The warning

I remained silent, my fingers gripping the hilt of my katana. In the faint glow of the lantern, I could barely make out the woman's face—I could tell that it was young and delicate, but her eyes shone with unusual intensity.

I didn't expect to encounter anyone on my mission. Did she appear out of nowhere by accident, or was it for a reason?

"The mountain princess?" I muttered.

I had heard of good witches who lived in the mountains, keeping villagers and their livelihoods safe by maintaining harmony with nature. But I had never met a witch, whether good or bad.

"My name is simply Aiko," she said. "The mountains are my home, and the spirits here watch over me. And I watch over those who live on these lands. That's why they call me the mountain princess." She lowered her lantern. "And you, samurai-sama? Why are you here? Have you come searching for something?"

I froze. How could she possibly know?

Of course, I was in the middle of a cemetery at night. It must be obvious I'm here for a reason.

"Searching? Are you sure, Aiko?"

She sighed, her face growing somber. "Yes. And I fear you might be seeking something too dangerous to be found," she uttered.

Well, she was at least psychic. If I didn't mention it even to Takumi, how could she know about the sword? Just a random guess? I doubt.

"Too dangerous to be found?" I repeated. A suspicion came to my mind. "Are you here to stop me, mountain princess?"

She shook her head. "No. I am not the one to stop you, if you are ready to face your destiny, samurai-sama. But I sense that you aren't ready. Be careful. Grave dangers lie ahead, should you find what you're looking for."

Her words sent a chill down my spine. It didn't help that we were in the dark among the graves. There wasn't even a wind or a sound. The night was still and motionless.

I stared at the huge boulder that must've been hiding something to do with the relic. There was no way I could move it on my own. Something was telling me to walk away.

But I was so close to solving the biggest mystery of Edo-era…

"What are the dangers you speak of?" I asked, struggling to keep the frustration from my voice. "Why do you care what happens to me?"

Aiko lifted the lantern higher again, taking a few steps towards me. "You misunderstand, samurai-sama. You think I stand in your way." I could see her better now. Her face was beautiful, and her long legs were strong and toned. "But I simply sense what lies ahead. The path you seek to tread is fraught with dangers. Whether you're prepared or not, you have to face them. All I can do is warn you and open your eyes to them."

I felt even more unsettled.

"Your hesitation is helping you to choose the right path," she said, setting the lantern down on the ground. "Tell me your name."

I gazed into her eyes. For some reason, I felt I could trust her.

"My name is Matsuda Taro," I said, my voice low.

"So it is," she nodded, raising her hand to touch my face. "I recognize some of the features of a Matsuda." Her hand glided down to my chest and then waist. "Do you want me to help you face the dangers that are to come, Taro-sama?"

Her voice was firm, yet irresistible.

I nodded without thinking. "Yes."

Her hand lingered around my thigh.

"Very well," she said after a few moments. "Here is what you must do." She looked me straight in the eye, and I felt an unusual warmth spreading around my entire body. "In two day's time you will meet me here again at the same time of night." Her hand slid up again, lightly brushing my chin and cheeks. "You are not to drink alcohol or be with a woman until then. You must meditate, have lots of rest, and eat plenty of meat and fish."

I nodded again.

"You are not to breathe a word to anyone else about meeting me," she continued. "As you are not to tell anyone why you are to return here in two days. Don't raise any suspicions by asking others about me. Don't ever mention me at all."

I swallowed hard. "I understand."

She leaned forward, our lips almost touching. "Good. Then I'll see you back here in two nights."

Her words echoed in the silence of the mountain air as she picked up her lantern and turned to walk away. My feet felt very heavy.

"Where are you going?" I asked, not even sure why.

She glanced back. "Many more things must be done," she said quietly. "But don't worry, I'll be here at the agreed hour."

And with that, she disappeared into the darkness with a quiet grace, leaving me alone with my thoughts—and with the aching soul.

Why did I have to find these letters?

Why did my father have to be involved in the mystery of the Sword of Futsunushi?

Why, why, why…

With effort, I turned around, stumbling over a gravestone again. Each step felt extremely difficult, and I was afraid to fall and be unable to move or speak.

I panicked. Falling forward, rather than walking, I reached the spot where Takumi was waiting for me.

"Are you okay, master?" he exclaimed.

"I don't even know which world I am in," I thought.

But I gathered my last strength and sighed. "I'm fine," I replied. "Just a little tired."

"Please, lean on my shoulder, your lordship," whispered Takumi, gazing around. "Let's get home as quickly as possible."

I let him support me as we started to walk down the hill, trying to stay on the narrow path to the house.

"Don't worry," I told him, "The worst is already over…"

As I said it, my gut churned. I knew that the worst was yet to come.