Shonto spoke before Shuyun could reply. “But how far into the wastes could you go? I understand that even the Brothers are only welcome to cross the border; they do not travel freely.”
Komawara looked slightly embarrassed at having made this suggestion without consulting Shuyun first. It showed terrible manners and he knew it. “It is true, Sire. The monks do not penetrate deep into the tribal lands, but it is possible that a monk discovered far north of Seh’s border would not be treated too harshly. Brothers have been lost in the wastes before and the barbarians have returned them to Seh’s border. I would like to try, Sire, even if I may not have Shuyun-sum’s help.”
Shonto turned back to the north again. “It is an idea worthy of consideration.” He faced his companions again. “Shuyun, what do you say to this?”
If he was offended by the idea of someone impersonating a Botahist monk, he did not allow it to show. “It is not possible,” he said quietly, “it is the healing power that the barbarians respect. They have superstitions connected to the Brotherhood, it is true, but it is our ability to heal that makes us welcome among the tribes. They would not treat an imposter well; especially an imposter who came seeking to know their strength. It is a brave plan, but I fear, Lord Komawara, you would be throwing your life away for no gain, excuse me for saying so.”
Shonto considered this for a moment. “I believe Shuyun-sum is correct, Lord Komawara. This is a brave plan, but it would be seen too quickly that you do not have the power to heal. You would fail, certainly. Our need to know what transpires beyond our border is great, but we are not so desperate that we will throw lives away needlessly.”
Silence followed. Shonto saw General Hojo walking up the hill toward them. It is finished, Shonto thought, may Botahara have mercy on their souls.
Shuyun’s quiet tones brought him back to the moment.
“I could go with Lord Komawara, Lord Governor. I can heal.”
Shonto was stunned into silence for a second. “It is out of the question. You are a member of my personal staff. I would no more send you into the desert than I would send Lady Nishima. You have risked your life once already, for which I will always be grateful, but that was only at our greatest need; this can never happen again. I respect you for making such an offer, but it is not possible.”
Shuyun and Komawara exchanged a look as Shonto turned back toward the north.
In the late afternoon light, the coins in Shonto’s hands took on a richness of hue that did not seem real. He rubbed them between his fingers and felt the embossed dragon form.
“Power and mystery,” he heard Nishima whisper.
Thirty-two
LORD AGATUA HAD never before been kept waiting in the Shonto house. Although he and Motoru-sum did not spend the hours together that they had years ago, there was still a lasting bond, a friendship strong enough that Shonto would choose him to deliver a message to Lady Nishima. He had no idea what the message contained or why it had to be delivered so circuitously, but Lord Agatua was the kind of friend who would never question those close to him: Motoru-sum felt the precautions were necessary so that must be true.
But he was kept waiting. Lady Nishima was ill, he had been informed, and when he had made a fuss the servants had rushed off to fine someone of authority. That had been some time ago. He was not a man who waited well.
A screen was pushed aside and Lady Kento whisked into the room. Agatua’s face brightened perceptibly.
“Lady Kento, at last, a person of reason.” He bowed and Lady Kento did the same.
“I apologize, Lord Agatua, it is unforgivable that you were kept waiting. Please, accept my apologies.” She bowed again.
Lord Agatua shrugged. “These things occur, but it is past and forgotten. Please take me to Lady Nishima, I have a message of the utmost urgency.”
Lady Kento bowed again quickly. “I will take it to her personally, Lord Agatua, be assured.”
“Lady Kento, I have just finished explaining to a servant that I cannot allow that. The message is from Lord Shonto and he expressly instructed that I should deliver it into the hands of Lady Nishima and no other. I will not break trust with your liege-lord by doing other than he has asked. We have no way of knowing how important this message is. I will do nothing but deliver it into the lady’s hand, let me assure you.”
The small woman stood her ground. “It is not possible, Lord Agatua. My lady is very ill, and her physician will not allow her to be disturbed. I’m very sorry, but there is nothing I can do.”
