Shimizu Kendo had seen much of what had befallen the city, and he had an announcement to make. Any who wanted could appear in court to hear him.
"It is with great satisfaction that I say, with the help of all those here today, we have struck a great blow for the Empire. The forces that marches on this city this day have been defeated.
"It took the strength of many arms to pull victory against these forces. I would like to recognize a few that had a particular impact on this day.
"First, on the walls, our archers were able to thin the attacking forces significantly before they got to our walls. The city would not be standing without their efforts. Daidoji Tetsuko, your arrows struck true and fell many samurai before they could harass our forces. Ikoma Homura, you bring great honor on the Lion by felling 5 samurai before they could get to our walls. Moto Bataar, your clan has only recently returned to the Empire, and if your actions were any guide, we will be all the mightier for it. Osamu, your spells wrecked havoc across their forces while aiding our own, showing the might of the Mantis. And finally, Matsu Mogami, your determination to do your duty showed through as you and your trained budoka killed samurai and ashigaru alike, dropping them like flies. You give should be very proud."
He stands for a time, letting his words sink in.
"Of course, arrows were not alone enough to stop that which came to us. There were those that needed to stand before the charge of the remaining forces and halt them in their tracks. It was a mission that took courage, and the samurai here rose to their duty without fear. Matsu Kōgyoku, Suzume Chihaya, Kayou, and Akodo Touki... thank you for risking your lives for us. Suzume Chihaya and Matsu Kōgyoku showed particular skill in defending this great city. Suzume Chihaya, you are a great example of the might of the Sparrow Clan."
He waits a time again, making sure all present know the deeds of those who did so much.
"Unfortunately, the heroic deeds of those who fought today were but the beginning of the battles to come. We cannot stand against these forces in our current condition. As such, I am ordering an immediate evacuation of all non-residents of this city, and for all those who are residents and are not capable of combat. If you are not from this city and prepared to stand on the walls and in the streets and shed blood for this city, you are hereby ordered to leave for Nikesake."
He takes a deep breath.
"I do not make this decision easily. I have consulted the omens and portents with the help of skilled samurai, and I believe this is the only reasonable path forward. The city does not have the stores to support this many people, and the blow we struck the army today will ensure that they have to spend too many resources to capture this city... unless we have to continue to support everyone in it. Therefore, for the good of the Empire, you must depart.
"Know this, though. Our Empire is safer because of the actions of Togashi Myo-en, Ikoma Toshiko, Togashi Iko, and Isawa Hachi. They went into the mountains to destroy the paths the army could take to strike at the heart of our Empire, the capital. It is because of them that the armies of Toshigoku must go around, buying us precious time to prepare. It is a mighty blow to our city in the future, but it will stand and we will rise again."
He looks down. "It is with humility that I say that the Lion could not have done this alone this day, and we thank our brothers and sisters from the other Clans and the Brotherhood. The residents and refugees in Toshi no Omoidoso thank you. I wish I could do more to honor what you've done for us, but duty demands another course. May we meet again one day, and safe journey to Nikesake."
With that, he sits, heart heavy.
_________________ Lion * Bushi * Governor * Missing Ear Status: 5.0 | Glory: 3.4 | Honor: Exceptional | NPC
Run by GM "Never Messes Up" Lucidicide
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