Tsimaru,

The Unicorn general at the City of the Rich Frog has sent correspondence to his Khan regarding our increased activity along the border. The time has come. Marshal your forces and assemble near the border, then send word to your agents in the Khan’s court. Offer him your unconditional assistance as part of our arrangement regarding Ryoko Owari.

Kumari will look the fool, and you will gain the Khan’s favor. Our alliance with the Unicorn will be cemented, and perhaps in time you will command our combined forces at Kaeru Toshi, not Kumari.

Extend to the Dragon an offer to join us and fight by our sides. They have been our allies for a long time. I expect they will refuse. That is their prerogative. Some among the Dragon may accuse us of treachery. Some might feel we have broken our alliance if we shed one another’s blood.

Such Dragon are fools, as there are fools in every clan. Our true allies know that our bond is deeper than any war, and even to face one another on the field of battle will not sever the purpose we share.

Do not fear to face the Dragon, Tsimaru. Victory will vindicate you.

Sunetra