Spider's in the Forest 1197

Dragonfly Clan Border

1st of Day of Akodo, Sunset

Tonbo Shimura was hot and bored. His border crossing was possibly the least used in the entire Empire. For an ambitious young Samurai this was pretty much a hardship post. And even at sunset, the heat was still oppressive. He once again uttered a prayer to the Kami that a cool change would come down from Dragon lands and ease his discomfort.

As the darkness fell, and the lanterns were lit, moths gathered around the lights creating strange shadows. Shimura had just sat down to his evening meal when a slight noise drew his attention outside. “Now of all times. Shinsei curse all merchants who travel late.” he muttered as he belted on his daisho and walked onto the verandah.

In an instant, his blade was drawn. In the circle of light stood silent rank upon rank of heavily armed and armoured sohei, their white scarves masking the lower half of their faces. Each one bearing the mon of the Spider clan.

Shimura dropped into a fighting stance and challenged “State your business!”

A huge monk stepped forward “Go back inside boy, our buisness is not with you.”

Shimura stepped forward “I will not let you pass unless you have travel papers!”

This time the huge monk laughed long and loud “Boy, we are here to protect you.” he gestured to one of the other monks who threw a bag at Shimura’s feet. “Give these to your daimyo.”

Shimura looked down at the bag which had opened at his feet. Five heads, each one bearing the distinct look of Lion troops. He stuttered “Wha-what is this?”

The monk simply said “There are lions lurking in the night. You would want to take care. We are here as allies, not enemies. Let us pass.”

Tonbo Shimura was not stupid. He let them pass. And he counted. One thousand Spider Monks crossed into Dragonfly lands just after sunset. Shimura knew he would not sleep that night.