Chapter 4.8

“Shikoba.”

“Well I must say this is the most interesting journey I’ve made to the Festival of Lights in many rains.  First I find a Zealot of the High Order slinking on a game trail, then a troop of Highlanders crash through on the same path, and now we find the spoor of nomadic warriors, all in the heart of Bishamon.”

Katashi turned without a word and made his way to the ledge overlooking the ambush.  The Shikoba were hunters and trackers without equal, and they left no trace other than the sweeping of their prints with some leafy boughs.

Making his way back to the dead highlanders, Jaala asked him “Nothing?”

“Nothing.”

“A handful of the highlanders escaped.  Here are their tracks.”

“We cannot track the Shikoba but these men we can and where we find one group we will undoubtedly find the other.”

“Why would you want to find them?  They seem intent on killing one another.  I am sure they would feel no different about us.”

Katashi said nothing and moved to the ledge to conduct his evening prayers.

~ by beinnsgriob on June 15, 2008.