The shrine maiden shrieked as one possessed, “You are evil! You are of the Darkness! Did you think I did not know? How cleverly you have tried to deceive Prince Tsukishiro. Do you think that I will surrender you to him? Do you think that I will let you go?”
With surprising speed, she drew a dagger from inside her robe. The fading light glowed dull red along the short blade.
“I’ll send you back to the Darkness here and now!”
Saya dodged instinctively, but was too dazed to comprehend that she was confronted with death. It was only when she saw her sleeve hanging in tatters, slashed where the knife had caught it, that she was jolted to her senses and felt terror sweep through her like a wave of nausea.
“Stop! Please! I serve the Light!”
The shrine maiden shrieked in a voice like grinding metal, “Silence! How dare you make such a claim?”
“But it’s true! I serve the Light with all my heart,” Saya cried as she dodged the approaching blade once again. Then, turning, she began to run. The older woman’s feet were slow and Saya should have outdistanced her with ease, but she tripped on a rock and fell hard on the sharp gravel. She had no time, however, to feel any pain. The woman was already upon her. The black silhouette of her demonic form towered above Saya as she brought the blade down with a triumphant cry.
She’ll kill me! thought Saya. Just as she closed her eyes, a piercing scream rent the air. Realizing that the voice was not her own, she opened her eyes in surprise to see the shrine maiden cowering in fear, shielding her face with her arms. Two black shapes swooped down upon her, attacking repeatedly. Blood spurted from her arm, and once again the woman screamed. Her cry mingled with the sound of beating wings. Birds. She was being attacked by two crows.
The woman swung her dagger, but struck only empty air. The crows were swift and cruel. Saya saw blood dripping from one eye in her contorted face. Her screams and gasps grew fainter, gradually dwindling into sobs. Finally, exhausted, she sank to the ground and lay still, clutching her head in her hands. Only her shoulders moved, rising and falling with each ragged breath.
Through all of this, Saya had not moved from where she had fallen. The blood on the stones lost its color in the twilight, looking like a black stain. She felt sick. Her ears rang, and she thought she would faint if she tried to stand. The crows, which had stopped attacking as soon as the shrine maiden quit struggling, settled on a large round rock a slight distance from Saya, where they began preening themselves as if nothing had happened.
They stole surreptitious glances at her from their crafty, gleaming eyes while she stared back at them. Satisfied with their appearance, they flapped their wings and sharpened their beaks on the rock. Then one of them calmly croaked, “Sa-ya . . .”
“Stu-pid . . .” the other added.
Saya’s mouth dropped open in amazement. Just then, another voice came from behind her.
“Are you still too scared to move?”
There, small and slight, stood Torihiko. He seemed to have materialized out of thin air. He wore the same old black clothes, and his uncombed hair was tied in a careless knot.
“Are you all right?” He peered into her face, his hands behind his back. He wore an expression of feigned innocence and did not look in the least concerned.
Saya said hoarsely, “What are those?”
Torihiko eyed the crows. “Ah, you mean my birds. This is Big Black and that one is Little Black.”
Then, leaping from stone to stone, he went over to the cringing woman and gazed down at her. “Why don’t you hurry home, lady, and take care of those wounds? I’m so sorry that I cannot escort you. But you tried to kill Saya, you see?”
“Ohhh!” The shrine maiden groaned loudly and staggered to her feet, one hand pressed tightly to her eye. Her hair had long since fallen into complete disarray.
“So! Spawn of evil. You have shown your true self,” she hissed, gasping for breath. “Just wait. Princess Teruhi will . . .”
“You sent the mirror back, didn’t you? So how will you report this?” Torihiko said calmly.
“Just–just remember. You can’t fool Princess Teruhi. She knows who the new handmaiden is. I already sent her a full report. She’ll—”
“Do you intend to keep on talking?” Torihiko interrupted impatiently. “I would think it would be rather inconvenient to lose your other eye as well.”
There was something in his offhand manner that sent shivers up Saya’s spine. The woman closed her mouth sharply and, hurrying off, was swallowed by the twilight.
