About halfway to the Shrine of the Ki-Rin is Kyuden Tonbo, the castle of the Dragonfly clan. The Dragonfly are a relatively small minor clan, but they have the backing of both the Dragon and the Phoenix clans, so they are far from vulnerable. The castle itself is much smaller than the castles of the Great Clans, but its walls host some of the most powerful wards in the Empire. These wards have protected Kyuden Tonbo since its construction, and no force has yet managed to capture it. And the Dragonfly's position as the go-between for the Dragon Clan and all of their visitors gives them more authority in dealing with the Great Clans than any othe rminor clan in Rokugan.

As soon as the road passes into Dragonfly lands, there is a small patrol of samurai standing ready to stop and inspect all traffic. By their colors, they are mostly Dragon bushi, but there are several Dragonfly among them. One samurai-ko steps forward from the group. The colors of her kimono indicate that she is a Dragonfly, and the mon on her right shoulder indicates that she is a Dragon Clan Magistrate.

"Greetings, travellers, I am Tonbo Sako," she says politely. "I have the honor of inspecting those who wish to enter Dragonfly territory. May I see your traveling papers, and would you tell me your business here."

Nyoko slides down gracefully off of the wagon's seat, bowing low enough to slow respect. She is known, more than likely, as the daughter of Agasha Chosai, niece of Agasha Tamori - the Dragon Clan's shugenja family daimyo. "It is always a pleasure to greet our cousins in the Dragonfly," she says in light, even tones. "You'll find everything in order." Nyoko bows again.

"Could someone let Taiga-san know to come out?" the Dragon asks, half-turning. While it could be argued she doesn't need to, Nyoko produces her own travel papers for inspection. Sako inspects them, nonetheless.

Kadokawa bows slightly to the Dragonfly. He turns and knocks gently on the wagon door, beckoning the occupants inside to come out and display their own traveling papers. "Sako-san we are en route to the Setsuban Festival in the lands of our brothers the Phoenix." His voice steches calmly. "We would be honored if you would allow our caravan to proceed through your lands to our destination." Kadokawa produces his traveling papers. He glances nervously at the Otomo, prancing on his horse a few feet away, thinking how dishonoring it would be to the entire caravan for him to cause a problem.

Possibly seeing the Crane eyeing him, Jin bows lower than normal and as he comes up he says to this samurai, "Greetings, from our Glorious Emperor. I, his relative, do humbly tell you that we are, as you can see, mere servants of his Gloriousness and we seek to pass peaceably through your territory on our way to a ceremony to show the might and prowess of all clans at a tournament. I would be most honored, dear one, if you would be my personal guest at the ceremony."

"Unfortunately, Otomo-sama, my duties require me to be here. As much as I am sure I would enjoy your company, I am unable."

"In that case," Jin asks, "May I have the honor of accompanying you during your inspection? I would appreciate the chance to ask about your role and your duties at this border."

"Very well, Otomo-sama, I could not reject the company of the family of the Son of Heaven."

Roshii steps down from his wagon and bows low to the Magistrate. "Greetings Tanbo-san. Please allow us to pass through your lands, as we are on a journey to the Shrine of Kin-Rin." He hands her his travelling papers while talking. "I stake on my honor that nothing will happen to your land or people. This I say in the name of the Isawa School of the Phoenix clan." After she hands back his papers, Roshii bows again, then he turns to go back to the wagons.

After takeing a few moments to observe the whole situation, Toshidaka dismounts from his seat atop the wagon and approaches Tonbo Sako. "Greetings Honorable Magistrate" he says as he respectfully bows, "I am Hiruma Toshidaka, and my buisness takes me and my fellow companions to the Shrine of Ki-Rin." He then hands over the appropriate travel documents for himself. "I believe that you will find that everthing is in order. Now, if you will please excuse me, the wagon on which I ride requires my attention." He then reclaims his previous seat and summons one of the older bushi to sit along side him.

After Kadokawa's call, Pajaro gets down, and in a fit of paranoia, he orders the bushi to surround the wagon on all sides to keep the scrolls safe. Pajaro joins Nyoko, and offers his greetings and papers as well.

Tonbo Sako looks sideways at the Falcon. She inspects his papers and hands them back without saying anything to him. All of the bushi are looking at each other and the samurai leading them for some kind of guidance, not knowing what to make of Pajaro's strange demeanor.

Aramoro's instinct tells him to stick close to the scroll wagon to protect it, but when Pajaro calls for the wagon to be surrounded for protection, he figures he might make better use of himself. He thinks that Pajaro may have overreacted a bit, but can't fault the other bushi for being careful. Aramoro instead directs his attention to what he believes is the second most significant part of the caravan and walks up with Otomo Jin. He offers his papers to the magistrate in silence and then deftly positions himself between the patrol and the member of the Imperial Family. The Lion seeks to stand in the way and yet remain unnoticed... More or less.

Tonbo Sako hands the papers back to Aramoro after inspecting them. "Domo, Akodo-sama. Everything is in order," she says, and she continues with her inspection.

