Broken Horn Garrison
Ran: Archers! I have what you need. Decided to brave the demons of Ishikari, I see.
Atsu: They die the same as everyone else.
Ran: Yes, it’s why my bows are popular amongst the locals. The raiders on the other hand, they like things for free. Not good for business at all. I would leave this valley before it burns to the ground. I said the same to my friend Sanji. But no, he wanted to learn how to fight back. Now he’s locked in a raider garrison. And he owes me money.
Atsu: If I see him, I’ll tell him how worried you are.
Atsu: A raider garrison. This should be where the bowyer’s friend is being held.
Oni Raider: When we picked you up, you were with Sensei Takahashi. What were you discussing?
Sanji: The end of the Oni Raiders.
Atsu: A prisoner. Must be the bowyer’s friend, Sanji.
Oni Raider: He’s a fool, and so are you for seeking him out. Give me the names of Sensei Takahashi’s recruits and I’ll make your death quick.
Sanji: Never.
Oni Raider: Heh. You won’t be so brave when faced with the pyre.
Atsu: That’s the last Oni Raider.
Sanji: Quick. Help me. I’ll make it worth your time.
Atsu: Let’s get you out of here. Ran — the bowyer — told me about you.
Sanji: That woman never forgets a debt.
Atsu: Can you walk?
Sanji: I can do more than walk. I can fight. How are we getting out of here?
Atsu: No need. They’re all dead.
Sanji: I wish I was as skilled as you.
Atsu: Never too late to start learning.
Sanji: I’ve had some training, but I’ll need more if I’m going to help Sensei Takahashi fight back against the raiders.
Atsu: I’m sure he’ll be glad to have you join his ranks.
Sanji: The raiders took all the money I have, but here’s something I managed to keep from them. I want you to have it.
Atsu: Thank you.
Matsumae: You, over here. I hear we have you to thank for clearing this place out.
Atsu: Who told you that?
Matsumae: The man you rescued. He left to join Sensei Takahashi. Officially, I can’t support what that man is doing. But unofficially, I am glad he — and you — are on our side.
Atsu: Your secret’s safe with me.
Ran: Aren’t you lucky I’m here? I heard you got Sanji out of that raider garrison. I could barely believe it when he told me. It was good to see him safe. you know. So he can pay me back what he owes.
Atsu: Glad I could help.
Ran: Make sure you aim for the eyes.
Atsu: Still don’t know what you are talking about.
Cursed Ground
Settler: Hey! Over here! Are you any good with horses? I need help reining in a pair of runaways.
Atsu: I’ve helped a horse or two in my time. Tell me how you lost them.
Settler: Something spooked the poor creatures. I kept control of this one, but Daichi and Umi took a fright.
Atsu: And you can’t find them?
Settler: Oh, I know where they are, but I don’t dare go after them. They ran toward the Oni’s cursed statues. Follow me. I’ll explain on the way. When the Oni arrived, a few of us stood up to him. He burned our leaders alive. Built statues over their bones. A demon standing on the ashes of the dead.
Atsu: That sounds like the Oni, all right.
Settler: There! One of those cursed statues. Daichi ran past it.
Atsu: I’ll take a look.
Settler: Follow the statues, just don’t look into their eyes. Please be careful!
Atsu: Your master’s a bit of a coward, Daichi. You must be Daichi. Eating flowers? Your master needs to feed you better.
Settler: You found him! Come here, Daichi.
Atsu: Now for your other horse.
Settler: Umi must be farther ahead. This way. Another statue built on the bones of innocents. I won’t tread on cursed ground. Call out if you find Umi.
Atsu: Umi. Who tied you up? Easy, boy. Let’s get you out of here.
Oni Raider: That horse belongs to us!
Settler: No! Stay away from me! My horses! Are they hurt?
Atsu: They’re fine. Just hungry.
Settler: I wish I could feed them better. Most of our grain goes to the Oni Raiders as tribute. You’re really not afraid of those demons?
Atsu: They’re just men hiding behind masks.
Settler: If only I had half your courage. Would you mind escorting us the rest of the way?
Atsu: I suppose. Wouldn’t want to lose the horses again.
Settler: I’ll pay you. Can’t be too careful. Follow me! Before my horses fled, I was delivering supplies to a weaponsmith.