Lord Agatua almost exploded with frustration, but when he spoke his voice was even and reasonable. “Lady Kento, Lady Nishima’s own life may be in danger—we do not know. It would be the greatest folly to allow the instructions of a physician to overrule the orders of your liege-lord. Please, take me to your mistress at once.”
Lady Kento did not move. She shook her head again. “I apologize again, but what you ask is impossible.”
Lord Agatua stepped past Kento and headed for the door that led to the inner house.
“Guards have been ordered to detain you if you go further, Lord Agatua.” Kento said quietly.
He turned toward her. “This is madness!” But he knew, somehow, that the woman was in earnest. “When will I be able to see Lady Nishima?”
Kento shrugged. “It is impossible to say—perhaps three days?”
Shaking his head Lord Agatua turned to leave, but as he reached the door he stopped. “You will have no opportunities to make such serious errors as a street sweeper.” He left.
Kento stood staring at the door. It had been only a few days and already it was difficult to maintain the ruse that Nishima was in the house. First General Katta had tried to see her, though that had been not so difficult, and now this. Kento worried about the message from Lord Shonto. Certainly, it must be important, but there was no way to intercept Lady Nishima now, at least not without bringing a great deal of attention to her. She would be in Seh before a message, sent by any conventional means, would catch her. There was nothing to be done—except, perhaps, begin preparation for her new position. She believed the brooms were kept near the kitchen.
Thirty-three
LADY NISHIMA HAD never known a day so long. It had been only the previous evening that she had received the poem from Jaku Katta, and since then time had slowed as it never had when she practiced chi ten with Brother Satake.
Nothing—no word—and she could not bring herself to contact him: at least she retained that degree of dignity.
Watched from the deck of her river boat, the shore passed as it had throughout the first days of her journey, but now the eye of the poetess regarded it differently.
Calypta leaves drift toward winter,
Borne on winds
In the reflected surface
Of the autumn sky.
Trees line ancient canal banks,
And weep for the passing procession
Branches as barren as my heart.
Why do you not speak my name?
The Ladies Okara and Kitsura were resting and Nishima had come out on deck in the last light to be “alone with her thoughts.” Alone with her desire, she admitted to herself.
Does he not want to see me as I wish to see him? It was the question that destroyed her tranquillity. I begin to feel like a fool, Nishima thought and resolved to return below to her cabin and her writing when a boat, sculled by two Imperial Guards, appeared under the bow. Nishima felt her pulse jump, but at the same time she felt more a fool to be standing at the rail as though awaiting word. It was too late to go below, so she turned her attention to the fading shoreline and feigned not to notice the boat and its occupants until it was before her.
“Excuse our presumption, Lady Nishima,” the officer aboard said quietly, “we do not mean to disturb your contemplation,” He seemed to have no doubt of whom he addressed. “If you will allow me, I bring you a letter from General Katta and will certainly return at your convenience if you wish to make a reply.” He
reached into his sleeve and removed a letter.
Nishima reached out automatically and took the letter. “I thank you,” she said and walking a few feet toward the quarter deck, she leaned against the gunnel, took a deep calming breath, and opened the letter she had been awaiting for one interminable day.
Jaku’s too large hand wandered down the page, but she found his failed attempt at elegance somewhat endearing.
The wind, the wind, the wind
I wish to hear no more of it.
I am ruined for duty,
A single brush of your lips
Is all I can think of.
My heart will not leave me in peace
Until I speak to you.
Nishima found she was reaching out to steady herself on the rail. She realized that no matter what her head told her, she was going to ignore it in this matter. In fact, the decision was already made. She walked back to the gangway where the Imperial Guard boat waited.
“Where is General Katta?”
“The general is aboard an Imperial barge near the head of the fleet, my lady.”
“Will you take me to him?” she asked, her voice much smaller than she expected.
