Empires of Ashes

Joachim: That you lost a duel? I still don't understand why your ancestor agreed to that.

"it was to decide the shogun. he and drago nobunaga were allies. friends. their were equally strong and had united the land together. To argue over who would rule would likely cause war between their supporters"

Joachim: So that's why your ancestor threw everything away? He couldn't stab his friend the back?

".....stab his friend in the back? Firstly that would be wrong. Immoral. What's the point of friends if you cannot trust them? Secondly, SOMEONE would find out, and his supporters would rise up. It would be civil war"

Joachim: I was speaking metaphorically. I meant attack his territory when he least expected it. Overwhelm him and his supporters before they could mount a proper defense. And really? You think stabbing someone in the back is immoral? You wouldn't last five seconds on a Brigardi battlefield.

"His supporters made up half the nation. And I beleive stabbing a friend in the back is immoral"

Joachim: If someone is an obstacle to you becoming an emperor, then they're not you're friend because they're most likely plotting your downfall. After all, you're an obstacle to THEM becoming emperor.

"Not here."

Joachim: Ah. Right. Because of your "honor".

"that was why they duelled. It would solve the matter. Prove fairly who is stronger in the eyes of the daimyos, without the need for war"

Joachim: And look at where it got your clan.

"true, but better one man die to settle it than thousands"

Joachim: I suppose...

"our nation had just come out of decades of civil war. to take the dispute further would have re-ignited it"

Joachim: And because you weren't willing to exterminate those who were beneath you, your clan is almost gone.

"Personally I think not being willing to exterminate is a good thing"

Joachim: You say that because you're people have never been in such a position where that was the only option.

"because we go out of our way to ensure its never the only option"

Joachim: And sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it is your only option.

"perhaps"

Joachim: Look, when I was talking to Mako....I was just trying to help. Offer her advice that could help your people against the Dracians.

"how does that help a clan with few friends and only four members?"

Joachim: I-I don't know....

"exactly"

Joachim: *Sighs* I'll shut up for now.

"look.....i know you meant well. just...be careful"

Joachim: I'll....Try to be more tactful in the future.

"thankyou"

*Time skip to the next day as they arrive at the port.*

Mako's clearly recovered

*They come to the gates of the city.*

he notes 2 things
1) there are more guards than usual
2) most of the guards look like this rather than samurai

*Joachim notices this and raises an eyebrow.*

Kenshin notices
"minpei. The civilian soldiers"

Joachim: Ah...Is this going to be a problem?

"no. remember, they deal with a lot of raids"

Joachim: That's my point. Men who are regularly besieged tend to be...jumpy.

"It'll be fine"

Joachim: Then it's your show.

he leads the way in
"where do we need to go? what do we need?"

Joachim: General supplies really.

"to the market then" he leads the way

*They follow.*

the amount of guards is becoming more and more obvious

Joachim *hushed*: Is it normal for this city to have so many guards at one time?

"it is on our coast"

Joachim: Fair enough...I just would have thought your border cities would have more guards given their proximity to Dracia.

"we have outposts at the bridges"

Joachim: I hope they're fortified at least.

he nods

*they reach the market*