by I. J. Parker
“Well, why didn’t you say soright away?” Tora was up and out the door, before Hitomaro and Seimei could getto their feet to follow.
The scene they found in thecourtyard stopped them.
A group of about twenty armed and mounted warriors, with Uesugi emblems on their clothes and on the flyingbanners, waited in the wintry sun in front of the tribunal hall. There wereseveral riderless horses, one of them with a gold-lacquered saddle and crimsonsilk tassels fluttering from its shining tail and halter.
“Surely not the Emperor of theNorth himself?” Tora said. “Do you suppose Uesugi’s found the boy?”
“Let’s go find out,” said Hitomaro.
For Akitada, the Lord of Takata was an unexpected and, at the moment, unwelcome visitor.
After a restful night covered with scented silken quilts and protected from the cold drafts by carefully placed screens, he had woken to the tender ministrations of his wife. Greeted with fragrant hot tea and Tamako’s soft eyes and sweet smile, he had dressedand started his day in a very pleasant frame of mind in spite of his worries.His morning gruel was subtly flavored with herbs, and a new, much largerbrazier made his office very comfortable. And then he had played his flute.
The Lord of Takata and twosenior retainers were announced by Hamaya just when Akitada had felt nearsuccess with a particularly tricky passage. He reluctantly put down the flute.His visitors looked slightly taken aback by Akitada’s scowl.
Now Uesugi was seated on a silkcushion on the other side of the broad desk, while his companions knelt behindhim. Akitada watched sourly as his wife poured some wine for his visitors.
Hitomaro and Tora came in,glowered at Uesugi’s men, and took up position at the door. Tora said, “I hopeit’s good news for a change, sir.” He received a frown from Akitada and lookedsheepish. Tamako smiled and poured more wine, but her husband looked grim.
“I had not expected to meet your noble lady,” Uesugi remarked to Akitada, bowing graciously to Tamako and ignoring the others. “I am afraid the tribunal is not a fit place for a refinedperson in her delicate condition.”
Akitada felt a surge of angerfollowed by fear. Uesugi kept himself too well informed about them. Controllinghis voice, he said, “My wife is understandably concerned after the attack onme.”
Uesugi looked solicitous. “Anattack? I heard a rumor that you sustained an injury. My dear Governor, youshould have sent for me instantly. I had no idea that things had gone so far inthis city. Too bad that Kaibara has disappeared. He was checking on some trespassers and has not returned. I think I should move my troops into the tribunal compound. That will straighten matters out fast enough. I wonder ifthe attack on you had something to do with your recent activities? I trust you are recovering?”
Akitada regarded him coldly. “Yes.No thanks to your man Kaibara, however. It was he who attacked me while I wasout taking some exercise. I was unarmed and he fell upon me with his sword.”
Uesugi jumped up, pretending an almost comical surprise. “Kaibara attacked you? Impossible. Kaibara would neverdo such a thing. He had no orders.”
Akitada raised his eyebrows. “Thenperhaps he anticipated them?”
Uesugi tried to cover his slip.“No, of course not. That is not what I… if it happened as you say, it musthave been a mistake.”
“Are you calling me a liar or afool?” Akitada asked.
Uesugi reddened. “Neither,” heground out. Then he sat down again heavily and muttered, “It will be best todiscuss this calmly. I was referring to a mistake Kaibara made. He must havethought you someone else.”
“Who?” Akitada askedinterestedly.
Uesugi snapped, “I don’t know.No doubt you arrested and questioned him. What does he say?”
Akitada ignored the question. “Whatis your relationship with Judge Hisamatsu?”
“Hisamatsu?” Uesugi shot aglance at his retainers. “I see the judge rarely. Why change the subject? Whereis Kaibara?”
“You surprise me. I recall thatHisamatsu was a guest at the banquet you gave in my honor. He seems to admireyou.”
The Lord of Takata clenched hisfists. “A mere courtesy to you,” he said with ill-concealed impatience. “I alsoasked the garrison commander, a city merchant, the abbot of the Buddhisttemple, and your new coroner, Oyoshi. Surely you don’t think I have aspecial… relationship, as you call it, with all of them?”