The officer did not know how to respond. He had not been told to expect this. “I—I can, my lady, I can, if that is what you wish.”
“It is.” Nishima turned to the Shonto guard who stood watch at the gangway. “Tell my companions I will return shortly.” She descended the ladder to the guards’ boat. This is the worst foolishness, she found herself thinking, though she allowed herself to be assisted aboard.
The fleet was long. Nishima did not count the boats—more boats than hours in the day, she was certain of that. Anticipation built within her. The kiss she had allowed Jaku came back to her now and it seemed like no kiss she had ever known: tender and full of promise.
This excitement was balanced by a fear. Fear that Jaku would not feel as she did, despite his words. Fear that he would not even be aboard his boat, and her impetuous act would lead to nothing but embarrassment. She was going, unannounced and without invitation, to the dwelling of a man she knew hardly at all.
Finally they came to the Imperial barge that was Jaku’s transportation to Seh. Nishima found the size and richness of this craft strangely reassuring, though she did not know why.
Waiting in the boat while her presence was announced, fear almost ate away her desire, but then Jaku arrived; his silhouette was unmistakable as he appeared at the rail—black uniform against the dark sky. He descended the stair with a surefootedness that was uncanny—catlike, as an entire Empire had noted. At least he did not merely have me brought to him, Nishima found herself thinking and was surprised that she felt gratitude.
“Lady Nishima,” Jaku said in his rich tones. “I am honored beyond my poor command of words to describe.” Jaku extended his hand to her. “Allow me to assist you.”
Nishima ignored all the expected formalities of the situation and did not apologize for intruding; she merely extended her hand and felt the strong grasp and the heat of Jaku’s hand as it enclosed her own.
* * *
The stern cabin of the Imperial barge was impressive: beams lacquered a deep red, large windows, now draped, looking out through the transom, celestial blue wall hangings, and cloud designs painted on the ceiling; all of this lit by hanging lanterns. The straw-matted floor had been covered with thick carpets from the land of the barbarians, a custom in Seh but only recently popular in the capital.
Jaku Katta and Lady Nishima sat facing each other on cushions spread upon the barbarian carpets. The rush of excitement at their meeting had given way to an awkward politeness.
“So often it seems futile,” Jaku was saying. “I have long been counseling the Son of Heaven to make our roads and waterways safe. I don’t know how often I have repeated this but there are so many counselors in the court, so many with the Emperor’s ear. There is no end to the foolishness that passes for wisdom. But I have finally been heard: the lesson of history has won out. The Throne can only be secured by assuring peace in the Empire, and that must start with securing the roads and waterways.”
Jaku paused for a second and caught the eye of Nishima. “And in doing this I will come to Seh…to a situation that is of…” he searched for the words, “military concern. If I may be of small service to Lord Shonto when I arrive, I would consider it an honor.” Jaku lowered his voice and Nishima moved closer to hear. “I do not know what transpires in Seh, my lady, but I fear it is not the barbarians that will test your liege. Because of my duties on the canal, I cannot be there for several weeks, but I hurry. This situation is of great concern to me, Lady Nishima.”
“But you have already done so much. If it weren’t for you, I don’t know what would have happened in our garden.”
Jaku shrugged modestly. “Who can say?” He paused and then leaned toward her, his voice now barely a whisper. “I would not say this to anyone else, Nishima-sum, but I have begun to have doubts. I do not know what my Emperor intends nor how often I have been the instrument in the…Court’s intrigues. I have been as loyal as a son and now I am uncertain of my loyalties. Not everyone is a man such as your father, renowned for constancy.”
Nishima found herself whispering also, sharing secrets like a lover. “You have served more than the Emperor, Katta-sum, even as you serve the Empire and its citizens on the canal. You cannot bear responsibility for the actions of your liege: duty does not require that. Loyalty…is a matter of the heart.”