Iuchi Taiga steps out of his wagon, looking terribly disgusted. More so than usual. "Pajaro! I do not know how security is handled in Falcon lands, but in the rest of the Empire, it is rather common to patrol your borders. Show the magistrates the proper respect," he says, adding under his breath, "And they call us barbarians."

Taiga walks over to Tonbo Sako, who is still eyeing Pajaro suspiciously. "Please forgive my overzealous associate," he says. "His clan spends their time removed from the daily lives of the Empire, and he is sometimes at a loss when the unexpected happens. Here are my traveling papers, as well as the papers for this caravan. I believe that you will find everything in order." Taiga hands her two sets of documents, one bearing the mon of the Unicorn, and the other bearing the chrysanthemum mon of the Emperor and the mon of the Isawa. "As you can see, we are on official business, and are expected in your lord's court this evening."

"Of course, Iuchi-sama," Sako replies, returning the papers. "Shinjo Gidayu-sama passed here three days ago, and let Lord Tonbo Toryu-sama know of your coming. You are expected, and you are free to continue on your journey. May the Fortunes smile upon you."

"Domo, Tonbo-sama. May your steed lead you to shelter," Taiga says, and returns to his wagon. "Let's get going again. Get these wagons moving," he shouts at the Unicorn bushi and then locks himself in his wagon by himself. It seems Pajaro will be walking the rest of the day.

About an hour into Dragonfly lands, the caravan comes to Kyuden Tonbo itself. The relatively small castle is nestled into the woods just south of the Dragon's mountains, and atop one of the foothills. There is a delegation of Dragonfly and Mirumoto awaiting the caravan's arrival at the entrance to the castle. Also standing with them, strangely enough, are a Crab, a Lion, and a Phoenix.

"Greetings," the leader says, after all the samurai have dismounted and exited their wagons. "I am Tonbo Sodan, son of Tonbo Toryu-sama, daimyo of these lands. I regret that my father could not attend to you personally this evening, but he left two days ago with Shinjo Gidayu-sama for the Shrine of the Ki-Rin, so that he could attend the Setsuban Festival at the invitation of the Isawa Masters.

"Also allow me to introduce several new additions to your entourage. Hida Katsu-san is recently arrived, and will be acting as guardian for Hiruma Toshidaka-san for the remainder of the journey. Ikoma Nidochi-san has been studying with our family lately, and will be traveling to the Setsuban festival under the protection of Akodo Aramoro-san. And Asako Shitasu-san has been sent by the Phoenix to assist in the final miles of your trip, and to serve as yojimbo for Isawa Roshii-san.

"And now that the introductions are finished, please, come inside. A fine banquet has been prepared, and your arrival is a perfect time and reason to dine. Your steeds and wagons will be well taken care of."

After the formal introductions are made, Aramoro approaches Ikoma Nidochi. "Hello Ikoma-san." He bows respecfully. "I am thankful to have another strong Right Hand among the members of this caravan. What Fortune has directed you to Ki-Rin? Will you bring glory to the Lion in the tournament? Perhaps the shugenja of our host have taught you to fly... like a dragon," Aramoro jests.

Aramoro pulls Doji Kadokawa aside. "Ikoma Nidochi-san, please let me introduce my honorable Left Hand friend, Doji Kadokawa." He refers not only to Kadokawa’s clan, but also the fact that he has seen the Crane training with his left hand.

"Nidochi-san," Kadokawa says as he bows respectfully, "I have heard many tales of your Ikoma brothers and their libraries. Any family who gives so much respect to the finding of knowledge are worthy of the no less respect." He bows again a little lower. "I am honored."

Roshii bows respectfully to his three new companions, then he turns to Asako and bows again, saying quietly, "I am honored to have you here as my yojimbo. Let us retire so we can talk before the banquet."

Asako Shitasu bows to all who are present and then turns and bows to Roshii. "I am honored to be your guardian. I will protect you with my life."

Hida Katsu approaches Toshidaka. "Hiruma Toshidaka, I will protect you with my life," he says. To the rest, he simply bids greetings, and that appears to be all he has to say.

After the introductions, and as the group begins to head inside to the banquet, Isawa Roshii pulls Asako Shitasu aside.

"Honorable Asako-san, thank you for joining us. As you can tell, I am pretty weak physically, but my control of the kami makes up for that. Be wary of Otomo-san, he is a powerful man. I do not trust anyone as of yet in the group, but don't let this get out; it would be a great dishonor if anyone knew. I am observing everything and trying to look past the surface of it. Once again I am very honered to have you here to protect me. I was very worried that no one would come."

Asako Shitasu bows low and replies, "I am very pleased to be in your company, and it is a great honor to protect one so great. I swear on my honor that I will never leave your side when you need me. It is an honor to be your guardian." Shitasu bows again and then heads to the banquet with the rest of the party, following closely behind Roshii, looking for anything that might seem out of place.

