Gloria Oliver

by In Service Of Samurai

  “Where is your honor? How dare you demand anything ?” Her voice was cold. “Until his death, this is my father’s house, and this man is my father’s guest! And so shall he be treated.” She pointed toward Toshi with her closed fan. “Instead of trying to order him around, you should be spending your time assuring our lord is safe from the scum that have obviously penetrated the castle!” Her small form shook with rage as she confronted the leader of Tsuyu’s men. “Ninja have invaded our household!” She slapped his breastplate with her fan. “Assassins!” She did it again. “Yet you dare stand around and threaten someone who has valiantly already done some of your work for you?”

  Several of the men near the front took a step back at Himiko’s vehemence. Most of them were staring at the ground. “Lady Himiko, I’m sorry, but we have orders to take this man.”

  She crisply turned her back on him and joined the two guards at the stage. “If you decide to do so, you’ll have to go through me to take him.” Though her back was to him, Toshi still heard the sound of a small blade being removed from its sheath.

  “Himiko-sama!” His protest went unheeded. He knew she wouldn’t back down even if they attacked.

  “Make your decision, Captain,” she said. Her voice was laced with ice.

  “Captain, if you make a move toward her, you will force us to attack you.” Kirin’s voice was as cold as Himiko’s.

  With bated breath, Toshi waited for the captain’s decision. His own hand had already taken hold of the hilt of his wakizashi. He was therefore shocked when Himiko turned her back on the captain and the danger he represented to smile up at him. “Kazete-san, would you like to accompany me inside for some tea?” she asked pleasantly. Her face showed no trace of the tension brewing behind her.

  If Asano had felt nothing upon looking in the courtyard that morning, it would never happen. It would serve no purpose for him to remain there any longer. “I would be honored, Asano-san.”

  Ignoring his exhaustion, he forced his legs to move so he might rise. He could feel Himiko’s eyes glued to his every movement. He tried to ignore the way his damp clothes stuck to him. His gaze wavered as he stood, a long shudder coursing through his body. Perspiration beaded on his forehead. He tried hard not to sway.

  All eyes were on him, but he didn’t notice. His gaze wouldn’t focus anymore. He tried to take a step forward and instead found himself falling. His mind had gone dark before he hit the stage floor.

  Chapter 40

  Something cool settled on his forehead. Toshi groaned softly as his eyes fluttered open. He stared at Himiko’s face as it hovered over him. “Himiko-sama?”

  Her face left his field of vision. “He’s awake!” When he saw her again, a smile was playing on her lips.

  “How do you feel, Toshiro-san?”

  Before he could answer, he was being propped up and a cup of broth held before his lips.

  “Drink it down, boy.” The old healer’s face crowded out Himiko’s as she tried to get him to drink.

  A little dazed and confused, he didn’t question her orders but did as he’d been bid. His stomach rumbled as the bitter broth filled his insides.

  Weakly, he pushed the cup away as the healer tried to get him to drink a third cup. Moving his gaze to the left, he looked again into Himiko’s face.

  “Where?”

  To his astonishment, he saw her blush at the question while turning her eyes away.

  “You’re in my chambers, Toshiro-san,” she said. “Kirin-san and I felt it would be the safest, most protectable area in which to keep you. We’ve been able to use the ninja incident to expel all of my maids and place loyal guards around us. I’m sure Tsuyu is livid; but, because of the concrete proof of the threat, there’s not much he can say.”

  At the mention of Tsuyu’s name, he felt his heart grow cold.

  “The kettle. Where is it? Did they take it?”

  “No, Toshiro-san, it’s right here.”

  He looked at where Himiko pointed on his right and found the kettle beside him.

  “They would have had to take you to get the kettle. Even while unconscious, you wouldn’t let go of it.”

  A teasing smile lit up on her lips.

  He didn’t resist as the healer prompted him to lie back down. “What’s wrong with me?”

  “You have a fever and are very weak,” the old woman said crisply. “Sitting under nightlong storms is not what I usually recommend for young patients with injuries. Fasting is not one of my favorites, either.”

  He almost laughed out loud as the old woman gave him a look threatening mayhem if he dared to try it again.

  “Toshiro-san, if I might be so bold, what happened to you in the courtyard last night?” Himiko asked.

  He closed his eyes, trying to gather his unruly thoughts. He wasn’t sure just how much to tell her.

  “Tsuyu’s men left the courtyard soon after the storm started. The rain eventually put out the lanterns and left us in darkness. As lightning lit the sky, ninja attacked your father’s men.

  “I should have died last night,” he admitted. “Tsuyu was taking no chances. He sent a score of ninja after me.” He hesitated, noticing the frown developing on Himiko’s face. “My lord and his people came to my rescue then. They defended me throughout the night. They’re the only reason I’m still alive.”

  Himiko stared at her hands. As he said nothing more, she looked up, not able to contain her curiosity.

  “How was that possible?” she asked. In her eyes, he could see how she struggled to believe him.

