Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Daughter of the Forest RK Style ❯ War and the Dirty Warlords Who Start Them ( Chapter 17 )

Full Summary: Kaoru, the only daughter of an Irish King, must save her six brothers from an enchantment placed on them by an evil sorceress. What will happen when she falls in love with a Britain? Story is based off of Juliet Marillier’s book Daughter of the Forest. KK
Disclaimer: I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Daughter of the Forest. As much as I’d love to take credit for Nobuhiro Watsuki's and Juliet Marillier’s creations, I’d rather keep what little money I have.
This story is a work of fiction and should not be taken as a serious era piece. Sevenwaters, Harrowfield, Northwoods and the Three Sacred Islands are made up places.
A/N:

Italics mean mental conversations.

Daughter of the Forest RK Style
Chapter 17: War and the Dirty Warlords Who Start Them

“My Lady,” a kindly guard states while nervously glancing around the dungeon. “I have something for you.”
Reaching my hand through the bars I gratefully take the bundle the man has graciously offered me. I have been in this dark cell for what I can only guess to be a month now and I have yet to be visited by anyone other than Gohei and the guards. No one has offered me any kindness other than this solitary guard, but sadly he only watches over me of me for a couple hours at a time and seldom at that.
Opening up the package I notice a bar of soap, a hair brush, a small piece of bread and thin slice of cheese. I look up at the guard in shock. Why would he give me these items?
“I do not agree with what you have done nor do I think you should go unpunished, but I can't stand the thought of holding a prisoner in such a state. You might be Irish and guilty of high treason, but I have no intension of lowering my standards to that of your people,” The guard disgustedly comments. “Despite your crimes you are part of the royal family and should be treated as one in your position should. Lord Shinta would be highly offended if he knew of your treatment.”
I nod my head in understanding. I do not blame him for his anger towards my person. I'm sure that Gohei has accused me of horrible crimes against my husband and his people. Knowing Gohei and the situation in which I was caught, I highly doubt that my crimes will not be bountiful. If I were in this guard's position I would hold little remorse towards my current treatment.
“You really ought to answer Lord Gohei's questions. If you continue to remain silent it will be seen as testimony of your guilt,” the guard states in concern. “Though you can't talk, you can at least defend yourself through gestures.”
I nod my head no in shame. How can this man understand that no matter what I do I will be declared guilty of whatever crimes Gohei seems fit to label me under. My fate has been decided for me long before I was imprisoned.
“I know that you think it is pointless to fight but I'm sure that you will see that Lord Gohei is a just man. If you are in fact innocent Gohei will surely let you out of this cell,” the guard states in sympathetically.
I sadly smile back at the guard. How I wish that the man's words were true.
Taking his place in front of the cell once more I am left in the seclusion of my dark and dreary prison. I always figured that a prison cell would be unpleasant, but never would I imagine the experience to be nearly as horrifying. As terrible as sleeping on the floor in a rat infested room with no light may be, it's the thought of being so vulnerable and defenseless that truly terrifies me. I don't like the thought of being unable to decide my own fate. I'm a swordsman and a fighter. The concept of being unable to defend one's self not only scares us but marks our pride.
Curling myself on top of the pile of hay I call a bed I begin to think about the events that led me to this fate. As horrible as the consequences have been for meeting my brother, I wouldn't change it for the world. I love my brothers and would face far worse for lesser reasons. At least I will have been able to see Shougo once before I die. The only thing I will truly regret is the fact that I will not be able to free them of their curse. If only things had turned out differently; if only Kenshin were here.
As much as I would fear Kenshin's reaction towards Gohei's claims I can only hope that things would be different if he were here. For one, I could possibly explain the entire affair, though I don't know how I would do so without giving information about my task and my brothers' enchantment. But if he were there maybe he would notice the fact that I was fully clothed. What type of person in the middle of an affair would remain unclothed while the other was completely dressed. I do not pretend to know all that occurs between a man and a woman but I'd imagine that he would at least be taking off my clothes at the moment of our discovery if that were the case.
I'm sure that everyone in the household hates me right now. I've caused Kiyoshi's death and now I've fled from the castle in the middle of the night to meet a man. I had hoped that Mine or Jiro would have come to speak to me, but none of them have. I really have made a mess of things, haven't I?
“You look even more pitiful than the last time I visited you. I see that you're starting to understand your little predicament. I highly doubt your tears are of remorse though. You Irish are far too treacherous to feel such emotions,” Gohei replies callously.
I look up at Gohei defiantly. How dare he speak to me in such a manner? I may be his prisoner but I still have some pride!