Coming in from outside, Pajaro steps into the banquet hall, his eyes scanning for a seat. As he makes his way to his seat, he pulls a tether from his cloak, as if on cue. Pajaro's pet Falcon flies in fromm behind him, but instead of perching on Pajaro's shoulder, the Falcon perches on Doji Kadokawa. Pajaro looks at his pet and smiles. "Good girl, Yorei," Pajaro says, tossing the tether to The Crane.

Pajaro sits next to Kadokawa, although the little man doesn't look like any Crane he's ever seen. He does not act like a Crane, either. He looks more like a Monk. While normal Cranes seem stuck up, this Crane does not. This Crane seems to be a soft hearted man.

Pajaro bows to the Crane and smiles. "I see you have met my friend Yorei. Oh no, don't you worry, my friend she is quite tame. Oh, I am sorry for my rudeness I am Pajaro, and you are?"

As the bird lands on Kadokawa's shoulder, he seems a bit unnerved. The bird's talons bite into his flesh lightly, and the sheer weight of the bird seems to shove him into his chair. Kadokawa attempts to smile, but winces as the bird's wings flap near his head. He does manage to maintain his compusure, if barely.

Kadokawa bows in his seat slightly to Pajaro. "Pajaro-san Your... bird.. is... frightening," he says, telling the absolute truth. "My name is Doji Kadokawa." He bows again, and shoos the bird off his shoulder back to his master.

Unfortunatley, the bird screeches and soars off in the opposite direction. Yorei perches on a rafter briefly, as Pajaro begins trying to call him back. Bored of his rafter, Yorei swoops down on the table, terrorizing several of the guests before Pajaro manages to get the falcon back on his own shoulder. Yorei screeches loudly, and the rest of the guests, done with dodging the crazed animal return to their work ignoring Pajaro and his utter loss of face.

Pajaro's grandfather sits down next to him. "What are you doing?" Grandfather asks. "You've barely any control over that bird. What possessed you to make it fly away from you? Don't bother going and blaming ghosts haunting you, because I just happen to know I am the only one here, and I'd try to smack some sense into your head, if I could actually touch anything. Are you trying to embarass our family? The Falcon have spent generations trying to prove we are not backwoods bumpkins, so don't go and prove generations of your ancestors wrong. I assure you, we're all watching."

Pajaro looks at his grandfather like a little kid, lowering his head in shame. He gets up as if to leave, heading for the door, but he stops two feet short and turns back to the chair his grandfather is sitting in and smiles.

"Oh, let me see what possessed me. You did! Oh yeah, you should talk Ojo-I-was-killed-in-battle-sama! Would you like me to tell everyone how you died? I thought not! Grandfather, why is it always you that comes to me? Why can't someone else come down?

"And by the way, my falcon's name is Yorei! It was not Yorei's fault. I don't even blame my little friend Doji Kadokawa. It was not about control over Yorei. Yorei was reacting to Doji Kadokawa, and that is all I have to say!" Pajaro shouts at the very empty chair, not caring who hears, and then leaves to go to sleep.

Nyoko takes in this scene, her attention having drifted slightly from that of the their gracious host. She sees the Falcon's seemingly one-sided outburst, which so far doesn't seem out of place at all with his earlier behavior in regards to the incident with the bird. Briefly, she reflects on the nature of personal face, the proof that a samurai has the honor they claim - the thought and deed they show to the world.

And, having done all this, Nyoko turns back to the Dragonfly daimyo, ignoring Pajaro totally.

Tonbo Soadan seems truly amazed at Pajaro's incredible outburst, especially so shortly after his turning a live falcon loose in his banquet hall. Risking the dishonor of noticing another's dishonor, Tonbo Sodan's curiosity gets the better of him. "Does he frequently scream at invsible relatives to cover for his ineptitude with his pet?"

"Tonbo Sodan-sama," says one of the Mirumoto sitting in his court, "the man is a Falcon, and everyone knows the rumors that their lands are haunted by the ghosts of their past. Perhaps they are not merely rumors."

Tonbo Sodan nods, the suggestion firmly planted. "Perhaps."

The banquet has been very well prepared. The entire traveling party is seated in the castle's banquet hall, and tray after tray of steaming delicacies are brought to the tables. The delegates of the clans are all seated at the main table with Tonbo Sodan, and he entertains them throughout dinner with tales of family, amusing anecdotes about his Dragon and Phoenix cousins, and even a group of sleight-of-hand magicians to entertain his guests.

Hiruma Toshidaka is very pleased with the accomodations that have been arranged, although you would never be able to tell it by his face. He sits at the dinner table very calmly and very reserved giving only the occasional smirk as he watches the various entertainers perform. He listens intently to Tonbo Sodan as he tells stories of times past and is quickly reminded of his own adventures in the Shadowlands.