“Ah, no,” Akitada said dryly. “Notall of them.”
There was a brief silence.Uesugi shifted. “Let me speak to Kaibara,” he finally demanded. “I’ll have thismatter cleared up fast enough. He will be punished for his carelessness.”
“I’m afraid that is notpossible. He died in the attempt.”
“What?” Uesugi stiffened. His retainers reached for swords that were not there because they had been leftoutside, and Tora and Hitomaro walked around them to stand on either side ofAkitada.
Uesugi unclenched his fists and some of the tension left his body.
Akitada thought that he seemedrelieved by the news that Kaibara could no longer be interrogated. And that wasinteresting. He went on, “Kaibara’s extraordinary behavior throws a new lighton the murder of your late father’s servant and the disappearance of hisgrandson. I shall have to pay another visit to Takata.”
There was a brief silence, thenUesugi smiled. “Of course,” he said smoothly. “I shall do everything in mypower to assist you!” He reached for his cup, and drained it. “What a thing!Kaibara of all people. And you suspect him of murdering the servant and the boy?He must have gone mad.” He paused, cocked his head, and said, “Perhaps not.Perhaps it was a plot. If he really killed my father, I would have been next,no doubt. What a thing!” He shook his head at the monstrosity of such athought, then added, “I shall certainly be in your debt if you can discover thetruth, Excellency.”
Akitada looked grim. “I doubtthat, but I do intend to investigate the irregularities in this province, bothas its governor and its high constable.”
Uesugi cried, “So it’s true! Youhave assumed the powers which rest with my family. That is illegal.”
“Do not presume to lecture meabout the law, Uesugi. It is what I am trained in, and I assure you that I amquite within my rights. When there is evidence of conspiracy against the emperoror his lawfully appointed representatives, extraordinary powers may be used atthe discretion of the governor.”
They looked at each other.Uesugi’s fury faltered, but only for a moment. Akitada caught something in theman’s eyes-it certainly was neither nervousness nor fear. He rose to departwith stiff expressions of regret. Akitada barely nodded.
“Pah,” said Tora, when he hadgone. “The bastard lied. It’s easy to accuse a dead horse of eating the missingbale of straw.”
Hamaya put his head in. “Thedoctor, sir.”
Oyoshi came in, made a smallbow to Tamako, nodded to the others, and then approached Akitada. “You lookbetter, sir,” he said and touched Akitada’s forehead.
Akitada looked at Oyoshi’sdiscolored face and the scabs left by Kaibara’s blade. “Thank you. I wish Icould say the same for you. Sit down and have a cup of wine.”
Oyoshi smiled. “I’m not a vainman and this will heal. It might have been much worse.”
“Surely you will not travel toTakata soon?” Tamako asked her husband anxiously as she poured the doctor’swine.
“Now that the battle lines havebeen drawn, the sooner, the better,” Akitada said in a tone which brooked noargument. “There is no time to be lost. Uesugi did not make any threats, butthat does not mean he won’t take up arms.”
“But it sounds dangerous. Andyou are far from well,” she protested. “Remember what happened yesterday. Ifnot for Dr. Oyoshi’s powder, your fever might have moved to the wound, and thenyou might have died.” Her voice trembled over the final word, and tears filledher eyes.
Akitada was embarrassed butsoftened. “Well, perhaps it can wait until tomorrow.” He added more firmly, “Youmay leave us now.”
His wi
fe bowed formally to herhusband and inclined her head to the others before slipping from the room witha soft rustle of silk robes and a faint trace of orange blossom scent.
Akitada motioned everyonecloser. While they found cushions, he put away his flute, tying the silk cordinto a neat bow on top of the oblong box.
“Where did you learn to play?”Oyoshi asked.
“In the capital.” Akitadapaused with the box in his hands. “I taught myself. The first instrument was agift from a kind and noble man. I took it as a reminder that a part of myeducation had been sadly neglected. You see, as a boy I never received anymusical instruction. I am quite determined to make up for it now.” He waspuzzled by the expressions of alarm on the faces of his lieutenants.
