The Samuari's Tale is a historical fiction novel set in the Sengoku Period
| The Samurai's Tale | |
|---|---|
| Author: | Erik Christian Haugaard |
| Japanese name: | Samurai no monogatari |
| Date: | 1984 |
Plot (Spoilers Included)[]
The story stars a boy from the Murakami family.
His parents are killed by the army of Takeda Shingen, and he is taken in as a servant of Akiyama Nobutomo, who gives him the name 'Taro'. Taro resents the name and for a long time is on a quest to get a new one.
As he is too young to take care of Akiyama's horses, he's bumped in with one of Akiyama's cooks, Togan.
They become friends, but Togan is eventually murdered. Akiyama comes to inquire about the incident, and as Taro was one of the witnesses, he catches Lord Akiyama's eye and begins to take care of his master's horses.
Eventually, he becomes a messenger of Akiyama, and befriends one of his colleagues, Yoshitoki.
Having long been in the service of Akiyama, Taro is not only given a new name (Murakami Harutomo), but is made the aid of the logistical officer Wada Kansuke on the Mikatagahara campaign.
He participates in the capture of Iwamura castle.
He later falls in love with Akihime, the daughter of a certain Lord Zakoji.
When Takeda Shingen dies and Takeda Katsuyori comes to power, Yoshitoki dies at the Battle of Nagashino and Iwamura comes under siege of the Oda army.
Taro leaves to report to Takeda Katsuyori, and when he returns he finds that Akiyama has been killed.
The story ends with him escorting Akihime and his servant to safety.