“I came to see if you thought over my...” Gohei pauses while roaming his eyes over my body, “little proposition.”
In anger I spit at the man's feet. I will never become his little plaything.
“Don't worry, your company isn't lost. Why would I want my nephews table scraps? I have more pride than that. I was hoping to hear you plead for your life though. It would have made your demise all the more enjoyable,” Gohei states with an evil smirk.
I glare at the man mirthlessly. If I have learned anything from the time I have spent in Kenshin's estate it's that Gohei lives for a reaction. If I remain cool maybe he'll leave.
“I have to say that Shinta could have done much better for himself. I thought it was bad enough that he married an Irish woman, but when I found out that you were Lord Koshijiro's child I was absolutely appalled. I could use you as ransom, but I think the fate I have for you will be much more fitting for a witch such as yourself,” Gohei comments fully amused.
I stare at the man incredulously. What makes him think that I'm a child of Sevenwaters?
“I have many sources of information; in Britain as well as Erin. My informants are truly remarkable,” Gohei replies with a chuckle.
I stare at the man wide-eyed. He has spies among my people?
“Did you think your father was the only one with such a far reach? I can assure you that your father's network, though impressive, is child's play in comparison to my own, especially now that he's slacked off in his security. The man has become increasingly lazy as of late. I can thank his lovely bride and Shishio of the Marshes for that,” Gohei states proudly.
Shishio of the Marshes? But how could one of my father's most trusted allies do such a thing? I know that he had gone missing for the past few meetings my father orchestrated, but that was due to his burns.
“Shishio is quite easy to manipulate as long as you are willing to give him his needed funds. I paid for his army expenses so he could be free of your father's influence in exchange for information to kill off Koshijiro and his family. Shishio's little mistress was all too willing to play a part in retrieving information for me as well. In return for the information she receives from her pitiful husband all she requests is that I kill you off. I think I get the better side of the deal though. Not only will I get needed information to kill off my enemy, but Tomoe will finally be wed to Shinta,” Gohei chuckles like a maniac.
I can't believe my ears! I figured that Lady Yumi would have some sort of scheme planned, but the fact that she is so involved with Shishio is shocking. I never did feel comfortable around him but I would never imagine him to play such dangerous games. He seemed far more intelligent than to get involved with Lady Yumi. I have a feeling that she was the one to truly convince Lord Shishio to betray my father. The woman is definitely a powerful sorceress to pull over such a skillful plot. Gohei is a fool not to realize that even he is being used as a pawn by those two. Once my father is out of the way Gohei will be thrown out like trash. She'll probably use her son as a way to secure the throne my father holds.
“Lady Yumi and myself were very shocked to find out that you were living with my nephew. It was quite a risky move on your part. Too bad it didn't work though. You might have fooled Shinta, but I'm sure that isn't hard for a vixen such as yourself. Shinta has always had a soft spot for the opposite sex. Unluckily for you I am not so easily fooled. After you are dead Shinta will be forced to wed for the good of his kingdom. He will take Tomoe as his bride and all will fall into its proper place,” Gohei states proudly.
I stare at Gohei in shock. He's been planning to kill me from the very beginning!
Leaning towards my cell with an amused smile Gohei replies, “Since you obviously can't talk I'll tell you something really shocking. The fire and boulder incidents were all my doing.”
I glare at the man in front of me. I had a feeling that he was behind the attacks but the fact that he has stated his involvement with such pride angers me. He killed Kiyoshi and nearly did the same to Mine and little Sanosuke. How can someone so heartlessly attack his family?
“The fire was originally supposed to be set in your room but unluckily for me, the man that I gave the task to thought you resided in Mine and Kiyoshi's room,” Gohei angrily states. “The fire was meant to scare you away from the household while destroying what shirts you had completed but sadly my assassin failed. Rest assured the man was severely punished for his stupidity.”
The man's cruelty knows no bounds! How can he so callously punish his men?
“As for the boulder incident I have to say that it didn't turn out as planned, though thanks to Kozue's quick thinking he was able to keep Shinta unaware of it's intended target. You see my dear,” Gohei states while leaning closer to my cell with a predatory eye, “my true target was my lovely little nephew.”
I look at the man in shock. He tried to kill Kenshin? Why would anyone ever do such a thing?
Laughing evilly Gohei replies, “Easily my dear. As long as Shinta is alive I have no legitimate claim to the throne. His behavior since he met you only strengthened my resolve that Shinta is a fool and does not deserve his holdings. I see it as a service to his subjects that they no longer deal with a weak- hearted King. No such person should ever hold such an important position. He's father was also a fool. I also took it within my hands to deal with Hiko.”