The doctor smiled. “Howextraordinary!”
“Yes, wasn’t it?” Akitadaagreed eagerly. “At first it seemed impossibly difficult. But with persistenceI may prevail. I realize how important a musical skill is for a man’s abilityto think clearly. It requires concentration to play certain sequences and itpurifies the mind amazingly. Would you like me to demonstrate?” He started toundo the box again.
“No, please don’t trouble,”Oyoshi said, raising a hand. “You were just about to give us your instructions.Perhaps some other time?”
Akitada put the box away with asmall sigh. “Of course.” Pulling forward a stack of official papers, he riskedanother glance at the flute and said, “This is not the same instrument, youknow. The first one got broken. It saved my life when I was attacked by amurderer. Remind me to tell you the story sometime.”
“I remember. That killer wasalso a doctor,” Tora said with a nod.
Oyoshi stared at him and turnedquite pale.
Akitada thought his reactionodd. He said, “Never mind that now, Tora. The most troubling problem facing usis still the missing boy. I am afraid we made no progress at all. I am thinkingof returning to Takata to ask more questions. And then there is Hisamatsu.Hitomaro has been invited to work for the judge. He will try to find moreinformation about Uesugi’s plans and accomplices. Hitomaro’s place at thetribunal will be filled by Genba. Genba’s disguise has served its purpose.Inform him before you leave the city, Hitomaro. As for Tora…” He broke offwhen he saw his lieutenants’ expressions. “What is the matter now?”
“The wrestling match is thisafternoon,” said Hitomaro.
“What wrestling match?”
“Genba’s match. He’s a top contender, sir,” pleaded Tora.
Akitada snapped, “Do you meanto tell me that he, and both of you, consider some wrestling bout moreimportant than your duties in the present crisis?”
Oyoshi cleared his throat. “PerhapsI can explain. The wrestling match is a most significant event in thisprovince. In a remote place like ours the citizens follow wrestling with analmost religious devotion since they have little else to look forward to but along and hard winter.”
“Really?” Akitada thought aboutit. If Genba was a favorite, then his participation would go a long way tocreate goodwill for the tribunal later on. “I suppose I should have kept myselfbetter informed,” he said. “Is Genba really good enough?”
“Oh, yes,” said Hitomaro. “Youwould not recognize him, sir.”
“Then I have been remiss,”Akitada said with a nod. “We shall all attend. I should have planned to do sofrom the start. It cannot hurt to reinforce the good impression we made on thelocal people yesterday.”
“You cannot go, sir.” Seimei,who had been a quiet observer until now, was adamant. “Not only are you notwell enough, but by going out to a public event of this type you invite anotherattack. Neither Tora nor Hitomaro can protect you against an assassin in acrowd.”
Dismayed, they all looked atAkitada.
He frowned. “You exaggerate thedanger, Seimei, but to satisfy everyone I shall wear ordinary clothes and watchwith the crowd. I feel much stronger. This is only a small excursion, theweather is pleasant, and I need fresh air.” He raised his hand to stop furtherremonstrance. “Enough! I have made up my mind.”
In order to attract no undue attention, Akitada wore no cap and only a plain darkgray jacket over his old blue lined silk robe. Oyoshi had calmed everyone’sworries about his health by offering to accompany him.
They left the tribunal by theback gate. The street outside was empty except for a few stragglers hurryingahead of them. The shops were closed and shuttered, and the town seemeddeserted. From the distance came the muffled sound of drums.
“Extraordinary,” mutteredAkitada, striding along and looking about him. “Not even the Kamo festival inthe capital attracts such total support.”
Oyoshi, being shorter andolder, had trouble keeping pace. “You have much to learn about the customshereabouts,” he gasped.
“Yes, and going about like an ordinary person seems a good way to keep myself informed,” Akitada said. “Imust do this more often.” He was enjoying himself.
