If Shokan had known, he would have been less anxious to leave, for Tanaka stood at the rail staring up at the distant rider and the streaks on his face were not all from the rain and salt spray. He looks much like his father did at that age, the merchant was thinking. And he is as dear to me.
Tanaka watched as the figure in Shonto blue waved and then turned back along the cliff, followed by three guards. So few, Tanaka thought, it’s almost as if there were no danger.
The young Lord Shonto worked his way down to a stretch where the cliff path turned flat and broad and pressed his mount into a canter. He was delighted, as always, by the stallion’s motion. He had brought the animal back with him from Seh, and it had survived the voyage, first by river and then by sea, without apparent harm to body or spirit.
Seh…. It was that province and his father’s situation to which his thoughts constantly returned. Tanaka’s visit had been most unsettling, adding fuel to the slow kindling of fear that had been smoldering since his father’s most recent letter.
As he had feared all along, there was more hidden in the wastelands than the proud men of Seh would admit possible. And now this news from Tanaka.
He spurred his horse up a steeper rise, hooves throwing clods of soft turf as they went. Reining in, he turned back to the sea and took longer than he expected to catch sight of the small fleet disappearing into the sheets of rain that shrouded the entire Bay of Mists. There would be no more ships setting out across those waters now until spring returned; these were tempting the Storm Gods quite enough.
Late, late in the season for such folly. Shokan turned his mount toward the Shonto Palace. Folly, he thought, there has been entirely too much folly. Sensing his mood, his guard hung back as far as duty would allow, leaving their young lord alone with his thoughts.
Reaching down a heavily gloved hand, Shokan patted the stallion’s shoulder as a sudden gust whipped its unplaited mane into a tangle. His father did not believe that Seh could be held. He shuddered though he was not cold.
Did the Emperor know that all that stood between his Imperial person and the loss of his Throne to a barbarian chieftain was Shonto Motoru? Shokan supposed that he did not.
If Shonto abandoned the north and fell back to the south, how long could he keep control of the army he was raising? Surely the Son of Heaven would order him to step down from his command in shame the moment he crossed the border of Seh. Shokan had not liked the tone of his father’s last letter. Staying in control of the army long enough to defeat the invaders had seemed to be his father’s only concern.
Wa is in danger as never before. We cannot be swayed by desires for revenge upon those who have allowed this to come about. It is not a question of losing our fief or Shonto honor—we are in danger of losing the entire Empire.
So his father had written and Shokan did not doubt it for a moment.
There would be no support from the Emperor, and the men of Seh seemed equally blind to their plight and might well remain so until it was too late. My father needs an army, Shokan thought, he needs the largest force the Empire can raise, yet that is impossible. He fought off the bitterness and anger that had been growing since his visit from Tanaka.
He tried to replace this bitterness with the feelings of affection he felt for their vassal-merchant. Tanaka sailed into more danger than winter storms. If Lord Shonto was removed from command of his army, all of the Shonto House would fall with him. Tanaka, who controlled the family’s vast trading interests, would be the third Shonto retainer the Imperial Guard would seek out, after Shokan and Lady Nishima.
Tanaka was convinced that the Emperor would invite the young Shonto heir to come to the capital for the winter social season and Shokan was certain he was right. He had been expecting the Imperial summons for days.
Of course he would stall as long as possible, but that would not be forever—the Emperor was not a patient man.
At least Lady Nishima was no longer within the Emperor’s reach. This brought a smile to replace the anxious look on the young lord’s face. He wondered how the Emperor would react to that? Nishima gone, and in the company of the woman the Emperor had himself appointed to be her instructor in the arts. Although he stood somewhat in awe of his adopted sister’s charm, Shokan could not imagine how Nishi-sum had tempted the Lady Okara from her island sanctuary.
Shokan would like to see the Emperor’s response to that news. The Yamaku Emperor was not patient nor did he like to appear a fool. The young lord laughed aloud. There were at least small victories to be enjoyed. Oh, Nishi-sum, how did you manage such a thing? He laughed again and spurred his horse in a wild gallop along the cliff top. Below him the sea battered the ancient cliff, endlessly: soft water against hard stone in an unequal contest.
