Chapter 2 A New Philosophy
Why did you do that? asked the man sitting high in the crook of an oak
tree.
Because our Lord commanded us to replied Sahara, not even slowing
his step. That and that alone, was all that Sahara had to know. He did not
need a reason; all he needed was the command. He reflected on this for a
moment, as he walked. Why do people have to know the Why of
something before they are willing to act? He cast his memory back, trying
to remember if he was like those people. He simply could not recall. Most
of his actions back then were based more on staying alive, than on
furthering a cause or strategy, unless the cause was getting his next
meal. No, he did not understand this constant need for reasons, but then
again, he had been given a glimpse of the goal. Perhaps that was his
reason. He had seen the world they were trying to create, and that ideal
kept him focused. He did not need to know why he did this task or that
task, because he understood that they all lead towards the goal. He also
believed completely in his Lord. He had no doubt that everything he did
lead towards that goal. All he had to do was what was asked of him.
Yes, I understand that, the man in the tree said, but why did do what
you did? He had been sitting in the crook of an old oak tree, maybe
twenty-five feet off the ground, and he had a clear view of the small
village. He had seen the skirmish on the road, and had witnessed all that
had happened afterward. He pulled his legs in, under his body, and stood
up. We are supposed to save the people of the Empire from threats that
the other clans will not he said, quoting is sensei word for word, but you
went beyond, why? With that, he stepped out into the air, and dropped
towards the ground. On the way down, he turned, so he was falling head
first, and grabbed a branch. His feet swung down and around, before he
let go, and turning a pair of backwards somersaults, landed nimbly on his
feet by the large warrior.
Not all of the threats to the people can be solved with a sword, Tetsuo.
Explained Sahara. Hunger, hopelessness, and misery threaten the
people as surely as any bandit, yet no clan has yet even tried to combat
those enemies. There is no Glory in it, no potential for profit. Sahara
never stopped walking, and Tetsuo fell in beside him, listening to the big
samurai explain his actions.
Tetsuo had never met anyone like Sahara before, well that was not
altogether true. Sahara reminded Tetsuo of his teacher, Michio. They
both believed, truly believed, that what they were doing was the correct
thing. That belief was a powerful thing, and it attracted people to them.
They were both Crusaders of a new world, and even though their
methodologies may have differed, they were both committed and
passionate about their work.
If we just killed the ronin after they were out of sight, the peasants would
never know it. They would always be afraid of the bandits return. They
arrived at a small clearing, where three horses were grazing on grass.
There were two women there, and they looked up at the approaching
men. Had we all gone out and killed the ronin, they would be afraid of us
taking the bandits place as their oppressors. Sahara dropped the bundle
of swords by a log and sat down, motioning Tetsuo to do the same. Tetsuo
sat, and the woman both turned and listened. However, a single man,
standing up to the bandits, and defeating them, gives the villagers hope.
Hope, that even a single person can make a difference. Hope, that they
could be more than they are. Hope that they can achieve more than they
have. That hope will drive them to work a little harder, try a little longer,
and to persevere beyond what they thought were the limits of their
abilities. Why is this of value to us? It would not be, if they did not know
whom to thank for this new hope. That is why we must tell them who we
are, and what we are doing. We give them heroes to emulate. We give
them stories of great Samurai who protect them, when no one else would,
and we and create an army of loyal followers, who will obey and produce,
not out of fear of oppression, but out of love and respect. Sahara
believed in this philosophy, and he lived his life in harmony with it.
I think that youre just a big softy. teased the smaller woman.
Sahara turned his head to stare at her, he recognized the teasing
bedroom tone in her voice, but the others would not. Though Sachio was
his long time friend and lover, he was in command. Any attempts to
subvert his authority, or to undermine his command, would have to be
dealt with swiftly and completely, regardless of who the culprit was.
Sachio saw Sahara turn. He stared at her, stared through her, and she
remembered that much had changed in their relationship. She could not
be sure if it was a trick of the light or not, but she thought she could see
pinpricks of red fire, deep inside the metal helmet he wore. She wanted
to take it back, to look away, to apologize, anything to get that gaze off of
her.
Tetsuo saw Saharas head snap around at Sachio, and he feared the worst.
He did not particularly like the women, but neither did he want to see her
sliced into little pieces. He understood the power struggle happening
within the group, and he was instantly thankful not everyone was here.
That, and that alone, may make the difference between her being killed,
and living another day.
Only the other woman did not watch this display. She was not from these
lands, and did not understand the nuances of Rokugani culture. She
waited for Sahara to continue, and when he did not, she simply asked the
question, What difference does it make if they obey out of fear or love, so
long as they obey.
The tension was broken in that instant, and Sachio thanked Fu-Leng for
Fatinas interruption.
Sahara turned to her and continued, It is the difference between a Parent
and a Servant. Both will cook for and care for a child, but a mother will
run into a burning building to save it, a servant will not. A father would
fight and Oni Lord, bare handed to protect his child, but a mercenary will
run if he can. A parent would gladly give his or her life to provide for a
child, no servant would do that. A servant will not do anything beyond
what he is expected to do. The difference is love, but love is not easy.
The seeds of love are kindness, respect and generosity. By giving to those
of lower station, without distain, and by assisting them when they do not
expect it, we plant the seeds of that love. Years from now, we will be able
to reap the harvest of this planting, and the rewards will be a thousand
fold what we planted today. This village, for example, tonight they will eat
because of my actions on the road. Tomorrow the headman will go to the
city, and buy some food and supplies, and they will eat again. With better
tools, and some extra food, they will grow strong, and thank the Spider for
it. He will tell others about the Spider Samurai who saved his village. He
will spread the word of our generosity and kindness, and other villages will
have heard of us. Soon we will be welcome all over, and will be able to
move freely among the peasants. This will aid us in our purposes and
tasks, all for the cost of a few kind words, and a couple of coins.
Sahara stopped, and looked toward the western sky, It will be nightfall
soon. Tetsuo, go to the others and be sure they get to Meidochi by day
brake. No stopping in the local villages on the way, either. There will be
plenty of opportunity for diversion in the city. When you arrive, send
Zeshin in the southern gate, one of us will meet him there.
Tetsuo nodded, and collected his things.
Fatina, be sure you bring all you need with you. Trying to by some items
in the city will draw unwanted attention, and we cannot risk exposing the
mission. Sahara told her. Also, your spell worked flawlessly, no one
even saw me until I was on the road.
Fatina, touched her right hand to her chest, her mouth, and then her
forehead, before bowing to Sahara.
Do not do that again, it will mark you as an outsider, and bring problems
he chided.
He finally looked towards Sachio, who had packed both their packs while
he was talking. She looked down in shame, and gestured to him by way
of an apology. He walked over to her, took his pack, and mounted one of
the horses. Sachio and Fatina followed, and also mounted up.
Remember Tetsuo, the southern gate! he called out. Tetsuo waved and
moved off towards the rocky cliff away to the west.
After short ride, Fatina signaled that she needed to stop, and dismounted
to gather some herbs. Sahara, turned to Sachio with a touch of mischief
in his voice said, Tonight, lover, we will see who the soft one is!
Sachio smiled, and knew that her lover was back. She would have to be
careful in the future, much rested on them now, and she would have to
behave when they were not alone. She glanced at him, and this time she
though she could see that old twinkle in his eye, but it had to be a trick of
the light.