And as he did so, Ryuichi saw the dragons on top of the roof move.
They looked straight at him.
No...
It wasn’t possible. Just a trick of the light. It had to be. Stone dragons didn’t move.
They couldn’t look at him.
Dragons weren’t real.
Yet as he followed the others, Ryuichi noticed that the stones they rode on were sparkling beneath the hooves of their horses. They literally glistened in the fading sunlight.
Takara moved to ride beside him. “They’re judging your heart, Ryuichi. Be glad they’re lighting up.”
“Pardon?”
Ryuichi heard a sharp cry behind them. He turned in his saddle to see one of the men burst into a deep crimson cloud of smoke.
He stared in shock.
“Treachery isn’t tolerated here,” Takara quickly explained. “A black heart is instantly punished. That’s what happens when the stones don’t greet you.” She met his gaze and sighed. “Always mind your thoughts, Ryuichi. Keep them where they need to be.”
He didn’t speak as the now riderless horse raced past them through the entrance gate.
It was followed by three more.
He took another look at the roof and saw the dragons perched there flutter their wings and settle back down. Theywerealive, even though they were made of stone and gold.
Mikito laughed at his gaping stare. “No fear, Ryuichi. They’re protectors. Like the stones beneath our horses’ hooves.”
“I don’t understand.”
Takara jerked her chin toward the dragons, which now looked completely lifeless and gray. “This is just the first step. Our school,” she continued, “is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Here warriors are made, and your heart will be tested in ways you cannot imagine.”
Ryuichi swallowed. “And if I fail?”
Mikito pointed to the stones around them. “You’ll become part of our defenses. One way or the other.”
It was only then that Ryuichi realized there were shadow faces in each stone—and most of them were frozen in terror. Worse, he could actually hear the whispered agony of those buried deep inside the stonework.
Help me...
A chill went down his spine.
I didn’t agree to this...
But then he’d never really agreed to much of anything. His life had never been his own. From the moment he’d been taken in, he’d had others telling him everything from how to dress, what to eat, to what to say.
Where to sleep.
Hattori Hanzo had spoken, and Hiero had simply given him Ryuichi. No one had said a word. He was sure no one even noticed he was gone.
And now he was here, in Iga.
Be the rock.
The rock held fast to where it was. It was grounded and steadfast. Others took action, or action was taken against them. But the rock...
