Nakago stood and ordered that his horse be readied as he donned his armor. He then strode out the door. His ability to prepare himself for battle was unnervingly fast. His army itself was already advancing on Tamahome's hometown. Nakago swung up onto his horse and spurred his mount into a mad Gallop, his heart surprising him with the oddly anticipatory emotions. He could see his troops yelling at people to surrender up ahead of him in the town.
Nakago pulled his horse to a halt in front of the men, causing it to rear up onto its hind legs. As he fought for control, he shouted orders at the men not to harm any civilians. The men looked at him, startled. "But sir, many of them are resisting!"
"I don't care if they are resisting.... subdue them without harming the townspeople..." Nakago swung his sword menacingly at the man then regained control of his horse as he spurred it onwards towards Tamahome's house. He spotted two soldiers breaking into the house, and could hear children screaming.
Nakago rode the horse right into the house.... ducking at the low doorway "Stand down...... !!!" He yelled.
The kids were huddled around their sick father and the two soldiers looked at their general in shock.
"Do not harm any Civilians... that is a direct order.... if I find anyone disobeying... I will kill them with my own sword..."
"But sir, they threw rocks at us!"
"Swords in exchange for rocks.... get out of my sight...." Nakago said, swinging down off of his horse.
The children looked at him and stuck their tongues out at the retreating soldiers.
"Are you alright?" Nakago asked.... trying not to look menacing. The oldest of the children nodded quickly.
"I have to go spread the word to the rest of my men.. you stay here and be quiet..... alright?"
The child nodded. Nakago grabbed his horse's reins and dragged it out the door.... then mounted and went about regrouping and punishing his army. Tamahome got home and had talked to his family by the time the general had returned from his rounds. Nakago tied his horse outside of Tamahome's home and knocked on the door... hoping his men are intelligent enough to stay at the camp and not bother the townsfolk during the evening.
A child opened the door. "Ohh, big brother, he's come back!"
"I hope I'm not disturbing you... " Nakago said.... he wasn't even wearing the armor from earlier.
"No..." Tamahome told him, opening the door wider. "You, protected my family, but are you not in charge of the army ransacking the town?"
"Yes, they moved without my orders.... and have been punished accordingly."
"What are you doing attacking the town?"
"I am under order of the emperor of Kutou to take this town....."
"I see... we... have no defense... either..."
"We were ordered only to secure.... not attack.... my men did not understand...."
"I see..." Tamahome was watching him closely, mostly as if he didn't trust him yet.
"I returned because I noticed these children were alone with only a sick man to care for them... but I see they have someone else... so I suppose I needn't worry anymore... "
"I care for them... I try to get them money any way I can."
"If you are in need of anything... let me know and I will supply it."
"..... my father needs to be healed... and we have no food."
"I would like to ask that you try and talk to the other townsfolk for me... to prevent further loss of life due to my barbaric men... but.... if you do not wish to I will still give you food and medicine...."
"You would do that? The townspeople might not listen to me though, I'm not here enough."
"Perhaps your father would speak then... but it is only a request... I will have things sent to you in the morning."
"If he could stand I am certain he would."
"I will return to camp and bring medicine for him then.... as well as food.... do you want to come along and pick things you need?"
Tamahome nodded, still not looking like he trusted.
"Come then..." Nakago told him.
Tamahome walked out with the general, very wary.
"We will walk ... " Nakago said and pulled his horse along... watching Tamahome thoughtfully for a moment. Tamahome followed at his side, being quiet.
"You have a charming family..." Nakago told him, "I am sorry if I frightened them..."
"They are all I have... I would do anything for them."
"It is good to see a young man so dedicated to his family.... I wish I had one to be dedicated to..."
"I see..." Tamahome looked ahead for the camp.
"you don?t like me do you?"
"I don't know you... I'm trying to know if this is real or some trick."
"its alright..... I mean what I say... but I suppose it will take time for you to trust...."
"It always does..."
Nakago nodded... "ahh... here we are.... " He shoved over a sleeping sentry. The sentry sprung into action. Tamahome chuckled some.
"Come.... I will show you what supplies we have.... and you... stay awake... " Nakago said and pointed at the sentry, then walked towards the supply tent. Tamahome followed him, looking for supplies. Nakago pulled out a bag of rice and tossed it on his horse.
"Any fish?" Tamahome asked.
"Some dried fish... if that?s alright?"
"Yes, it is alright. Beggars can't be choosers."
Nakago found a small barrel of salted fish and lashed it to the saddle of his horse along with the rice.
"What about the medicine?" Tamahome asked.
Nakago moved to the other side of the tent and picked up a medics chest, adding a few things to it before Returning to Tamahome's side.
"Thank you... this will do." Tamahome gave him a brief smile.
Nakago nodded and grabbed a small pouch of candied dried fruit for the children before leaving the tent. Tamahome walked back home, leading the horse. Nakago trailed after Tamahome, so he could administer the medicines to the boy's father. Tamahome got the food off the horse and brought it into his house once they had arrived. Nakago followed him in with the chest of medicines and set it up on a table by the sick man's bed. The little ones swarmed around them and cheered as they were brought food. Nakago set about treating the man with some medicines, then propped him up so he could eat as well.
"Thank you." The man whispered.
Tamahome worked on cooking the food.
"Your son is admirable..." Nakago told him, "He works hard to take care of you I see..."
The man in the bed smiled softly. "Yes, he does... he has to go away to make the money."
"If you are not too proud to accept my help... I will ensure your family stays well fed."
"We are not too proud... it seems our own kingdom has abandoned us... seeing they sent no aid when we were attacked."
"My army will remain on the outskirts of this town for a short time... before moving on to Konan... I promise that while we are here we will not bother you."
"I see... and what will happen to us once the capital has been taken?"
"The emperor of Kutou will most likely assign me as ruler of this area... and I will see that it remains unharmed."
"I see..." Tamahome spoke, "Yes... I think our young emperor is unable to govern us as well as we had wanted.... if you do not harm us a new ruler would not bother us..."
"He is rather young. He obviously does not have the experience ruling... and is most likely pampered while the rest of the country is poor..."
"Yes..." Tamahome had an expression of close to hate on his features.
Nakago smiled "I assure you I know what it is like to be poor.... so you have nothing to fear from me when it comes to leading."
"To help the poor who are trying to better themselves but need help is noble."
Nakago nodded "Well... if you are comfortable I will take my leave, I must rest, as I have to drill my men in the morning..."
"When are you leaving for the palace?"
"I will give the men a few days to rest before the siege.. to ensure they are at peak of performance."
"Can I come with you when you do?"
"Of course.... I assume you know how to fight?"
Tamahome grinned. "Very much so."
"Alright then..." Nakago said "Feel free to come to the camp, the men have seen enough of their companions be punished for harming civilians... so you have nothing to fear."
Tamahome nodded and waved him off for the night. Nakago mounted his horse and waved as he rode off to the camp.