Atsu: What kind of weapons does he make?
Settler: Spears, I think. At least he did before the Oni Raiders took over his forge. We made it. Here is your pay.
Atsu: Keep a few coins. Buy Daichi and Umi some feed.
Settler: I’ll do that. Thank you.
The Lost Scouts
Matsumae: Stranger, a word. You did good work here. We might have another job for you.
Atsu: What kind of job?
Matsumae: One of our patrols went missing. We could use help finding them. If you’re interested, go to the camp across the road and speak to my commander.
Matsumae: Salvage the bo-hiya, the report back. Dismissed. Ah. The woman herself. You’re the one who silenced those bo-hiya for us. I’m grateful. There’s more work for you, if you’re interested.
Atsu: Go on.
Matsumae: I sent four scouts to a nearby outpost. They never returned.
Atsu: Do you think they were killed?
Matsumae: I’m hiring you to find out. Head southeast, along the road toward the river. That’s where you’ll find the outpost — and my men. Bring them back to earn your pay.
Atsu: And if they’re dead?
Matsumae: Then bring me proof.
Atsu: The outpost where the samurai scouts went missing… Someone made a stand, but had to abandon this position. Three bodies. That samurai said he sent four scouts here. Footprints, still fresh. leading away from here. There was an attack. Three were killed, but one was wounded and fled. More prints. Made by someone in a hurry. Blood. Not enough for a fatal wound. Looks like he slid down here. An injured man can’t be far. Might be able to spot him with my spyglass. That must be the missing scout. He’s outnumbered. Need to hurry.
Matsumae: Finally, some luck! I’m not going down without a fight.
Atsu: I’m with you.
Oni Raider: Prepare yourself!
Atsu: The Matsumae camp’s not far.
Matsumae: I… I’m not going back. My wife and child need me at home — on the Oshima Coast, not waging war against rabble in the middle of nowhere.
Atsu: I’ll tell your commander you died with the other scouts.
Matsumae: You would do that?
Atsu: Just go before I change my mind.
Matsumae: Thank you.
Matsumae: Did you find my scouts?
Atsu: Your men were ambushed. One managed to get away, but he didn’t make it far. He fought bravely.
Matsumae: (Sighs) Thank you for letting me know. Here’s your payment for your service to clan Matsumae.
Shelter from the Storm
Settler: Please, no trouble. We gave the Oni everything we have.
Atsu: Something wrong?
Settler: Uh, not at all. See the masks on our wall? We bow to the Oni.
Atsu: No one should bow to the Oni.
Settler: His raiders would kill you for saying that.
Atsu: They tried. And failed.
Settler: In that case, maybe you could help us.
Atsu: Who’s ‘us’?
Settler: My daughter is too kind for her own good. She has taken pity on a wounded Matsumae. (Sighs) It’s best if I show you. Follow me.
Atsu: Why should I help a samurai?
Settler: He has coin. And if the raiders find us hiding him, they’ll burn us all alive.
Daughter: Mother, who is she?
Settler: Our saviour, I hope.
Atsu; I haven’t agreed to anything yet.
Daughter: This samurai was dying in the grass. I found him before the Oni Raiders did. His name is Ikeda. They’re still looking for him. If they find him here, they will kill us.
Settler: Can you take him back to his camp?
Ikeda: You will be rewarded, I swear it.
Atsu: I have a brother who’d be angry if I didn’t help. How far is your camp, Ikeda?
Ikeda: Nearby…
Daughter: I need to get him ready to walk. Please keep watch outside while I finish tending his wounds.
Atsu: I’m curious — why risk your lives to help him?
Settler: The Matsumae are the only ones standing up to the Oni.
Atsu: Think they can make a difference?
Settler: Even a few dead raiders are better than none. Oni Raiders! They’re coming!
Atsu: I’ll deal with them. Tell your samurai to get moving. There they are.
Oni Raider: Samurai! We know you’re in there! I have seen your face on a poster.
Atsu: That’s the last of them!
Settler: We’re over here.
Atsu: Can you move, samurai?
Ikeda: I will manage.
Daughter: I’ll help him.
Settler: You can’t go along. It’s dangerous.
