Rurouni Kenshin Fan Fiction ❯ Daughter of the Forest RK Style ❯ Behind Enemy Lines ( Chapter 10 )

I woke up early in the morning to the smell of something cooking. Rubbing the sleep from my eyes Kenshin turns towards me and warmly says, “Good morning. I was wondering when you would wake.”

I just glare at Kenshin angrily. How dare he be up and about with his wound? If he doesn’t start taking care of himself, we will be stuck in this cave longer than need be.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going to over exert myself. I know my limitations,” Kenshin states with a smile.

I roll my eyes in disbelief. If I have learned anything, men are much too stubborn.

“After I finish breakfast, I promise that I’ll lie down and rest,” Kenshin says with obvious amusement.

Kenshin is lucky that I’m hungry and can’t cook. If he isn’t lying down and resting after we finish breakfast, so help me, I will find the nearest blunt object and hit him over the head with it. I don’t care if he is my patient!

Kenshin looks back at the fire and says in a soft voice, “I know that you have been hurt before, but you shouldn’t fear me. I promise that I will protect you. I give you my word as the Lord of Harrowfield.”

I am too shocked to respond. He can’t be serious? I can’t help but stare at his stomach and wonder how he’d live up to his word. At the moment, I seriously doubt he could protect me from a spider! Even though the Tuatha De Danann have commanded him to protect me, he can’t possibly believe that he could do so in his current state, could he?

“I don’t make promises often, but when I do, you can expect them to be fulfilled. You may not believe me, but nothing will keep me from keeping my word,” Kenshin says gently while stirring the porridge in front of him.

Even if I could speak, I doubt it would do me any good. For the first time in my life, I am too puzzled to even think up a response. The girl that Souzou once commented could never be caught off guard during a debate is now silenced of all thought! Just when I think I have Kenshin figured out, he surprises me all over again.

“Here’s some food. I know it’s not much, but we need to ration our supplies,” Kenshin says sympathetically.

I look up at the man sitting in front of me and give him a halfhearted smile. No matter how kind or polite he is, there has to be a catch. No one would just take in a complete stranger without a motive. He may seem innocent and caring with those large violet eyes, but he’s just interested in the information I can give him. Once he knows that my father’s men killed Akira, he will kill me as well. Promise or not, revenge takes higher precedence. He is a man after all! The only trustworthy men in this world are my brothers and even they have let revenge get the better of them! If they could kill a man for raping me, what’s to stop Kenshin from killing my brothers and I for Akira’s death?

“You haven’t touched your food. Are you okay?” Kenshin asks in concern.

I nod my head yes and start to eat my food intently. I really need to start controlling my emotions if I ever expect to get out of Kenshin’s grasp unharmed. I cannot complete my task only to see my brothers and I die by the hands of an enemy! I will die with my secret if that’s what it takes.

The rest of breakfast was spent in silence; both of us not knowing how to address one another. Kenshin attempted to start a conversation numerous times, but each ended unsuccessfully. Just the sight of it brought a smile to my face. I’d expect a Lord such as Kenshin to be highly composed, but instead he is strangely self-conscious. Maybe he’s starting to regret telling me so much about himself? Even though I can’t talk, it must be embarrassing. After all, I have only known him for a short time. I wonder why he chooses to confide in me?

Suddenly I hear a strange noise from outside the cave. It sounds like an animal, but what type is a mystery. In all my years, never have I heard an animal call like this one.

Kenshin smiles as the noise grows louder. In response he imitates the call and silently listens to his surroundings. After a minute of waiting the same sound is uttered once more. This exchange repeated twice; each time growing steadily closer.

With a relieved look upon his face, Kenshin comments, “It looks like we are about to receive some company.”

In a matter of minutes Kiyoshi and Jiro are at the mouth of the cave smiling back at us.

“I thought I told you two to leave with or without us. Can I not trust anyone to follow orders?” Kenshin replies with a scowl.