Four
JAKU TADAMOTO TRIED to sit calmly, without betraying any sign of the fear he felt. It was a difficult exercise. The Emperor was known to fly into rages, but in Tadamoto’s experience the sovereign could be at his deadliest when he was silent—trying to contain his infamous temper. The Emperor stood, apparently examining a figure in a three-panel painting of the battle of Kyo. He held his sword of office in its scabbard before him in both hands and Tadamoto could see the Emperor’s right hand flexing like an involuntary seizure on the sword’s grip.
Jaku Tadamoto’s sense of tranquillity was further eroded by the knowledge that the object of the Emperor’s rage was his own brother, Katta. He was not certain what caused him more apprehension: the thought that the Emperor’s legendary distrust would now be focused on him because of his brother’s latest betrayal, or whether he feared for Katta. Certainly Katta had gone off to the north, turning his back on Tadamoto, but even so, Katta was still his brother.
The Emperor turned suddenly and glared down at the kneeling guardsman.
“So, Shonto’s daughter is in league with my former Guard Commander, damn his arrogance!” He gazed back at the figure in the painting again as though it calmed him. The figure, Tadamoto could not help but notice, was impaled upon a lance.
Very quietly, Tadamoto ventured to speak. “It is difficult to say, Sire, it is just as possible that their meeting was merely coincidence.”
“I am not a believer in coincidence, not when your brother is concerned.” The Emperor paced back to his dais, paused to consider, then kicked a silk-covered pillow across the audience chamber. “And it was the Lady Okara? You are certain?”
Tadamoto looked at the floor directly in front of him. “It would appear so, Sire. Her staff report that she is ill and cannot receive visitors, the same explanation we are given at the Shonto House. The description I have received would seem to leave little doubt.”
The Emperor dropped back to his cushions and stared at the mats as intently as did Tadamoto. “And you still do not believe he has secretly joined the Shonto?”
Tadamoto shook his head slowly. “It would be most uncharacteristic, Sire. My brother is ambitious, I will not deny it, but he believes that Shonto’s famed loyalty is a sham. He thinks the great lord is loyal only to his own ambitions, all other alliances merely serve his purpose. I think Katta-sum’s distrust of Lord Shonto is unwavering.”
The Emperor shook his head. “He is your brother, Colonel, it is natural that you trust his motives more than others might.” He looked up at the young officer in front of him. “You, however, must decide where your loyalties lie. You cannot serve two masters, Tadamoto-sum, be very clear on that.”
Tadamoto bowed his head to the mat and returned slowly to his kneeling position. “My brother and I have had a parting of ways, Sire. Katta went north on the great canal, while I remained…. I am my Emperor’s servant. It is my hope that my opinions regarding my brother are not dictated by family loyalties but come only from careful thought and concern for duty to my Emperor. If this is not the case, Sire, please dismiss me from my position and allow me to serve in some other way.” He bowed again.
The Emperor stroked his chin, and though his eyes were fixed on the young Jaku, his focus wa
s elsewhere. When he spoke again, his voice was quieter, softer. “No, Tadamoto-sum, I trust you. I am well aware that your brother’s actions cause you great pain and that you still hope there is an explanation that will indicate his continued loyalty to the Throne. I hold the same hope, for Katta is dear to me.” He paused. “But I cannot let my affection blind me entirely. If your brother does not soon act in a manner that proves our hopes are justified….” The Emperor let the threat hang in the air. He began examining his scabbard.
After a moment he turned back to the young man who knelt before him. “Is there more to this report, Colonel, or is that all the bad news for the day?”
Tadamoto hesitated, offering a silent prayer to Botahara. “There is one other thing, Sire.” He tried to work some moisture into a dry mouth. “It seems that Lady Nishima and Lady Okara have one other companion.”
“Oh.”
Tadamoto almost whispered. “It is possible they are accompanied by the Lady Kitsura Omawara, Sire.”
