章 72: The March

They were awoken early - a little before dawn. The march to Washizu was a long one, but travelling great distances was not something they were unused to and so none of the Special Forces unit complained.

He had spent the previous evening saying his farewells to Akiko, and to Rin, and to his mother – who had awoken a few days prior. Their parting was not as sad as it might have been, for each of them held a degree of faith in the young man.

As a retainer, Gengyo was allowed to ride. He did so just behind the carts drawn by the oxen which held their supplies. He shared idle conversation with the men as they watched the sun come up, and stifled yawns. They were in good spirits, and were eager to do battle.