The Twilight War by Simon Higgins Page B

both this evening. You’re then to rest until just before dawn tomorrow, when you must steal horses and set out in the dark. Travel in disguise. Intercept and ambush the Fuma on their journey home.’
    â€˜Shouldn’t we leave right now?’ Moonshadow blurted. ‘They already have a huge lead on us.’
    Mantis wagged his shaven head. ‘That’s true, but think about it,’ he said patiently. ‘Their raiding party was sizeable and even its survivors number quite a few, so they have no choice but to travel on foot. No matter how good their disguises.’
    â€˜Why?’ Groundspider’s face twisted as he tried to figure out what Mantis meant.
    â€˜Of course.’ Heron almost smiled. ‘Any group of non-samurai with so many horses would quickly attract official attention out on the road. Checkpoint barriers aside, any wandering public service samurai might demand to see their travel papers. Inspectors usually report every big group they sight anyway, because despite our new peace, distrust between fiefdoms remains high. The Fuma know all this too, so would egress on foot.’
    â€˜Let’s suppose,’ Mantis nodded, ‘that they break into a forced march as they hit the mountains. I calculate that you’ll still catch them before they can make Fumayama.’
    â€˜I get it!’ Groundspider leered. ‘Hmm … they’ll be exhausted, with many wounded among them.’He clicked his tongue anxiously. ‘But Mant– I mean, master , with all due respect, what if they break into a run up there? What if we just don’t catch them in time?’
    â€˜Then you must pursue them – and Snowhawk – into their lair. At least, if it comes to that, you won’t be going in blind or helplessly visible. Thanks to Brother Badger.’
    Groundspider and Moonshadow exchanged looks, then both rounded on Badger.
    The archivist thatched his fingers together and smiled with a faintly superior air. ‘Yes, yes, I have mission-specific gear for you. Ashiko foot spikes, in case ice-crossings are required. And two sets of the latest Grey Light Order stealth suits, developed only recently, still awaiting field trials. They’re tough, warm, and dyed in earth-tones, with colour-matching leg armour and lightweight, fish scale-style gauntlets.’
    Groundspider’s face wrinkled with scepticism. ‘But will they make us invisible?’
    â€˜Rock-coloured suits and armour? No.’ Badger sighed triumphantly. ‘But my latest camouflage invention has that problem covered! Your suits come with the device already fitted, ready to deploy. I call it the ninja rock-trick cloak!’ He raised his chin.
    â€˜Strong name.’ Groundspider blinked. ‘And … just what does it do?’
    Mantis waved a hand. ‘Badger will demonstrate the invention before you leave. Remember, if you catch the Fuma in the open, you won’t need any of this equipment.’
    â€˜Don’t worry,’ Badger put in helpfully, ‘it may all be new, but it should work.’
    Groundspider spluttered. ‘Should? Did you just say should? Well if it doesn’t, and I lose my large head, brace yourself for years of creepy noises in those archives!’
    â€˜Creepy farting noises,’ Moonshadow clarified.
    â€˜By all the gods!’ the archivist snapped. ‘It will work, does that make you happy?’
    â€˜No, not really, but what choice –’ Groundspider began.
    Heron quickly held up a finger, silencing the pair. Decorum was restored.
    â€˜Thank you, Sister Heron.’ Mantis smiled. ‘Now, gentlemen, before further detailing your orders, I’ll ask Brother Badger to brief you on Clan Fuma’s unusual home base. I think, with Twilight War upon us, we should all hear it.’ He gave Badger a nod.
    Badger returned a seated bow, then dipped a hand into his jacket. Out came a large, folded piece of pale handmade