Saya finally brushed the hair from her face. “She’ll be blind in one eye for the rest of her life,” she said accusingly.
“What difference does it make if you’re about to die anyway,” Torihiko said, unconcerned. “She obviously came to the river with the intention of killing herself. But, judging by the amount of energy she had just now, she may be so angry that she’ll change her mind.”
He spoke as casually as if talking about the weather. Gazing at him, Saya wondered if this was a characteristic of the people of Darkness or just a quirk of his personality.
She sighed. “I thought you had already gone. What about the others?”
“They left. Only I stayed. Because I was a little worried, you know.”
He grasped a wooden box that dangled on a cord from his belt. The crows immediately flew to him, landing on his shoulders and cocking their heads in anticipation. Opening the lid he took out some finely cut shreds of dried meat and fed the crows by turns.
“And I was right, wasn’t I? I hear you’re going to Mahoroba?”
“That’s right,” Saya murmured, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. “Why do you never learn? You always drive yourself into a corner. You’re going to tag along after Prince Tsukishiro just for the sake of his pretty face.”
“Leave me alone! It’s none of your business!” Saya spoke sharply, blushing deeply. “That–that isn’t it at all. I love the Light. I want to live under the sun. That’s why I accepted the chance to be his handmaiden. But someone like you would never understand!”
Torihiko folded his arms across his chest, the two solemn-faced crows perched one on either shoulder. “Now, take Princess Teruhi; she’s got that same pretty face. But she’s dreaded by everyone. She’ll be more than you can handle. She may look young, but she’s older than your great-great-grandmother. And that’s not all. There are bound to be at least fifty thousand or so ladies like the woman who was just here. Are you sure you still want to go? Saya, you’re throwing yourself into the midst of your enemies, where there’ll be no one to help you, no one to comfort you.”
Without replying, Saya stood up and brushed the dirt from her clothes. Blood was oozing from a scrape on her knee. Her mother would surely scold her. Well, no matter. It would not show. From tomorrow, she would be wearing a long skirt.
“I can’t turn back now,” she said simply. “No matter what happens, I have to find out who I am. I couldn’t stay here in the village any longer without knowing the answer. I’ll go to Mahoroba and see what happens. If I suffer for it, it will have been my own choice. You can do whatever you like; I won’t interfere. So let me do as I please.”
“Stu-pid . . .”
“Sa-ya . . .” The crows croaked as if mocking her.
She looked at them indignantly. “Get rid of those birds, will you.”
“But they’re clever,” Torihiko said, laughter in his voice. “They’re trying to remember your name.”
After a slight pause, Saya said, “Thank you for rescuing me. From here on, I’ll take care of myself.”
“Stubborn old mule,” Torihiko murmured and shrugged his shoulders.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.” He looked up at her affectionately, but he spoke like an adult. “I see that I can’t change your mind, so there’s no point in saying anything more. Just remember: it was your own choice. Because you’re sure to start doubting once you reach Mahoroba.”
chapter
two
THE
PALACE
OF LIGHT
At eventide, I gaze beyond the clouds,
lost in thought,
Dreaming of my beloved so far away.
— Anonymous
The Palace of Light
MAHOROBA DERIVED ITS NAME from its location at the center of the lands of Toyoashihara. From here a road had once led to heaven. According to legend, the long valley, running north to south, was formed by the foot of the God of Light when he returned to his celestial home, and it did indeed resemble a huge footprint, as though someone had stepped in the middle of the mountains. Within this imprint nestled the extensive buildings of the Palace of Light and a multitude of lesser manors that housed the palace subjects, together comprising the capital.
The journey had lasted many days, during which time Saya had become accustomed to horse and saddle. She had even ridden on a ferry with the horses. What surprised her most as she crossed the mountain wall was the orderliness of the mountains hemming the capital; that and the way their vivid green slopes crowded in on every side, cutting off the sky. Comparing Mahoroba to her childhood home in the east, and to the countless mountains and rivers they had crossed in between, was like comparing a smooth bowl produced upon a potter’s wheel to a rough-hewn wood carving. Here one would find no reedy marshes that took half a day to cross, no precipitous cliffs of red rock rising sudden and sheer in one’s path. Everything was delicate and orderly, as if cradled tenderly within the palm of a giant hand. The vengeful gods of the earth do not reside in this land. That’s what makes it Mahoroba, Saya thought.