They had almost reached the endof the street. The curving roofs of the temple loomed ahead through thebranches of bare trees. A shrill whistle sounded in the distance, followed by aroar of applause and more drumbeats. The sweet sound of zither music came from the door of a small curio shop. It mingled pleasantly with the drumbeats from the temple. Akitada stopped.
“Ah. Shikata is playing,” said Oyoshi.
Akitada listened for a moment,then entered the shop. Oyoshi followed, mopping his face with a sleeve.
The shop was very small,consisting only of a four-mat platform normally open to the street entrance onone side, with shelves on two other walls and a shuttered window on the fourth.The shelves held a collection of musical instruments, lacquer ware, carvedfigures, games, and dolls. An ancient man sat on the platform with abeautifully decorated koto zither before him. He looked at them, thenstopped playing and bowed deeply.
“Welcome.” His voice was very soft and sounded as if it came from far away.
“I heard your music,” Akitadasaid, slipping off his shoes and stepping up on the platform. “It is very fine,but why aren’t you at the wrestling match?”
The old man smiled. “My legs won’t carry me any longer. And what is your reason?”
Akitada was pleased with theold-timer’s lack of ceremony. Apparently his disguise was good. “I’m in nohurry,” he said, looking at the zither curiously. “When I heard you playingthis fine instrument, I decided to have a look.”
“Do you play?”
“I play the flute. Do you haveany good ones in stock?”
“See for yourself.” The curiodealer pointed a clawlike hand toward the shelves. “I’m alone here. The boy’sat the match.”
Akitada went to look.
Behind him, the curio dealersaid to Oyoshi, “Sit down, Doctor. Have you been in a fight?”
“It’s nothing. I slipped on theice.”
“Ah. I thought it was your newjob. Your master is younger than I expected. Do you find him a sensible man?”
Akitada turned. Surely he couldnot have been recognized by this old relic.
Oyoshi shot him a glance andcleared his throat. “Oh, yes.”
“Well, that makes a change,”chuckled the dealer. “A flute player, eh? They are either fools or wise men.Not like zither players. Zither players like to show off. Never offend a zitherplayer. His sense of his own importance won’t bear it.”
Akitada flushed and pretendedto examine the wares on the shelves. He recognized fine craftsmanship in everyitem on display. Shops in the capital had a larger selection, but hardly finerthan Shikata’s. Incense guessing games, several versions of the shell-matchinggame, a backgammon board made of several kinds of rare woods, two sets oflacquered writing implements, a handsome silver mirror, several lutes, anotherzither, assorted figures of Buddhist and Shinto divinities-they were all, intheir own way, quite beautiful.
Meanwhile, Shikata playedanother tune with three picks worn on the fingers of his right hand. When hewas done, he said, “Lutes are different. They are for lovers and beautifulwomen. One of my
best lutes is being played by a local beauty. Her protector isa very wealthy man. It is so rare, he was the only man in the province whocould afford my price.”
Oyoshi said, “Then you have become a wealthy man yourself, Shikata. No wonder you are rude to your friends and betters.”
The curio dealer thought this funny and heaved with wheezing laughter.
Akitada said loudly, “There a reno flutes here, only games and a few other instruments.”
“Never mind,” said the old man,turning a toothless grin his way. “You don’t want a flute anyway. Better get something for your wife instead.”
“A lute?” Akitada smiled.
“Hah,” cried the curio dealer with another wheezing chuckle. “For your sake, I hope not. Beauties are all very well, but they make terrible wives.” For a moment, his face became serious. “Terrible wives!” he repeated, and shoved the zither aside. “Better give her a shell game. A suitable gift from a young husband to a faithful wife.”
The old one had no manners, buthe was amusing and the idea appealed to Akitada. The game had been on his mindonly recently. It was a traditional gift to brides because only two shells made a perfect match, like a husband and wife. But Akitada had thought of it as asymbol of the hidden relationships between people in this province. Still, the game would give Tamako pleasure during the coming months of a long winter and the waiting for the birth of their child.
He looked at the elegant sets and the hand-painted shells inside them and then chose the older one for its special beauty. Finely detailed golden chrysanthemums bloomed among silvergrasses on the container’s brilliant red lacquer background.
