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Lord Shiju has informed us that the battle with the fierce Lion tribe ended yesterday, and that his own forces were victorious. Apparently the general of the Lion army committed suicide after his defeat became clear, using the Rokugani ceremony of sepukku. I guessed that the general was attempting to deflect the blame for the defeat to him self rather than staining the honor of his tribe, and Lord Shiju confirmed this hypothesis when I asked him. Lord Shiju also said that it was unlikely that the Lions would attempt another attack, or even an accusation that he was dealing with gaijin. This is further confirmation that the ancient and barbaric principle of trial by combat is very much alive and well in Rokugan, and extends to battles as well as personal duels. The winner of such a duel or battle is fully justified in his cause and the dispute is considered settled, no matter whether justice has truly been served. It is the same dichotomy I have noticed in nearly all my dealings with these people – in many things, such as their arts, and the cleanliness and orderliness of their homes, they are extremely civilized and express many of the noblest virtues that a man may aspire to, and at the same time they seem to place no value on the life of an individual soul. It is perhaps the sign of a people who have never known the true teachings of God that they know little or nothing of mercy.
In any case, Lord Shiju also presented Captain Postma with the Cross of Merenae, as he had promised us. Capt. Postma was quite happy to receive this treasure, and had it immediately sent back to the Erasmus in the longboat. Even should we fail in our attempt to open commerce with Rokugan, this goal of our voyage, at least, has been accomplished. I am informed that the young samurai who retrieved the crucifix also took part in the battle against the Lions, and that one of them, the monk, was killed. The others will apparently be introduced to us when they arrive. Lord Shiju finds that since our presence is known to his enemies that further secrecy with them is unnecessary. In deed, he believes that since they belong to different tribes that they can serve as valuable witnesses of his good intent. I am unsure, from Lord Shiju's description of the constant struggles between the tribes, if this is a reasonable position, but it will allow us to meet members of tribes other than the Cranes, which is a prospect I look forward to.
We had a most fascinating introduction to the samurai who had retrieved the cross at Shiju's table last night. They are Seppun Nikana, who seems to belong to the Emperor's own tribe, which is unnamed, Shosuro Ridachi of the Scorpions, Mirumoto Tetsujin of the Dragons, Shinjo Yul of the Unicorns (interestingly, the letter 'l' is not normally heard in Rokuganese. The Unicorns seem to have a large number of gaijin in their ranks from nations to the north of Rokugan), and Isawa Takako of the Phoenixes. Takako, the last of these, is a shugenja, and a woman.
I could not hide my astonishment the first time Lord Shiju told me that the Rokugani let their women fight in battle alongside their men. He said that in fact many of their greatest warriors (including several of the Seven Thunders, the legendary Rokugani heroes) have been women. I find the idea of a priestess more in keeping with civilized behavior. The practice does at least have precedent in the great pagan empires of the past, although the Rokugani allow their priestesses to marry. I have yet to see any examples of her supposed power to call on the spirits but the Rokugani believe in it without question. She was quite cold towards me – perhaps viewing me as a rival?
Of course, none of the samurai from the other tribes seemed very friendly towards us. Nikana, in particular, seemed to resent our presence. I believe this stems from the Emperor's edict against contact with gaijin. As a member of the Emperor's own tribe Nikana may see Lord Shiju's attempt to overturn that edict as gross insubordination. A pity, as the man seems to be the leader of this little group, again because of his relationship to the Emperor. He hardly spoke a word to the Captain or myself during the meal.
Tetsujin is an albino, which seems to be the mark of dark fate among the Rokugani. I am given to understand that his tribe, the Dragons, live in the mountains of Rokugan to the north. They are said to be relatively passive in the conflicts within the Empire, and Tetsujin seemed to be following their example. He seemed to accept our presence the easiest among his group. He is a man who follows orders, apparently, and no great speaker – he seemed to suffer from a stutter.
Redachi is perhaps the most interesting of these samurai (apart from the priestess). He belongs to a tribe with a reputation for underhanded dealings – the Scorpions. Every member of this tribe wears some sort of mask as a sign that they cannot be trusted. They are said to be the antithesis of everything the samurai of the other tribes stand for. I have wondered myself why they then continue to exist among their fellows, and are not simply exterminated by a society that so values honor. The man himself seemed nervous about our presence and the task ahead, but was quite well-mannered towards us and well-spoken.
While they are perhaps not entirely friendly towards us, they seem to make good companions, and I hope with their aid that we will soon reach the King of the Cranes and gain his support for our petition to the Emperor.
As for the mission the Church charged me with, meeting these people from the other tribes gave me little hope. I feel it may be many years before these people are willing to accept Christianity. Their society has endured for many centuries, and they are well-entrenched in it. They need to see examples of the advantages of Christian living before they may see any value in the virtues of compassion or mercy. Still, with God all things are possible. I shall fulfill my role as interpreter and cultural observer for Captain Postma, but will also keep my eye open for those who may be the chosen children of our Lord.