Page 48 of Son of Shadows

“As in they follow you?” Yumi asked.

Lord Inumagami shook his head. “I mean they go into the ground, at my paws.”

Hayasaka nodded. “He’s legendary. Within weeks, he killed all the criminals in Kagemura. He was quite thorough.”

Inumagami stopped scratching. “Oh, I didn’t get all of them. There’s still a few left around.”

Hayasaka did what he did best—sucking up to his lord. “They must truly be extraordinary to avoid being sniffed out by you.”

The dog scoffed. “Definitely not. They were funny and amused me, so I let them live.” He winked at Ryuichi. “It gets a bit boring here. I need something entertaining, such as your yōkai. Could you please remove your hands from Hayasaka’s throat now?”

There was reluctance in Masaru’s eyes. He gave one last squeeze, then released him.

Warily, Ryuichi watched the dog. He was glad his shadow wasn’t here. Ryuichi-kage and Lord Inumagami would have gotten along far too well. There was no telling how much mischief they would make together.

They would probably take over the entire realm.

Lord Inumagami rolled onto his back. “What happened to your castle, Hayasaka? I thought you were ordered to guard the gate.”

“Burned to the ground by that blasted Orochi.”

That caused Inumagami to roll over and sit up. “What?”

“I was attacked. He wants to rule both realms and was willing to go through me to breach the gate.”

“Did he make it?”

Hayasaka shook his head. “Ryuichi closed it just in time. But the dragon isn’t happy about it. None of his heads were, and I’m sure they’re now after my one head.”

Inumagami gave him a peculiar stare. “Is that why you’re here? He’s chasing you?”

“No. I was actually hoping you could help me find the Ryukage. We closed the gate, but Orochi is ruthless and will find a way through. It’s only a matter of time before both our worlds fall. We need Ryukage to get rid of Orochi.”

“And why would you think I know where the Ryukage is?”

Hayasaka looked offended that he’d even ask. “Because you’re his dog.”

Inumagami narrowed his gaze.

“His favorite dog?” Hayasaka quickly amended.

That seemed to please him. “That’s right. And don’t you ever forget it. I’m his preferred servant, and his most loyal,” he repeated.

“Forgive my stupidity for not saying that sooner.” Hayasaka bowed to him. “So, where is he?”

“Eager to get home, are you?” Inumagami asked.

“Of course. I have peasants to tax and a hōjō to rebuild. The sooner we find our lord, the better.”

Inumagami didn’t appear impressed by that list. Instead, he let out a sharp bark. “I must consult with my adviser.”

A tall kitsune administrator came running over. Wearing a bright yellow kimono, she had long black hair, but the rest of her still appeared to be a fox.

Strange choice.

Ignoring Ryuichi and his companions, she bowed to the dog. “My lord? You summoned me?”

He nodded. “Yes, Naomi. Advise. Should we find the Ryukage and bother him?”