Running to catch the others, Lawrence wondered why the White Feather wasn’t simply rushing ahead. She was much faster than the failed mage with her strange magic.

Perhaps she doesn’t want to leave me on my own, though he doubted the assassins would come back simply to pick him off from the group.

Sakura…

“I have a request.”

Haku glanced at him as they ran. “What is it?”

“I need your help to rescue someone.”

They were almost to the ship. Together they slowed, both of them understanding that if there was another fight ahead of them, that being winded at the onset would do no one any good.

“I have a duty to protect the heirs—the Princess.”

“Once she’s on the ship with Arduani, she’ll be safe,” Lawrence said. “For some reason they want you.”

Haku stopped. “What do you mean?”

“Someone took a woman who means a lot to me. Whoever this man is, he told me to meet him—and to bring you.”

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The White Feather visibly tensed.

“What is it? Do you know who he is?”

She nodded.

“Will you help me?” She said nothing, so Lawrence persisted. “Haku?”

“I do not know if I can beat him.” She turned, began to walk in a fast gate in the direction of the ship, which was now visible to Lawrence through the trees as they traversed down the last hill on the dirt path, the trees and the undergrowth swaying in the wind.

She can’t beat him?

“I’ll be there to help you,” he offered. She looked at him and he could tell that she doubted. “They’re going to kill her if I don’t bring you,” he added, feeling a pang of fear in his stomach. His throat felt tight. “Without her, the Princess wouldn’t even have a chance at escape. It’s her ship, the Akaima Dancing Fan.”

The White Feather seemed to mull it over as she stared at the ground. They walked on. She said nothing as they regrouped with the others at the docks.

I have to convince her, he thought. I have to find a way to make her come with me, or Sakura is dead.

Lawrence found that he was making fists with both hands, fingers digging into his palms. If she wouldn’t come, he would have to go without her—simply attack them head on.

Without boarding the ship, he turned to glance up at the hills on the small peninsula jutting out into the sea that created an inlet for the harbor of Yukai City.

“I’ll help you.”

The voice came from behind. With a start, Lawrence turned. He looked at Haku for a moment, surprised. “Thank you,” he said, nodding.

“As you said, the Princess is safe,” she said. “We should depart as soon as possible.”

“I agree,” Lawrence said. “But first, I have to speak with Arduani, “to make sure she doesn’t sail without us.”

“After I aid you,” Haku said, “I will be staying in the city. It is my duty to stay with my daimyō.”

“I understand.”