Imperial Court of the Blood Dragon Shogunate

[Friday]

A young Blood Dragon enters the court and prostrates himself before the Taishogun. He is visibly distressed as he begins to speak.

"Honoured Taishogun, I Amaraki request your permission to take my familys ancestral Katana fighter as I attepmt to regain my honour."

He rises to his knees.

"I will not speak of my shame in this hallowed place, but I have brought dishonour upon myself and the Blood Dragons and I beg permission to leave your honoured service and travel as a Ronin mercenary, for I am no longer worthy to serve you or our cause until my honour has been regained."

Amaraki had been in custody for some time, wondering if this was to be his fate - shamed and forgotten for the rest of his days.

He did manage to hear the occasional whisper, rumours of upheaval and traitorous acts in the Court. It did not surprise him then, that a lowly warrior such as himself would be overlooked during such times. He only hoped that matters did not drag on. Or worse, if whoever might grant him his request were to be assassinated, or branded a traitor - he might never see the light of day again!

But finally, after several weeks, Amaraki was released. His Katana was still in dock. It had been given an overhaul and even detailing, it looked as new as when his ancestors first commissioned it.

On the seat was a note, closed with the Imperial Seal. A single Chrysanthemum flower had been dried and pressed onto the page, a symbol for honour. Underneath was a haiku, hand written.

"Ones self to be found
Only by passing darkness
The light within guides"

Such were the words of the Taishogun himself. This scroll was his freedom, and a gift as precious as life itself. It would be an heirloom to his own family, should he live to pass it down to more generations.

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