บท 241: Lightning

The night had been an unusual one. There had been a lightning storm that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Lying awake as he was, Gengyo counted thirty individual strikes – the largest number he had ever observed. It seemed even the earth was tense, awaiting their battle.

When morning finally came, none had mentioned it. It was as though it had been orchestrated for his ears only.

The rain had remained. A more dismal day it was hard to imagine. The ground was muddy underfoot and with all the soldiers passing through, the grass was stripped, leaving bare soil behind.

"Lord!" Individual soldiers stiffened upon seeing him, saluating him with a clenched fist against their sternums. He nodded in acknowledgement, pleased to see that everyone appeared ready.