It's a great story with a solid world-building and plot. I highly recommend it.
It is part of a series.

The Game of 100 Candles is a tie-in novel written by fantasy author Marie Brennan (The Memoirs of Lady Trent, The Rook and Rose Trilogy with Alyc Helms) which takes place in the Legend of the Five Rings (L5R) roleplaying/card game universe. It's actually the second book in a trilogy which began with The Night Parade of 100 Demons a few years ago. The book really requires no prior knowledge of the L5R world and can even possibly be read without reading the prior novel, but I would highly recommend that you read the Night Parade first, as much of this book is built on the foundation of that one, and that book was really good.

The Night Parade dealt with two (male) samurai - Dragon clan Samurai/Priest Ryōtora and Phoenix clan Samurai/Scholar Sekken - who, carrying secrets of their own, were investigating supernatural Yokai attacks in a small village...and who in the process fell in love with one another. The Game of 100 Candles follows up on the aftermath of those events as a year has passed since Ryōtora and Sekken have seen each other and the two of them now have to deal with inter-clan politics, issues of bloodline inheritance, and family complications that stand in the way of any potential official match between them...and that's before people start falling into a supernatural sleep in a way that makes it seem like Ryōtora's Dragon clan is at fault.

The result is a story that is in the end incredibly charming as its two protagonist struggle with both their new supernatural problem and the complications involved in their love for one another, which features a number of delightful new characters (Sekken's family in particular) and manages to make an awful lot of frustrating pining and secret-keeping worth it in the end. A very recommended second novel and I can't wait for the third.

Spoilers for Book 1 are below:



Plot Summary:
A year has passed since the events in Seibo Mura, when Agashii no Isao Ryōtora tried to give his life to stop the Night Parade, only for Asako Sekken to give up half his own life's elements to save him. Neither Sekken nor Ryōtora has seen the other man since, even though both pine for the other, so much so that they're each afraid to share their own weaknesses with the other: the fact that they're each now suffering from bouts of tremendous weakness and fragility at random moments that make them unable to function...bouts that their physicians have been unable to make heads or tails of.
But now, Ryōtora has been summoned to the Winter Court to make a case for why the Dragon clan should be allowed to keep watch over Seibo Mura, a cause and people he cares quite deeply about. There he and Sekken will encounter each other once again amidst confusing clan politics, Sekken's family duties and duty to produce an heir that will inherit his inugami Tanshu, and a governor who invites them all to play a game known as 100 Candles where everyone tells haunting stories. And as Sekken and Ryōtora struggle to deal with where they left off in their relationship, they'll be forced together once more when the participants in that Game of 100 Candles start to fall into an everlasting and unshakable sleep and the Dragon clan and Ryōtora starts to get the bulk of the blame.....
In the last novel, Sekken and Ryōtora pined for each other for a frustrating amount of time, as the two struggled with their own secrets and personality issues - both have major issues of self-worth - until in the end the two had to admit their feelings for one another as they dealt with the supernatural mystery behind Seibu Mora. You'd think that would make this next book easier for the two of them in terms of their relationship - well you'd be wrong. The two are willing to admit to themselves and each other about their feelings for one another but are so frustratingly difficult in how they let the bounds of politics, social niceties and other obligations to clan and family get in the way of their relationship. So if the pining in the earlier book was unbearable for you then, it won't be much better now.

That said, all of this actually WORKS really well. Both characters try to hide the fact that Sekken's sacrifice of half of himself for Ryōtora has left them each with moments of physical weakness, and while that secret is incredibly frustrating it also makes sense; for example, Sekken knows how much Ryōtora feels inadequate and unworthy due to his own birth and doesn't want him to feel even less worthy and obligated because of what the cost was to Sekken of his own actions. Similarly, Sekken hides the true nature of what he sacrificed to save Ryōtora from the rest of the world so as to not allow the Phoenix Clan to be able to use his good faith sacrifice for political ends (as it would allow them to claim an obligation from the dragon). And well, Sekken obviously does feel that he owes it to his family to ensure that they have an heir who might inherit Tanshu, the inugami (spirit dog), who he has grown to love and care for. And then there's the fact that Sekken knows that if he tried to marry Ryōtora, Ryōtora would not be able to marry INTO the Phoenix Clan, as the Dragon Clan (secretly) cannot afford to lose any actual members. Meanwhile, Ryōtora struggles with the fact that he's not a political person at heart and is now dealing with politics that require him - as a hero of Seibu Mora - to represent his own clan in a conflict over Seibu Mora with Sekken's own clan....a weakness of his that once again plucks at his own feelings of inferiority.

