teacher besides Master Hideaki. Though he hadn't quite understood this whole thing, he felt a certain... respect. He stooped down to pick up the broken piece, and tucked a hand into his pouch. He found a sash, silk black, and mused over this for a moment. He carefully set the head back up on the shoulders of the little figurine and tied the sash about the neck - effectively covering the break and holding it in place. He had a feeling that Makoto would have done the same, and now he had a reminder - this was certainly not left by the Fusei. So this land wasn't always lawless. It was a bit enlightening. Another dip into his pouch found a gold coin, and he dropped it in the little box that sat before the little man. Sure, if the Fusei came back through here they'd likely raid it - but that was for their spirits to curse, not he. He would do right here, for Makoto and the rest of his brothers, and for their Lord. Good fortunes.