by Gai-Jin(Lit)
"Honorable Lords..."
"What the devil's he saying, Phillip, and the Elder?"
"Just a second, Sir William," Andr`e cut in pleasantly, wanting to crush him.
"Honored Lords, my Master would recommend a tenth, in sixty days. So sorry, please excuse bad pronouncing but humbly, very humble beg yes." Greatly relieved Poncin saw their discussion begin and gambled again. "Sorry,
Sir William, but as Phillip will confirm,
I suggested they consider advancing payment on behalf of Satsuma who they say, rightfully, should pay any reparations."
"The devil you did? They are?" Sir
William stared at him, tiredness dropping away from him and all of them. "Well done--if they'd do that then I could compromise, eh? You agree?"
For the sake of courtesy he turned to the others for their opinion. Behind him, Tyrer whistled tonelessly, having understood most of what Poncin had said in Japanese, the way he was manipulating the Elder and the Minister, and the slight, though important difference of the English translation. Clever of Andr`e. But what is he up to, is this his idea or is it Seratard's?
Again Shifty Eyes began murmuring confidentially to the young Elder whose attention went to the
Ministers. It's almost as though...
All at once it was as if cataracts had dropped from his eyes and he had become clear-sighted again. Even more than that, now he was seeing the Elders with straight eyes and not with the oblique and clouded gaze of a self-styled civilized man, seeing them as people, equally civilized, equally simple or complex but as people, and not as outlandish, mysterious or weird
"Jappos" that Nakama, Fujiko, even
Andr`e, in their various ways correctly resented.
God Almighty, Shifty Eyes understands
English, he wanted to shout ecstatically. That's the only answer, and another's that he's a roju spy and no more an Elder than I am which is why the others pay no attention to him in their discussions.
What else? He must be Watanabe's spy because he's the only one whispered to--must find out their real names and to ask Nakama about them.
Watanabe is the most powerful of this lot, acting
President. The absent President? Got to find out his real name too. What else? Where did Andr`e...
He concentrated as Yoshi addressed the interpreter. His voice had sharpened. Instantly the interpreter became more alert and his Dutch twenty times briefer. Johann translated, trying to contain his astonishment, "The roju agrees in this instance it is correct to ask for a reparation, from Satsuma, that yes a hundred thousand seems reasonable for a nobleman though they can't say it will be considered so by the Lord of
Satsuma. As a gesture of friendship to the
British, and to outside nations, the roju will advance a tenth part in seventy days on
Satsuma's behalf--while formal British requests are forwarded to the Satsuma. Concerning the request of the Russian Minister, as with his own
Homeland, Japanese soil is Japanese soil and is... I suppose the word would be inviolate, or not to be bartered."
Without being obvious Sir William put a hand on Count Alexi's to stop the outburst, saying softly in Russian, "Let it rest,
Alexi," then loudly to Johann, ready to negotiate the number of days down and the amount up, "Excellent. Johann, please tell them th--" He stopped as Tyrer whispered quickly,
"Excuse me, sir, suggest you accept at once but you really should know their names."
It was almost as though Tyrer had not spoken for
Sir William continued with hardly a pause and no change of expression: "Johann, please tell them their suggestion is acceptable to Her Majesty's Government in the same spirit of friendliness. Concerning the Minister from the Court of
St. Petersburg, I am sure he will consult his government who will, undoubtedly, agree that a monetary settlement would satisfy." Without allowing Count Alexi any time to reply he rushed on: "Regarding our other pressing problem, the Shimonoseki Straits: all foreign
Governments protest shore batteries firing on their ships when using those Straits peacefully."
Sir William repeated the dates and the names of ships, already the matter of much heated correspondence.
"They say they will pass on the complaint, Sir
William, with the usual, they've no control over
Choshu."
"Johann, say: In the friendly spirit of this meeting, may I suggest it is difficult, if not impossible, for Foreign Governments to deal with the
Bakufu that apparently does not have authority over its various kingdoms or States. Therefore what should we do? Deal directly with the Sh@ogun who signed our Treaties--or Emperor
Komei?"
"The legal government of Nippon is the
Sh@ogunate, the supreme ruler of the
Sh@ogunate is the Sh@ogun who rules on behalf of the Son of Heaven, the roju are the supreme advisors to the Sh@ogunate whose officials are the Bakufu. In all cases
Foreign Governments must deal with the
Sh@ogunate."
"In that case, how can we ensure safe passage for all shipping using the
Shimonoseki?"
More draining discussion and always variations of the same response that was an answer but not an answer however much Sir William probed. Bladders agitated the general impatience and fatigue.
