Wield

to use effectively; handle or employ actively. 

who had forgotten the code of honor but not how to wield their long curved swords. (p.3)

Famine

extreme hunger; starvation.

Now for nearly five years, there had been famine.(p.4)

Alms

 donations given to the poor or needy; anything   given as charity. 

 A small group of Komuso monks approached the entrance of the rice brokerage of Yamamoto and begged for alms. 

(p.21)

Serenity

the state or quality of being serene, calm, or tranquil

but the puppet maker's face was a mask of serenity. (p.17)

Marvel

something that causes wonder, admiration

It was a street of marvels for the boy. (p.9)

Loiter

 making purposeless stops in the course of a trip, journey, errand..

"And don't ter. It's not safe.

Cynical

Concerned with one's interest's, or being self invovled.

"He said there was something syncial about her expression".    Pg.23

Travesty

a false, absurd, or distorted representation of something.