The result, along with the supernatural mystery elements, is a story that continues the two characters' slow-burn romance, and it is delightful. Helping matters are a few new characters, most notably Sekken's mother and two of his sisters who are absolutely the best: Sekken's mother is a pure political creature on the surface, willing to use tactics and whatnot for her clan's own gain...but when she sees how in love Sekken is with Ryōtora and how he asks her to not harm him, she puts her son and his love first. Two of Sekken's sisters get less development but are also adorable, from the artsy one to the martial one, as they all team up to try to help Sekken and Ryōtora solve the mystery in a way that doesn't result in disaster.

The end result is a continuation of these characters' stories and romance in a way that is just pure joy and I love it so much. I can't wait to come back for book 3 and highly recommend this book if you want to read a queer samurai romance in a Japanese-inspired world.

Following on from The Night Parade of 100 Demons, Marie Brennan’s The Game of 100 Candles – her second novel in Aconyte Books’ Legend of the Five Rings range – once again balances supernatural investigation and gentle queer romance to engaging, heart-warming effect. The months since their victory over the Night Parade at Seibo Mura have largely kept Ryōtora and Sekken apart, until the two samurai meet again at the Phoenix Clan’s Winter Court. Amid the cut and thrust of court life, as the pair struggle to find their feet together again they come under suspicion when members of the court start to mysteriously fall asleep, and are unable to be woken. Even as they search for answers to what’s afoot, they also have to come to terms with the reality of the bond between them, and learn anew what they mean to each other.

While Night Parade had a real streak of adventure running through it, this time there’s less action and fewer yōkai, with the supernatural elements playing a subtler role as the complex rules and responsibilities of clan and court politics come to the fore. The relatively gentle pace works really well, giving Ryōtora and Sekken time to dance around the various things that are coming between them even as they’re regaling the court with judiciously edited stories of their exploits, or manoeuvring through treacherous political waters. Now the early euphoria of their relationship has worn off, they’re dealing with the fact that neither of them has really recovered from their exertions in Seibo Mura, nor actually admitted as much to the other. Brennan explores the strange lethargy that afflicts both men – essentially the effects of chronic illness – with sensitivity and subtlety, making it an integral part of their still-developing relationship.

This layering of personal stakes and then more immediate problems for Ryōtora and Sekken to deal with provides a lovely sense of depth, and a great balance between plot and character. This is, undoubtedly, an engaging mystery story involving secrets, spirits and, yes, a yōkai or two, but it’s also an utterly believable examination of two people who love each other trying to work out how to be together, and who they are when they’re around the other person. Interestingly, with the supernatural elements toned down a little, and presented mostly as fairly ordinary aspects of Rokugani life, the result is something that sits nicely between Josh Reynolds’ Daidoji Shin detective stories and the more overtly action-packed books elsewhere in the Legend of the Five Rings series. It’s a great place to be, bridging that gap while maintaining a strong identity centred on the queer romance and the almost academic-like viewpoint on the supernatural elements of life in Rokugan.

This would absolutely read well as a standalone story, especially as it offers a really interesting look at the relationship between two clans from both a personal and political perspective. Ultimately though, it works best as a development of the previous book, and rewards readers who read and enjoyed Night Parade, somehow providing both more of the same and yet also a richer, deeper experience. It also continues Aconyte’s great record of publishing books that show off the appeal of their setting without ever feeling like they require prior knowledge – much like Night Parade, it’s a tie-in novel that draws upon all the depth and detail of a brilliant established world, but transcends what’s gone before to stand proud as just a wonderful, warm, characterful story.

I have not read the book The Night Parade of 100 Demons and this story is its sequel. You definitely do not need to read that book first in order to enjoy the story.

Marie Brennan weaves an intricate tale of court intrigue, demons, love and duty in this mesmerizing tale about the two samurai Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora. Both of them were successful in stopping the Night Parade. Now they face a new challenge when people are falling asleep.

I love the two POVs and it helps convey their feelings for each other, their duty and the new restrictions they face. Everything was handled very well by the author.

