They had left the moment Lawrence told them of the Akaima Dancing Fan, confirming that she was indeed moored close to the harbor.

It had been decided that Hitomo and Tomiichi would scout the area as well as Lawrence. One couldn’t be too careful during a war, and besides, “The ship is lacking a proper crew,” Tomii had said. “We must find some able bodies sailors. There are plenty across the water in the northern part of the harbor.”

Lawrence stood to the side, speaking quietly to Sakura and Yoko.

“But how to get there?” Hitomo asked.

“There are skiffs,” Lawrence said. “You can take those. There are no ships on the water. It’s a free shot to the shore on the other side. It seems untouched by Hukama’s army.”

They said their quick goodbyes. Sakura and Lawrence embraced before he hurried out of the tent and back toward the battle.

Hitomo looked to his older daughter. “He will be fine.”

She nodded, though he could see the worry on her face.

They set out in a hurry, then, skirting the battle from the hills where it was safe. Now Hitomo and his son were in the hills, looking down at the Akaima Dancing Fan.

“It’s as he said,” Tomii exclaimed. “She’s here. Ro-rensu said there would be no ships sailing the harbor.”

Hitomo peered across the waters, looking for ships. They had stood here on the shore, simply looking for enemy movement as thunder rumbled from the north. He nodded. “Part of the enemy’s plan.”

“This works to our advantage, father.”

The old samurai noised his acknowledgement and gave a nod of his chin. “I can take one of the su-kifus to make my way to the other side of the harbor. I will find a crew for the ship.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“Iie!” he objected. He put a hand on Tomii’s shoulder. “You must stay, to look after your mother and your sisters, and to make sure that when I come back Ro-rensu-san is on the ship—otherwise the sailors may take over the vessel and leave without us.”

Tomiichi sighed. “You’re right. All right. I’ll go back—you find us a crew.”

“Now, Tomiichi…”

“Yes, father?”

He looked at his son. “It is our duty to help others in need, but not at the expense of our own family first.”

Tomii nodded. As a city guard, and samurai, he did not want his son to accidentally make the mistake of bringing too many refugees to the ship.

“I understand.”

Hitomo nodded. “Then go. Ike!”

“Hai!”

Tomii squeezed his shoulder, turned and made his way into the forest in the direction of the Western Temple.

In his gut, the old samurai felt a deep-seated fear that somehow they would not be able to leave, so that his family would remain safe from the horrors of this war and the subsequent conflicts that could follow.

He looked up into the grey sky. Kami-sama, keep my family safe—I beg you…