Prologue

The 1168th year IC, during the month of the Boar

Totori III, the Righteous Emperor, is dead – killed alongside the Emerald Champion Daidoji Hachi at the Mountain of the Seven Thunders by an army of the Shadowlands lead by Kyoso no Oni. The entire Emerald Empire is in mourning. This is the first Winter Court without a Toturi on the throne.

Normally, the Emperor sends invitations out for all those he wishes to have attend his Winter Court. This year, the Imperial Family has issued no such invitations. Instead, the Daimyos of the greatest of Rokugan’s houses are attending the Imperial Capital along with the remaining Toturi siblings, Kaneka and Sezaru, to deliberate on who will become the next Emperor. They will decide who will ascend to Emperor.

The coronation is to take place in Toshi Ranbo during the New Year celebrations several months from now…

Next: The Mountain Witch, part 1