In sync they ride on,
Unity strong, one breaks off,
Victory awaits.

The legend of the Shōgun and their Daimyō

In a distant island, far to the east, there once was a tale of blacked Crows, disguised as Samurai, who, through courage and determination to their Shōgun, became Daimyō! This is the tale of the Herd of Crows.

On the wilderness of Makuri Islands, where sea breeze meets Mountain Zwigi’s mist, peace and prosperity once reined. Still recovering from the looming civil war and its bloodshed not long ago, the Taikō celebrated victory and a well-deserved peace with his most trusted allies. Yet, fate was not fond of untroubled times, and illness struck the Taikō’s heart and lungs, leading to his premature demise.

Sensing a power vacuum approaching, some of the “trusted” allies turned on each other, seeking to fill the vacant seat of power. One of these prominent individuals, named Diane “Kazunari” Letheren, leader of the honorable yet cunning Herd of Hyenas, maneuvered strategically to form alliances and lay claim to the seat of the Latte province. However, on the eastern border, there stood the mighty and honorable Paul “Toranaga” Brock, leader of the Herd of Crows. Diane “Kazunari” was bushō and Lordess of Osaka Castle, while Paul “Toranaga” controlled the Kantō lands. However, both Herds sought to rule over the Latte province, and their clash would soon shatter the earth beneath Makuri Islands’ Wandering Flats.

The Hyenas made their first move. Comprised of eight strong bodies, they launched their attack through the slopes and descents of the Wandering Flats, Naginatas at hand, steeds on their heels. Riding fast through the plains, they collected their spoils of war while tearing apart the countryside in search of the mighty prize: the hill over Osaka’s castle. They knew it was just a matter of time before the Crows were fast approaching, and wanted to guard well, considering their strategy of being better prepared, both in numbers, as well as in quality.

Lo-and-behold, for once it would seem that the Hyenas had the upper hand. Indeed, at first glance, the Herd of Crows, led by their nearly mystical bushō Paul “Toranaga”, was outnumbered and underpowered. The ever resilient, faithful and honorable Allan “Yabushige” Harvey, Glyn “Akinao” Williams, Ian “Omi” Dowdle and Steve “Himoratsu” Domingos were present and willing to give their lives, and legs, to their Daymiō. Little did they know that their long-lived companions would soon join them in this epic battle – Peter “Tomono” Forbes, Jelleke “Mariko” De Vries and Pedro “Buntaro” Senna. With renewed faith, and a lust for victory, the Herd of Samurai Crows galloped onwards through the Wandering Flats.

What happened next is still discussed to this day, fancied up every time it is brought on hushed conversations throughout the Eastern Realm. For the mighty Crows were fierce, and their resolve, unwavering. Armed with their Yumi and Yari, bringing in Wakizahi and Katana on their belts, the Samurai Crow flew past the descents of the country roads. The mighty bushō Paul “Toranaga”, so high was his intent, took forth the task of leading the flock and securing the Country Sprint jersey so fast they even provided him with another nickname on those parts of Makuri – “The Ghost”. The Herd of Samurai Crows looked upon their bushō with much respect, understanding the great gesture and synchronizing roles to push onwards. Glyn “Akinao”, Allan “Yabushige” and Pedro “Buntaro” took epic turns upfront, sided by all Crows who gave every ounce of their willpower to reduce the gap and reach the cunning Hyenas. These Samurai had sniffed blood, and were on a mission!

Yet, such as the great tales always provide, a looming foreshadowing was ahead. As they reached the nightly landscapes of Neokyo, the Samurai Crows did not realize that they were riding right into a deceitful and masterfully crafted trap, no doubt a work of art from Diane “Kazunari” and the Hyenas! As soon as the Crows past the Tower Sprint and were devising their attack onto the Alley, a barrage of arrows flown from the Hyenas’ Yumi flew straight at the black feathered Samurai. With incredible skill, and much to the effort of the bushō Paul “Toranaga”, nearly all Crows got through the terrorizing trap. Nearly, but not all. Alas, Pedro “Buntaro” suffered a major blow to his right knee, and for a moment it would seem the Crows were going to be a Samurai short (Hyenas argue that it not a trap, and it was simply a connection issue, but we now know not to trust their words or actions). With mighty resolve, and an outstanding display of companionship of the black feathered flock, “Buntaro” was able to string back to the Flock and continue their battle onwards, even if for a little while longer.

The Samurai knew they were, eventually, going to be a member short. Given that the rear guard was yet not secured, and there was a threat from additional Hyenas that could potentially envelope them on a pincer move, Pedro “Buntaro” volunteered to stay behind and sacrifice himself for the greater good. Some debate, and a lot of angry screams afterwards, the Crows knew they had no choice if they were to conquer the Latte seat. So, with heavy hearts, they left the bleeding “Buntaro” and strode onwards towards the Osaka’s climb. Jelleke “Mariko” and Steve “Hiromatsu” took up leading roles during the climb, all the while being supported by Ian “Yabushige”, Peter “Tomono”, Allan “Omi” and Glyn “Akinao”. Their bushō Paul “Toranaga”, a natural strategist, understood that the motivation from the flock came from each and every rider, just as the roots of a tree exist in unison to provide essential ingredients for the entire being to develop. Like moths drawn into flames, the Samurai Crow took over the climb with haste, eyes targeting the mighty Hyenas a few seconds up the road. Glyn “Akinao” was shouting incentives, while the others sharpened their steel for the epic battle to take place!

As mighty as their push was, the Samurai Crow would require another round to catch the Hyenas! Finishing with mere seconds behind the pack of deceitful jackals, the Samurai Crow prevailed and took the Latte seat, becoming Daymiō for their now Shōgun Peter “Toranaga”. In memory of the slain “Buntaro”, they lit up their Naginatas with flaming oil and danced their long swords to promote a spectacular celebration. Beating their own record by more than 1min40s, the Herd of Samurai Crow are now the leaders of the Eastern Wandering Flats, and we look forward to the next encounter with the masterful Hyenas, who also are worth of praise!

Crows, Samurai, friends. It was an honor to fight, cry, plead, sweat and bleed by your side! I can safely say that Osaka’s Castle is once again ours, that the Taikō was honored! We have secured a good status of Daymiō, while our Lord bushō Paul “Toranaga” now comfortably lays on his seat of Shōgun. From the afterlife, I wish all of you the best, and may Amaterasu provide you all with many blessings!

HERD: The Herd of Crows
Date: 02.05.2024
Event: WTRL Team Time Trial #264
Course: Wandering Flats (1 Lap – 25.19Km – 146m)
Finish Time: 58m04s

Watch it here: https://youtu.be/qswMiU-0gV8

© 2024 CyclingChroniclesTalesofTwoWheels. All rights reserved