Chapter 45 - 50 Summary

Chapter Forty-five deals intricately with the events of the night preceding the Battle of the Pass, in which Takeo and his general Lord Kahei face Lord Saga Hideki and the emperor's troops.

Shigeko is tending the kirin, which is now ill after its long ordeals and journeys. She fears that it is going to die, and is worried about what it symbolizes for her rule and for her love of Hiroshi. As she is consumed with worry over how to preserve the Way of the Huou and what will happen to her father, Shigeko finally declares to Hiroshi that she loves him and that if she is ever free; she will choose him to be her consort. Hiroshi is happy, but is unable to act upon that happiness as they turn to hear the sound of Lord Saga's men pouring through...