Toshidaka pauses to reflect on all the evil he has come across in his lifetime, all of his fallen comrades... and he beings to wonder why he was chosen to partake in this event. After all, he has never fit in well in social environments, and would almost prefer attending to his post. But those thoughts are quickly vanquished as his nostrils flair to the unmistakable scent of steamy spicy chicken, his absolute favorite.

Then, suddenly, feelings of honor and respect take hold as his mind slowly drifts back to reality. It is a privilage to be here, he thinks to himself. One that I shall not take for granted.

With that, Toshidaka turns to Tonbo Sodan. "The Dragonfly have been more than generous with their hospitality," he says. "May this fortress remain standing for centuries to come."

"Thank you for your kind words, Toshidaka-san," replies the daimyo's heir. "The Fortunes have blessed our family with strong support among the people of Rokugan. Certainly not least among them is the strength and courage of the Crab, protecting us from the horrors of the Lady Amaterasu's Hidden Son. We are all in your debt."

During the banquet Aramoro dives into the meal eagerly. All real soldiers have two motovations in common. Food is the other one. He listens to Tonbo Sodan’s tales and genuinely enjoys them.

Aramoro decides not to tell a story of his own but to ask a question instead. During a lull in the conversation (of which there seem to be many), he addresses their host. "Tonbo-sama, will the Dragonfly participate in the Setsuban Festival and the tournament? Certainly for the daimyo of these lands to travel ahead, Tonbo Toryu-sama must have a strong interest at least."

"He does, in fact," replies Tonbo Sodan. "It is not unknown to our family that we are more often seen as an extension of the Dragon clan than a minor clan in our own right. It is an image we do not appreciate, but one that we can understand the reason for."

Agasha Nyoko's smile at that is, as ever, enigmatic. When asked about it later by a curious Mirumoto, she replies simply, "Fortune favors the mortal man."

"However," continues Tonbo Sodan, "every year at the Setsuban Festival, our clan is given the opportunity to stand with equal footing alongside the shugenja of the Great Clans. The Isawa take great pride in the fact that their competition is open to all who would participate, and the Tonbo take great pride in the skills of their shugenja. Autumn is a good time for our family."

The Dragon shugenja gives the Dragonfly a long, measured look. "And other times are not?" she asks with genuine curiosity. "Strange." Nyoko sips at her tea, glancing up now and then at the ruckuss the Falcon's falcon makes.

"All times the Fortunes favor us with are good, Nyoko-san. Autumn is merely a time that our family is graced to be able to show our full potential."

After the incident with the falcon, Kadokawa listens intently to Tonbo Sodan. He puts on a radiance about him of trust and strength, but to merely look at him you see a weak, bald, homely man who seems to be wearing the same kimono he wore the day before. Kadokawa is quick to share his own stories. His favorite is the story of himself and how the fortunes led him to his path in life.

Otomo Jin is seen talking with the various upper level magistrates and govering officials of the clan. His smile and jovial attitude are shared to set all at ease. Jin praises the gracious host for the impressive meal. Jin is now ready for a nap and when time allows, he quietly slips out to his rooms.

At the banquet, Roshii sits and listens to the stories and enjoys the food. Although he may seem engrossed in the story, he is scanting the room for anything that looks out of place. A short time later he stands and bows politely, and then he retires to his room.

Asako Shitasu enjoys the well prepared delicacies and the laughter and stories of Tonbo Sodan. After the meal, Shitasu notices that Roshii has gone, stands, bows and retires to his chamber. He studies the room and its occupants carefully as Roshii leaves. He then stands, praises the host for the fine banquet, bows and leaves to find Roshii.

Akodo Aramoro notices the members of the caravan leaving the table, but he remains, listening and feeling restless. Between one of the stories, he asks Nidochi what the other members of his clan have planned for the tournament.

"Nidochi-san, what glories will you bring to the Lion at Ki-Rin? Do you have a secret spell to conjure?"

Aramoro watches the reactions of the other shugenja when he hears Nidochi's reply. He knows the Ikoma may not be the most powerful sorcerers in the empire, but they are far from useless.

Akodo Aramoro is one of the last people to the banquet. He has thoroughly enjoyed himself. Any time a soldier gets the chance to relax, he makes the most of it. Aramoro makes sure to thank his host graciously before the Dragonfly leaves for the evening. "Tonbo-sama, this feast of excellent food and entertainment is certainly the best I have ever had the fortune to enjoy. Thank you." Sure, the Lion may be a little untruthful, but he doesn’t want to insult his host. After all, he still has to sleep here tonight.

"Arigato, Akodo-san. I have no doubt the esteemed Lion Clan is as well supplied as my small family, but I am sure that our insistance on such frivolous entertainments is rather foreign to you. Nonetheless, I am glad that you enjoyed everything," replies Tonbo Sodan.

With the knowledge that the scrolls are well protected in this castle, the Lion bushi is glad to have a night off from the guard rotation. He notes the Mirumoto outside his door and wonders if perhaps he didn’t thank Tonbo Sodan well enough. Still, it’s unlikely that they’ll creep in and kill him in his sleep for that. Another thought occurs to him, if this was his castle, he’d post guards too. Can’t have strangers wandering around your home un-attended in the dead of night.