I own other Marie Brennan's books and this book has motivated me to read their other works.

I would like to thank Netgalley for the Advanced Reader Copy and this is my honest review.

My experience with Legend of the Five Rings has been fairly small so far, with this only being the second book set in this particular universe that I've read. But upon learning that the book would be written by Marie Brennan, an author who'd impressed me in the past, and would be featuring Yokai and that Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai (A Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales) would be featuring my interest was definitely grabbed. I'd enjoyed Brennan's previous work, and having seen this particular piece of Japanese history and folklore used before, in the film Yokai Monsters: One Hundred Monsters, I was excited to see what would be done here.

This story is actually a sequel to Brennan's previous Legend of the Five Rings novel, The Night Parade of 100 Demons, and sees the return of samurai Agasha no Isao Ryotora and Asako Sekken more than a year after those events. Having fought against the forces of evil at Seibo Mura, in which Ryotora's life had to be saved by Sekken giving over a part of himself, the two heroes have spent the last dozen or more months resting and recuperating. We soon learn that ever since using his essence to return Ryotora to life, Sekken has been dealing with bouts of extreme fatigue and tiredness, and never knows when he's going to be healthy. His family have been helping him to keep the secret from the rest of the court, so as to avoid any embarrassment.

However, when Ryotora arrives in court as part of the Dragon Clan's petition to have their people be granted stewardship of Siebo Mura, Sekken realises that he's going to have to try to hide his new condition form him too. Despite their months apart the two men still deeply care for each other, and are having to find a way of navigating around each other due to the complexities of court politics, familial expectations, and illness. In the middle of all of this, in the days after the Game of 100 Candles is played, various members of the court begin to appear in strange places, trapped in a deep sleep that they can't be awoken from. Believing that a powerful Yokai might be behind things, the two men set out to try to solve the mystery.

I guess one of the first questions that needs to be answered, do you need to have read the first book to enjoy this one? Probably not. I haven't read Night Parade of 100 Demons yet (but am absolutely going to), but was still very much able to enjoy this book. Brennan is aware that people come to series mid-way through, and that the book needed to be able to accommodate those readers. As such, there is plenty of important information given to the reader across the early chapters that it never feels like you're being left behind. The book doesn't info-dump you though, it manages to give you just enough when you need to in order fully understand, in in ways that feel natural for the narrative. For those who have read the first book though, it's sure to be an even more rewarding experience thanks to already having that firmly established relationship to build upon.

Whilst I haven't read the first entry in this series the descriptions of the book do make it sound quite action-packed, like our two heroes were having to fight a fair few monsters in order to survive. In comparison to that, this book is definitely more of a supernatural mystery than any kind of action or horror story. The focus is the question of how and why people are falling into comas, and what can be done to save them. But even so, much of the focus in on our two leads and their relationship with each other. Thanks to their backgrounds, and the rules of political society, the two of them can't just be together; and as such their forbidden love becomes a big part of proceedings. Those interested in frowned upon romance and unusual mystery stories will definitely enjoy what's on offer here.

One of the things that I really enjoyed about this story as a disabled person with chronic fatigue issues is that Brennan actually really captured what it's like to live with those conditions. Never knowing when your regular day is going to come to a crashing halt because your energy is suddenly gone, having to carefully plan out everything that you do so that you can meet the absolute minimum expected social interaction quota so that people don't bug you for more of your time, exploring different diagnosis and treatment with experts who don't really know how to help you. It all rang very true to many of my experiences. Not only that, but I got to see a novel where the heroes of the story are disabled. How often do you get disabled characters not just being the lead, but being the people who end up saving the day and beating the villains? It was a genuine delight to get to see that in print.

The Game of 100 Candles is filled with court politics, romance, mystery, and draws from a setting inspired by the history and mythology of Japan. The book is a delightfully engrossing read, one that goes in some unexpected directions, and puts the characters and their struggles at the fore of everything. If you like character focused stories in beautiful settings, this is absolutely a book you're going to want to pick up.

The Game of 100 Candles by Marie Brennan continues right after the events of The Night Parade of 100 Demons. The story features Asako Sekken and Isao Ryotora. I haven't read the book before this but this novel made it so that the reader would get the basic details of what happened previously in a creative way. It isn't necessary to have read The Night Parade of 100 Demons in order to dive into this book but it is highly encouraged as it definitely would make it a better experience over all.

