On the Road
23 September 2005
by Nate Hansen

"What are the colors!" Nikana rasped, his blade sang through the air as he leapt from his pallet, sweat rolling down his body. He released a heavy sigh as he sat down, examining the sword he held out before him. He sat for a very long moment meditating but it was no use, he could not make out the colors and he wouldn't be getting any more sleep this night. He slammed his sword into the elaborate crane sheath as he rose, walking over to his wicker basket. He placed the sword beside him as he took out a writing brush and paper and began writing.

"Daimyo Kiharu, I have been declared the Champion of the White Orchid Festival. I hope that I have pleased you in this matter. I am honored that you have put me in the temporary service of Doji Shiju. I am currently under way in his service. My traveling companions are an interesting lot but only time will tell what sort of brotherhood develops. I am returning to a place of importance to my ancestors."

Nikana sat there a moment with brush in hand. He wanted to say more but knew that nothing important should be committed to paper. He watched the black ink bead up at the tip of the brush as he thought about his good fortune. Out here on the road he could make his own way and for perhaps a short time live without the prejudice that had previously plagued him. Out here he could forge his own future and break away from the dishonor of his grandfathers inheritance. He carried a heavy duty made heavier by those unwilling to let him serve to his potential.

"I will bring honor to my family and clan and the Heavens will know that I have a pure soul," Nikana boldy wrote. He stamped his personal chop at the bottom of the page and sealed the letter with wax.