Chastened, Toge retreated into the corner. Yuudai smiled kindly at Neko and beckoned her to repour his cup. He bowed his appreciation for the sencha and, once Neko had served Jack and Yori, she backed out of the room. As they drank their tea, Jack noticed Neko peeking through the gap in the wall as she washed the rice for dinner.

Saburo and Hayato returned soon after, appearing weary.

‘We found them,’ announced Saburo.

‘But unfortunately we were too late,’ explained Hayato. ‘They were already on a boat heading south to Imaban.’

‘It’s all over then,’ said Sora, his face downcast. ‘Our village is doomed.’

‘Don’t despair,’ said Yori. ‘We’ll look again tomorrow.’

‘What’s the point?’ said Toge. ‘We must go back and prepare. We’re running out of time!’

‘And we don’t have seven samurai yet,’ stated Jack.

‘But you’re great warriors!’ interrupted Kunio. ‘Surely five is all we need.’

Jack stared into his half-empty cup. The tea matched their own situation – some, but not enough. The wretched desperation on the farmers’ faces was almost too much to bear, but Jack couldn’t be reckless with his friends’ lives. This was a dangerous mission with seven. Being only five samurai, the risk was even greater.

Coming to a difficult decision, he announced, ‘If anyone wants to leave now, then they should do so.’

No one moved.

‘Why seven?’ asked Hayato.

‘There are at least forty bandits. I calculate a skilful samurai could handle up to six enemies at most.’

‘Well, Yuudai counts for at least two people,’ responded Hayato. ‘With my bow, I can bring down several bandits before they get within fighting distance. And we haven’t yet allowed for your skills.’

Jack looked to the others. Yori seemed nervous but resolved. Saburo was surprisingly committed too, and Yuudai appeared as indestructible as rock.

He nodded his reluctant agreement. ‘Five it is then.’

The next morning the five samurai, three farmers and Neko left for Tamagashi village. The winter wind blew a bitter chill as the group trekked across the snow-covered plain. Their going was slow and when the drifts became too deep, Yuudai carried Yori on his shoulders.

Hayato marched alongside Jack. ‘How much further?’ he asked, studying the bleak terrain ahead.

‘Last time we arrived around dusk.’

Noticing Jack glance over his shoulder, Hayato leant in close. ‘Do you sense what I do?’

‘Yes,’ said Jack, glad he wasn’t the only one to feel it. He scanned the vast open landscape. ‘Nowhere to hide, but someone is following us.’

16 White Shadow

16

WHITE SHADOW

Entering a patch of sparse woodland, the sense of being watched grew. Jack kept his hand upon his sword and Hayato unslung his bow. The others remained oblivious to the threat and Jack wondered if the two of them were being over-cautious. There was still no sign of pursuit. And their remote location begged the question, who would be following them in the first place?