Daughter: Mother, I found him. I have to see this through.
Settler: Be safe. All of you.
Ikeda: You are a brave one.
Daughter: Not as brave as you. More Oni Raiders!
Atsu: Time to earn my coin.
Ikeda: My camp is just a little further.
Atsu: Let’s hurry.
Ikeda: It’s this way! I think I see my brothers! Matsumae! Over here!
Matsumae: Ikeda! You’re still alive?
Ikeda: With the help of these two.
Oni Raider: There they are! Slaughter the Matsumae!
Matsumae: Hold them off!
Ikeda: Well then, stranger. You have done your part serving the Matsumae.
Atsu: Don’t forget your part.
Ikeda: Not so loud. I don’t want the men to know I gave money to…
Atsu: A woman?
Ikeda: A mercenary.
Atsu: A few coins more, I won’t tell a soul.
Ikeda: Here, your pay. With my gratitude.
Oni’s Breath Inn
Ronin: Stay away from the dead raiders. I won’t warn you again. You touch one of these bodies, you’d better be ready to draw steel.
Atsu: I’m not about to fight you over a corpse.
Ronin: It’s their masks I want. To wear the face of a demon is to gain its power.
Atsu: These raiders are dead. Can’t be much power left in those masks.
Ronin: A mask seller at the Oni’s Breath Inn assures me they’re valuable. If you want these masks, pay up or draw your sword.
Atsu: I don’t want your masks.
Ronin: Then move along.
Ronin: We’ve got raiders in the inn. Watch your back.
Ronin: But it’s my favourite cup.
Settler: Not this again.
Ronin: It’s my sake cup! I always drink from that cup.
Settler: You go in there, the Oni Raiders will put your head on a spike.
Atsu: She’s not wrong. What are the raiders doing here?
Settler: Giving out jobs, if we’re lucky.
Ronin: Or just getting drunk like the rest of us. I just wish they weren’t doing it with my cup. It just does not taste the same!
Settler: Let it go.
Ronin: No mask. No entry.
Atsu: Good thing I’m wearing one. I hear you have raiders inside.
Ronin: Drunk ones. This is the Oni’s Breath Inn. What’d you expect? Mask stays on.
Atsu: Blend int, get information on the Yōtei Six.
Oni Raider: Ah. At least someone out there has the guts to join the party! Sit! Have a drink! Let’s play a game, friend! I pose a riddle. You answer. Get it right, I drink. Get it wrong, you drink.
Atsu: All right. Let’s hear this riddle.
Oni Raider: “Feed me and I live. Quench my thirst and I die. What am I?”
Atsu: Fire.
Oni Raider: The lady is correct! I drink.
Atsu: There are lots of ronin looking for work out there.
Oni Raider: But you are better than all of them put together and want the raiders to send jobs your way instead, is that it?
Atsu: Why scrounge around for jobs when I could join the raiders instead?
Oni Raider: (Loud laugh) Brave little doll, aren’t we? “I have eyes when I have company. I am blind when I am alone.”
Atsu: A mask.
Oni Raider: Ah, the doll is smart too.
Atsu: So what’s it like, working for the Yōtei Six?
Oni Raider: Why so curious about them?
Atsu: They’re going up against the Matsumae, aren’t they? I’d like to be on the winning side when that happens.
Oni Raider: Answer this next riddle and maybe we can… talk about it. “I am real within you. I am but a story around you.”
Atsu: A demon.
Oni Raider: Right you are. I heard there’s one running around the Yōtei Grasslands. Killing our men.
Atsu: Thanks for the free drinks.
Oni Raider: Ah, wait. I saved the best riddle for last. “I carry a sword, but I am not a man. I ask about the Yōtei Six too much and tipped my hand.”
Atsu: You really don’t want to do this.
Oni Raider: No one is that eager to come face to face with the Yōtei Six.
Atsu: Fine. We take it outside. I hate spilling good sake.
Oni Raider: (Laughs) Hope that sword’s not too heavy for you.
Atsu: (Condescending chuckle) Anyone else want to join them?
Ronin: (Distant cough)
Atsu: Drinks are on them.
Atsu: I see you got your favourite cup back.
Ronin: Thanks to you, my lady. We look forward to your continued patronage.