Gohei killed his brother-in-law? But why would he do such a thing to his sister and her young children? The man is truly heartless!
“Hiko was a moron!” Gohei yells angrily. “I tried to convince him that his involvement in my campaign was necessary. Your father had just attacked my men stationed on the islands unsuccessfully, but my loses had been great. I needed more men and my stupid brother-in-law had deemed it unnecessary to get involved in the war. I was defending our lands from a possible take over by you filthy Irish and he had the audacity to call my war a foolish power struggle. I had hoped that with Hiko out of the way I could convince Shinta to get involved but he turned out to be even more stubborn than his idiotic father.
Smirking at me Gohei continues, “ I knew that Shinta was already suspicious towards my involvement in his father's death so I had made plans to marry Tomoe off to him. I was able to bribe the high bishop into blessing the union and everything was going to plan until Akira nearly ruined everything. To my horror Tomoe and Akira had fallen in love and Akira was not happy with the engagement. Akira stupidly decided to approach me about winning Tomoe's hand in marriage just as I was having a meeting with one of Shishio's men. Akira didn't seem to notice that the man in my midst was a messenger from across the sea but I was not willing to take any chances. So when he asked me how to gain my favor I told him that he was far too weak and unstable for the likes of my daughter; only a true warrior could earn my favor. Akira fell into my trap and enlisted himself in my campaign. I set up an attack on his camp but Akira ran off prior to the attack. When he came back I had one of the men declare that your father’s men attacked him. Like the hotheaded youth that he is he stormed the castle and was captured. My secret was safe and Tomoe and Shinta would be wed without complications.”
Unable to look at Gohei I clench my fist in anger. How could he kill Akira? Akira and Tomoe did not deserve such pain. How could a father deny his daughter her happiness so cruelly?
“It seemed that Akira was always in the wrong place and the wrong time. It's quite a shame though. The boy was far too stupid for his own good,” Gohei states apathetically.
I glare at Gohei angrily. How dare he speak of Akira with such a lack of attachment?
“I see that I've hit a soft spot. Such strong feelings you hold for Shinta and his brother. It's too bad that you can't do a thing about it. You will be killed and once Shinta is wed he will soon follow. Of course you will first have to go on trial, but I'm sure that you will be found guilty. I have asked Father Ryu, assistant of the High Bishop, to stand as a judge in this case since his specialty lies in witchcraft and sorcery. In all my years we have never disagreed on a judgment. If I see you guilty I'm sure he shall also,” Gohei smirks evilly.
I stare at the man incredulously. His testimony is far too much to take in. He killed Lord Hiko, Akira and Kiyoshi, has committed arson, given bribes, conversed with the enemy and now is going to kill Kenshin and I. How can one man hold so many crimes?
“As much as I enjoy our little chats I have much to plan. When Father Ryu makes an appearance I will be sure to alert you. I'm sure I'm looking forward to his visit far more than you are though,” Gohei states with an absolutely horrid chuckle.
I watch the man angrily as he makes his way out of the dungeon. How dare the man commit so many crimes and feel no remorse. I will not give up. I need to find a way to retrieve my brothers' shirts and gather them before I'm sentenced to death. I can't give up yet; my brothers and Kenshin are depending on me.
***later***
I don't know how much time passed but things for the most part have been quiet. No one has visited me since Gohei testified to his various crimes, not even the guard who handed gave me food and supplies. If it weren't for the sound of the guards speaking outside the dungeon I doubt I would still be sane. The lack of human interaction is slowly taking its toll on me.
“I've come to see Marina,” I voice barely audible from the other side of the door utters. I don't know who it is, but I can tell that it is a woman.
One of the guards firmly replies, “We have orders from Lord Gohei...”
“You dare to deny my right to see someone in my own house! Do you forget who is truly in charge of this household? As the mother of your true Lord I have the right to see anyone within. Do you so quickly forget my son's orders?” the lady, who is undeniably Sakura, firmly asserts.
Unlatching the door a second guard replies, “Please forgive us for being so rude my Lady.”
With a humph Sakura states, “As long as you see to it that this does not occur again I shall think upon it.”
“Of course,” the two men reply in unison while closing the door. From the sudden shuffle of feet and the lack of voices I can only guess that the men made a hasty departure.
I hear soft footsteps slowly making way towards my cell but the darkness of the dungeon makes it hard for me to see anything further than a few feet away. Turning the bend that my cell is on I notice Sakura holding a torch. I close my eyes in pain at the sudden light before slowly opening them once more.
Adjusting to the light I notice that Sakura is now seated on a chair outside of my cell looking at my surrounding in disgust.