It has been ages since I last interacted with anything related to The Legend of the Five Rings and Rokugan. Reading this book brought so many nostalgic feelings.

The story was atmospheric, capturing the tone and feel of the season as well as painting a very rich detailed picture of the setting where it took place. The politics was well done - delicate and intricate but as not overly complex. It was quite interesting to see it play out within the lands of the Phoenix clan with the Dragon clan involved as it shed light on how the two clans operate differently than the others.

The dual POV was used wonderfully due to the social aspect within the story and did not detract from the overall flow of the novel. The characters were written so well and they were definitely the heart and soul in this tale. The portrayal of the relationship between Sekken and Ryotora was deftly handled as both navigate their feelings for each other while trying to solve the problem at hand while at the same time navigating their familial and clan duties and obligations. It was fascinating to see the focus on family here as it showed the value of it towards the characters, how the support affected them and the pressure behind its expectations.

I really liked how the feelings Sekken and Ryotora had for each other was portrayed here - the love and longing to be together. It was a joy to see their relationship grow stronger and overcome the obstacles thrown at their way as both men also became better throughout the ordeal. The general plot and mystery was quite simple but the supernatural aspect was done nicely. It was enjoyable reading Japanese myth and folklore nicely woven into Rokugani lore as it did brought color and life to this world.

I had a wonderful time jumping back again into the world of Rokugan and I do recommend giving this book a try especially to those who are interested in Japanese inspired fiction, supernatural stories or Legend of the Rings.

This would be 4.25 stars out of 5 stars.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Aconyte Books and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.

Nearly a year after Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora vanquished the Night Parade, neither is feeling exactly whole. Sekken gave up halfof his energy to save Ryotora, and is living a diminished life as a result. Ryotora fears that Sekken has been away because the truth about Ryotora's origins was more than Sekken could bear. Now, the two are reunited at the Winter Court, with their clans in opposition and their duties unclear. When they, along with the rest of the court, participate in a game of storytelling, players begin to fall into sleep from which they cannot be awakened. Sekken and Ryotora need to work together again to combat a menace from the Spirit Realm. I loved this book nearly as much as I did it's predecessor. Rather than retread the plot elements of the first, as too many sequels do, this novel sets up an entirely new challenge, with the characters in changed circumstances and facing very different obstacles. The relationship between Sekken and Ryotora is full of love and longing, without pointless obstacles in their path, only their own limitations. Sekken's experience suffering from chronic illness that can't be cured by magic means is extremely well done, and his experiences in the Dream World are beautifully rendered. This is a must read, and I don't plan to be shy about recommending it to just about everyone.

This review was originally published on NetGalley.com. I was given an ebook freely by NetGalley and the book’s publisher in return for a voluntary and honest review.

This is my first time reading Marie Brennan as well as a Five Rings book. It’s a very interesting world. Set in an Asian setting with several different clans. We focus on two samurai as the main characters. Sekken a royal member of the Phoenix clan and Ryotora, a peasant raised to the nobility of the Dragon clan.

We start the book learning that in the previous book the two Samurai battle a supernatural threat and in so doing Sekken is mortally wounded and changed. A year later he still has episodes of weakness. During the Winter Court he finds Ryotora has arrived. As they struggle with their personal relationship and court politics a new supernatural enemy threatens the entire court.

Brennan knows how to write. You get sucked into the world and a second book immediately. The tradition and etiquette of the world is explained in a beautiful way without bogging the reader down.

An added bonus to the story is that it is 2SLGBTQIA+ positive which is not a common event in fantasy in general and should be praised. I don’t read romance often but I found it a pleasant addition to the story. Which heightens the stakes.

I would recommend the story for all readers but especially for those that enjoy Asian inspired fantasy, supernatural fantasy and 2SLGBTQIA+ positive stories.

I will definitely be writing the first book and more from Brennan.

