“True, your highness, but your father was promised the assistance of most of the southern clans. Consequently he seized a number of Buddhist monasteries and cast their huge bronze bells into cannon. His undertaking was revealed to the Shogun before our allies could join us, and he was surprised and taken captive.”
“He serves a sentence?”
“He was sentenced, your highness. But the gods have anticipated—he is dead.”
Keiki threw off his cape, which Hashimoto respectfully lifted.
“Attend me to the fortress,” he commanded.
The followers bowed deeply. Suddenly Keiki raised his voice.
“Daigi Meibunor! The Shogun shall die!” he cried.
The followers answered with a cheer.
With head bowed in deep thought, Keiki led the way towards the principal fortress and castle of the Mori.