Kambei and Jimmu went down to the courtyard, where they joined the rear of a large group of samurai and infantrymen. Lord Ankan was standing in the back of a cart, holding a blazing torch to illuminate his face.

“Thank you for accepting my invitation,” he said. “Allow me to outline the present situation as I see it. Takeda Shingen and his army are far from home, and their supply lines are badly stretched. If he had taken Hamamatsu, he would have built up its defenses, and eked out his stores until the spring. But he did not take Hamamatsu, and his reluctance to attack it shows that he is in a cautious frame of mind. He knows that the worst of the winter weather is on the way, and he does not want his army camping in the open when it arrives. I believe that if a small force raided the Takeda camp tonight, it would convince Lord Shingen that our numbers are greater than is actually the case, and he would return home. You are that small force, and I will lead you.”

“Has Lord Ieyasu approved your plan, My Lord?” a voice called out.

Lord Ankan grinned like a naughty child.

“I have neglected to inform Lord Ieyasu of my intentions,” he said. “His Lordship maintains that generals should keep well back from the front line. I do not agree with him. None of you is bound to accompany me. Any who wish to leave may do so now without shame, and without harming their reputation.”

No one moved.

Lord Ankan saluted the men’s courage by bowing to them.

“Very well,” he said. “We will proceed on foot, as quietly as we can. Arm yourselves, and return here.”

Most of the men dispersed to fetch their weapons. Those who were already armed stayed behind, including Kambei and Jimmu, who were spotted by Lord Ankan.

“Is that you, Kambei?” he said.

“It is, My Lord.”

Lord Ankan craned his neck. “And who is that with you?”

“Jimmu,” said Kambei.

“Ah, yes!” Lord Ankan said. “My budding samurai. Are you eager to prove yourself, young man?”

“Nothing could keep me from your side tonight, My Lord,” Jimmu replied.

He pushed aside the doubts that clamored in his mind. His instincts told him that the final confrontation with Choju Ankan was close at hand.

17 - OUTSIDE HAMAMATSU CASTLE TOTOMI PROVINCE

17

OUTSIDE HAMAMATSU CASTLE TOTOMI PROVINCE

WINTER 1572

The raiding party slipped out of the side gate of Hamamatsu in ones and twos, keeping low in case of watching Takeda scouts. The men reassembled well away from the light of the bonfires, and lined up in double file before setting out at a jog trot. True to his word, Lord Ankan took the lead.

Kambei and Jimmu went side by side. The party traveled in silence, and Jimmu was able to reflect without any distractions.