His sword flashed out. Running around an angle in the street, he came upon a slight figure.
“Who goes there?” he shouted.
“It is I, my lord,” said a strangely sweet voice.
“Jiro! Well, my boy, so you followed me?”
“To protect you, my lord.”
Mori’s amused eyes scanned the slim figure of the stripling. He laughed tenderly.
“There was no need. I have twelve hours yet,” he said, reflectively.
