The Die is Caste
Episode Four: A Bittersweet Homecoming

The young people started their journey back towards village not knowing exactly how long it would take before they would reached their home. They had not travelled more than a few hundred feet, when several of them took off running. Glee filled their hearts as they saw members of their family coming towards them. The reunited group briefly returned to the wagons to retrieve a few bows, weapons and some armor from a few of the dead men. On the return trip the elders refused to answer any questions about why the soldiers died. They only warned the children not to drink any of the water in the center of the town for the next few days.

All of the young people returned home safely, except for one, Hitohana.

"If you had been here, my daughter would not have been taken!", Nareka, exclaimed as he raised his hand to strike his son.

Unlike times past Tora didn't shy away from his father's hand. The blow sent him reeling backwards.

"Forgive me papa-san, but why do you strike me down, when it is your gods that have taken Hito from you, not me?"

Rage filled the older man's eyes as he stepped over to strike his son again. This time however, Tora avoided the blow and pushed his father aside.

"You will strike me no more father and I will not intentionally harm you. I have done you no wrong. Curse your gods if so choose, but if your come at me again, I will defend myself."

Overcome with anger Nareka charged at that young man. Tora fell to one knee. His father tripped over his extended leg and fell head first upon some stones. The blow killed him. Tora cursed the very gods his father claimed to serve. He truly meant his papa-san no harm, but alas the fates had decided otherwise.

Aside from the trials Tora faced, the people of village realized their trouble may only be beginning. Despite the fact that their actions were driven by love to protect their children, they may now incur the full wrath of their lord. Surely Toritofu would not remain idle when he discovered that his soldiers would never return. A quick council gathered to discuss their next steps.

To be continued...