Jaku reached out and caressed Nishima’s cheek and a visible shudder of pleasure trilled through her. “Your words bring me comfort, Nishi-sum, they are Shonto-wise.” Jaku leaned forward and kissed Nishima, a lingering kiss of great tenderness. Nishima found herself pushing into his arms and returning his kiss with a need that surprised her. Strong arms pulled her closer. Fingers brushed her breast through the folds of her robes.
Jaku whispered in her ear. “I do not know all of the details of what occurred in Denji Gorge. So many arrangements were made after I had initiated contact with the Hajiwara. If I had only known…thank the gods that Lord Shonto is the general he is and that no harm was done.”
His mouth covered hers before she could respond. And suddenly Nishima was alarmed. What was he saying? What of Denji Gorge?
Jaku lowered her slowly to the cushions. His hands moved along her sash and Nishima felt the press of coins strung around her waist.
“No,” Nishima managed weakly as Jaku began to pull at the knot. “No.” More firmly this time, but Jaku did not seem to hear. She tried to push him away a little. “Katta-sum—what is this you…?” He kissed her as though this would stop her questions.
Nishima felt panic grip her. What of my uncle? What is it that this man feels he must deny? Suddenly, Jaku’s words seemed false to her.
Hands began to unwind her sash. She pushed against him, but he was so large he did not even seem aware. This must not happen. He is false. The coins—they were carried by Imperial Guards. How could their commander not know?
Grabbing the hand that unwound her sash, Nishima tried to hold it to her. She had allowed this to start. Had initiated it of her own volition. How was she to expect him to respond? But it could not be.
The trained strength of the kick boxer would not be denied, and Jaku began again to remove the length of brocade that held her robes and hid the silk ribbon around her waist. A hand touched the skin beneath her robes and Nishima felt a weakness wash through her. Warm fingers caressing her breast. He saved my uncle’s life, Nishima found herself thinking, though why the thought surfaced amid the flood of pleasure she did not know.
Jaku’s hand slid from her breast toward her waist, and Nishima’s will returned in a rush.
“No!”
Jaku was flung back and found himself in an awkward heap at the base of a pillar.
Nishima stood before him, gathering her robes and sash into a semblance of order.
“Tell me what occurred at Denji
Gorge,” Nishima said evenly.
Jaku looked as confused as any cornered animal. “You are in league with the Brothers.”
“I am in league with the Shonto, make no mistake. Has my uncle come to harm?”
“Lord Shonto…” He trailed off as though dazed. “Lord Shonto is, no doubt, in Seh, Nishima-sum, in Seh and unharmed. The Hajiwara tried to trap him in the gorge. I do not know what alliance planned this, though I would look to the court. I assure you Lady Nishima, I did nothing beyond establish contact with the Hajiwara, and that I did not do in person but left to my brother.” Jaku moved to a more dignified position but did not rise.
“How is it you know the fighting skills of the Botahist monks?”
“I do not know what you mean, General,” Nishima said. She had returned her clothing to order, but a flush remained on her face and neck. “If you have a boat that can return me to my own, I will impose upon you no further.”
“Nishima-sum…I know you doubt me, but I am more of an ally than you realize. There is much I do not know that I may yet discover, to the benefit of the Shonto. I am a man of honor, and will only serve those who are the same.”
Nishima crossed to the door of the cabin. “I must have time to think, Katta-sum,” she said softly. “There is much going on below the surface, in the Empire and in my heart as well. I have treated you unfairly and for this I apologize; I cannot make decisions according to my desires. Lord Shonto saved my mother and myself—no, do not deny the Emperor’s intentions, you know that it is true. I could be a threat to the Throne, if that were my desire. Your Emperor will never forgive that.
“I have many duties, too many duties. Please, Katta-sum, do not cause me more confusion.” She slid the screen aside herself but paused before leaving. “Come to Seh. We will speak there—in Seh.”
The Initiate Brother Duology Page 43
