And that, he thought,that is an answer, too.
Finally, he reached his horse. He held the reins, left the palace gate. When he looked back, she was still in the empty road, sword in hand. It fell.
As did tears, from her furious eyes.
Falling, then breaking down upon the stone.
All trees topple in the end, Yora thought. He’d hidden for too long. He knew that now. He’d tried to do what he thought best.
And came away with nothing.
The Keishi were stronger than ever – and growing stronger.If only there had been another way.He rode the grid-like city, snow-covered, long, and cold.
He rode through pain and rage. The empty streets of midnight.
We’re not so different, Yaeko. If only I could have found it…
But it’s too late now. It’s all too late.
Maybe we’re fatedjust as surely as we are born into ourselves, he thought. Each day is a new day, and the passing of the seasons shows the earth itself has altered; you look about you, humming; you seem to think,I am a different man. But in the end, the stars still look the same. In the end, your friends are those you’ve met. Can you break away? You can. You can also build a ship without sails, or rudder. You can build one without oars.
“I was his friend,” he said aloud.
Seikiyo was a brother to me, once.
“Once,” he said, bitterly.Yes, once. Once, we stood side by side. Once, I would have died for him. And he for me. Once…
Once, there was still a unity between our clans.
Once, there was remembrance.
Once, we were the same.
We were bestowed our titles.
We were brave, and clear, and young.
Now Seikiyo has lost too many sons. And I too many brothers.
Now, the only thing he knows is how to cling to what he has. He feels surrounded. He constricts. He pulls back. He tightens his grip.
He must be stopped.
But who could stop him?
We could have done better, once, Yora thought.We could have found a way.
And now?
Now, nothing.
Now there were no answers. Now, the night grew long. Now, they were faded as the petals of a flower, dead and wilting in the frost.
There were no options left. Not anymore.
I’ve always been a loyal servant of this family, he’d said.
And knew what he must do.
