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Takehai watched as Ishi approached the Nezumi. He wondered about the beings, and wondered again if they would be amenable to a peaceful conversation, comparing philosophies. But he was also minded of all that he had heard and learned about in the time since he had first encountered them. Were they to be trusted? Could they be trusted?
Ishi seemed to be having a hard time convincing the Nezumi leader – the one that appeared to be Shugenja – for he kept looking at Ishi distrustfully, and making negative-sounding replies to Ishi's entreaties. Takehai glanced at his other companions. Marako and Jinjiro stood with bows drawn, arrows aimed at the Nezumi, in case of treachery. Naoki seemed very intent on the conversation, eyes narrowed. Takehai didn't think Naoki spoke the language of the Nezumi, as Ishi did, but he didn't know for certain. Suddenly, a crafty look came over the Nezumi leader's rodent face, and he said something to Ishi that caused him to look back at his companions. Jinjiro and Marako tensed, eyes intent on the Nezumi leader.
But they weren't expecting what happened next. Ishi called to Jinjiro, who carefully came forward. The Nezumi Shugenja began to speak in broken Rokugani to Jinjiro, and Jinjiro replied cautiously.
"Now what is going on?" Takehai wondered aloud.
"The Nezumi Shugenja wants Jinjiro's word of honor that he will not come to harm if he comes with us. He wants to keep Ishi here as a hostage for our good behavior," said Marako. Naoki seemed very perturbed at this last part.
"We know we will keep our word, but what about them?" Marako said distrustfully, bow still held ready.
"Jinjiro has agreed–" Naoki's voice seemed to hold a dangerous note. Takehai could tell he didn't care much for this bargain, especially with his cousin as the hostage.
Jinjiro waited unhappily as the Nezumi tied and gagged Ishi, then he led the Ratling Shugenja and two of his "men" back to the group.
"I don't like this, Jinjiro," Marako said quietly.
"Nor do I, but it seemed the only way that they would agree to come along. They say they will help us, and open the box, but they want a guarantee of their safety. I hope that Ishi will be alright. I'm afraid he wasn't happy with this arrangement."
Naoki grunted. "If he isn't all right, you can be sure that they won't be either." He fingered his katana meaningfully.
Takehai considered the situation a moment, then opened his mouth to speak. Marako beat him to it.
"We can't leave him behind. He is our Shugenja, and we will need him in the coming battle."
"You offer other manthing?" the Nezumi leader glared at her.
"Yes. I will stay–"
"No, Marako. If any one should stay, it should be me." Takehai looked at the Unicorn Battle Maiden. "You are a much more effective warrior than I. And in my current state of health, I am more hindrance than help." He turned to the Nezumi. "Is this an equitable deal?"
Then Nezumi looked at him, considering. "You ise zumi?"
"Yes," Takehai answered, puzzled.
The Nezumi seemed to smile. "ise zumi taste good. This is good deal." He gestured to his underlings, who brought Ishi forward, and untied him. Ishi seemed to glare at Jinjiro, but said nothing.
Takehai looked at his companions. "Please be careful," he said as he allowed the Nezumi to tie him. As he watched his friends leave, he prayed to the Fortunes to guard them. When they were out of sight, he turned to his captors.
"So, while we wait, would you mind answering a few philosophical questions?"