Only a Shadow

A novella.

Note! Only a Shadow was originally a part of Daughter of the Sword, but was removed and released as an e-special.

The Tiger on the Mountain is a legendary blade, crafted by Japan’s greatest sword smith and reputed to possess magical powers. In 1442 Japan, the sword dwells inside the impregnable fortress of Hirata Nobushige, sworn enemy of the Iga clan.

Venerable shinobi Iga Jujiro has recruited a brave young ninja named Tada to steal the sword and restore power to the Iga clan. If Tada is successful, he’ll go from being the clan’s orphaned ward to a legend for the ages — and he’ll win the right to ask for Old Jujiro’s granddaughter’s hand in marriage. If he fails, the clan faces annihilation.

Getting inside the castle is next to impossible. Getting out is inconceivable. But as Tada prepares himself for one of the boldest thefts in history, the greatest obstacle he faces may just prove to be himself…