After the banquet, everyone drifts away to their rooms, and then drifts away to sleep. Iuchi Taiga is still keeping a solid watch on the scrolls, and takes them with him as he retires to sleep for the night. Despite the Unicorn's eccentricies, he seems to be a determined guard. Plus, the Dragonfly have posted Mirumoto guards outside of the rooms, for a bit of extra protection.

The next morning, however, everyone is awakened by a screaming, irate Unicorn. The escorts can't qite make out what Taiga is saying from where they lie, but it's obvious he is very upset about something.

Kadokawa is quick to don his usual kimono and bursts from his room to find the source of the screaming. He carrys with him his Daisho and mentally readies himself for whatever he may encounter.

Leaving his chambers, Otomo Jin quickly dresses and calmly walks in the direction of the screaming and tries to take note of who is walking, who is running and who is not coming out of their rooms. Dispite the racing minds of all of those around, Jin tries to console those who need it. He prepares himself for the worst but is hoping for the cause to be only a spider or some other insignificant thing of ill repute.

Jin takes mental notes on the situation so that he can try to help the local authorities. Unfortunately, the only one who seems to have a problem is Iuchi Taiga himself. And possibly the Dragon and Dragonfly trying to calm him.

A few rooms over, Hiruma Toshidaka is quite startled by the commotion and quickly sits up in his bed.

Sigh.. certainly this fool must realize the time of day, he thinks to himself after being so rudely awakened from a good night's sleep. What could possibly require so much attention at this time of the morning that the Dragonfly guards could not take care of? And as he sits there, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, he realizes that the screaming voice sounds alot like that of... Iuchi Taiga... the same man that was guarding... the scrolls!?!

"And to think I was actually starting to get acustomed to all of the pleasantries" he says out loud while hurrying to put on a kimono that was left near his bed. "I better go see what all of the commotion is about. My title here my be honorary, but the Crab will always respond to threats of impending danger" He then gathers his weapons and sets off to find the source of all the screaming.

Just down the hall, Aramoro wakes up to the screaming. His reflexes pull a weapon to him before he even sits up in bed. Listening closely, he jumps up and listens for another moment, peeking out the door. He cannot see anything from where he is, but it does not sound like the screams of a murder or seige. These are the screams of a man whose honor has been insulted.

In the Phoenixes' rooms, Roshii jumps out of bed, and looks around the room. "Shitasu wake up and grab your katana, something is not right," he says. Roshii peers down the hall to see what going on, only to see everyone in their bedclothes standing about Taiga talking. He walks up to the group and says, "What has happened here?"

Hida Katsu slowly wakes from his deep slumber to investigate the missing scrolls. He walks into Taiga's room, but says nothing. He merely stares and listens to what the others have to say....hoping they have nothing to say to him

Next to Katsu, Pajaro Jumps up out of bed. Getting his naginata and fearing the worst, he dashes out of his room down the hall to meet the irate Unicorn.

"What is it? What happened?" Pajaro says, questioning him and looking for a clue for his behavior.

"The scrolls!" Taiga yells. "They have been tampered with! During the night, someone entered my chambers and opened the scroll cache! It must be someone here in the castle, and I want to know who! I demand satisfaction!"

When Toshidaka learns of the scrolls, he is perplexed as to how anyone could possibly bypass the Dragonfly defenses. His mind immediatly begins to race as he tries to imagine how such a thing could have happened. After all, the castle is mighty, and there are guards posted throughout the halls... so it could have only been done by the hands of one or two individuals. And such a surgical strike certainly must require a broad knowledge of the layout of the fortress, as well as a current knowledge of where the scrolls were being kept.

Toshidaka's fear is that the traitor, whoever it might be, is working from the inside. Leaving nothing to chance, he requests that all the scrolls be accounted for. If one is missing, its magical nature must be determined. In the mean time, he attempts to commune with the Earth of the stone room to see if access to the room was done via any sort of magical means or if there is a hidden entrance to the chamber. The spirits in the floors and walls tell him that there is and was nothing out of the ordinary or magical from their points of view.

After Roshii learns about the scrolls, he quickly attempts to commune with the Air to see if anyone is still there hiding where no one can see, but the spirits inform him that tehre is no one hiding within the hall or the rooms connecting. "We must search the fortress for some clue as to who did it." On that note he bows low and walks down the coridoor.

Jin starts to observe the staff of the Dragonfly and takes mental notes on the reactions of each. "Our dear Vigil, did anyone take any of the scrolls? Are they simply moved about? Are they opened and read? What has actually happened? We need not make a big commotion, friend, unless you have in mind to distrub your host and his family. There is no need for further explosions of 'shock and awe' at this deed."

"The scrolls were not taken!" Taiga yells. "But someone broke into my room and tampered with the cache! They could have been stolen!"