“Did you actually think we would listen to you? It’s a good thing too seeing that you’re injured. What did you expect to do, let the girl carry you?” Jiro replies with a smirk on his face. “I wouldn’t be much of a friend if I left you alone to fend for yourself.”

“I’m surprised that you are so concerned about my welfare,” Kenshin retorts with amusement.

“I’m not! I didn’t want to go back home and face your mother,” Jiro replies in the manliest voice he could muster. “Plus, I doubt Kiyoshi would make much of a Lord. No offense, Kiyoshi.”

“No offense taken. I would rather remain a kinsman. I doubt I could ever fill Kenshin’s shoes,” Kiyoshi replies with a smile on his face.

I look back at Kenshin to find his face beet red. I can’t believe it. I expected to see a stoic, amber eyed Lord, but instead I am faced with an embarrassed, violet-eyed Kenshin. Maybe he isn’t as reserved as I thought he was?

“I’m touched that you guys came back for me, but next time I expect you to follow orders. What if you two were killed looking for us?” Kenshin replies seriously.

“As long as you don’t command us to do something stupid like leave you behind again,” Jiro retorts wickedly.

“I wouldn’t be stupid enough to make the same mistake twice,” Kenshin replies with a smile.

With that, Kiyoshi firmly places an arm around Kenshin’s waist and starts to support his weight. We slowly start walking away from the cave towards the coast.

*******

The rest of the trip was uneventful. We met a man who took us aboard his ship and I spent most of my time seasick. I had once been warned by Tsunan about the rough waters, but I never expected the feeling to be so horrible. You could only imagine my relief when we hit land. At the moment I didn’t really care where I landed, just as long as the ground was steady underfoot.

When we made it to shore, we were met with horses and escorts. Somehow, while we were traveling, word was sent of our arrival and I couldn’t be happier. Even though I felt everyone in our greeting party glaring at me, I couldn’t care less. The fact that we were no longer on the boat or traveling on foot was a relief. I knew that I should be nervous about entering the house of Harrowfield, but I was much too tired to think. I slept soundly knowing that the horse would be able to find its way without my assistance.

I don’t know what I expected when I arrived at Harrowfield, but seeing the entire household and staff awaiting our arrival wasn’t one of them. It's not the fact that everyone is outside awaiting their Lord that surprises me so much as the fact that they are waiting so formally. Back at home the entire household would greet our new arrivals with cheer and gaiety. Here everyone has lined up in rows and seems to hold back their emotions. From the way everyone in the household is acting, I would have never guessed that Kenshin, Kiyoshi and Jiro had been gone for more than a couple of hours!

“I’m happy to see that you are well Shinta,” an older woman says solemnly while guiding us towards the door, “but I was hoping that you would bring back your brother instead of some Irish peasant.”

“She is a guest in this house and I expect everyone to treat her as such. You wouldn’t want her to have a bad impression of our kingdom, now would you mother?” Kenshin warns.

The woman looks at Kenshin in shock before replying, “If that is what you wish, though I do not favor having an Irish girl in the house. That won’t settle well with the neighboring kingdoms.”

Upon entering what looks to be the banquet room a man with dark brown hair and a long beard replies, “I agree with your mother. You disappoint me boy. You might not find the Irish an enemy, but you disregard the feelings of everyone else around you. People might start to think that you are a sympathizer.”

“I doubt who I hold as a guest will make a difference in your campaign. They have continued to follow you despite not having the support of my kingdom, so why would one girl residing in my estate change their opinion? We have no part in this battle between you and Sevenwaters and I have made that clear several times before,” Kenshin retorts in a matter of fact tone.

“Oh, but it does matter. As my nephew and my daughter’s future husband, the politics of Northwoods and Harrowfield are one and the same. Not to mention, what will it look like if you harbor a female in your house? People might start to think that you would rather be with an Irish whore than my dear Tomoe,” the man remarks callously.

