Peace comes at the price of bloodshed five battles will buy you peace, four to win and one to lose. At the temple of Terayama, the words of the blind sages prophecy continue to haunt Takeo as he readies his armies for battle. Determined to avenge Shigerus death and claim his rightful inheritance, Takeo and Kaede, together with Takeos forces, fight their way to the domain of Maruyama. But then they must separate. Takeo makes plans for a battle by the sea, and Kaede returns to her familys home at Shirakawa. Will they see each other again? Blood-splashed combat alternates with contemplative stillness, and the writing is extraordinary. Hearns trilogy ends as it began, virtually pitchperfect - Francis Spufford, Evening Standard.