Looking around, Roshii turns down a side hall and stops. He begins to wonder who could have gotten into the chamber where the scrolls were kept. Keeping an open mind, he begins to examine with his mind all of the people in the group. Even Shitasu

Shitasu quickly follows Roshii to where the commotion is, hand ready to draw his weapon if needed. As Shitasu makes his way to the group behind Roshii, he keeps an eye out for anything that could give him a clue as to what happened last night. Shitasu listens carefully as Roshii tries to help figure out the situation. Then Roshii bows and leaves down the corridor to search the fortress for the intruder. Shitasu bows also and heads down another corridor to search.

After he turns down the hall, Roshii confronts Shitasu. "We must no be too sure of the group right now, because logically there is some powerful dark magic at work here. I hope there is not but we can not be too sure. Keep your eyes open. And I think we part ways for a time or else they should suspect we did it. Be careful." He bows low as Shitasu turns to leave.

Aromoro is satisfied that he’s not about to run blindly into combat, at least not tonight wearing only his bed clothes. He rushes toward the comotion, and after a minute of listening and knows the source of the disturbance. Akodo traning did not prepare him to perform interrogation or to solve traitorous mysteries. But as a soldier he does know how to keep the peace, regarless of his wardrobe.

Seeing that the Emperor’s relative has taken command of the situation, Aramoro settles himself near Otomo Jin. Standing impassively, the soldier keeps his eyes alert for any further threat to the scrolls or to their party. Now that it has been brought to everyone’s attention, surely the immediate danger is over. But perhaps not. If it is the Dragonfly that are conspiring against their party, he will definitely have his hands full trying to fight all the way to the border.

One thing is certain, thinks the Lion. Tonbo Sodan has brought disgrace to the Dragonfly. Woe be unto the Seargant of the Guard that allowed a break-in on his watch, and by extension that sergeant’s commander, and that commander’s daimyo. But this thought the Lion bushi keeps to himself and closely guarded.

Jin walks about and looks into the small places of the room to whence someone could flee and hide. He then turns about abruptly and walks out of the room to find the Gracious Host. Tonbo Sodan, summoned because of the disturbance, has just arrived, so Jin begins to speak with him.

"This is a great tragedy yet, mark my words, we shall find him who did this and rid your name of any disgrace that may have been caused. If I may be of any further service to you, please, let me know." With this humble attempt at reconciliation, Jin bows very low and turns to go back to the group and see if anything has been discovered.

"Domo arigato, Otomo-san. Let us all try to find the crime and the culprit, and there will be justice. But what has happened here? I was told there was a disturbance in the guests' quarters, and came to investigate. What is the problem?"

"The scrolls have been tampered with! Someone opened the scroll cache while I slept! I demand that the rogue be found!" Taiga yells at Tonbo Sodan. Sodan does not look as if he is taking being yelled at by a Unicorn barbarian very well.

Kadokawa surveys the room silently, looking for any point of entry other than the main door, but finds none. He also prods Taiga, "Were the scrolls damaged, or taken, or merely moved? A mischievous air spirit could be the culprit, or simply a lapse of judgment after too much sake." Kadokawa always seems to give people the benefit of the doubt and look for the best possible answer to any problem. Not always the most obvious or popular one. "I for one shall claim vengance is the Crane's Scroll was damaged in any way. But are we all jumping too far over something so small?"

"The scrolls are all still there!" Taiga yells. "But our mission has been compromised! The security here would have let someone walk away with the secrets of the Great Clans!"

"There. No harm is done. Let us just post an extra guard on the scrolls at all times, and I myself will help you personally watch over the scrolls Taiga-san."

Nyoko, her hair only mildly disheveled from sleep and a robe hastily pulled about her, gives the Unicorn a look of extreme bemusement, meshed with something else. She quietly pulls him aside during a pause in his rant.

"Taiga-san," she starts in a low, almost soothing tone, "You should not forget yourself. Such reactions only serve to aid one whom would dare meddle with the scrolls. You know this," she says with certainty. "Listen, already the Emperor's cousin has begun the search. The culprit will be found. Trust in us." It's uncharacteristic of the Dragon, or at least what has been seen of her so far.

Perhaps, then, it's all the more important when the Dragon finally moves.

Pajaro, speaks up again. "Calm down, Taiga my friend. I need to know everyone you were in contact with on your way to your chambers. Anyone in your chambers before you retired for the night? I need to see the scroll cache If I may?"

"I am not your friend, Falcon! Do not presume too much. Before I retired, I was at Tonbo Sodan's banquet table with everyone else that you left when you stormed out screaming at a dark spirit that came with you. I would not recommend looking at the scrolls. I have implored the Fire to protect the spells for as long as I keep wood in this room's fireplace. The results would not be pleasant."

"I see Taiga, but answer this if you will. If the scrolls Were tampered with Why would you leave without the scrolls if that is what they were after? Unless they were taken and merely replaced while you slept. The results of that would not be pleasant either, you see. The scrolls Were tampered with before you placed the spell on them. Also Who are speak of when you say a dark spirit that came with me ?" Pajaro says, looking at him intently.

