Steel and Words

Steel and Words is a short fiction.

Annotated Story


Gusai was the first proper daimyo of the Mantis Clan. He was called into the court of the Emperor to build trade throughout the Empire. Gusai sat in court and said nothing while the courtiers negotiated. After days the Gusai revealed he would speak to no-one but the Emperor and finally said that "speech action are the basis of governing. They can move heaven and earth, but they are not as strong as steel." The Emperor replied; "Show me that steel is stronger, and I will make you a lord of my court." Gusai drew a concealed blade and held it to the Emperor's throat, proving his point. The Emperor acknowledged his point and made Gusai a lord of the Mantis Clan, and the Gusai family name was founded. The Emperor then had the final say, as he signed Gusai's death warrant.

Characters

 * Gusai
 * The Emperor

Not Present, But Mentioned
n/a