Friday, December 23, 2005

Inuenro
*episode 6*

The flea and the old woman’s conversation, while not finished, is forced to stop as a commotion outside draws both their attention. The old woman slowly struggles to her feet, then walks to the door. Outside, a group of men with torches and spears lead a captive into the village. Both woman and flea are surprised, and upset to see the boy with silver hair. Not allowing herself to react, Konpon assess the situation. As she considers the inevitably grim consequences of this night, she hears, “What is this, what is the meaning of this?” It is the young priestess Wakai. The leader of the armed band says, “Lady Wakai; we found this demon child outside of town. We meant to go to get you; or the elder priestess; but finding him alone and asleep, we decided to capture him and bring him before you.” The young priestess says, “If it was asleep in the forest, how did you find it?” The man says, “He…it had built a fire.” Wakai says, “Interesting, hmm, well, if it had been unseen we would have been no worse for it; but what’s done is done. We can’t very well have you growing any bigger; so…” Taking her bow, the young priestess begins to reach for an arrow. Stepping out into the light, Konpon says, “You should think a bit before you do that.” All eyes are drawn to her; including a pair of puzzled golden eyes which catch a barely perceivable shake of her head as he prepares to speak. Not about to loose her monopoly on attention, Konpon says, “This is, as you say, a child; and children have parents. Demon parents have a nasty habit of avenging their slain young.” Responding defensively to this intrusion on her territory, the younger priestess says, “Surely you must see that this is but a half-demon. No parent would bother avenging one such as he.” Konpon says, “Never underestimate a mother’s love; not even that of a demon.” As tension mounts between the two women; the Wakai says, “Then what would you suggest; venerable elder?” “I’d suggest you watch your tone young one;” Konpon retorts, “and as for that thing, you found it in the forest, put it back where you found it.” Seething with frustration, Wakai turns to the gathered villagers who have been watching in silence; she says, “It seems age has robed the old priestess of her senses.” Once again, the eyes of the village turn to the old woman to see how she will respond. Taking a deep breath, she begins, “If you wish to make this personal, then very well, let it be so. This little girl seems far too eager to risk bringing down the wrath of a demon upon all of your heads. Perhaps she is merely young and foolish; or perhaps she would like to have this village attacked. It would certainly give her a chance to prove herself, and win a place in your hearts. If you want to gamble with your lives, as well as those of your families, then indulge the child. However, if you wish the aid of many years of experience, hear me well: drive that thing from the village, alive, and unharmed.” A heavy silence falls on the gathering as the men try to decide which priestess should be obeyed.
Comments (2)