Pursuit (AoA)

Just like that his feet were back on the streets of the Empire, unceremoniously exited from the palace and from before the Empress. Naturally, there was pomp and a way of things; The begging of leave, the being guided away from everything, informed of this and that. Ranulfe wasn't really listening to any of it. He had greater things on his mind.

Standing amidst the lane of the Grand Palace Seikatsu, Kaede and Ranulfe stood.

"What should we do?" Seikatsu asked quietly. She was thrust into this rather suddenly.

"Mistress Kaede," Ranulfe intruded, partially stepping over Seikatsu's words. "I understand the instructions set before me but I think I can do a better job of searching should I strike out on my own."

The master ninja simply looked at him with a hard expression.

"You wish to disobey me? Why such insolence, Ranulfe? Have I been unkind? Unjust? Do you think I am wrong in my decision?"

"It is not that, Mistress, but merely that I think I would have more luck in finding the black samurai were I alone. We have-" He almost said that they had been sharing correspondence since his arrival in Norg, but something caused him to chomp back on his tongue. "We have too many among us, even as only three. By myself I pose no threat to him, and you, my lady, are of no small renown. I think he would be more inclined to meet with me."

"You speak as if you expect him to be nearby, Ranulfe. Is there something you are withholding?"

"Not at all, mistress. I just think this is a better way."

Kaede stared at him, seemed to probe him. "You have learned only a portion of what I can teach you, Ranulfe. I do not think, should you leave my side today, you will ever finish your lessons with me. Are you truly wishing to part from me, from my resources in Norg? Do you think this is best?"

Ranulfe didn't pause at her questions. "My lady, if I was only staying around for the resources and reputation, then I was lost from before I ever arrived in your city."

Kaede smiled.

***
Ranulfe took his time in exiting Aht Urghan. There was a boat regularly circling between their own dock and one in Mhaura. He was hoping that Kre'oss would be waiting or watching somewhere, that he would be seen alone and pulled aside, told of the plan, let in to the scheme. Kre'oss was labeled a criminal by the Empire, however, so there was no reason to expect him to stick around. In the short time Ranulfe had known the man, he seemed to be on the Right side. The Winning side. Kre'oss, to Ranulfe's mind, was the sort of person he had wanted to grow up to become. Strong. Capable. Willing to do the right thing no matter what, the sort of person who escaped the strong arm of the "law" and did the right thing no matter what.

Ranulfe dozed on the ship. He dreamt of darkness, rainclouds. He saw the Black Samurai. He was other people. He saw his father and sisters, very far away. They looked frightened, scared. Hurt. He saw Esh'nir. He was beside him. The Black Samurai drew his weapon in opposition, and-

Ranulfe awoke with a start. The boat lurched, the waves battered the side of the wooden vessel, and leaning out of his bunk the boy was seasick.