Shadow of The Fox (Shadow of the Fox #1) - Julie Kagawa Page 0,22

and bloodshed. Recently however, it had flared up again, surprising no one. There was too much animosity, too many grudges and feuds and personal vendettas between the Great Clans; all it would take was a single aggressive act, an insult that could not be ignored, and the daimyos would be at each other’s throats again. If I was discovered sneaking through a rival clan’s territory without permission, that might be the act of aggression needed to declare war. And though I was certain I could do it without being caught, I understood Lady Hanshou’s precaution.

The other paper was a scroll that, when smoothed out, displayed a map of the mountains somewhere in Earth Clan territory. A river snaked across the map, cutting through forest and plains, heading north. I thought I recognized it as the Hotaru Kawa, the river that eventually led to Kin Heigen Toshi, the great capital city in the center of Sun Clan territory. The capital, however, was not my destination. By the X marked at the top of the largest mountain peak, I assumed that was my target.

“The Silent Winds temple sits atop the Niwaki Mountains on the eastern edge of Tsuchi lands,” Lady Hanshou said, confirming my suspicion. “You will go to the gates posing as a pilgrim, asking to spend the night. If they let you in, so much the better. If not, you will infiltrate the temple some other way. It doesn’t matter how you get in, only that you find what you were sent for.”

“Understood,” I replied. A temple full of monks was not my normal mark; most orders were peaceful, reflective organizations that stayed neutral from the politics and fighting of the clans. But it was not my place to question my daimyo. “Who is my target?”

“This is not a killing,” Lady Hanshou replied, to my immense surprise. “I am sending you to retrieve an item for me. I would rather there not be slaughter, but there could be instances where your particular talents will come in handy. I am sending you, Tatsumi, because Ichiro believes that among your fellow shinobi, you are the best, and getting to the item might prove challenging, even for one such as yourself.” Her good eye narrowed, her words becoming harsh. “But it is imperative that you retrieve the item. I don’t care what it takes, who you have to kill. Do not dare to return without it—that is an order from your daimyo.” Her voice grew even harsher, becoming a raspy growl that send a chill up my back. “Kage demonslayer, know that if you fail me, the consequences will be dire. We will be watching you, and the Shadow Clan does not tolerate disobedience. Do you understand?”

“My lady, my life is bound to the Kage.” I bowed low once more, reciting the words that were expected. It didn’t matter if I meant them; they were true nonetheless. “And to you. I will not fail. Only tell me what I am searching for, and it will be done. What must I retrieve?”

Lady Hanshou’s eye burned feverishly bright in the darkened room, and her lips curved in a faint smile. “A certain scroll I lost,” she whispered, “years and years ago.”

4

Tanuki Tea

I hated lighting the candles in the main hall.

Two hundred and seventy-seven. There were two hundred and seventy-seven candles that had to be lit, individually, around the room. Every evening, before sundown, so the monks could hold their nightly meditations. I don’t remember when it officially became my duty to light the candles; I suspected Denga or Nitoru had suggested the idea to Master Jin, the old monk who cared for the hall, to “teach me patience and dedication.” Certainly, you had to have both for this task. The main hall was enormous, with towering pillars and dark wood floors polished to such a sheen that you could see every flickering candle flame within. At the end of the hall stood the enormous green statue of the Jade Prophet, whose teachings all monks sought to emulate. There were no windows, and the only natural light came through the massive wooden doorway at the entrance, so the chamber was constantly dark and quiet. When all the candles were lit, they created a hazy orange glow throughout the room, transforming the hall into a surreal haven of shadow and dancing lights.

But it took forever to light them all.

I sighed, lowering the candlestick to gaze mournfully around the room. So many more to go. I hadn’t