Chapter 4.5
With no further thought Katashi dived into the dense underbrush and held himself motionless only allowing himself the necessary final movements to ensure he was well hidden and had a view of the trail. He counted the men as they ran by. There were no less than a dozen. He had trouble making out their uniforms as they were obscured by the foliage that was hiding him and he had no desire to move anything to get a better view and risk being discovered himself. All he saw were the boots and he knew they did not belong to zealots, or any of the troops around here. No, more likely they were mercenary, or highlanders, which really was the same thing anyway.
He waited silently for them to pass, listening intently for the sound of their footsteps to disappear entirely. It faded into silence and Katashi relaxed. Still unmoving he stared silently at the blue sky visible through the trees. The only sound he heard was a gentle breeze rustling leaves high overhead and the singing of a wren high overhead. He felt no sense of urgency to get up and move and expose himself too soon. If there were any doubt in his mind of the men lingering on he would lay here until the sky darkened. Such was the training he had received, and the discipline within him. After a full sand had passed and hearing nothing Katashi slowly, and with making as little noise as he could, sat up.
He heard the slight whisper of leaves rustling, as if being blown by the wind, just behind him. It was a completely natural sound but nevertheless he turned to see what had caused it, more out of curiosity than anything else, as there was no wind. Not five yards from where he sat was Jaala staring back at him with that jovial grin on his face. He smiled broadly and even threw a wink at Katashi as he said no louder than a whisper, “That was a close call wouldn’t you say friend?”
Katashi stared at the monk who was not a monk, the man who seemed to not have a care in the world, the man who seemed harmless as a dove, the man who had been close enough to take his life and for the space of a sand had done nothing to reveal himself. Yes, this was most disturbing, but it was also information. Katashi vowed not to take this man for granted, not to underestimate him ever again. He forced a smile to his face and replied, “It was indeed Jaala. Might I ask why you did not give me warning of their coming? It seems you had ample time to secure a place of hiding for yourself.” This was spoken with a smile, in friendship Katashi hoped.
“Yes,” Jaala said with no trace of discomfort whatsoever, “I confess when I hear the footfalls of a dozen men my first thought is for my own safety. Besides,” he said laughing, “I had every confidence that you were completely able to take care of yourself in such a simple matter as this.” Finishing with the smile fading and a serious look on his face he spoke, “I was right too wasn’t I? You are one of rare talent are you not?”
Katashi stared at Jaala wondering just who he was looking at, and reconsidering if he wanted him as a traveling companion.
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