The Twilight War Read Online Free Page A

sensible!’
    Groundspider wagged a finger at her, scowling indignantly. ‘Listen Snowy , you and me have bokken sparring tonight, remember? They might be wooden swords, but –’
    Mantis hid a smile behind his hand. Heron gave Moonshadow a comforting look.
    â€˜Did I miss anything?’ Badger hurried into the kitchen and bowed to Eagle. ‘Forgive my lateness, but –’ he glanced coolly at Moonshadow – ‘I had a mess to clean up.’
    â€˜I’m sorry.’ Moonshadow gestured expansively. ‘I’ll trap them back in my room.’
    â€˜The damage is done,’ Badger frowned, folding his arms. ‘But yes, do that, boy .’
    Moonshadow bowed to the archivist, wondering how angry he really was. Motto and Banken had obviously knocked something valuable over – again. But since Badger was almost always grumpy, it was hard to judge the seriousness of the matter.
    Once a famous writer and teacher, Badger had tutored Moonshadow in battlefield theory and military history. The brilliant archivist could translate books written in foreign languages, design equipment and even crack codes. But despite his many talents, patience and a calm disposition were beyond Badger’s reach.
    â€˜Well now that we’re all here,’ said Eagle, giving Badger a suppressing glance, ‘I have news. Notice how quiet the grounds are? That’s because overnight, virtually the entire floating population of the monastery departed for urgent missions. Around fifty agents. As you know, they would normally be training here or using the monastery as a base for short-range assignments, coming and going disguised as monks, pedlars or artisans. Well, it became necessary to send them all off on pressing eavesdropping missions.’
    â€˜Oh no,’ Heron murmured. ‘What’s happened? What are they out to verify?’
    â€˜All of them? Isn’t that dangerous?’ Mantis gestured at his companions. ‘That leaves only us , the trainers and juniors who live here. If the Fuma should attack –’
    Eagle wagged his head. ‘A chance we have to take. Don’t worry, our boundary guards and hidden alarms remain in place.’ Despite hisheartening tone, dread flickered in Eagle’s eyes. ‘It was a close decision, but the risk was justified. The Shogun, you see, believes that the web of treason against him now widens fast, drawing in more disloyal nobles and rich, opportunistic merchants. It was our master himself who sent me a lengthy list of names – fresh suspects – that he fears may have joined this conspiracy. His concerns demand urgent action of course, and …’ He paused. ‘I’m afraid there is more.’
    A flurry of uneasy looks crossed the brief silence. Eagle noted them and went on.
    â€˜Another rumour came my way yesterday which must also be evaluated quickly. If it proves true, it will change everything.’ Eagle looked straight at Moonshadow. ‘Your first mission ignited several sparks. It made Silver Wolf your sworn enemy, and triggered his little scheme involving the White Nun. Happily, it brought Snowhawk into our fold. But it also saw you face – and, as far as we know, defeat – the legendary assassin called The Deathless.’
    â€˜With a little help from a certain oddball temple cat,’ Snowhawk reminded them, glancing sideways at Badger. She held up her palms. ‘I was there, but too badly hurt to fight, and Moon needed all the help he could get. After all, that man was immune to regular sword-cuts!’ She shook her head. ‘A ruthless creature, too. They say he killed his ownmaster, Koga Danjo, the very one who taught him that immunity to blades.’
    â€˜Danjo,’ Heron nodded, ‘a ninja master rumoured to be three hundred years old.’
    â€˜Yes,’ Eagle said. ‘Until supposedly murdered by The Deathless.’ He folded his arms. ‘Well, here