Nature wielded no power here; rather, power was vested in human hands. The roads, the cultivated fields, the buildings of men, which usually appeared insignificant before the creations of wind and water, had reached their zenith in Mahoroba. They rode past irrigated rice paddies, the water levels of which were carefully regulated. The pale green of the young rice seedlings and the dark purple of the irises along the embankments seemed to melt into the humid haze. A fine silken rain fell continuously, though it did not hinder their progress. Despite the heavy clouds hanging overhead, the sky was bright and glowed like dull nickel. The capital, which Saya saw for the first time in her life, was clad mysteriously in a light robe of early summer rain. Several times they passed local people wearing straw rain cloaks who, as soon as they caught sight of the procession, scrambled off the road and knelt in the mud, not daring to raise their heads until the horses’ hooves had passed.
Finally a huge gate set in a tall stockade came into view through the misty white haze. The gate was roofed, sufficiently large to house many people, and heavily guarded. Saya, expecting to see the main hall once she passed through the gate, was surprised to enter a large square from which the road stretched still farther before them. Countless lofty buildings, each enclosed behind its own walls, lined the road.
“Well,” she muttered to herself, “how many layers will it take to satisfy them? Mahoroba is just like a set of nested boxes.”
They passed through two or three more gates. All she could see were earthen walls, pillars painted cinnabar red, and guards; the place seemed unnaturally still. It was so imposing that Saya, who was nervous anyway, was overwhelmed. When they passed through the last gate, however, the surroundings suddenly brightened. Despite the fact that it was midday, wood burned in metal brackets. The enormous plaza in which they stood was the courtyard of the palace’s main hall, an immense structure with two stately wings extending to either side and behind which soared a high wooden tower. People thronged the main steps and crowded along both wings, waiting to welcome them.
Saya’s eyes were drawn to a resplendent figure standing at the top of the main steps. Her hair was fastened in many loops through which were thrust long golden hairpins, and the delicate ornaments dangling from them swayed gently, framing her face. She wore robes of layered crimson and purple, beaded with white pearls and covered in a silver shawl of gossamer silk. Her ears were adorned with charming earrings of jade. More dazzling than all of these, however, was the beauty that radiated from the Princess herself.
Prince Tsukishiro urged his dapple-gray stallion forward to where his heralds, who had preceded him, stood waiting respectfully. The horses of his aides halted next, and Saya and the others fell in behind them. When they had dismounted and stood at attention, Prince Tsukishiro uttered a formal greeting in clear, ringing tones.
“Long have we been parted, O sister. I have returned from the war in the remote lands of the barbarians to the east.”
“Let us rejoice at your safe and swift return,” replied Princess Teruhi, her scarlet lips brighter than the building’s pillars. Her gaze and the clear ringing tone of her voice, unusual in a woman, were identical to her brother’s. “And how handsome is your figure garbed in armor, my brother, even in the rain.”
A wry smile briefly touched Prince Tsukishiro’s face. “And you, my sister: the beauty of your figure in such robes surpasses that of your golden armor shining in the midday sun. Even more so when to behold you thus is as rare as a rainbow at dawn.”
Princess Teruhi responded with a slight scowl. “Let us leave such banter for later. You had best remove your armor, dry yourself, and rest after your tiring journey. And your companions, too.”
Having been dismissed, the Prince and his retinue began leading their horses to the stables. Princess Teruhi paused as she was going through the doors and looked back as though remembering something. “Tsukishiro,” she called out. “When you’re finished, we will meet in your hall. And have your so-called new handmaiden attend us.”
