Only by living at the edge of death can you understand the indescribable joy of life. - James Clavell

Ronin were landless or masterless peasant-soldiers or samurai who, through dishonor or the loss of their masters, were forced to wander the land until some other lord would accept their services.

"Why is she afraid?" he asked. "She's not Anjin-san. Just a little nervous. Please excuse her. She's never seen a foreigner close to before." "Tell her when the moon's full, barbarians sprout horns and fire comes out of our mouths like dragons."

How can a man be so brave and so stupid, so gentle and so cruel, so warming and so detestable — all at the same time?