"You can hardly say I left them; they are right there," Taiga says, pointing inside the doorway to his room and to the ornate wooden box sitting on the table. "And of course the scrolls were tampered with before I put the spell on them. I put the spell on them because they were tampered with. As for the spirit following you, why don't you tell us? As far as the rest of us could tell, you were screaming at an empty chair last night. So are you haunted, Falcon, or merely drunk?"

Aramoro draws himself close to the courtier and speaks quietly. "Otomo-sama, perhaps someone should ask about the guard posted outside of Iuchi-sama’s room. If he left his post someone should know about it. Dereliction of duty is a serious offence. If he did not, I imagine that the Dragonfly may be suspect or incompetant, but I dare not guess which. Surely the cousin of the Emperor is better prepared to make that judgement."

After a moment of thought he adds, "Even if the intruder didn’t come in by the door, shouldn’t a guard have heard something happening inside the room?" Aramoro bases his assessment on his own experience at pulling guard duty.

After a while of thinking, Aramoro takes it upon himself to find out who was guarding the room and ask that person what they think about what’s happened. Aramoro tries to gain a sense of what happened on the outside of the room. Asking the guard now in the hall, Aramoro finds out that the guards in the hall outside Taiga's room for the whole evening were Mirumoto Chuko and Mirumoto Daki, two of the Dragon samurai assigned to help guard Kyuden Tonbo. And it turns out that Aramoro isn't the only one interested.

"There's a good head on your shoulders, Akodo," says Tonbo Sodan, who apparently overheard the Lion's conversation with the hall guards. "I'd like to speak with Chuko and Daki myself. Bring them here!" he shouts at one of the guards present.

After just a few minutes, two Dragon are brought before tonbo Sodan. Taiga seems more calm now, with obvious action being taken by Tonbo Sodan and after having both Jin and Kadokawa point out that the scrolls were not stolen. Sodan, on the other hand, seems ready to discover what happened in his home. And Chuko and Daki do not look happy at all about being brought before Tonbo Sodan.

"Chuko, Daki, Iuchi Taiga's room was broken into last night. What happened? And why was the alarm not sounded?"

The two Dragon shift nervously. "It was Ekai," says Chuko. "He wanted to see the scrolls," Daki adds rather sheepishly. "He was upset that he couldn't go to the Festival, and told us that he at least wanted the opportunity to see the prize."

"Ekai. I should have known," says Sodan. "And you let him? This is a disgrace. Bring Ekai!"

The Dragon shugenja arrives after a moment, looking even more nervous than the two samurai. "Ekai, you dared to break into Iuchi Taiga's room as he slept?"

"My lord," the shugenja begins, "I apologize for my actions. I was so upset that I was not even allowed to attend the Festival -- open to all of Rokugan -- that I was compelled to at least look upon the prize I was not permitted to compete for. I realize now that it was a great dishonor to all those here. I am sorry for any problems I have caused."

"You have disgraced me and my mission!" Taiga yells, completely disrupting the serene environment that Tonbo Sodan finally achieved. "I demand satisfaction!"

Tonbo Sodan is keeping a very good face, but the perceptive among you can tell that suddenly he is not happy. "And that is your right," he says to Taiga. "Your honor has been slighted. It is your right to secure satisfaction."

Aramoro steps forward, bowing to Tonbo Sodan. "Tonbo-sama, these three Dragon have dishonored you as well as Tiaga-sama over nothing more than regret and jealousy. I do not know why Ekai is not allowed to attend the Festival, but surely that decision is just. As a guardian of that prize, I ask to know that Ekai, Chuko-san, and Daki-san will be disciplined as you see fit."

"Yes, Akodo-san, justice will be served here. I assure you all that these men will not go unscathed, and their deeds wil not go unpunished."

Hiruma Toshidaka decides to let the Dragonfly take care of its own mistakes. Since all of the scrolls seem to be accounted for and unopened, then there is really no true harm done. The Crab always have cared more about the physical and permanant effects of actions. The Shaodowlands surprise them, the Hiruma lands fall to darkness. The Crane become difficult to bear, the Yasuki join them. A low-ranking shugenja peeks at scrolls he is doubtless incapable of casting... what harm has truly been done?

Toshidaka turns quietly to Hida Katsu and requests that he stick around to ensure that all things proceed properly. "If there is anything else out of the ordinary, please send for me immediately. As for now, my presence is not needed." He then departs to find a place where he can sit comfortably, drink his morning tea, and gather his thoughts.

Katsu quickly decides that nothing else is out of the ordinary, and heads off to the palace courtyard to practice with his ono.

Kadokawa takes in the scene. He understands the eagerness to see the scrolls in their trophy case. Once he was an aspiring shugenja himself, but the fortunes had a different path in mind for him. Even without the ability to use the scrolls he would have liked to view them. But Taiga has every right to demand justice.

