Bridge of Swords Read Online Free PDF Page B

much to ask him to do. Not even for Asami. No, he would hurry back to his father’s villa, deliver the scroll, pick up the children and forget all about it. Much safer.
    ‘Is that the scroll?’ Asami asked.
    Sendatsu nearly dropped it in his surprise, as Asami and Sumiko walked into the room. Sumiko, the head of the Magic-weavers, had taught them both magic, years ago. For the son of Jaken, who was hated by the Magic-weavers, it had not been a pleasant experience.
    ‘Just give us the scroll, Sendatsu, and we shall make everything else happen. You need not bother yourself with it any more,’ Sumiko said brightly, stepping forwards.
    ‘I can’t — there are Council Guards on the way here. My father knows about it — if he does not receive it …’
    ‘It is even more important than we thought,’ Sumiko breathed. ‘Council Guards? We don’t have much time. Give us the scroll and we’ll make it look as though your home was robbed and ransacked.’ She glanced around the room. ‘It won’t take much effort.’
    Sendatsu held onto the scroll.
    ‘What will you do with it?’ he demanded.
    ‘Save the elves. Protect Dokuzen. Make a better life for everyone,’ Sumiko said enticingly.
    ‘Everyone? Or just you?’ Sendatsu’s memory of her classes made his voice harsh.
    ‘Don’t be a fool. This is far beyond you. Leave the big decisions to those who are able to make them,’ Sumiko insisted.
    ‘No.’ Sendatsu clutched the scroll to his chest.
    ‘Sendatsu — please?’ Asami asked softly. ‘Do you want to see your father rule Dokuzen as Elder Elf? Who will you be forced to marry then? And what of your children — what control will he have over their lives? Little Mai, the granddaughter of the Elder Elf. He will want to sell her to the highest bidder …’
    Sendatsu tightened his grip. ‘I will never allow that to happen,’ he swore.
    ‘Sendatsu? Where are you?’ another voice called, and the tramp of booted feet on tiles reached into the room.
    ‘The Council Guards — quick, give us the scroll!’ Sumiko snapped.
    But handing it over would forever set him against his father. Sendatsu froze at the thought. Far easier to do nothing and let others solve the problem for him.
    ‘What is going on here? Why are these Magic-weavers here?’ The squad of Council Guards strode in, making even the airy room seem crowded.
    Sendatsu had served with the Border Patrol, who watched the magic barrier around Dokuzen, but he had little to do with the Council Guards — a small group who existed to do the Council’s bidding and exercise its authority. They were the ones to knock on doors in the middle of the night if you failed to pay taxes or obey Council orders or, worse, challenged your place in society. This squad was ten-strong, and they all looked as though they would be happy to use the swords at their belts. All wore leather armour over red hakama and short kimono.
    ‘I am Tadayoshi Chikata Hanto. My clan leader has ordered me to get a scroll from this house,’ their officer declared. ‘All three of you will accompany me to the house of Tadayoshi Moratsune Jaken for questioning.’
    ‘There is no need for that. These guests were just leaving,’ Sendatsu said hurriedly.
    Hanto swivelled to face Sendatsu and unrolled a piece of parchment. ‘They are not going anywhere. My orders,’ and here he flourished the parchment, ‘are clear. All in this house must come with me. One way or another.’
    ‘This is an insult. Do you not know who I am?’ Sumiko swelled indignantly.
    ‘You are a Magic-weaver and must obey my orders. Now.’ Hanto pointed and his squad spread out.
    ‘Lay hands on me and you will regret it,’ Sumiko threatened. ‘I will not be bullied by a Council thug!’
    Hanto drew his sword, followed by his soldiers. ‘This is your last chance,’ he said stolidly.
    ‘Put up your swords! I am Jaken’s son and this is my house! I will not have swords drawn in here — I shall speak to my father