The Five Masters 1197

Kyuden Isawa, Council Chamber of the Masters

1st Day of Doji

“The Lion are moving on the Dragonfly, the Dragon remain silent.” Whispered the Master of Earth.

“The Crane and the Mantis are circling eachother like wary dogs” Added the Master of Water.

The Master of Air put forward “The Unicorn are busy with the Spider in preparation for Winter Court.”

“And The Scorpion and the Crab are busy with their walls.” finished the Mater of Earth.

“What are we doing?” Asked the Master of Void. “Do we stand on the brink of breaching an Imperial Edict?”

The Master of Fire shook her head “We are in a time of change, but that does not mean we stand on the precipice of war.”

“Perhaps not all out war, but the Dragon will respond if their gate keepers are attacked again by the Lion.” The Master of Air responded quickly.

“But war is coming nonetheless.” The Master of Water’s statement was delivered in a matter of fact tone.

“Even I know that a whirlpool will draw others into it.” said the Master of Fire, her tone haughty and somewhat chiding.

“What are we doing?” Again, the Master of Void cut through to the heart of the matter.

“What would you have us do?” Questioned the Master of Fire.

“We should be prepared to intervene.” Came the Mater of Water’s voice from across the table.

“With whom?” Asked the Master of Air.

The Master of Water contiuned “The Crane are our allies. We have made peace with the Mantis, we have no quarrel with the Lion and nor do we want one and the Dragon are our allies.”

“We have not heard much from the Master of Earth” mentioned the Master of Air. “Perhaps he can shed some wisdom on these matters.

“Ours is a path of peace, we do not intervene until such time as it is unavoidable. Then we must act with direction and clarity. This is not a decision we can take without the Champion."

“The Master of Earth is well meaning, but we hardly need a Shiba to tell us what to do.” Retorted the Master of Fire.

“Shiba knelt before us, but that action had power. Has power. Power that resonates through our Clan like an earthquake resonates through the land. We ignore it at our own peril. If we want to take action, we summon the Champion.” The Master of Earth shrugged “Earth is patient. I can wait for you arrive at the same decision.”

The Master of Void stood up “Very well, summon the Champion."