WHAT FOLLOWED for Saya was unpleasant. She was placed in the hands of an elderly lady-in-waiting and led off in the opposite direction from the Prince’s hall. Although she realized it was outrageous to hope that she might always be near the Prince, she still felt forsaken. Prince Tsukishiro was her sole support, and without him she found everything around her intimidating. She was taken through countless stately buildings connected by passageways to a room which she was told was hers, but it was so far removed that she was sure she would never find her way back to the gate. Feeling like a prisoner, she could find no joy in the room’s rich furnishings, its silk screen and thick straw-stuffed mats. And worse, even in Mahoroba, old people were old. Saya’s lady-in-waiting gave the impression of having once been beautiful, but sharp wrinkles were etched in her face, and she had a rigid arrogance, assuming that what was right for her was right for everyone.
She looked Saya over from head to toe with scornful eyes and, allowing no protest, dragged her back into the passageway. This time she led her to the bath. Saya, who had always washed in the river, and was therefore totally ignorant of baths, found herself in a room with black wooden walls, a large tub, and a bucket from which steam was rising. Two young servant girls waiting in the room approached the astonished Saya, removed her clothes, and drove her into the tub, which they had filled with steaming water. Next they took a rough cloth and began to rub vigorously. The lady-in-waiting stood watching, commanding the girls to scrub harder, despite the fact that Saya already felt herself to be subjected to punishing abuse. Unable to endure it any longer, she shook herself free, scooped up hot water in both hands, and threw it over the girls. Shocked, the lady-in-waiting shrieked, “What do you think you’re doing? This is no place for such unladylike behavior!”
“There’s no need to skin me alive.”
“But you’re covered in grime.”
“I am not!” Saya retorted.
Perhaps realizing that Saya was not one to give in easily, the two girls relaxed their efforts somewhat. Even so, she was sure that her skin had been rubbed raw, but when the heat of the bath had cooled she found that it was not as sore as she had expected. Next they brushed her hair endlessly, clothed her, and tied her sash unnecessarily tight. By the time they had finished and she had returned to her room, it was already dark.
“Well, you look a little better
,” the elderly woman commented. “Would you like some color for your lips? You’re a bit pale.”
“No thank you,” Saya replied, still fuming. “I’d rather have some food. I haven’t eaten for ages.”
She was acutely aware that the supper hour had long since passed. Delicious smells had come from the kitchens near the bath. Having ridden all day without a meal since morning, she was so hungry that it was no wonder she was pale.
“There’s no time for that. It’s the hour at which I was commanded to bring you to His Highness,” the lady-in-waiting replied imperiously. Sensing an undercurrent of spite in her words, Saya said, “It’s of no consequence. I will just ask Prince Tsukishiro himself.”
The lady-in-waiting drew herself up haughtily. “Surely you would not dare to sully His Highness’s ears with such vulgar concerns.”
“Oh no. I will simply tell him that I haven’t had a bite to eat since we reached the palace.”
“Well!” The lady-in-waiting broke off abruptly and, leaving the room, ordered a servant to bring a tray of food immediately. Returning, she continued, “How childish! You’re not in the least attractive. I can’t imagine how you managed to catch the Prince’s eye.”
She was silenced, however, when Saya retorted, “And I suppose your attractiveness has caught his eye?” She sat with her back turned, uttering not another word. Besides a bowl of fluffy white rice, the tray brought by the servant held a variety of dishes, of which some, such as the fish, mushrooms, and greens, were familiar, and others, such as the dried abalone and sea cucumber, were not. Although Saya left the less appealing dishes untouched, she found the rice delicious.
Urged by the lady-in-waiting, she rose and was led hastily through numerous corridors and connecting passageways toward the Prince’s hall. Built of unvarnished wood, it was large enough to host a gathering of Saya’s entire village beneath its roof. Entering through double doors studded with gleaming rivets, they passed along a floor of polished white cedar, smooth enough to skate on. In the innermost chamber, a canopy hung with floor-length curtains of fine silk and five-colored cords surrounded the low platform where the Prince sat. On the floor in front of this were placed bearskins and armrests for guests. Some fruit had been placed upon a small lacquered table. In each corner of the room, a candle stand had been placed in front of a silk screen, brightly illuminating the pictures. Four strange animals unlike any creatures in this world were depicted there.
Dragon Sword and Wind Child Page 5