My reviews are always 100% honest and my own opinions. I will try to never fully spoil a plot. This particular copy I was given access to a copy to review via netgalley. #NetGalley #AconyteBooks #TheGameOf100Candles #MarieBrennan #LegendOfTheFiveRings #L5R

The Game of 100 Candles follows on from the events of Marie Brennan’s other wonderful book The Night Parade of 100 Demons. We see Agasha no Isao Ryotora and Asako Sekken return in this perfect blend of Japanese folklore, myth and history with the base of Legend of the Five Rings. That said you do not need to have read The Night Parade of 100 Demons to start this but I would highly recommend it if you love supernatural fantasy inspired by Asian myths.

The demon-vanquishing samurai, Ryotora and Sekken are summoned to the Winter Court. It is no secret that their exploits with the Spirit Realms have taken their toll on the pair along with the deadly Rokugani politics. If things could not be worse after sharing their tales of adventure in the Winter Court the guests begin to fall into a deep sleep from which they cannot wake. The Phoenix clan demand retribution, but Sekken and Ryotora uncover the hand of a supernatural trickster seeking entry into the mortal realm. Together the two samurai must risk their lives and the strange bond between them to try and stop something awful creeping into Rokugan.

I have to say I think this second installment with Sekken and Ryotora might even be better than the first which I adored. Brennan’s mastery of weaving both Japanese myth and legend with Rokugan lore and her own story telling is superb and truly brings the world to life. As someone who loves both the game and Japanese culture this was a pure joy to read. I also love the main characters and their bond. The way Brennan shows the weakness of the characters after the events of the first book help cement them in the real world and show the mortality of the characters. They don’t just bounce back to health. They have to heal and deal with their healing process while trying to stop yet another supernatural force.

As you read you really do feel like you are swept into Rokugan and we get a real sense of the court intrigue and politics as well as the supernatural. The pacing matches the genre perfectly and echoes the supernatural tales of Japan. I adored that we get to witness the old Japanese Ghost Story telling tradition through the medium of the book. It is executed brilliantly that we are at once part of a ghost story and also hearing one. I really hope we have more supernatural adventures with Sekken and Ryotora in the future.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves Japanese inspired fiction, ghost stories or Legend of the Rings. A definite five star.

My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher Aconyte Books for an advanced copy of this novel tie-in to this popular fantasy game.

Writing a book set in a world that others have created has be difficult. Writers write what they see in their heads. If a scene calls for a giant mutant with one giant eye wearing leather chaps riding a motorcycle that freezes the air around it, well that's the author's vision. Writing a tie-in there are rules, creatures that can't be allowed, ideas even that don't make sense. So the author has to concentrate on a story within the laws of that universe. However, this allows the writer to focus on what makes a good story. Interesting, believable characters, characters that writers care about and want to know more, and even more root for. Strong opposition, and a plot to carry everything forward. Everything Marie Brennan is known for. The Game of 100 Candles: A Legend of the Five Rings Novel continues the adventures of characters from her previous adventure in this world, only the evil is stronger and much closer to home.

More than a year has passed since the first adventure The Night Parade of 100 Demons, featuring the characters Asako Sekken and Agasha no Isao Ryotora. Both returned to their respective homelands to recover from their wounds and actions, with Sekken being the slower to recover, it seems. The two are reunited as Ryotora is chosen to represent the Dragon Clan in the Winter Court, which happens to be in city where Sekken resides with his family. The pressures of the clans along with the perils, both in status and in life of being at court make their reunion difficult, as well as the fact neither wants to admit the cost that both men are dealing with from their last demon entanglement. Life gets even more difficult after a night of storytelling about ghosts and demons, The Game of 100 Candles, leads to members of the royal court becoming ill with what is called the sleeping curse. Accusations are made, threats declared and both men must work again to fight a demon who lurks in the background causing evil from the shadows, hoping to escape and cause even more corruption in the outside world.

A really solid story that captures both the feeling and politics of the game, and the relationship between both the main characters. Everything flows well, the supernatural, the way of the Winter Court, family relations and problems, but it really is our two main characters that are the heart and soul of the story. The use of alternating narrators, each one switching off every other chapter helps, fleshing out both men, the story, and how they see things. Both have clear views of the world, and how they see the court, both react differently to events, and both feel things about the other. Again the story is good, spooky and atmospheric, with good pacing and even with the alternating narratives moves well. That shows the author's skill and ability to repeat scenes in different ways, which other authors might not be able to do so well. Not just a good tie-in novel, but a great fantasy story.