I would have pounded the man’s face in if it weren’t for Jiro holding me back. Knowing that fighting Jiro would be senseless I instead resort to giving Kenshin’s uncle the stare of death. I don’t care if the man is family; I will not allow anyone to talk about me in such a manner.

“So the girl understands English? I don’t know many Irish people smart enough to understand the complexity of learning another language. The Irish aren’t the smartest of people you see,” he scholarly lectures.

“Is there a point to your mindless rambling?” Kenshin replies sharply.

“Well, if you had more patience you would find out, wouldn’t you? As I was saying, the Irish aren’t the smartest people. They can’t distinguish their arms from their legs, none the less understand the complexity of the English language,” Kenshin’s uncle states pitilessly.

All I can think about is killing the man speaking in front of me. What nerve to speak about someone in such a manner? It’s one thing to talk to an enemy on the battlefield like that, but to speak to a female guest in such a way is beyond disrespectful. I understand that my people aren’t on the best of terms with his, but I hold no threat to the man. I’m just a girl! I have no part in the politics of my country.

“Gohei, can you please get to the point. Despite the fact that I don’t agree with my son’s choice in guest, my son has demanded she be treated as such,” Kenshin’s mother replies firmly.

“Of all people, I would have thought you’d take my side, Sakura. It’s a sad day when one’s sister turns against you,” Gohei replies pitifully. “As I was going to say, the only Irish people that I know of that make a point of learning English are those who reside in the halls of Sevenwaters. Lord Koshijiro, being the demon that he is, raised six sons and one daughter all for the purpose of destroying the British. I hear that even the daughter is trained in the arts of war! If this is true, I could only imagine the possibilities one could have with a woman gathering intelligence. He is an untraditional fighter and therefore I would not put something like this past him.”

“That is nonsense. What type of father would purposely put his daughter in such a dangerous position?” Kiyoshi replies while rolling his eyes.

“Oh, but I wouldn’t put something like that beyond him, especially now that I hear that Lord Koshijiro’s children have all gone conveniently missing. My informants have given me word that the man has lost all his children in one night. No one knows where they have gone to. It’s almost as if they just vanished,” Gohei remarks while glancing towards me.

“That’s horrible. I couldn’t imagine losing seven children in a matter of one night. He may be an Irishman, but I pity the man. No parent should face the loss of a child,” Sakura states painfully.

“That is true, but I wouldn’t feel too sympathetic for him. The way that he and his wife are frantically searching for their daughter makes me want to believe that the disappearance of Koshijiro’s children is just an act. Why would they only search for their daughter and not theirs sons? I’m sure that he staged his children’s death as a way for him to create a shadow army. The girl must have rebelled and ran away.” Gohei replies while measuring my reaction.

“That’s just plain insanity! Even if the man is willing to put his daughter on the line, what could a girl with no title or status achieve? No man worthy of being spied on would tell a peasant girl all his secrets. If he wanted to use her as a spy, he would use the girl’s status to get information on the Lords in his court. All he would have to do is marry off his daughter to a questionable man in his alliance and have her report what he is up to,” Kenshin replies calmly.

“Like I said before, the Irish aren’t known for their intelligence,” Gohei retorts back as if the statement alone could explain any puzzling behavior his Irish enemy might demonstrate.

“If that is so, I’m sure you will do fine without my services. I’m sure a military genius such as yourself can easily defeat Sevenwaters and their allies with little problem,” Kenshin replies triumphantly at the sight of his uncle’s now enraged face.

“That is quite enough! An argument such as this is not suited for women’s ears. You two can continue to argue, but at least allow the rest of us to leave,” Sakura replies in anger. The tone of her voice is uncanny to Kenshin’s authoritative one. I definitely know where Kenshin learned to command a presence.

“I’m sorry mother. I was being thoughtless,” Kenshin replies with a slight bow.

Now facing me he replies, “I hope you will also forgive me. It was wrong of my uncle and I to fight in front of you. Wouldn’t you agree Gohei?”