The Emperor did not take his eyes from his sword.
“That will be all, Colonel.”
“Yes, Emperor.” Jaku Tadamoto touched his head to the floor and, without rising, backed from the room as quickly as concern for the Emperor’s dignity would allow.
Akantsu II sat for a long time, staring at his sword of office. Insults such as this were not paid to Emperors. No doubt Lord Omawara believed his name and failing health would protect him. The Emperor pulled his sword halfway from its scabbard and then rammed it home savagely. Oh, there was nothing the Emperor could do openly—Omawara was correct in that assumption. But that would not protect the old man. Nor would it protect the rest of his House.
The Emperor thought suddenly of the Lady Kitsura, and her legendary beauty seemed an affront to him now. Such arrogance! The Emperor tightened his grip on the sword. The old families would never accept the Yamaku. This proved it beyond all doubt. There could be no other course of action if he was to preserve the Yamaku ascendancy. Once the Shonto were gone, the old families would realize their mistake…their many mistakes.
He turned and set his sword in its stand with exaggerated care, controlling his shaking hands with an act of will. He took a long deep breath and let it out slowly. The insult would not receive the slightest recognition, of course. In fact, he would send a letter inquiring after Lord Omawara’s health that very day. He would also ask if Lady Kitsura’s journey went well. A solicitous letter. Let the dying old man know what he had wrought upon his family. But the Emperor’s mood was not so easily broken. Even the thought of what could be done to the Omawara brought him no comfort.
The Emperor took another long breath. He clapped his hands softly and a servant appeared.
“Send for Osha-sum,” he said, “her Emperor desires her presence.”
* * *
Destroying her lover’s letters crossed Osha’s mind when she received the summons to attend the Emperor. It will not matter, she thought. If he knows, the letters will not make a difference. Selecting robes to wear into the royal presence, an activity that could take many women several days, was comparatively easy. Calming her spirit, however, was not possible.
If the Emperor knew about her meetings with Tadamoto-sum, it would not matter that the Son of Heaven had lost interest in her…had not called for her in weeks. He would quickly forget that he had cast her aside without a word. That anyone would presume to pay her court would drive him to a fury, of that she was certain.
And they had been so careful! She sat down as a wave of fear weakened her limbs. What of Tadamoto-sum? Had the Emperor…? She did not want to think of it. Hanging her head in her hands for a second, she tried to control herself.
No doubt this is not what I fear. It is more likely merely a good-bye—your presence in the Imperial Palace is no longer necessary. Here is a gift from the Son of Heaven who is an admirer of your talents. It is said that Chou has need of dancers, and the air there is so healthful and pure.
But would she be called into the presence of the Emperor for such a message? No, she thought, that is not likely. Perhaps, then, the Emperor would truly give her a gift! Perhaps he would allow her to continue to dance with the Imperial Sonsa troupe!
She thought warmly of Tadamoto. He had been so certain that he could sway the Emperor to allow her to stay in the capital. She smiled as she rose and examined her appearance in a bronze mirror. But as she left her apartments to walk to the Emperor’s audience hall, her confidence seemed to waver a little with each step.
By the time Osha arrived at the guarded double doors, she was shaking and pale. Only her years of Sonsa training forced her knees to support her.
Osha barely noticed the two Imperial Guards who opened the doors. She knelt in the doorway, casting her gaze down, even when she had returned to a kneeling position. She sat thus, in the grip of more terror than she had ever known.
“Please, Osha-sum, enter,” came the familiar voice. “Be at your ease.”
She closed her eyes and bowed again. What could she read in that voice? He did not hide his anger well, but she had seen it done…had seen him toy with someone until they believed they were safe. Then he had exploded in one of his fits of anger. Osha rose and moved forward on her knees until she was a respectful distance from the dais. Folding her hands carefully in her lap, she tried to force herself into a calm but still did not meet his eyes.
“Your dancing goes well?”
“The Emperor is kind to inquire. My dancing goes most well.”
“I am glad to hear this, though Colonel Jaku Tadamoto has said as much.”
