"I do not understand," said Shahai, Dark Daughter of the Shadowlands. "What purpose will be served by this assault? Are we interested in repeating the mistakes of the past?"

"Not at all, my dear." Daigotsu's voice was smooth and calming. Shahai had always found it attractive in the past, but over time she found it more and more irritating? Was there nothing that could arouse the man's ire? "To attack Otosan Uchi with the intent to hold it accomplishes nothing. The clans would unite against us. You are very much correct in that it would serve no purpose."

"Then why do we bother? We have our empire."

The Lord of the Shadowlands chuckled. The mirth in his voice was terrifying. "Because we can. Because we are strong and they," he gestured idly toward the north, "are weak. And when we have laid their greatest city to waste, what shall they do? Unite to face us, or blame one another for the failure to protect the capital? I have seen their clans at one another's throats. I think I know which they will choose."

Shahai scowled. "It is far too great a risk. We stand to lose much."

"Such as what?" inquired Daigotsu. "Every mortal that falls before our armies will join their ranks. The Onisu are beyond the ability of Rokugan's samurai to destroy, and may even grow stronger from the conflict we create. You and I are, to say the least, quite formidable. I see no genuine threat to our cause, Shahai. Unless, of course, you lack faith in your own abilities."

The Dark Daughter's features twisted in irritation. "I doubt nothing. I merely fail to see what we have to gain."

"Then you have clearly not been paying attention, my dear," Daigotsu said, his tone gentle.

Shahai sighed. Even she failed to understand the new Dark Lord's plans at times, but she knew better than to question him once his mind was set. She had not led him astray thus far, and she would follow him. "Hai," she said with a nod.

"Then it is decided," said Daigotsu, clasping his hands with finality. "We will strike a blow against our enemies, both physically and spiritually. Our destiny calls to us in the throne room of the Imperial Palace." He stroked the arm of his Steel Throne thoughtfully and smiled. "The Four Winds have opened the door for us. It is time to step through."

"What of the Wall? How can we retain control of the Kaiu Wall if our forces are moved northward?" Shahai was not yet ready to concede.

"We will leave a force behind to defend our interests on the wall, of course," said Daigotsu. "You should not concern yourself with such things, Shahai. After all, is there any other better qualified to lead our forces on the wall than one who spent his life defending it?" He gestured with his long, emaciated fingers to the dark shadows that filled every corner of the temple.

At his command, a dark figure strode from the shadows. Covered in blackened armor that might once have been blue, the massive figure fixed Shahai with an unyielding stare, no trace of emotion evident on its ruined face. At his side, he led a horse that seemed carved from the night itself. "I am ready, Lord Daigotsu," said Hida Kuroda with a bow.

Shahai's malicious laughter filled the temple.