“Of course I would agree. After all, this is not my house. If it were, this discussion wouldn't be taking place. I am sorry that I must cut my visit short, but I have business at home that must be taken care of. Tomoe is a competent girl, but she is a woman after all. Taking care of the business of an estate is much too difficult task for a woman,” Gohei says waiting for Kenshin to make a retort.

Kenshin doesn’t take the bait and instead remains silent.

“Aw, must you leave so soon after your arrival. I’m sure a couple more hours wouldn’t hurt. It’s been such a long time since I last saw you,” Sakura finishes with a pout.

“A couple hours isn’t much to pay for my little sister’s happiness,” Gohei replies with a smirk meant to anger Kenshin. Kenshin dismisses the gesture as if he hadn't noticed it, which only caused Gohei to be further angered.

“We have so much to catch up on. Why don’t we go to the sitting room and talk over some food and drink?” Sakura happily says while leading her brother out of the room.

“You all have had a long day. Why don't you men retire while I show the girl to her room? Oh, how rude of me, I’m Mine, Kiyoshi’s wife. May I ask what your name is?” a tall brunette replies beside me.

I am in too much shock to attempt communication. I had expected everyone in the household to treat me like Kenshin’s mother and uncle had, yet here is a woman who is smiling and patiently awaiting my response. What’s even stranger is the fact that no one noticed that I couldn’t talk. Do these people really think I would sit back and say nothing?

“We don’t know her name. She doesn’t have the ability to speak,” Kenshin replies slightly embarrassed at the situation.

“What do you mean she doesn’t have a name? What have you been calling her?” Mine replies in shock.

“Well, actually, we’ve just called her girl,” Jiro replies while staring at the floor.

“And you allowed this girl to remain nameless Kenshin? I’d expect you of all people to be more thoughtful!” Mine sighs in disappointment.

“You know how bad we men are at thinking up names. We just thought that you might be able to help us,” Kiyoshi replies back calmly.

“You may be my husband but that doesn’t mean that I’ll be any easier on you. If the girl doesn’t slap you for disrespecting her I will gladly do so for such a horrible excuse,” Mine replies now infuriated.

“Now you’ve really done it Kiyoshi. You’ve been home for less than an hour and have already angered your wife,” Jiro chuckles.

“Excuse me? I’d appreciate it if you allow me to deal with my husband without your interruption,” Mine growls.

As fast as he could, Jiro runs behind Kenshin in fear. Seeing the way in which Jiro reacted to her remark, I can’t help but admire the woman. I am quite sure that the two of us will get along splendidly.

“Mine, since we have been so horrible as to neglect naming the girl, would you help us? I’m sure you wouldn’t want a bunch of ignorant fools naming the poor girl,” Kenshin bows down with a slight smirk.

Slapping Kenshin’s arm jokingly Mine giggles, “Don’t degrade yourself in such a fashion. It’s not fitting of a Lord. As for those two, I would have to agree with your statement. I wouldn’t trust them with naming a vegetable!”

Wrapping his arms around Mine's waist, Kiyoshi replies with a pout, “Would you even deny me the honor of naming our child? I highly doubt that our child’s name would be less important than a vegetable's.”

“Of course I wouldn’t! I’m not that vicious. Can’t any of you take a joke?” Mine retorts teasingly.

“Hmm, can’t a husband find an excuse to hold his wife and child?” Kiyoshi teases back.

“I know that it’s been a long time since you’ve seen each other, but please, can you stop with the cuddling. It’s making me sick,” Jiro states in irritation.

No words were needed to make Jiro evident of his bad choice of words. Everybody glares at him as if he had just interrupted the telling of a tale right in the middle of a climatic event. To say that he is feeling out of place would be an understatement.

“I’ll overlook your comment and blame it on lack of sleep,” Mine says still slightly agitated.

Jiro smartly does not comment and hides behind Kenshin once more.

Smiling brightly at me, Mine asks, “What should we call her?”

“I don’t know. That’s why we asked for your help,” Kiyoshi smiles back at his wife.

“You don’t even have any ideas? You men really do need help!” Mine replies playfully.