Three hours had passed since they began. Then a vagrant thought became a full-blown solution. Sir William smiled to himself. "Very well: say, presuming there are no further attacks and our serious remonstrations are delivered to the Choshu daimyo forthwith, we will, in the spirit of this new friendliness, accept their position for a future meeting in one hundred days."
An hour of added maneuvering. "The roju agree to a second meeting in a hundred and fifty-six days, here in Yedo and wish to declare this meeting over."
"Good," Sir William said, satisfied, stifling a yawn, "could we please have their names now, verbally, and then in correct characters on the paper that we will exchange within three days to confirm our formal agreements."
Back and forth, minor details changed, then finally: "Sir William, he says you'll have the paper in a week, the interpreter will give you their names and the meeting is ended." As each Elder was introduced the man nodded briefly and impassively: "Lord Adachi of Mito, Lord
Zukumura of Gai, Lord Yoshi of
Hisamatsu..." Tyrer was delighted to see that
Shifty Eyes, last in the line, was sweating, his hands and feet squirming and his bow had nowhere near the imperiousness of the others: "Lord Kii of
Zukoshi."
"Please give them our thanks. As previously agreed, I will now order royal salutes."
"Lord Yoshi says, unfortunately one of their members is missing. As previously agreed, unanimous approval of the roju is necessary to grant the firing of any cannon."
Abruptly Sir William's bonhomie fell away. All Ministers were shocked. "What about our agreements?" he asked sharply. "Do they require unanimous approval too?"
Back and forth amid much tension and muttered caution amongst the Ministers. Then Johann said awkwardly, "Lord Yoshi says that this gathering has the Sh@ogun's authority and the President's to accept credentials, to listen and recommend.
They will unanimously recommend the settlement.
As previously agreed, approval for firing cannon needs unanimous approval of all
Elders so regretfully this body cannot allow it."
The silence became unhealthy as Sir
William and all of them realized the trap they had fallen into. No option this time, he thought, his stomach twisting. "Captain Pallidar!"
"Yessir?" Pallidar came from the back, heart suddenly grinding, knowing along with everyone else facing the roju that Sir William had no option now but to give the order to fire the salutes, whatever the cost, or the same excuse would surely be used to negate their settlement.
As he saluted perfectly,
"Yessir?" Seratard broke in with h
is smoothest and most diplomatic voice: "Sir
William, I feel sure that the agreement is bona fide, will be implemented, and you can accept it. I recommend you do this, we all do, eh gentlemen?" he said to general relief at the face-saver, "and also recommend under the circumstances we forgo the salutes. You agree,
Sir William, on our behalf?"
Sir William hesitated grimly.
To further astonishment, Seratard added grandly,
"Andr`e, tell them on behalf of France I will go surety for the first installment."
Before Sir William could say anything,
Andr`e was bowing: "My Master say, Honored
Lords, he happy roju give paper in a week, agree lend Satsuma first money in seventy day. Say also France, as Nippon friend, honored give personal bond to British
Minister against first payment. Also he honored greet all or one of roju any time personally, in ship or any place. Humbly thank you, Honored Lords."
With narrowed eyes, Yoshi said, "Thank your
Master. The meeting is ended."
A samurai officer called out, "Kerei!"
--salute--and every samurai bowed, holding that position as the roju got to their feet and bowed back with measured politeness. Sir William and the others had little option but to follow suit as
Yoshi led the way to an unseen door beside the dais and were quickly gone. At once the samurai straightened and resumed their staring, suspicious hostility.
"Very satisfactory, Sir William,"
Seratard said expansively in French, taking his arm, wanting to distract him again. "Well done."
"Your Masters in the Elys@ee will be very peed off with you when we ask for ten thousand in gold,"
Sir William said, a little piqued but not entirely--except for the firing of the cannon he had made a giant step forward. "Peed or not it was a grand gesture, Henri, however expensive."
Seratard laughed. "Twenty guineas says they'll pay."
"Done! Will you dine with us at the Legation?"
They began walking out, careless of the arrogant, bellicose stares.
"Thank you no. As we've concluded our business I think I'll start back for
Yokohama now instead of tomorrow, there's time enough and the sea's calm. Why wait for Pearl, join us aboard my flagship, we can dine en route, eh?"
"Thanks but I'll wait till tomorrow. I want to make sure all our lads are back safely on our transports."
Behind them, unnoticed in the throng, Tyrer had waited for Andr`e who had knelt to adjust a shoe buckle, who then, not realizing Tyrer was watching, began a whispered conversation with the Japanese interpreter. The man hesitated then nodded and bowed. "Domo."
Andr`e turned, saw Phillip scrutinizing him. For a split second he was nonplussed, then smiled as he joined him. "Well,
Phillip, that went very well, didn't it? I thought you were excellent, and we certainly made the points."
