When he was alone with Fatkoura, the Prince let all his despondency appear.
"I pray," said he, "that my son may remain with the Shogun, and not return here. Attacked by these powers, we cannot possibly conquer. If he were here, he would rush to his death; and who would avenge us then?"
A party of horsemen now entered the castle. The Prince turned pale as he saw them. They wore Nagato's crest upon their shields.
"Do you bring news of my son?" he asked, in an unsteady voice.
"Illustrious lord, the Prince of Nagato is in good health," said a Samurai. "He is at this moment on the borders of the kingdom, busy rallying the army around him. He intends to march against the Prince of Figo."
"Aki has betrayed us; does my son know that?" said the Prince.
"He knows it, master. The Prince passed through the province subject to that wretch; he supposed him friendly, but was treacherously attacked. Thanks to his unequalled bravery, he scattered his assailants; but half his baggage was lost."
"What orders did he send us through you?"
"These, sire: the Prince of Nagato begs you to levy an extra number of troops and despatch them to meet the Prince of Tosa, who is advancing towards Chozan; then to double the defenders of the fortress, take in large supplies of provisions, and shut yourself up in it; he also requests that you will put me in command of the troops sent against Tosa."
These orders were at once executed.