Gazing intently at my face Mine remarks, “Her eyes are the loveliest blue I’ve ever seen. They remind me of the ocean. I’m sure that with a little more meat on her she is quite the beauty.”

“Now that I have more time to actually look at her, I have to agree. Wouldn’t you Kenshin?” Kiyoshi replies with a smirk on his face.

After the initial shock of being asked such a question Kenshin replies, “I think we should call her Marina.”

I don’t know what was more embarrassing, the compliments made by Mine and Kiyoshi or the mischievous grin currently being shared between the two! Whatever they are planning, I’m sure it isn’t any good.

“That’s a lovely name Kenshin,” Mine replies with a smile. “Do you approve?” Mine asks me.

I nod my head in agreement. It might not be the name I am used to, but who am I to complain? It could be worse; they could have decided on Jenny!

I look towards Kenshin to find him smiling back at me. Strangely, his gaze makes me feel self-conscious and vulnerable. I can’t afford to let my guard down and thus look down at my feet in embarrassment.

“I’m happy that is settled. I’m sure that Marina in tired. I’ll show her to her room while the rest of you can go to bed. Don’t worry Kiyoshi, I’ll be in bed shortly,” Mine replies while giving her husband a wink.

I follow Mine out of the room and up a grand staircase illuminated by several mounted candles. The effect against the red and gold paint on the walls is quite eerie. I can’t help but feel uncomfortable.

As we hit the end of the long staircase, Mine states, “Normally I would have used the main staircase, but this one is much easier for me to climb. I hope you understand.”

I nod back in shock. There is a grander staircase than this one? I didn’t think a staircase could get gaudier than this? If I lived in a house this decorated you'd never find me cooped up behind the walls. Everything is so immaculate that it feels unlivable. How these people can feel at home is beyond me!

“I know tonight wasn’t much of a welcoming, but I hope that you realize that not everybody hates you. Everybody in this household trusts Kenshin and will eventually come to except you. Though I have to say that if you were able to catch the eye of Kenshin, you must be quite a remarkable girl,” Mine states with a smirk on her face.

I just look back at her in shock. How can she be so bold? I have been in this house for less than a day and already she believes me to have sort of relationship with the man. How preposterous! Why would he look at me when he already has a fiancé?

“I have known Kenshin for a long time and never has he brought someone home from his travels, nor has he ever openly reprimanded his mother on another's behalf. Maybe it’s because you can’t talk for yourself, but somehow I highly doubt it. It’s not like Kenshin to give away his emotions, especially in front of his uncle,” Mine remarks seriously.

I look up at the woman with raised eyebrows. She can’t be insinuating that those two always talk in such a manner?

“You show your emotions so readily. No wonder Kenshin has taken a liking to you,” Mine giggles back in response.

I look back at Mine in irritation. Is she going to give me an answer or not?

“You’re also assertive. You’re definitely a match for Kenshin,” Mine amusedly replies.

After a slight pause Mine says in a serious voice, “To answer your inquiry, Kenshin and his uncle don’t get along. Despite the fact that Gohei helped Kenshin learn the business of the estate, Kenshin has always hated the man.”

I obviously failed to hide my shock because Mine smiled back at me in amusement.

“I had the same reaction when I heard that from Kiyoshi. When I asked Kenshin why he held such resentment towards the man he replied that he couldn’t trust a man that his father was weary about. Kenshin highly respected his father and has managed to handle the estate in his father’s image. Lord Hiko was a strong believer in staying out of others conflicts and thus Kenshin has managed to stay out of the war. Kenshin has never admitted his reasoning behind remaining neutral to anyone other than my husband, Jiro and I. I think Kenshin enjoys infuriating Gohei to no end.”

To that I can only inwardly chuckle. I really wouldn't blame the man for trying to anger his uncle. From what I've seen, the man is insufferable. If I were in Kenshin's position, I would also be tempted do the same.

