Chapter 3: Meiya Arrives

Meiya

The well-worn roads of Kamano Province spread throughout the region like a spider web, an organized highway system that connected the smallest of mountain villages to Kamano Castle itself. These roads boasted all manner of merchants with all manner of goods, from southern fish to northern furs. The locals often called it the worst road in the world, but formally it was better known as The Asano Road.

Despite it being evening, a few straggling merchants hurried to and from Kamano, their wooden carts rumbling across the cobble. Bright red lanterns lit the path for as far as the eye could see, a trail of light stretching across the horizon. Numerous campsites further illuminated the road, as weary travelers took refuge for the evening. The smell of simmering stews and grilled meat filled the air, mixing with the crisp evening air. Meiya was one of many camped alongside the Asano Road, albeit alone and severely lacking in meat.

She sat beside a small campfire, tossing berries into her mouth. She had caught fifteen in a row, and would’ve gone further had the sixteenth not been so unbearably sour. With a violent spit she coughed it onto a nearby rock, attracting the unwanted attention of a few campsites nearby.

“Bad berry,” apologized Meiya with a red smile still full of berry juices. They didn’t seem to find it as amusing as she did.

With a sigh, Meiya unlatched her armor, a rather peculiar, jet-black chest piece with hints of gold. It fell to the ground with a thud, freeing her shoulders for the evening. Next, she undid her belt, releasing the wakizashi from her waist. Without the restrictions of both armor and blade, Meiya collapsed onto the ground with a sigh of relief, her black hair mixing with the dirt. The journey to Kamano had been long and tedious, with plenty of swindlers, thieves, and worst of all monks trying to lecture her.

Not a trip I expected to make again.

In the distance she could make out the outline of Kamano Castle. Its towering walls could easily be mistaken for mountains in the evening, were it not for the lanterns illuminating the battlements. She would make the journey into the bustling city tomorrow, but for one final night, she’d close her eyes and enjoy the quiet solitude of its outskirts.

“Are you a soldier?”

Meiya cracked open one eye to see a young girl standing in front of her. She was a skinny one with a rather drab, black cloak covering most of her body. In her small hands was a frayed doll with what must’ve once been orange hair, now a faded brown.

“I used to be,” answered Meiya, sitting up, “Long before you were born.”

“So, what are you now?”

“Just a traveler. Meiya’s the name.”

“That’s a pretty name,” said the girl, kicking around the dirt at her feet. Meiya beckoned her to an open spot near the campfire. The girl hesitated, but slowly walked over before plopping herself down.

“And yours?” asked Meiya. She’d humor the child for a bit.

“Suki.”

“An even prettier name.”

“My grandfather gave it to me,” said Suki with an innocent smile. She gripped her doll tightly to her chest. It was no wonder it was falling apart.

“Are you traveling with him?”

Suki’s smile faded as she shook her head, “No, he’s back home in Kiyono. I think he and my parents had a fight.”

“I’m sure they’ll make up the next time you see him,” said Meiya.

“I hope so,” said Suki with a nod, but didn’t seem convinced. She stared into the crackling fire, its bright light reflecting in her wide eyes. “He was a soldier too, you know. He has a sword even bigger than yours. It’s usually in the cellar, but I saw him wearing it before we left. It’s covered in purple silk.”

Meiya raised an eyebrow, “Purple silk means your grandfather is a hero. He must be quite the man.”

Purple silk was a badge of honor given to warriors of great esteem in Kamano. Of the few to whom it was gifted, even fewer received it while they were alive. If Suki was telling the truth, her grandfather was far more than just an old man.

“My parents wanted to come to the castle. They say it’s safer here. But my grandmother’s too sick to travel, so he stayed behind,” said Suki, drawing a house into the dirt with her small fingers, “I hope he’s eating well. He always eats too many sweets. He says it’s the secret to living long.”

Meiya slowly began to piece together Suki’s situation with her own observations. On her journey here, the road had been filled with refugees and fleeing families from the countryside. While the borders were quiet, rumors of war had spread from coast to coast in just a matter of weeks. Most folk believed themselves safer in the great castles of Kamano or Fuki, surrounded by stone walls that had stood firm for decades.

Suki’s family was likely one of those families, especially if she hailed from Kiyono. Meiya had only been there once, but remembered it as a large town near the road to Edo. With dark rumors stirring, it was no wonder Suki’s parents had fled. Purple silk or not, Meiya didn’t have the highest hopes for Suki’s grandparents. But that was a thought Suki didn’t need to know.

Meiya smiled as she opened up her pouch of berries, offering some to Suki, “He sounds like he can handle himself. I wouldn’t worry too much.”

“Really? My dad doesn’t think so.” replied Suki as she gratefully took a handful of berries. Love of sweets must run in the family.

“Your grandfather’s a purple silk. He’ll be fine no matter where he is, Kamano or not.” said Meiya with a mouthful of berries.

Suki gripped the doll even tighter as she nodded. Whether she actually believed Meiya was another story entirely. At least she seemed to be enjoying the berries.

“Are you headed to the castle too?” asked Suki.

Meiya nodded, gazing over at the walled city, “I promised to meet an old friend.”

“I don’t know anybody in Kamano,” said Suki with a frown, “All my friends are back in Kiyono.”

“You’re a bright enough girl and Kamano Castle is quite the place, you’ll make many more.” reassured Meiya, ruffling Suki’s hair. It was soft, if a bit dusty from traveling.

“You’re a nice lady.”

“Been a while since I’ve heard that.”

The two shared a laugh around the fire, grateful for each other’s company. The evening air was crisp and cool, a gentle breeze flowing through the camps. A perfect night for simple conversation, without a worry in the world.

“Suki! Where are you?” called a distant voice.

“Coming!” yelled Suki, jolting up from her seat.

Suki bowed her head to Meiya as she scrambled to leave, “I’ve got to go. Will I see you in the city?”

“Depends on my old friend, but I’ll try.”

The girl’s disappointment was practically branded on her face, her shoulders clearly drooping at the answer. Meiya knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep knowing she’d let the country girl down.

“Tell you what though. If you ever want to see me, ask around at the temple. I know some people there. Ask them to send a word for Meiya, alright?”

Suki gifted Meiya with a beaming smile as she nodded, “Okay, I will!”

“Suki! Hurry it up!” yelled the distant voice again. A bit louder this time.

Suki turned to scurry off, a few berries still in hand.

“Wait!” called Meiya, stopping Suki in her tracks.

With a small smile, Meiya tossed her berry pouch to Suki, who barely caught it with her skinny arms.

“Keep it,” said Meiya with a wave. “Consider it a gift, from your first friend in Kamano,”

Suki grasped the berry pouch tight and gave Meiya another deep bow before running off. Meiya watched her join one of the larger campsites, where a distant woman bowed to Meiya in thanks. Meiya nodded back. Based on the size of the campsite and the number of carts, it must’ve been a refugee caravan.

Meiya fell back to the ground, looking up into the sky. It was a clear, calm night. One that she couldn’t help but feel would be the last for quite some time. Nevertheless, Meiya turned to her side and closed her eyes to sleep, the flickering heat of her fire occasionally reaching out towards her face.

The future was a problem for future Meiya.