[Kanji_The_Wanderer]

TATSU

I rushed up to the stone steps of Asgard's castle. The sight was truly magnificent. The white towers that shot up into the sky was a sight that I had never seen before. I wish that I had traveled to the capital earlier in my youth. I would have been more captivated by the view as a young man. With the scarlet note in hand, I addressed the guard standing by the main gate.

"Excuse me sir, I have come to see the King. Here's this note. I was told to come here at this very hour..." The guard looked over the note several times. As if he was trying to catch me in a lie or something.

"Is there a problem?" I said plainly. "No, it's just that we don't get traveling swordsman to see the King. And between you and me, there have been quite a few attempts of assassination. It appears someone wants my Lord's life." I wasn't sure about what to say.

My urgency was of the great importance. And I couldn't stand here and tell this guy about the coming Dragon Army. "Please sir! I must see the King! It is concerning a very serious matter. Whether I speak with him or not, will decide the fate of the land!" I bowed my head low, as to show him the seriousness of the situation. He was baffled. Without further notice, he ran into the castle. I stood there waiting, and in fear that the guard would start a panic in the castle. Rumors of impending doom spread fast.

Not soon later, a different guard came out to see me. "The King of Asgard, his Holiness will see you in the audience chamber." The guard turned and went back inside. I followed closely. The entrance room to the castle was very big, with a tall ceiling. Paintings of Kings that passed were displayed on the walls. A giant flag was pinned up to the side, with the Castle's Royal Seal. I followed the guards down several hallways, into the audience chamber.

The King of Asgard, sat upon his throne, laced with gold and jewels. He wore fine silk, and dark velvet. "Bow before his majesty!" the King's retainer echoed into the room. Without hestitaion, I drop to one knee, and hang my head before him. "Speak citizen. I hear you have an important message for me. Something about the land in peril?" His voice was surprisingly soft. The candles twinkled in his light old eyes.

"Yes your majesty. I have received a warning, during the travels with my four friends. The Dragon Queen; Shakura, grows weary of this war, and has planned to end it, by sending a giant army, of 100,000 Dragon Soldiers, throughout the land, and with attempt to force the humans to submit. I have come here in the hopes that you can supply me with men to repel the Dragon's coming might." I placed both hands flat on the carpet, and put my forehead to the ground. I could show no more greater respect then this.

The room was silent, the King closed his eyes. Sadness filled his face. "You seem sincere young Swordsman..... If what you say is true, may the Gods show us mercy....All our troops are out on the frontlines, pushing back the Dragons there...They have been out for a couple months. The only men I have left, are the Soldiers guarding the city and myself. 100,000 troops you say? This war has raged on for a long time and they still have this many warriors? They are more impressive then I thought. Our human troops grow tired, and few volunteer. We may lose this war."

"No! We cannot give up! If we can kill Shakura then the Dragons wil be in disarray! That would be our chance to infiltrate the Dragon City!"

"You are quite hopeful young Swordsman. But you determination will aid our cause if you are willing to help......Where are your allies now?"

"We slipt up to find troops throughout the land. Myself and one other came to the capital for help. If we are lucky, my friends are gathering armies elsewhere."

"Smart." said the King "I will give you my Elites to travel to the front. You may not survive, but if you know about this surprise attack, then you must have been battling for sometime. If you come back alive with Shakura's head, you will be knighted, and labeled as a Hero. Good luck, and may the Gods show you guidance, and smile upon us."

"Thank you your Highness." I bow again before being escorted in a Guest's Chamber. "Where is your ally, Sowrdsman? You said you brought another with you?"

"Indeed, she is in The Celestial Stars Inn."

"Alright, we will bring her here."