Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 7

cacophony of battle, shouting brave and clear.
    Jonathon spun to the sight of another band of samurai racing up the road from the other side of the downed tree. The one leading the charge wore black and gold armor, a fierce black mask and horned helmet. His black stallion outpaced the other horses and leaped over the tree, as if the horse was just as eager for battle.
    Their enemies charged the newcomers, but now found themselves outnumbered. Nakano, Tanaka, and Kawada all ran for him and Kita. Nakano grabbed him by the arm, dragging him into the forest and away from the battle, but not so far to not be able to help their allies if need be.
    Jonathon's gaze remained locked on the lead samurai. He and his stallion were like a black fury, a whirlwind that destroyed all who came near. The samurai struck with such grace and fluidity, and though Jonathon knew the actions were horrendous in their deadliness, he couldn't help but see beauty in the samurai's skill and strength.
    It took only a few short minutes for the new group of ten to overpower the remaining enemies. Nakano led them forward, reaching the head samurai as he dismounted. He'd no sooner touched the ground than Nakano dropped to one knee, his head bowed. Kita, Tanaka, and Kawada all did the same.
    Jonathon stared at them, shocked at their actions, especially Nakano's. This must be a man of great importance to warrant such respect. He wondered if he should mimic their actions even though he didn't know who this man was, then heard Nakano say, "Lord Takezaki, there are no words to express our gratitude for you coming to us in our time of need."
    Jonathon's eyes widened. This man, this warrior, was Lord Takezaki Kazuhiro. He dropped to one knee, his head lowered. He hadn't quite been sure what to expect of the lord, but this certainly wasn't it. Like many wealthy and aristocratic types, he'd thought Lord Takezaki wouldn't directly engage in combat, but rather send his men to do it for him.
    Jonathon chanced a glance up at him. Kazuhiro removed his mask and helmet. Jonathon's breath stopped, yet his heart beat harder, faster.
    He was young. So much younger than Jonathon expected. He couldn't be more than thirty. Gazing at Kazuhiro's delicate features, Jonathon felt a pleasant tightness in his chest over their beauty. A few strands of ebony hair had fallen loose of the binding, clinging to Kazuhiro's cheek, which was damp with sweat. Though Kazuhiro's gaze was on Nakano, Jonathon stared at his eyes, drinking in their black depths. He was sure moments before they held ferocity, but now as Kazuhiro looked upon Nakano they held only warmth.
    Kazuhiro's gaze flicked from Nakano to Jonathon.
    Jonathon stared back on him…then realized he was staring and quickly dropped his head.
    Kazuhiro focused on Nakano again. "Stand, all of you. Words are not necessary, Nakano-san. I'm the one who's grateful we arrived in time. We caught a Tokugawa spy and were able to learn from him of the attack." He looked to Kawada. "But we didn't arrive soon enough. Kawada-san, how badly are you injured?"
    Kawada bowed to Kazuhiro. "Not bad, my lord. I can ride."
    Kazuhiro nodded his head once. "Is anyone else injured?" His gaze scanned all his men as they shook their heads. "Good. Then let's get the bodies off the road and covered in the forest. Do it quickly."
    His final word was answered with bows and the men leaping to follow his orders.
    Kazuhiro signaled for Nakano, Kita, Tanaka, and Kawada to stay. He looked at the foreigner. He'd seen his share of Westerners, but never had he seen one like the man before him now. The young man was slender, lithe, and not very tall. Thick, golden hair framed his face. Rings as golden as his hair adorned each ear. His eyes were as blue and clear as the sky above, and those eyes were now looking at him with bold and unabashed attraction.
    Kazuhiro stepped toward him. "Mr. Addison, I presume."
    Jonathon coughed in shock. Kazuhiro had just spoken English to him. He bowed deep to Kazuhiro again. "Yes, my lord. I'm Jonathon Addison. You may call me Jonathon if you like. I'm here on behalf of Mr. Benedict Barrett. I cannot tell what an honor and pleasure it is to meet you."
    Kazuhiro granted him a small bow and spoke in Japanese again. "The pleasure is mine, Addison-san."
    Jonathon slowly straightened after Kazuhiro, noticing how the lord didn't take his offer to address him by his given name and couldn't help but feel disappointment at that.
    "Have my men