"Sodan-sama, perhaps I could suggest a trade-off. If it would please Taiga-san prehaps young Ekai should be permitted to travel with us to the Setsuban Festival. He can be Taiga-san’s personal servant... tending to all his needs." Kadokawa doesn’t even think of the Unicorn misusing the boy's servanthood. After all, noone would do such a thing.

"After the festival, Ekai would be released from Taiga-san’s service. This way, Ekai could attempt to remove his dishonor, while at the same time he would be permitted to see the festival he is forbidden to participate in." Kadokawa sees this as a double-edged blade. While Ekai would get to see the tournament, it would be a slight blow to his honor that he is not participating. Also, Taiga would be allowed to work the boy for his young stupidity.

Unfortunately, Tonbo Sodan does not seem to agree. "No, Kadokawa-san, I'm afraid he cannot. Ekai knows the reasons he is not attending the festival, and if he was paying attention to his duty, he would not be yearning to attend. No, he will remain here through the coming winter. We cannot currently spare any men from the guard, until those attending the Setsuban Festival return, and once they return he will not have time to make the trip ahead of him before the first snow.

"At the coming of the spring, Ekai will return to the monasteries of the Agasha. Apparently the exotic and urbane life here in Kyuden Tonbo has been a bad influence on him. He will return to his teachers to learn humility and duty without any influence from those outside his school.

"I of course, fear for him in the mean time. His actions speak of someone who needs protecting from himself. To this end, Chuko and Daki are from this point forward assigned to be his personal yojimbos. They will safeguard him for the rest of his stay here, protect him on his journey in the coming spring, and be by his side for the rest of their lives, if need be.

"Letters will be sent to Yokuni-sama to make these arrangements. Ekai! Chuko! Daki! Is this understood?"

The three men stand in unison. "Hai, Sodan-sama," they say together.

"Very well. You are dismissed." The three men turn and leave the hall, and Tonbo Sodan turns to Iuchi Taiga. "I trust their exile to a Dragon monastery is satisfactory to satiate your desire for justice?"

"Hai, Sodan-sama, it is," says the Unicorn.

"Very well, then," he says, speaking to all of you once more. "The scrolls are intact, the guilty are punished, and justice has been met. I would prefer not to hear of this scandal any more in my own home. Please enjoy your final day here. Let the attendants know if there is anything you require." And with that, Tonbo Sodan turns and leaves the hallway.

Aramoro watches Iuchi Tiaga to see if he is indeed satisfied. Of course, if Tiaga isn’t satisfied by this arrangement, Aramoro isn’t sure what he could do about it. Fortunately, Taiga seems content -- as much as the Unicorn ever does -- so Aramoro is satisfied.

His next thought is to look around for Ikoma Nidochi. Where was the Lion shugenja during the yelling and subsequent gathering? He supposes it’s possible Nidochi slept through the whole thing but that’s not a good sign.

After Sodan walks away, the Lion is eager to take the Dragonfly’s advice. He turns to go back to bed to enjoy what's left of his night off from guard duty. After a step, he stops short, thinking, "guard duty." Deliberatly he turns and addresses Iuchi Tiaga.

"Tiaga-sama, you placed protective spells over the scroll cache. I humbly offer you my additional protection. I do not wish to dishonor you by questioning your command over the elements, however I would not be doing my duty if I did not offer." Always the solder, Akodo Aramoro stands at attention as he offers his service.

Iuchi Taiga seems to think for a moment. "Very well, Aramoro-san. Some extra help certainly cannot hurt. I appreciate your offer."

In the morning court on the final night's stay in Kyuden Tonbo, Toritaka Pajaro kneels down before Tonbo Sodan. "I must offer an apology for my actions at your table. Please forgive my earlier outburst. I would give my life for yours, my lord! Though I carry the full weight of my shame, I ask that if you can see your way clear I would ask for your forgiveness," he says, bowing to the floor.

"Rise, Pajaro," says Tonbo Sodan. His face is unreadable. "Return to your meal, and enjoy the rest of your stay in my home." Tonbo Sodan returns to his conversation with his advisors. It is clear that he considers the conversation over.

The next day between checking the provisions for the caravan and trying to find some shochu to include in those provisions, Aramoro sees Ikoma Nidochi. "Good day Ikoma-san," He calls out, "How did you sleep last night?” Aramoro approaches the other lion with a broad smile. “Somehow you missed the night’s events. Were you having an excellent dream and couldn’t bear to leave it?"

The last day in Dragonfly lands is, fortunately, rather uneventful. The whole party wakes to their regular routines, meditating and practicing their forms. The scroll cache is undisturbed through the morning, and remains where it sits until the caravan prepares to leave at midday when Taiga takes it from his room and places it in his wagon, under his guard and with the assistance of Akodo Aramoro. Taiga will remain inside the wagon for the journey, working his usual communion with the Elements to protect the scrolls, and has asked Aramoro to guard the wagon from the outside. Taiga values his solitude, and has decided that a samurai present with him may break his concentration.