The dark clouds continued southward, crossing the banks of the Korobetsu River, passing the parties to the completed trade agreement, and finally arrived at the edge above the military formation of the Koyozaki warriors. The westward sun shone on the clouds, the dark-stained red glow resembling blood in the dirt. This blood-colored scene was something that the old Koyozaki general, Shigeyasu Kudo, was accustomed to. Yet at the moment, he rode a short horse, furrowed his brow, looked up at the dark red dusk clouds, and cursed lowly.
"Damn it! In such ghostly weather, must there also be blood?..."
"House Elder! House Elder!..."
A young, short samurai, panting heavily, came running from the Tiantai Fleet at the river's edge. With the Koyozaki clan's pennant on his back, he crossed the scattered spear formation, passed through the somewhat relaxed samurai, and "thud," knelt before House Elder Ando Shigeyasu's horse.
"House Elder! The Mage on the ship has sent a message down!"