“I thought it was time that I visit you though I'm starting to think that I should have visited earlier. Gohei has a lot of explaining to do. Your people might be used to treating prisoners in such a manner but it doesn't mean that we ought to,” Sakura states while twitching her nose in disgust.
I look upon the woman in shock. Why has she chosen to speak to me now after so much time has passed?
Handing me a bundle of what I can only guess to be cloth Sakura states, “I figured that you might want this.”
Looking at the items in my hands I stare in disbelieve at what I see. Sakura just gave me my brothers' shirts, my needle and the remaining thread I prepared.
With a smile I look up at Sakura. Now I might possibly have a way to save my brother's, Kenshin and I. Sakura has no idea how much she has done for me.
“I do not approve of what you have done to Shinta. He loves you more than anything yet you have chosen to betray his devotion. He gave you his name and you thank him by running into another's arms. I will never be able to forgive you, but unlike yourself I keep my vows. I promised Shinta that I would allow you to continue your task and I will not let my feelings to interfere. If this is what Shinta wishes above all things I would be hard pressed to deny him such a request,” Sakura states with a glare.
I bow my head in understanding. Though I don't like the thought that Sakura feels so poorly of me, I can not help but admire her devotion to her son. I'm surprised that such a woman could be related to someone such as Gohei.
Her glare softens slightly as she asks, “How could you betray my son like this?” Looking down at her hands she continues, “I've never seen Shinta as happy as he is with you. At first I thought that he had a childish infatuation but when he took you as his bride and gave you his name I knew that I was wrong. Since then I have looked back at my son's actions and have come to terms with the fact that he's deeply in love with you.”
Staring at me in anger Sakura states, “He has loved you, given you his name, nearly ruined his reputation and his alliances for you and you thank him by deceiving him? Are you truly so heartless? Your people killed one of my sons, must you destroy the other?”
I look upon Sakura apologetically. I never meant to hurt any of them. I would never hurt Kenshin. He has taken care of me and I would never betray his trust. Though I was taken as a captive I have learned to care for this household. I would never do the things these people have claimed me of doing.
With more spite than I have ever felt directed towards me Sakura comments, “If you truly hated my people you should have dealt with my brother or myself. My son is innocent of your war and does not deserve to be treated so unfairly. I have no control over your fate, but I assure you that I will do nothing to stop it.”
I bow my head in shame as the woman in front of me makes her way out of the dungeon. As I am left in the darkness once more I can't help but pity Sakura. She does not deserve such pain. For all her faults, she is a good woman who only cares about the welfare of her children. If I am unsuccessful in returning my brothers back into their former selves not only will I be dead but also Sakura will lose her last remaining son. I cannot let Gohei continue to manipulate his family.
***later***
I have tried for what feels like days yet I have not been able to reach my brother. Fearing that something is wrong I increase my efforts. I have to get a hold of him soon or all is lost.
“Shougo, please Shougo,” I mentally cry out to my brother. “I have to talk to you urgently.”
The only reply I receive is silence. I begin to cry in frustration. How will my plan work if I can't alert the participating parties of their involvement? I have to get send word to them. I can't allow all my hard work to end like this. Too many people are depending on me.
“Little sister what's wrong?” Shougo replies in concern. “Are you in trouble? Are those men that captured you harming you?”
“I fear that my days are soon going to be numbered. One of the men who captured me is putting me on trial. If we are going to break the curse we will have to do it soon,” I reply desperately.
“When are you going to be put under trial?” Shougo asks calmly.
“I don't know yet, Father Ryu is on his way, but has yet to show up,” I reply fearfully.
“Everything is going to be alright Kaoru. I promise.” Shougo states sympathetically. “Now, tell me where you are so we can think of a way for you escape.”
“I'm currently in a dungeon in Harrowfield. It's exact whereabouts I have not idea,” I reply back in embarrassment.
“You don't know exactly where it is?” my brother replies back in bewilderment.
Shamefully I admit, “It's all kind of a blur. I think one of the guards might have knocked me out.”
“So you have no idea where your exact whereabouts are?” Shougo inquires calmly.
“No,” I reply back in shame.
In concern my brother states, “You really shouldn't be ashamed. This type of thing is quite common. Stress or a knock to the head can easily cause memory lose. Do not concern yourself over it. Even if you did remember I highly doubt an escape would be possible. You're captors have probably secured your cell heavily and none of us know the area well enough to make a clean get away. I think the best chance we have is to meet the day of your execution. When you learn of your fate contact me and I'll lead the others to you. I wish there were a better way, but I can't think of anything better.”
“I understand. I will contact you when I can,” I reply back sadly.