Sake Merchant: Hey, sword lady! Appreciate you taking care of those raiders. Buy whatever sake you want. I won’t even try to swindle you.
Ronin: No one? No one wants to fight me? At least the raiders know how to have fun! I could have kicked them out, you know. If I wanted to. You! Fight me!
Atsu: You’re drunk.
Ronin: Come on! Give me a real fight! I win, I give you mon, or… you know what I mean.
Atsu: I’ve gotten into fights for worse reasons.
Ronin: Aha! Yes! (Cough) Wait! (Guttural cough) (Intermittent coughing) Come at me! Enough! Enough! Take your money. More drinks!
Ronin: Have a drink with a tired old ronin, stranger? I’m buying.
Atsu: What are we drinking?
Ronin: Sake. Good one. From the south. Where my good days reside. Between the Yōtei Six and the Matsumae, we’re going to die in Ezo, you know?
Atsu: Would that be so bad? Mount Yōtei is a good final view.
Ronin: Cannot argue with that. Thank you. For listening to an old man. Keep the sake.
Ronin: Can’t say I will miss working for Oni Raiders.
Settler: At least they paid.
Ronin: Always bringing up that silver lining, you.
Ronin A: Fancy sword on that one. Can she even cut bamboo?
Ronin B: I’d like to see her try.
Ronin C: Shh. Let her focus.
Ronin A: Child’s play!
Ronin B: She’ll never cut seven.
Ronin C: Even if you never cut all seven.
Ronin B: Shut up.
Atsu: Those ronin left me a gift.
Artisanal Treasures
Settler: Hey, stranger! Is that blade for hire?
Atsu: What’re you yelling about?
Settler: I’m a woodcarver. The Oni Raiders took all my merchandise. I hired these ronin to take it back, but a third blade wouldn’t hurt.
Atsu: This blade charges by the head. When the raiders are dead, mu mon will flow again — and you’ll be richly rewarded. Now let’s mount up! Follow me. The Oni demons aren’t far.
Ronin: You didn’t need to hire a third.
Settler: Strength in numbers.
Ronin: More like splitting the reward three ways.
Atsu: Afraid of a little competition?
Ronin: (Scoffs)
Settler: They said they’d burn me on a pyre if I didn’t hand over my merchandise.
Atsu: What are you selling? Handmade crafts.
Ronin: You have us fighting over trinkets?
Settler: They’re more precious than you know.
Ronin: The coin better be good.
Settler: They’re camped just up this hill.
Atsu: How many?
Settler: Two of them.
Ronin: That’s all? You didn’t need to hire the woman.
Atsu: I hope you’re as confident with a blade as you are with words.
Ronin: This will be quick work.
Settler: Raider thieves! hand over my merchandise!
Settler: Here they come.
Oni Raider: Woodcarver! What is this junk you’re peddling?
Settler: Artisanal treasures!
Oni Raider: (Laughs) More like kindling.
Ronin: You said only two raiders.
Settler: I wanted to give you some hope.
Ronin: I’m not dying for trinkets! You’re on your own!
Atsu: Guess I’m getting paid triple.
Settler: I hope they didn’t burn all my dolls. Ah, there are still a few left.
Atsu: You took a big risk for toys.
Settler: They’re much more than toys — these are kokeshi dolls. They bring good fortune and bountiful harvests.
Atsu: I don’t think they’re working, not in these parts.
Settler: It’s about hope for better days. I made them for the children, just to see them smile in hard times.
Atsu: Then they were worth the risk. This land is hard on everyone, especially children.
Settler: That it is, stranger. Here’s what I owe you. Triple the pay.
Atsu: Safe travels, woodcarver.
A Life to Be
Settler: (Pained scream) That’s close enough.
Atsu: I heard screaming.
Settler: It’s my wife. She’s… in labour. Our family refused to work on the Oni’s castle. Now they are coming for us. Help me protect my family and I’ll give you every coin I have.
Atsu: We’ll talk payment later. Get inside — be with your wife.
Settler: It is my duty as a husband and father to fight.
Atsu: Very well. Then we wait.
Settler: You probably think I’m stupid, trying to have a family in Ezo.
Atsu: I don’t know. Falling asleep in the tall grass. Bathing in the springs over the summer. Meals by the campfire. A family can be happy in Ezo.
