Contents and Publishing details
This book contains part three of "Erma Felna, EDF" by Steve Gallacci and the second Stan Sakai Usagi Yojimbo story "Lone Rabbit and Child I". The letters page also contains an appearance of Groo and Sworddancer. Due to the earlier success of Albedo 1 & 2, a much longer run of 10,000 copies was printed of this issue making it much less rare.
Reprints of the stories
The Usagi story was reprinted in the Usagi Yojimbo: Summer Special and in the Usagi Yojimbo TPB #1: The Ronin. Steve Gallacci's "Erma Felna, EDF" was reprinted in Gallacci's Command Review volume.
Plot of " Lone Rabbit and Child I"
With their traveling company attacked, the retainer Tomoe Ame escapes with her child-lord Noriyuki, leaving behind the rest of the part to hold off the attackers. They find a hut on the outskirts of town to hide in, but it is occupied by a sleeping samurai. Tomoe decides killing him is the safest option, but underestimates her opponent. Noriyuki begs for his retainer's life, and introductions are made. Tomoe & Noriyuki meet Usagi for the first time. Tomoe explains their situation, and that Lord Hikiji is behind the threat to her Lord.
Their conversation is interrupted by Samurai outside demanding to be given the young lord. Usagi tells them to go away, as he just woke up in a bad mood, but they attack. It is their last mistake. Impressed, Noriyuki hires Usagi as his bodyguard (a Yojimbo). The three travel together, and that evening find shelter from a storm in an inn. In the morning, with the storm passed, they find the river swollen and will require a ferry to cross the raging torrent.
They are attacked from behind at the river crossing by Hikiji's samurai. Usagi holds them off while Tomoe takes her lord to the ferry, only to discover the ferryman is also a Hikiji agent. In defending her lord, Tomoe is thrown into the overflowing river. Usagi rescues Noriyuki, but does not arrive in time to save Tomoe. The two search the river banks for several hours, and eventually find her body washed up on the rocks, unmoving.
Log in to comment