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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lichtenhart" data-source="post: 343963" data-attributes="member: 761">Shinjo Shono strides through the halls of the Moto Castle. Tough he was far away in diplomatic mission,  Unicorn messengers bore him the news of the Emperor's death in a very short time, as well as his Khan's order to make immediate return to Shiro Moto. Despite being a formidable fortess, Moto Castle was beautiful in its way. Oh, surely it didn't have the grace of Crane Palaces, but it was plesant and comfortable. All sorts of Gaijin gear was aligned along the corridor as he reached for the very heart of the structure: the Hall of  Maps. Every wall in this room was literaly covered by maps, many of lands no Rokugani has ever seen beside the Unicorns, wonderful carpets coming from the west lay everywhere, as well as weapons and armors no Lion or Crab samurai could identify.The Khan was there, sitting on his stone seat, and all the Generals and Daimyos of the Unicorn were gathered to listen to him."His eyes still shine" thought Shono unhindered by age, cares or weariness. "I wish I have his energy at his age."Shono bowed before his Champion then offered his hand in the ancient tradition of the Ujik-Hai favored by Gaheris.The Khan clasped Shono's hand, then rose to his feet.- You know why I summoned you. The Emperor is dead. - "No cerimonies. Straight to the point. The Khan's style." thought Ide Tadaji, the Unicorn's Master Diplomat.- One of the best Emperors Rokugan has ever had, the man who returned from Yomi to serve the Empire, the Emperor who held the Unicorn in high regard was killed by an Oni in Scorpion's lands. - continued Gaheris, the fury in his voice.- His death has to be avenged soon or dishonor shall fall over all the Empire! And to honor his memory we must carry on his will. He wanted us to be his magistrates, to bring justice and honor to all the clans in the Empire, and so we will. I received an invitation by the Lion's Clan Champion to attend with the other Daimyos at a meeting in Otosan Uchi to discuss the succession. -- But he has no rights to call such a meeting! - burst Moto Chen, the young leader of the Junghar.- No, he hasn't. But Tadaji and I will go anyway. I won't put etiquette over loyalty to the Empire for now. Besides, Lion's willingness to speak rather than to fight is... remarkable. -- Indeed. - commented Moto Chagatai, the Khan's only heir and General of the Khol.- I will call you again at my return. - Gaheris walked towards a large map of Rokugan. -In the meantime...Shono, you will lead the investigations at the Great Crater. Chen will give you military support. -- Hai, Gaheris-sama. -- Lixue, I expect you and the Baraunghar to be ready to fight should the Shadowlands attack. No matter where. -- We will be, my Khan. -- Shem-Zhe, you can return to your mission. Now it's even more important. -- I will leave before the evening, my Lord. -- Yue, if you and your family could unravel some of the mistery about this new kind of Oni, and who may have sent it, it would  be great help. -- It will be done, Gaheris-sama. -- Xieng Chi, Chagatai, I charge you with the defense and government of Unicorn lands during my absence. May all of you ride with the wind on your back. You can go now. Chagatai, remain. -The Generals and the Daimyos greeted Gaheris and left the room, leaving only the Khan and his grandson behind.- Anything bothers you, my Khan? -- I am old, Chagatai, everything bothers me. I thought to spend my last days in a peaceful Empire, with the Shadowlands driven back beyond the Kaiu Wall. But the fortunes had other plans. I want you to be strong and wise, for when I'll be no more, you'll have to guide the Unicorn through this difficult times. -- May that day come latest. -- Oh, it will come, it will come... -</blockquote>

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