AN EXPLORER

I stared at the map.

It was an image of Japan.

Each samurai clan had its region and I would need to be wary of this as I explored. I could not afford to enter the wrong territory.

If there was no choice I would do so stealthily but like I say, I would only make my way into a rival clan’s region if I had no other choice but to do so. I guess I would know soon enough when my seito (student) Kenji returned with a more important map.

As I thought this he burst through the sliding door holding a scrap of paper in his hand. I commanded him to take his shoes off before stepping on the tatami.