Price To Pay

A heavy price had been paid though, and not just in the number of samurai that I lost.

"You are right", I replied, "I am forsworn before the Spirits. However, even they can be bought off with offerings and good works. And if that is insufficient to wipe away my deed, well, not even Purgatory is forever. Then, once I have paid my debt, even I, a perjured liar, will be free to walk in Paradise. You were a fool to offer the terms that you did and Uncle was a fool to have accepted them. He may have died not knowing what he was, but you will.

"Before I execute you, you piece of Kimasharu filth, you should know that before departing on this expedition, I swore before the Spirits to see you and your rabble smashed for ever. As I stand here, I know that I have fulfilled my word.

"During the parley, you put it very nicely when you said ‘It is better for one man to die for the greater good than many to be slaughtered for little purpose.’" So, I am content to pay the price that the Spirits will make me pay because now my peasants can now plant their crops with the knowledge that it is they who will harvest them, their women will be able walk the roads safe from being ravished and their young children will grow up to see their grandchildren.

Then, I removed his head off with my sword.