Betrayal

Shuhan mounted his steed that fateful morning and fearlessly led the hundred and fourty three men who volunteered out from their home village and onto the forest paths. He knew he had been much to harsh with Hitori, as he knew she was right and that this was indeed something close to a suicide mission. But Shuhan also knew if he didn't do something soon the Sendo tribe would continue killing his villagers, and he couldn't stand for anymore loss of life because of their arrogance.

The night soon came and the men made camp, Shuhan setting up guard posts, sending scouts to check the road ahead, and anything else he could think of to be sure everything was secure for the evening. As soon as the remaining scout had returned, he was sent to see Shuhan in his tent.

"My Lord ..." the scout said, kneeling and then standing once more. "The road and forest ahead is clear of traps and obstacles for two miles." he continued.

"What has happened to the other scout I sent with you, Yuji?" Shuhan asked, sitting back in his chair with a hand brought to his lips, already knowing the answer.

"My Lord ... he went a short ways ahead of me, as he was faster than I ... and he ... he did not make it much further than the two miles before he sprung a trap upon himself." the scout said quietly.

"I understand. Thank you." Shuhan stated, then dismissed the scout. What will we do once we get that far? Avoiding the traps will indeed be a challenge, but we have to get to the Sendo tribe. I have top end this before more lives are lost. I wonder how those of their own tribe get through without dying. Shuhan's thoughts dwelled on this subject until dawn, when he exited his tent with a plan.

Shuhan explained it all to his troops, then ordered them to move out, mounting his horse and leading them with Yuji next to him to warn him where the first traps were laid. Shuhan even smiled despite himself, knowing his plan was both ingenius and ensured all of his troops would make it to the Sendo tribe unharmed.

"Here, my Lord ..." Yuji stated, slowing to a halt. Shuhan signaled for the men to halt and dismounted, looking onward down the path to noticing no traps with the naked eye. "I thought you said the other scout was killed here. Where is his body, Yuji?" Shuhan asked.

"The Sendo must have come earlier and reset the trap, taking the body to God only knows where." Yuji stated, scratching his head. Shuhan nodded. "Let's get on with the plan then ... where are our best trackers?" he roared, a few nameless men stepping forward. "Check around for footprints ... there has to be a path around these traps, only a fool would travel down his own path after boobytrapping it." he stated, and without a word the men began their search.

Soon, there was success, and the troops were moved along the narrow and overgrown path that the Sendo themselves used to enter and exit their town unnoticed and unharmed. The trackers and scouts went ahead, and after many hours of careful walking, Shuhan and his men reached the clearing just outside the fence of a Sendo village. It was dusk, and the men stayed out of sight.

"Once the cover of darkness falls, we'll ..." Shuhan began, but was cut short by a blow to the back of the head, knocking him out. Yuji walked into the clearing with a smile, waving his arms and shouting a greeting just as the hidden Sendo army swooped down from the trees above and captured the whole army of Shuhan, killing only twelve.

A woman in long flowing gowns stepped out from the gate of the village and to Yuji. "Very well done, Yuji ... your wife, Amae, awaits you inside. She is unharmed just as we agreed. You may go to her now and leave in peace, while we take care of your allies." she said, smiling evily as an overjoyed Yuji rushed into the gates only to be shot down with a flurry of arrows.

"Fool. TAORU!" Aiko shouted, the leader of the ambush stepping forward, dragging the unconscious Shuhan with him and stating, "Yes, my Lady?"

"Take them all inside and strip them of their weapons and armor. Lock all of them up except Shuhan. Bring him to my chambers. I'd like to have a conversation with him." she said, turning and moving back into the fortified village, stepping around the now-dead Yuji. She quickly turned. "And while you're at it, bury this pathetic fool next to his wife."

The End

Who wants part three? ^_^