Settler: But it doesn’t last, does it?
Atsu: Maybe today it does. They’re here.
Oni Raider: There’s nowhere left to run!
Settler: They’re trying to flank us! Archers! Look out! It’s over. I can’t believe we won.
Settler: A healthy girl. I’ll never forget what you did for us. Here — your payment.
Atsu: A man true to his word, who fights for his family. You’ll make a good father.
Settler: What do we call you?
Atsu: Atsu.
Settler: Then that’s what I’ll call her. A good name for a brave girl.
The Sentinel
Settler: Hey, you with the sword. A word? Don’t look. He’s watching.
Atsu: Who’s he?
Settler: That man on the cliff!
Atsu: He seems harmless.
Settler: I said don’t look! He just stands there. I’m telling you, he is up to no good. I’ll pay you to get rid of him.
Atsu: I’ll go see what he’s up to.
Settler: Be quick about it.
Ronin: What do you want, stranger?
Atsu: You’re making the market residents nervous.
Ronin: Old man Shouzo giving you trouble?
Atsu: They might calm down if they knew why you were watching them.
Ronin: A story better told with a meal. Please. Sit. I’ve been marinating those mushrooms for hours. Special recipe. I learned from a friend. That friend now rests in the graveyard nearby. He left a daughter. She works in the market. I promised I would protect her.
Atsu: Why keep your distance?
Ronin: I’m a ronin. The life I lead… I don’t want her anywhere near it. I just wish I had the courage to give her this keepsake. It was her father’s.
Atsu: I can take it to her.
Ronin: A rare kindness. Thank you. Her name is Mine, she cleans the building next to the sake house.
Atsu: Mine? I have something for you.
Mine: My father’s lucky charm. That man on the cliff gave this to you, didn’t he?
Atsu: You know about him?
Mine: He used to visit me when my father was alive. Now, he watches over me — even if I don’t need him to.
Atsu: Why not say anything?
Mine: A samurai without a master lacks purpose. If protecting me gives him direction, who am I to take that away?
Atsu: So long as he’s not bothering you.
Mine: The only man he’s bothering is that crotchety old man across the way. But thank you.
Settler: You. Did you deal with that ronin?
Atsu: He’s harmless. But he won’t be bothering you anymore.
Settler: Good.
The Weight of Coin
Takero: Hey you, with the fancy sword. I need a message delivered. Are you for hire?
Atsu: Depends on the message.
Takero: I loaned money to a food merchant so he could buy stock. Now I’m hearing he’s spending it on the wrong sorts of things.
Atsu: Since when does a money lender care?
Takero: I’ve got a reputation to keep around here. Can’t have customers dirtying my good name.
Atsu: Curiosity will cost you.
Takero: Remind him of our agreement and you’ll get your coin. He’s near the Nishin Fishery. Tell him Takero isn’t pleased.
Atsu: There’s the food merchant who’s up to something.
Oni Raider: I owe the Snake my life! You will die for what you did!
Atsu: That doesn’t look like food. This isn’t food — you’re a weapons merchant.
Settler: Why, you want to buy some?
Oni Raider: That is ours!
Atsu: Takero sent me. He didn’t loan you money so you could turn around and arm Oni Raiders.
Oni Raider: And who are you?
Atsu: Just a humble wanderer trying to keep the peace.
Oni Raider: We don’t need any of that around here. Men! Lord Saito will be pleased I found you.
Settler: Please! Don’t hurt me!
Atsu: You were arming the Oni Raiders. Why should you live?
Settler: Because I doubt Takero paid you to kill me. I cannot make good on his loan if I am dead.
Atsu: He paid me to send you a message.
Settler: And I got it! Please, take whatever you want from my supplies. It’s yours.
Atsu: Fine. But I catch you doing business with the raiders again, it won’t end well.
Takero: What did you find?
Atsu: I dealt with your merchant. He was using your loan to sell weapons to the Oni Raiders.
Takero: That weasel.
Atsu: A money lender with a conscience?
Takero: You tip the balance too far in one direction, the people on the other end suffer. And I need both sides alive to make money.
Atsu: Speaking of money…
Takero: Right. Here’s what I owe you. Good doing business.