The Twelve Kingdoms: A Thousand Leagues of Wind

severe than what people in Takuhou said instead of the usual hellos and goodbyes.
    "She didn't have anything to say?"
    "Not especially. Ah, she did talk about the Empress in Gyouten."
    "Did she strike you as well informed about Gyouten?"
    "I don't know, but . . . she said it was all rumors, though she seemed pretty knowledgeable of the place."
    Koshou glanced at Sekki. Sekki nodded. "We'd better move, then."
    "Eh?" said Suzu, turning to Sekki.
    "She was here before. It was like she was looking for something. If she has a detailed knowledge of Gyouten, then she probably is from Gyouten."
    "And that means . . . ?"
    "There are rumors intimating that Shoukou and Gahou have a free rein because they've got the Royal Kei watching their backs. If somebody was sent from Gyouten to check out the situation here, then those rumors may be true."
    Sekki nodded at the surprised Suzu. "Get your things together. Better safe than sorry. We'll leave here and move in with some friends of ours."
    "But . . . . "
    "That girl was no ordinary person."

Chapter 54
    T o Rangyoku, it was a day like any other, save the fact that Youshi had been gone now for ten days.
    "When's Youshi coming back?" Keikei asked in a bored voice.
    Rangyoku smiled. Keikei was lonely. Since the other children at the orphanage had died, he really did have a lot of time on his hands.
    "Is Youshi gonna get married?"
    "You mean, move in with that guy she went to see? Who knows."
    Youshi couldn't get married until she had legally come of age, but common law marriage was not prohibited. If she had parents, they would have to approve, but Youshi didn't have any parents.
    "Even supposing she did, she couldn't move away until she turned twenty."
    As she explained this, Rangyoku found herself strangely doubting that what Keikei had proposed was true. Though Youshi was supposedly an orphan, Enho treated her more like a guest. And being a guest, she would be leaving before long.
    Rangyoku had Keikei help her clean the dishes and wipe off the shelves. After straightening up the kitchen, she glanced over her shoulder at Keikei and said, "Good work. It's about time for tea. Why don't you call Enho?"
    "Okay," Keikei said with a big bow, and ran off toward the study.
    Rangyoku watched as he scampered into the main hall, smiling. She was proud of her little brother. He was smart and kind, a hard worker. Everybody who met him said so. Even Enho said that after elementary school, he'd recommend Keikei to the prefectural academy.
    Pleased with herself, Rangyoku laughed as she arranged the utensils. She heard the door to the main wing opening.
    "Enho, would you like some tea?"
    No one answered. Rangyoku looked up and glanced toward the doorway. She froze. Several men stood there, men she had never seen before.
    "Yes?"
    There were six of them. At a glance, they seemed like ordinary men, but there was an air of danger about them. Unconsciously, Rangyoku took a step back.
    One of the men shut the door and stood in front of it, blocking the way.
    "Who are you? What are you doing--?"
    Her inquiry cut off mid-sentence. A man produced a dagger from inside his jacket. Rangyoku screamed and spun around. Heavy footsteps pounded after her. Her arms were pinned from behind.
    "What are you--"
    A hand covered her mouth. The man holding her nodded to the others. The men positioned themselves next to the door.
    What is going on? Who are these men?
    The light footsteps padded down the hallway. It was Keikei. Rangyoku's eyes opened wide. The door started to open. In the same instant, she twisted free with all her might and screamed, "Keikei! Run!"
    Her feet were scooped out from under her and she crashed to the floor. She lifted her head and looked at the doorway. Her small sibling stood there petrified.
    "Run! Keikei, Run!"
    With startled eyes, Keikei turned to run, but the men closed on him faster. One effortlessly dragged Keikei toward him and struck him with his fist. No, not a fist, he was holding a knife in his hand.
    "What's this!" came Enho's voice, and the sound of his feet.
    At the same time, her eyes fell on Keikei body, like he had just decided to sit down. Right above his belt, the handle of the knife.
    "Keikei!"
    Something struck her hard in the back. Rangyoku screamed and curled into a ball. At the same time came a shooting pain and she screamed again.
    She raised her head and saw Keikei kneeling there, his head almost touching the floor, and Enho running up behind him.
    "Enho!