“Don't let Kenshin know that I told you this. He wouldn't appreciate involving people in his politics. The only reason I got involved in this whole thing is because Kenshin knows that Kiyoshi and I hold no secrets from one another. I figure that you should know what you are getting into. Gohei will not take your presence with good humor,” Mine states with concern.

“Here is your room. When you wake up just go down the stairs we took earlier and follow the hall to the right. At the end of the hall you will find the kitchen and someone who will prepare you something to eat. I am an early riser so feel free to visit me upstairs. One of the staff will be more than willing to show you the way if you get lost. Do you have questions or concerns?” Mine says with a sweet smile plastered on her face.

I nod no in response. Living in a big house like this isn't too unusual for me. The fact that I can't speak might be difficult, but I'm sure I can get along well enough.

“Good. I'll be expecting a visit. It will be nice to have a friend to talk to for once. Good night Marina.”

As soon as Mine left, I closed the door behind me with an inward sigh. It's only been one night and I've already been met with disdain, created an argument between the Lord of the house and his family, and received a new name. The only good thing that has happened so far is that I made a new friend.

*******

I can't sleep so I decide to take a walk in the garden I saw through my bedroom window. The garden is nothing like the one I tended to at home, but is just as calming. I can't help but notice that the grounds are much better kept. I am slightly envious of the people who get to see this garden everyday. It might not be the largest garden, but it is obvious that the grounds keeper puts all of his love into his job. The people under Kenshin's rule must be extremely content to so lovingly uphold their tasks.

Why would Kenshin bring me here? I'm sure that my presence in his house will upset his followers. Why would he risk disappointing his subjects for an enemy? I am just a burden the Tuatha De Danann set upon Kenshin. I wouldn't be surprised if Kenshin hated me.

“I couldn't sleep either,” a gentle male voice says behind me.

I look upon Kenshin in awe. How did he walk up on me unnoticed? Never have I known a man who can walk so quietly.

“I'm sorry if I disturbed you from your thoughts. Do you mind if I join you?” Kenshin replies solemnly.

Shaking my head no I sit down on a nearby bench. Kenshin takes the invitation and sits down next to me.

“My land might be peaceful, but that doesn't mean that you should be walking around by yourself. I have just as many friends as I do enemies,” Kenshin states with concern.

What does he think he is? Does he seriously think that I will allow him to monitor my every move like a prisoner? If that's the case, he might as well save the effort and lock me up!

“I don't know what my uncle will do now that he knows that I'm holding an Irish woman as a guest. My uncle holds a strong spy network and will more than likely use it against you. I told you once that I would protect you and I plan to keep to my word. Kiyoshi, Jiro and I will take turns watching you while you are outside the palace walls. I would not take such precautions unless I felt you were in danger,” Kenshin replies sympathetically.

I nod my head in defeat. I might not like what he is proposing, but he has a point. It would be all too easy for him to take me out while I'm alone and blame it on some angry villager. It's not like Kenshin's uncle is the only one who will have a problem with me.

“It's getting much too late to be outside,” Kenshin remarks while standing up beside me. Reaching a hand out towards me, he continues, “I'll escort you to your room.”

Taking the hand offered to me, I quickly stand up and follow Kenshin's lead. Silently we walk side by side toward my room both unwilling to break the comfortable silence.

“I'll be busy working in the fields tomorrow so I probably wont see you until tomorrow evening. If you need to go out, Kiyoshi will escort you. Promise me that you wont give the man any problems,” Kenshin says playfully.

I glare at Kenshin angrily. How dare he make a statement like that? What does he think I am going to do... run away in the middle of enemy territory?

Kenshin laughs full heartedly before replying, “I'm just teasing you. It's getting late, so I'll let you go to bed. Good night Marina.”

I nod back in appreciation before entering the room. If I ever plan on finishing my task I can't afford to put my work aside. Tomorrow I will try to ask Mine for my much needed supplies and where I might find a place to gather Figwort. The sooner I fulfill my task, the quicker I'll be able to leave.