The Twelve Kingdoms: A Thousand Leagues of Wind

asked."
    "You dismissed Koukan knowing nothing of his temperament?"
    Youko had no ready answer.
    "I recommended to Your Highness that she act only after making a thorough investigation, that she not rely solely on the word of her ministers. And yet, at this juncture, you pose such a question to me?"
    "And investigations were done. Koukan refused to cooperate with the pretender because he had designs on the throne. He envied me and tried to assassinate me. The plot was revealed and he fled."
    "Yes, that is how things stand."
    "But now I hear that Koukan is beloved by the people of Baku."
    "And I have heard such things as well."
    "Then why wasn't I told!"
    "I shall look into the matter. However, had I deigned to defend Koukan, would Your Highness have listened to me?"
    Youko again was at a loss for words.
    "In terms of protecting Koukan, I asked on many occasions that Your Highness reconsider his dismissal. Did you not value the words of the ministers over my advice? I said I did not think Koukan was the man being so described. Why ask me at this late date, having already dismissed him?"
    "What do you think of him?"
    "He struck me as a capable man, though I have only met him twice. That was the impression he left upon me."
    "Dammit, Keiki!"
    "Shall I take that to mean you have amended your opinion of him? Among others, you have the words of the ministers, the testimony of the witnesses, and my own advice. Did you not consider all points of view?"
    "Enough already," she spat.
    Traveling from Takuhou to Kokei, she didn't say another word. And now she stared sullenly at Kokei.
    "Your Highness, the gates are closing."
    "I know," she growled.
    "Is Your Highness upset with me?"
    She was standing with her back to him. "No." She shook her head. "I'm just pissed at myself."
    Keiki sighed. His words were not sufficient. It was not that he was sparing with his words, but that they were never appropriate to the moment. Only afterwards would he realize their insufficiency.
    "I do apologize."
    "It's not your fault." She glanced back at him, a confused smile rising to her face. "Sorry for losing my temper. You know me, flying off at the handle at all."
    "I should have said more."
    "Naw. I wouldn't have listened. Sorry about all that. Let's go."
    The expression on his lord's face urged him on, and briefly Keiki found himself smiling. The resolute heart of a forgiving lord gave him much cause to rejoice. But at the same time, his thoughts were tinged with longing and regret.
    No, said that youthful and dearly-missed voice. I won't jump to conclusions. Better to ask you directly. Keiki stared at the darkening indigo heavens. That kingdom over yonder skies.

    Youko thought as they walked back to Kokei, I am so incomplete in so many ways. And not trusting Keiki was first on the list.
    "You heading back?" she asked as they passed through the gate.
    Keiki looked up at the sky. "I believe there is enough time to say hello to Enho. I will return afterwards."
    "That's the kind of guy Enho is, huh?"
    "Indeed he is." A worried look flashed across his face. "He was originally from Baku. A man well versed in the Way, in logic and in reason. To tell the truth, I received a request from the Marquis. There were those who envied Enho's popularity and the great regard in which he was held, and wished him harm. Consequently, I received a communique from the Marquis requesting that he be transferred to Ei Province."
    "From Koukan. I see."
    And fearing that Youko nursed a grudge against him, Keiki had not revealed this to her. Considering all this, she laughed in self-derision. I really do have some ways to go.
    Turning these thoughts on her mind, she turned the corner adjacent the rike and continued on several paces when Keiki suddenly stopped in his tracks.
    "What is it?"
    "I smell . . . blood," he said, his forehead deeply furrowing.
    Youko examined their surroundings. It was a town in winter and the streets were deserted.
    "You're kidding." She felt a thump in her heart and took off running. She ran through the gate into the rike, sprinted into the main hall and froze.
    Drops of blood dotted the floor.
    The living room was empty. She felt no other presence in the rike.
    "Rangyoku! Keikei!"
    The trail of blood continued on down the hallway.
    "Enho!"
    She ran toward the back of the rike. At her feet, a youma appeared, saying, "The enemy is not here." She acknowledged the voice and kept running. Turning a corner, she found Keikei, collapsed in the