Free The Initiate Brother Duology by Sean Russell Page B

himself, yeh? But for now he needs me and we both know it.”
    “It would be good if your Spiritual Advisor would arrive in time to accompany us. That would be a great help, yeh?”
    “Ah, I have not told you? He came to Yankura this morning. I received word from Tanaka. He calls our new Brother ‘a fine young colt in need of breaking.’”
    “The monk has been sent to the right liege-lord then, Uncle. Do you know anything about him?”
    “I have a full report. He seems to be somewhat special, even for a Botahist Initiate, very skilled as a doctor, very learned. I have a letter from him—the brush work is superb! I must show it to you.” He paused to pull a curtain aside a fraction of an inch to check their progress.
    “Tell me, Nishi-sum, do you remember going to the River Festival in the year I married your mother?”
    “Oh, yes, I could never forget that festival, Uncle, we had been in hiding for so many long months and then suddenly we were secure. What a beautiful autumn that was.”
    “I seem to remember that as being the year the young Botahist Neophyte bested some of the strongest fighters I have ever seen, including one of my own lieutenants on whom I had bet heavily.”
    “Yes, I remember. I wanted you to bet on the monk because he was so small and showed no fear, but as usual you ignored my excellent advice.”
    “You were precocious even then. Well, I may be wrong, but I believe that boy is our new advisor.
Brother Shuyun,
does that sound familiar?”
    “Shuyun…yes, that could be. If it is the same monk, you will have to rebuke him for causing his liege-lord such a great loss of money.” They both laughed, and then fell silent, lost in their memories.
    When Nishima resumed the conversation, it was on a more subdued note. “What of Lord Shidaku, Uncle, now that he has failed to contain the barbarians?”
    “Lord Shidaku is a great administrator and a terrible general. The Emperor sent him to Seh to deal with the problems left by the old bureaucracy, before the raids began. He was never meant to be a military leader. The Emperor acknowledges this and has transferred Lord Shidaku to his personal council. Lord Shidaku has thus been honored and his failure to contain the barbarians…overlooked. The Emperor is seldom so wise—good administrators are rarer than good generals, if the truth be known.”
    The sampans turned into another canal, and the wall of the Emperor’s palace grounds appeared on the left. Guards on regularly spaced towers saluted as the water-borne entourage passed.
    “Ah, you’re a governor now, Sire, see how they honor you.”
    Shonto grunted, refusing to look.
    “So, Nishi-sum, how will the Emperor entertain his guests tonight?”
    “Dancers, certainly. They are his favorites, for obvious reasons. Perhaps a short play. The finest foods, of course. Music. Maybe a poetry contest, which you will not be allowed to enter because of your esteemed father’s reputation.”
    “Good. Unlike my father, I could not win the Emperor’s poetry contest if my life depended on it. But you, my only daughter, are the one who should not be allowed to enter! I will bet on you if there is a contest.” He checked their progress again.
    “Which of the Emperor’s sons will pay court to you tonight, Nishi-sum?”
    “You tease, Uncle. The sons of the Emperor will not notice such a plain-face as me. Nor would I want them to. Boors! All three of them!”
    “But Nishi-sum, I have it on good authority that Prince Wakaro holds you in high esteem.”
    “Oh, Uncle, you must be teasing. You know I aspire to the life of a painter, or perhaps a poet. I would be miserable married to an insensitive oaf!”
    “Oh, you are too great an artist to marry an Emperor’s son?”
    Nishima colored. “Certainly not now, but who can tell what the futurewill bring. Women produce all the finest art in the Empire, no one can deny it. Don’t laugh! I challenge you to name seven great male artists.”
    “Haromitsa,