"I wasn't and you saved the day. And my face, for which many thanks." Tyrer frowned, unsettled, following the procession. "Even so, though you brilliantly solved the impasse, what you said in English and what was said in Japanese was different, wasn't it?"
"Not that different, mon ami, not enough to matter."
"I don't think Sir William would agree."
"Perhaps perhaps not. Perhaps you were mistaken."
Andr`e forced a laugh. "It's never wise to agitate a Minister, eh? A closed mouth catches no nasties."
"Most times, yes. What did you say to that interpreter?"
"I thanked him. Mon Dieu, my bladder's killing me--how's yours?"
"Same," Tyrer agreed, sure that Andr`e was lying about the interpreter. But then why shouldn't he? he was thinking with his newfound point of view.
Andr`e is enemy, if not enemy, the opposition, and every nuance was to benefit and ingratiate
Seratard, France and Andr`e. Fair enough.
What would he ask for secretly? To pass on a message, yes, but what? What secret message? What would I ask for secretly?
"You asked for a private meeting with Lord Yoshi, eh?" he said, gambling. "For you and Monsieur
Seratard."
Andr`e Poncin's expression did not change but Tyrer noticed his right hand on his ceremonial sword became white-knuckled.
"Phillip," he said thinly, "I've been a good friend to you since you arrived, helping you begin
Japanese, introducing you around, eh? I haven't interfered with your private samurai--
Nakama, eh, though I've heard, secretly, he's got other names. Haven't..."
"What other names?" Tyrer asked, suddenly nervous and not knowing why. "What do you know about him?"
Andr`e went on as though Tyrer had not spoken:
"Haven't tried to question him or you about him though I did warn you about Japanese, all of them, time enough for you to tell me about him if you want to, as a friend. Remember we're on the same side,
Phillip, we're servants not masters, we're friends, we're in Japan where gai-jin really have to help each other--like I did introducing you to Raiko who led to Fujiko, eh? Nice girl
Fujiko. Best to have a little Gallic realism,
Phillip, best keep private information private, best beware of your Nakama and remember what I've said a dozen times: In
Japan there are only Japanese solutions."
Near sunset the same day, Yoshi hurried along a somber, drafty stone corridor in the castle keep. Now he wore his characteristic kimono with two swords, a cowled riding cloak over them. Every twenty paces were flickering oil torches, set into iron brackets beside bowman emplacements that also served as windows. Outside the air was cool. Ahead was a circular staircase. It led to his private stables below.
He ran down the steps.
"Halt! Who... ah, so sorry, Lord!"
The sentry bowed.
Yoshi nodded and went on. Throughout the castle soldiers, stablemen, servants were preparing for bed or for night duties, following the universal, worldwide custom of bedding down at nightfall.
Only the well-to-do had light by night, to see, to read or to play.
"Halt! Ah, so sorry Lord." This sentry bowed, and the next, and the next.
In the stable courtyard a personal guard of twenty men, was assembled at the heads of their ponies. Amongst them was Misamoto, the fisherman, the make-believe samurai and
Elder. Now he was poorly clad as a common foot soldier, unarmed, and frightened.
Two small enclosed palanquins, especially light and designed for rapid transport were there.
Each was slotted on to two shafts that fitted into harness for two saddle ponies ahead and behind.
All hooves were muffled and all this part of a plan he had devised with Hosaki days ago.
The spy window of one palanquin slid aside. He saw Koiko peer out. She smiled, nodding a greeting. The window closed.
His hand tightened on his sword. Ready, he slid her door open enough to ensure she was who he thought she was and that she was alone. When he was very young his father had beaten the first law of survival into him, word by word: "If you are caught unawares, betrayed unawares, killed unawares, you failed in your duty to me and to yourself. The fault will be yours alone because you failed to check personally and to plan against any eventuality. There is no excuse for failure except karma--and gods do not exist!"
A quick reassuring smile to her. He slid the door home and checked that the other palanquin was unoccupied and available for his use if he needed it. Satisfied, he gave the signal to mount.
This was done in almost complete silence which again pleased him--he had ordered all armor and harness to be muffled. A last silent check but he could sense no danger. The new rifle was in a saddle holster, the ammunition pouch full, the other four guns slung over the shoulders of his most trusted marksmen. Noiselessly he swung into his saddle. Another signal. His advance guard and banner man carrying his personal standard led off.
He followed, then the two palanquins and the rest fell into place a
s rear guard.
Their progress was quick and almost soundless. Up the passageway into the next fortification, directly away from the main gate and main thoroughfares. At each checkpoint they were motioned through without challenge. Instead of turning into the maze of the castle proper, they made for a large building on the north side set against one of the major fortifications. Outside it was heavily guarded.