She closed her eyes and fought tears. Even without looking, she knew that the Emperor sat with his sword across his knees. An urge to prostrate herself and beg for forgiveness began to pull at the edges of her rising fears.
“I value the young Jaku brother’s judgment,” he said as though to someone else. “It pleases me that your dancing goes well. It is a demanding path that you pursue, I understand why you have so little time for mere social occasions. Demands are something an Emperor understands only too well. Though the demands made upon an Emperor do not give us the time we would wish to pursue the things that are close to our hearts. I do not think this is so with the Sonsa?”
Osha could hear the pounding of blood in her ears—a steady rhythm of fear.
“Please excuse me,” she said with difficulty, “I am not sure what the Emperor means.”
“Is it not dancing that is closest to a Sonsa’s heart?”
“Ah.” Osha smiled as if he had said something clever.
“I understand this passion that controls you, Osha-sum. I am sometimes jealous, but an Emperor must never give in to such things.” He paused. “You must dance and I must spend my days listening to ministers and counselors, though it is not pursuing what is closest to my heart. Do you become jealous when the Empire takes so much of my time?”
“I…the Empire, Sire, cannot be compared to dance. Dance is but a trivial thing when set beside affairs of state.”
“So many would say, though I am not sure I would agree. Let us say that we both are governed by things of importance. It does not matter.” She knew he stared at her, and she tried to remain calm. “It warms my heart to see you, Osha-sum. You have grown even more beautiful these last months.”
“I am honored that you would say so, Sire.”
“We must learn to live with the demands of our lives, Osha-sum, and take pleasure in the moments that are truly our own.”
His outstretched hand appeared before her.
Her heart sank entirely now. He did not know about Tadamoto! That was not why she had been summoned. He desired her! After ignoring her entirely and subjecting her to the greatest humiliation, he wanted her!
She closed her eyes and fought back tears. The Emperor wanted her again. Was she not pleased? She thought of Tadamoto and realized that she was completely terrified of arousing the Emperor’s suspicions. She dared not refuse.
“Are these
tears, Osha-sum?” the Emperor asked. “Is there something wrong?”
Shaking her head, she tried to smile. “Tears do not always indicate sadness, Sire.”
With effort she reached out her hand and the Emperor grasped it. She had forgotten how strong he was. As she moved forward the Emperor pulled her, almost roughly, onto the dais so that her knee struck the frame, but he did not seem to notice.
A kiss that would have seemed passionate before felt coarse to her now. His hands touched her without concern for her pleasure, failing to arouse as they once had. The Emperor fumbled at her sash, for it was not a Lover’s Knot and easily undone. She had to untie it for him, helping unwind the yards of brocade.
Pushing her down into the deep silk cushions, the Emperor opened her robes. There were no words of love, no whispers close to her ear. Osha felt nothing but revulsion. With all her heart she wanted to run. Until that moment she had not known what it was she felt for Tadamoto-sum. The Emperor lowered his weight onto her, his face close to hers, his breath coming in harsh gasps.
Five
THERE WERE FEW people as skilled at waiting as Brother Sotura. He could truthfully say that he had only known impatience twice, perhaps three times, in his life, and on each of those occasions he had mastered this emotion almost immediately. The chamber in which he practiced waiting contained a small shrine to Botahara on one wall and an austere, but very skillful arrangement of cedar boughs and autumn slip maple on a small stand against another. These two things in themselves would have provided the necessary focus for many days of meditation, even if Brother Sotura didn’t have other things to consider. And he could barely remember a time when he did not have other things demanding his attention.
He was more than concerned that Lord Shonto had not allowed this second meeting with Brother Shuyun to take place in the Temple of the Pure Wind. The lord had insisted that the meeting should be held in the Governor’s Palace so Shonto “would not be deprived of his Advisor’s counsel at this crucial time.” Of course, Brother Sotura had agreed immediately—one didn’t argue with an Imperial Governor, especially one whose family name was Shonto—but still, he was concerned.
The Initiate Brother Duology Page 52