Kaoru, we have complete faith in you. If you can't pull this off no one else could. Regardless of what you may face I know you will be victorious. You just have to have believe in yourself,” Shougo passionately states.
“Thank you Shougo. I will succeed; too many people are counting on me,” I assert more confidently than I truly feel.
“May the Tuatha De Danann continue to guide you,” Shougo replies before leaving my mind.
Despite my brother's departure I mentally reply back, “As for you, brother, as for you.”
***Later***
Engrossed in finishing my final shirt my concentration is broken when Gohei so rudely comments, “I see that Sakura paid you a visit and gave you your things.”
After composing myself I continue to work on my brother's shirt. I don't feel much like listening to another one of Gohei's highly self-centered speeches.
“I see that you are going to ignore me. Well, it doesn't matter much to me whether you enjoy our discussions or not. I find them quite enjoyable and that is all that really matters,” Gohei states arrogantly.
Pausing to no doubt create some self- satisfied air of importance Gohei states, “I was talking to your lovely step mother not too long ago. It was about a month ago, a few weeks after you were imprisoned. I had a meeting with Shishio and Lady Yumi and brought up the subject of appropriate punishment for your crimes. For some reason Shishio likes to have Lady Yumi present. Normally I find a woman's presence in a meeting highly annoying, but that meeting I found it quite... enlightening. I had complained that beheading was neither cruel enough nor hanging quite entertaining enough, so I had hoped that the Irish, being as barbaric as they are, would have some sort of worthy punishment. To my surprise Lady Yumi was the one with the answer to my dilemma. She suggested that since I was punishing a witch that I ought to give you a proper send off. There is no better way to be rid of a witch than by fire. Of course I was at first opposed to the idea; fires are not nearly entertaining enough for my tastes. Shishio and Yumi provided me with some worthwhile fuel though. It seems that Eamonn ran across a type of wood that burns brighter and hotter than I could ever imagine. It's said to burn all but bone. It also produces quite a magnificent flame. It should make for quite a fitting departure, wouldn't you agree?”
Continuing to sew my brother's shirt I pretend to ignore his words. The last thing I want for him to do is continue talking to me though I do not dare miss anything that could prove helpful in implicating him further. Once my brother's are free of the enchantment I will be able to properly implicate the man for all the crimes he committed. I want to make sure that the case against him is as solid as possible.
“You truly are not interested in my words? You would much rather work on those shirts than listen to me?” Gohei inquires amusedly. “It's too bad that you wont be able to do with your shirts as you once planned. I was told to burn all that hard work you've been doing as soon as possible though I rather think you enjoy harming yourself. It's quite a shame you married Shinta though. He's not much into that sort of thing. He's far too kind hearted wouldn't you agree? I'm sure that's why you ran into the arms of that Irish man we found you with. I'm sure he likes to torture you to no end. A little slut such as yourself would enjoy such attention.”
Closing my eyes I quickly try to calm myself without bringing my reaction to the forefront. Luckily Gohei is too enraptured with the sound of his voice to take notice of my reaction.
“At one time I might have taken advantage of that, but due to recent events I have changed my opinion. I think I would much rather go for a woman with more virtue such as that little widow Mine. Despite the fact that she has a child, I'm sure I could teach her a few tricks,” Gohei states lustfully. “He would never be able to take over my holdings but I doubt that would be a problem. I'm sure my allies would understand such reasoning, especially if she bares me a child of my own.”
In anger I focus more of my energy on the thread and needle in hand. I will not let Gohei know what reaction his words are causing me.
“You aren't nearly as entertaining this evening… such a pity. I guess I should get to business then. Father Ryu was suddenly called to deal with an important case and regretfully will not be able to make any judgment at your trial. He was kind enough to send another man of the cloth to assist me. Father Tohru has just arrived this morning and has asked to start your trial as soon as possible. In a few days time expect a call from the guards. I shall be kind to you and allow you the courtesy of allowing you to work on your shirts. By the way, I know that your kind enjoy wallowing in your own filth but I suggest that you at least attempt to make yourself more presentable for the court,” Gohei tauntingly states while making a sudden departure.
I focus back on my work with more conviction than I had prior. I have little time to finish my task and I still have three quarters of a shirt left. I just pray that the time I have left will be enough.
Hello everybody. I hope you have enjoyed this chapter. I know that this chapter isn't as long as some of my others nor is it all that pleasant, but hopefully it has answered some of your questions. Gohei is quite evil in this story, wouldn't you agree? Tehehe
I hope you all had a good holiday and I look forward to your reviews. What better gift for the New Year than new reviews? ; ) Ja ne!