Nathan and Shiina remained hidden among the rocks above the shrine path, watching in silence as the procession drew closer.
The horses climbed at a measured pace, iron shoes striking stone in a slow, steady rhythm that echoed faintly through the cold mountain air. Mitsuhide rode at the front with the same calm authority as before, his posture straight, his expression unreadable. Behind him came his soldiers, his attendants, and Genzo, dragged along like little more than a burden.
Shiina rested one hand on the hilt of her sword, her impatience growing harder to hide with every passing second.
"Do we attack?" she asked at last.
"Not yet," Nathan said, his eyes never leaving Mitsuhide.
"We cannot let them enter the shrine."
"I know," Nathan replied. "And we will not."
