Sweating and panting, Tanaka stormed up the long path to the house. In his arms he carried two katana, a quiver full of arrows and a bow. Dirt and leaves were still stuck to the string.

The trees rustled above him. Thunder shattered the silence in the house as he tore open the door. Startled, Yuriko flinched as she saw her husband like a sudden apparition.

"You're back!", she threw herself around his neck and kissed his cheeks.

He dropped the weapons. They fell clattering to the ground, metal on metal and wood, and hugged his wife so tightly that she gasped.

"You're shaking.", Yuriko grabbed his face with both hands.

Sweat glistened on his forehead.

"We have to go!", his words were almost overflowing with haste. "We have to go now!"

Confused, she shook her head.

Awakened by the loud voices, Jin raised his head with difficulty. Pain numbed his limbs. He felt as if his stomach would have to empty at any moment. Acid scratched his throat.

As he managed to sit up, the blanket slipped into his lap, exposing his torso. Thick bandages pressed against his sweaty skin. Everything was spinning and he had to squint several times to avoid falling.

On shaky legs, he made it to the door and opened it to catch a glimpse of the room next door. Surprised, Yuriko and Tanaka paused in their conversation as the samurai appeared in the doorway.

"Heavens!", Yuriko rushed to his aid before he could lose his footing and fall. "You shouldn't move, Lord Sakai!"

Jin's breath rattled in his lungs. Everything blurred before his eyes.

"Can you walk?", Tanaka asked him.

Jin frowned, his teeth clenched.

"I... think so...", his dark eyes wandered around the room. "Where is... she?"

Tanaka helped him sit down by the fire.

"Who?", he asked.

With a sigh, the samurai warmed his hands and chest. Golden rays kissed his pale skin, making the beads of sweat sparkle.

"Her...", he couldn't remember your name, his mind refused to obey his command.

Suddenly, pain struck him with an irrepressible force. Panting, he doubled over, pressed his hands to his wounds and cursed himself for still being alive. Tears welled up in the corners of his narrow eyes.

"I'm here.", with quick steps you climbed out of the garden and back into the house.

You put the basket full of herbs down next to the fire and put a hand on his shoulder. As before, you were amazed at how soft his skin was. Scars adorned his shoulders.

When he lifted his head to look at you, he was shaking so badly that you thought he was having a seizure. Carefully, you sat down next to him, touched the hand he was holding on the wounds and looked up at him.

You silently asked for permission. He nodded and let you guide his hand. Blood oozed from between his fingers. Without the pressure on the wound, it bled without stopping.

"I might have to sew again.", you gave him a gentle smile. "Unfortunately, I don't have any anaesthetics. It's going to be painful."

Narrowing his eyes, he let out a defiant snort.

"I'm not afraid of pain.", growled Jin.

Restless, Tanaka began to exchange glances with Yuriko. He still hadn't told her why he was in such a hurry. And the fact that Jin was now on his feet seemed to worry him more than please him.

"We don't have time.", he finally said. "We have to go."

"Why?", your attention was still on Jin's bandage.

You weren't sure whether it was a good idea to take everything off now and treat the wounds. In the worst case scenario, the samurai would have to endure a few more hours before things became critical.

At a silent request from her husband, Yuriko disappeared into the bedroom. From the sounds of it, it sounded like she was packing, frantically and only the bare essentials.

You frowned. Your hand came to rest on Jin's thigh. He seemed to relax at your touch, took a deep breath and closed his eyes. His head tilted to the side and you allowed him to rest against your shoulder.

"The Mongols.", Tanaka could hardly organise his words as excited as he was. "They wandered through the woods. When I went to get your weapons. I don't think they're far away."

Your heart leapt. Fear choked your throat, so much so that you didn't even realise how you were digging your nails into Jin's skin. It was only when he clasped your hand in his and squeezed it gently that you woke up from your stupor.

"Apologies.", you wanted to pull away but he held you tight.

As if he didn't want you to leave him.

"The Mongols... are a strong... enemy.", he managed to half-smile. "But I... will stand up to them... to the death."

There it was again, that stupid sense of honour. He would fight even if he was definitely not able to. Frowning, you pulled your hand back.

"I didn't save you so that you could die.", you rose from the ground in a swift movement. "How far away are they?"

Tanaka shook his head. He was still completely out of breath.

"I - I don't far. Half a day, maybe."

"Have they seen you?"

"No! No, I don't think so."

Nodding, you looked around. Thoughts and plans filled your head. It would be better to run instead of trying to hide.

But then there would still be no safe place. Except one that nobody knew. A legend.

"Tanaka.", you looked at him full of hope. "Do you remember where that island was that you were talking about?"

He looked at you, confused. Then he nodded.

"I can draw you a map, but you'll have to make it to the village yourself.", he said, but hesitated when his eyes fell on Jin. "What's happening with him?"

Jin let out a bloodthirsty growl.

"I'll fight!", he hissed.

You rolled your eyes, annoyed.

"I will take him with me."

"I will stay!"

"Nobody asked for your opinion, samurai."

"Do you want to enslave me now, Mongol?"

"She's not Mongolian.", Tanaka said suddenly. "And... she saved your life, Lord Sakai. Until you're healthy again it's best to stick together."

"Then you'll be able to fight.", you agreed. "But until then, stay with me. Otherwise you will die an honourless death. An infection, for example. Or the fever you still have."