This is the second book featuring these characters, but readers don't have to have read the first to enjoy this, this pretty much stands alone, though readers should because it is a good book. I sound like a broken record discussing these books, but I have never been disappointed or bored reading anything from the Aconyte line. Even when not knowing the game, I still enjoy the craft and work that the authors put into their stories. One of my favorite publishers out there. This is only my second book by Marie Brennan, but I can't wait to read more.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and I’m thrilled to report that it’s just as enjoyable as it’s predecessor but in different and great ways.

Brennans first novel was a supernatural horror with two intriguing characters. This novel is fundamentally a tale of two men which happens to take place in the midst of supernatural events. The relationship between Sekken and Ryotora is the center of this novel, its very heart, and there it shines. The supernatural stuff is fine, great even, but I love these two character so much and I wa so invested in their journey that it paled next to them.

Really a great addition to aconytes l5r works

***Received an eARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Contains minor spoilers***

Finally, Asako Sekken and Isao Ryotora, heroes of The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons novel, are back in a new adventure! I have been excited to read this since Aconyte revealed it, and was lucky enough to get an eARC copy thnaks to NetGalley.

The story continues roughly a year and a half later following the conclusion of the previous book. After a brief time together, Sekken and Ryotora go back to their respective homeland to heal from the wounds caused by the events of Seibo Mura. Their path crosses again once Ryotora, the Dragon clan's representative is invited to participate at the Winter Court in Phoenix lands, in Sekken's hometown. The joy of reunion is overshadowed by social expectations, as both clans have their own agenda with Winter Court. The pragmatic, courtly way of things gets suddenly disrupted by a strange supernatural event - attendants of the storytelling event of the Winter Court called "The Game of 100 Candles" start to get affected by a neverending dream coined as "sleeping curse". As the curse seems to be caused by supernatural forces, Ryotora and Sekken, being experts in the field, start to investigate it, with the help of both humans and yokai.

The relatively simple plot summarized above presented in an absolutely stunning way, and I can assure you that it will force you to binge-read it as much as possible. Author Marie Brennan kept the changing Point of View structure for the chapters, meaning that in odd chapters we can see events unfold from Sekken's PoV, while even chapters from Ryotora's PoV. It worked great in the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, and it works even better here due to the increased social aspects of the plot. Being a huge fan of Phoenix clan in the L5R role, I overly enjoyed this novel as it takes place in a Phoenix town, where we are introduced to several families of the clan and see how the politics work on a Phoenix level (minor spoiler: still non-forgiving, but nowhere near Crane or Scorpion level ruthless). Mentioning families, this is a key theme of this novel - what the value of family is in our lives, how they can support us, and even how they can pressure us in our decisions. I also liked how the perception about Sekken's family changed over the plot, how they became likeable characters in the end.

Even though the story can be seen as a standalone one and the number of recurring characters is relatively low, the events of the the previous book is heavily referenced in The Game of 100 Candles, thus I recommend for everyone interested in it to first start with The Night Parade of a Hundred Demons novel and then read this one. A much better and fuller experience. It a must read for all L5R fans, but I believe readers interested in Asian-style fantasy will enjoy it as well, and fans of the Supernatural show will also find the adventures of Sekken and Ryotora interesting.

Overall, a solid 4.5 stars for me, and I will label this one as the best L5R novel published by Aconyte so far. Can't wait to see a sequel to it by Marie.

ARC COpy...I liked it. Not only Brennan's cultural research author background comes in handy in giving the Five-RIngs world an authentic-grounded feel but it was fun to read...If you are familiar with the Japanese Ghost Story telling tradition, you can probably guess how it will turn out in the Five-Rings realm.

this was another great entry in the legend of the Five Rings series, I had enjoyed preivous works in both this series and Marie Brennan. It was what I was hoping for when I requested it, it had the same spirit of the series and was so well done. The plot worked as a standalone and I was invested in what was happening in this world. The characters were well-written and I really enjoyed getting to know them. It was well written and I look forward to read more in this series.

“It took some time for their parents to discover the twins’ condition, as you might expect. It was especially hard on them as they grew; maturation places particular demands on the body and spirit, ones entirely outside the control of the individual. They grew very weak, and their parents feared for their lives. Ultimately they were brought to Phoenix lands, where an ishiken – supposedly Isawa Yasōji, though that detail may have been added later – attempted to sever the link between them.”