The Lord of the Sands of Time by Hubbert Jim

Author:Hubbert, Jim [Hubbert, Jim]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC028000
Publisher: Haikasoru/VIZ Media
Published: 2011-11-20T03:38:05+00:00

Never more did Miyo rue her inability to ride a horse. She drove her bearers relentlessly, pressing on by torchlight through the night, moving toward the plain of Makimuku with a hundred soldiers handpicked by Takahaya. Even so, the trip took a day and a half.

When they had crossed the last pass and descended into bright dawn over the Shiki plain, Miyo saw the land she had longed for. Rising above the paddy fields that stretched before them was Mount Miminashi, its heavily wooded slopes like an upended cup; on the left hand, Mount Amanokagu and the Yoshino Range. Miyo realized that she had never left this country before. Seeing it upon her return was like seeing a new land.But there was no time for emotions. Wisps of smoke were rising into the northern sky. The enemy? No, they might be morning cooking fires. Other small plumes of smoke were visible here and there. Miyo could not judge what was happening.

“Permission to send scouts ahead.” Takahaya’s voice came from outside the palanquin. Granted, Miyo was about to say, but then the magatama whispered.

“You have arrived? The enemy is twenty-five ri to the west—about forty, all RET.”

“Can you see them?” asked Miyo.

“The Wasps caught up with them,” said Cutty. Miyo had never seen one of these kinsmen of Cutty, but this was not the time to make enquiries. Miyo spoke in a commanding tone through the wicker screen.

“No need for scouts. The enemy is near Miminashi.”

“My lady,” acknowledged Takahaya.

“Take me to the palace. I must speak with Lord Ikima.” Takahaya began giving the orders. As she listened, Miyo thought, These men can be trusted. They have seen the Messenger in battle and fought the enemy themselves. Yet a hundred of the bravest are no match for forty mononoké. We need more soldiers. But the men from the palace have never seen this foe. Will they break and run?

With their remaining strength, the slaves carried Miyo’s litter over the palace moat at a half-run. By good fortune, the enemy had not yet come this far. But the moment the palanquin passed the gate, a single glance revealed chaos. Everyone was running around as if they’d already been routed, shouldering bundles of clothes and jars of rice.

Miyo could not restrain herself. She lifted the screen, leaned out of the palanquin and roared, “What is the meaning of this?”

The people in the forecourt froze. In Yamatai, there was only one woman who gave commands. Realizing that their queen had returned, everyone threw themselves to the ground, dropping their pots and bundles with a wave of clattering. One scrawny man emerged from the Great Hall. He seemed to want to prostrate himself, but confusion held him back. He lowered his head, but only partway. He looked up from under and spied Kan.

“Mimaso has no words to express his joy at the queen’s return, but if she would conduct a divination to show us how best to flee this urgent danger—”

“You speak of oracles at a time like this? Look at me!” shouted Miyo.

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