Shinjo Yul untitled 3
12 November 2005
by Dan Allen

The blade hummed as it quivered in the air. The blood jumped off with each vibration, and for a moment that was all Yul was aware of...

The morning broke in silence. The air was cool and crisp and in it lingered the pungent odor of campfire smoke and morning mist. The warriors of the Crane land worked through the morning routine with reverence, coming to terms with their peril and preparing for the task at hand.

They had prepared well. The camp was located on the best ground in miles, walled by steep canyons, protected by a rock barrier, and accessible to the enemy only by a ruined narrow passage. It was very good ground, and all who were there knew it. If the Kami were to favor the cause of the defenders, it would be very possible to hold back the tides of bloodthirsty Lions.

Methodically, yet with the haste born of battle, the ranks were formed, and as statues the defenders stood motionless and silent awaiting the impending struggle for survival. Yul sat calmly on Lolula among nine other horseman who had shown the evening before how much the Cranes needed aid. Despite their shortcomings, they had heart, and Yul felt he could trust them. Breaking the silence, the scream of a signal arrow was heard from around the bend. The sentries were called back, for the enemy was at hand.

For a moment, silence returned, but in the distance a force of 500 men began their assault on the mountain pass. The first wave of weapon wielding peasants stammered over the felled trees and rushed with abandon towards the rock wall. Yul could hear the screams of the enemy as some were wounded, but was surprised when the roaring host came pouring over the impenetrable wall. They were soon met by the sharp spears and the fierce resistance of the defenders.

Given the best efforts of the Crane, the defenders still poured over like a tsunami, leaving a wake of wounded and dying. In the commotion, Yul commanded his compatriots to begin sweeping across the ranks of the enemy, in order to provide relief to the hard pressed footmen. As he swept across the mass of bodies, Lolula trampled without hesitation any that came across her path. Doubling back to finish the sweep, Yul spotted a writhing Lion crying for help. Not hesitating, Yul helped his fellow warrior by saving his honor. The spear met its target, and the lion received an honorable end.

As he swung around, Yul realized that he had penetrated deep into enemy lines, and that two mounted warriors were charging to meet him. Yul took a deep breath and focused calmly on the first. As he approached, Yul unleashed a bloodcurdling roar and swung his scimitar mightily downward, dividing both horse and rider in two. So deep, however, was his focus that he failed to outmaneuver the second rider, who's blade managed to cut through armor and flesh. Surprised at this, Yul was determined to bring to bear all he could muster. On the next pass, the brave Lion met his speedy demise.

After this, there was calm for a moment. Yul looked around, and could see his companions, surrounded by fallen foes, and one lifeless body of the brave and honorable monk. These warriors, having exerted all, managed to push back the invading tide. This was not unnoticed by the Lion commanders, who in turn, sent forward their prized warriors to extinguish the stalwart defenders.

Yul noticed a familiar face. Never expecting to meet his former "foe" again, he was quite surprised. "Iesada-san," he said calmly, and dismounted Yolula. Bowing, Iesada stepped forward. "You never meant ill by your actions, but we both know how this must end, Yul san."

"Indeed. One last contest," retorted Yul resolutely.

With that, steel flashed through the air. Rays of sunlight reflected from the finely honed blades cut through the humid morning air. Now and then, a drop of blood could be heard tapping the dead foliage below the two warriors. Yul, wounded and raging, let out one last cry to focus his energy, and faded away...

Then the sound of a lifeless body meeting its mother earth awakened him to his surroundings. He was alive! He came to himself and saw the lifeless remains of the man who had bested him in every way, and made him to feel ashamed. But even in defeating him, Iesada still haunted Yul. Almost ashamed of ever wishing him dead, Yul realized that Iesada had done only what was required of any samurai: he served his daimyo with honor.