  “They followed the ninja into the castle grounds. I didn’t think they could, but they did it. They kept me alive.”

  “Where are they now?” she asked softly.

  “In the trees, in the garden.” He stared raptly at her, feeling her doubt. “Himiko-sama, this is not a fever-dream. They were—are—here. But they can’t be found during the day, only at night; and then only if they allow it.”

  He saw her uncertainty intensify. “Why don’t you sleep for now, Toshiro-san. It’ll help you regain your strength.”

  It hurt him a little that she didn’t believe, but only a little. He couldn’t possibly expect anyone to accept such a fantastical thing.

  “Himiko-sama, why did you stare at me so strangely when you entered the courtyard?”

  She had been in the process of standing, but sat back down at his question. She wouldn’t meet his gaze.

  “I was just surprised, that’s all. Your hair—”

  “My hair?”

  “Yes,” she said. “Overnight it, it has gone from black to white.”

  He stared at her as she shyly glanced at him to see the effect of her words. He laughed out loud, not able to help himself as he realized the constant rain had washed all the ink out of his hair. It must have been a most startling sight.

  He stopped laughing as he saw worried looks pass between Himiko and the old healer.

  “I’m sorry, Himiko-sama,” he said. “It just hadn’t occurred to me the rain had washed the ink from my hair.”

  “Ink?” She looked puzzled.

  “Yes, a trick taught to me by my lord’s geisha,” he explained. “I would have been too obvious to our enemies if I hadn’t dyed it black.”

  “You mean to say it was like this before last night?” Her confusion grew.

  “Yes, and no.” He could see he wasn’t really helping. “It wasn’t like this too long ago. But it was part of the price for being allowed to take the kettle from where it was hidden at an abandoned temple.”

  Himiko stared at him, her eyes still not showing full understanding. “I suggest you don’t tell that to my father when you see him tonight.”

  “ What?”

  She grinned from ear to ear. “You did it, Toshiro-san,” she said proudly. “You got my father’s attention.

  He demanded to know who you were this very morning, which is why Tsuyu’s men tried to get rid of you and any evidence of the ninja attack, planning to tell my fat
her it had all been a joke. When you fell on the stage, Tsuyu’s men were going to fight to take you, but my father appeared. They were all so surprised, we were able to whisk you away.” Her smile was very bright. “Oh, how I wish you could have seen him!

  How he ordered Tsuyu’s men around. It was almost like old times; he seemed himself again.”

  Turning his face away, he felt his emotions trying to overwhelm him. If nothing happened to interfere, he would meet Lord Asano tonight! Success was finally near.

  “Himiko-sama, since I’m awake, couldn’t I see your father now? I’d rather not give Tsuyu the time to figure out some way to stop us.”

  Her eyes darkened. “It’s because of Tsuyu that your meeting is scheduled for tonight. The moment he realized you weren’t in his power, he took Father away on the excuse of emergencies needing his immediate attention. Father was insistent about meeting you and only went with him when Tsuyu told him he would do so tonight. I am sure he is using the time to find a way to stop it.”

  “So, he still hasn’t given up.” He felt his hopes lower a notch.

  Himiko’s eyes lit up again. “That may be true, but just as he has spies, so do we. We will do our utmost to make sure the meeting is kept.”

  He smiled at the hard determination on her face. “I’m very indebted to you, Himiko-sama.”

  She looked away, her cheeks tinged with red. “You owe me nothing. If things were as they should have been, you would never have had a problem gaining your appointment. If anything, I owe you for bringing back to me some of the happiness I’d thought forever lost.”

  It was his turn to look away. His cheeks felt warm.

  “You really should rest,” she said. “I’m not sure what my father will be like when you meet with him, so you may need all your strength. Kirin-san has already assured me he’ll make sure you don’t miss your appointed time.”

  He sighed, his shoulder tingling, feeling too excited to rest. “I’ll try, Himiko-sama.”

  She gave him a soft, sweet smile and then got up to leave. “Toshiro-san, might I ask a favor of you?”

  “Anything.”

  “When your business with my father is over, would you tell me the full story behind all this?” She faced away from him, giving him the opportunity to gracefully refuse.

  “I would be honored to,” he said with true sincerity. “Though I’m not sure you’ll believe it. At times, I have a hard time believing it myself.”

  He found his gaze suddenly trapped by her own. “I’ll believe it, no matter how unlikely. Thank you for agreeing to tell it to me.”

  With a smile and a rustle of silk, Himiko left. He stared after her until she was out of sight and then closed his eyes.

  *

  “Toshiro-san.”

  He opened his eyes as he became aware of the soft whisper in his ear. Himiko was kneeling beside him, her body close.

  “We have a bath waiting for you in the next room. We’ve also found some new clothes for you. And O-baa-san has more of her broth for you to drink.”

  He grimaced at the last but made no comment. Himiko helped him stand and then handed him the kettle.

  Feeling a little groggy, he walked slowly as she led him into the next room. A large, steaming tub sat close to one corner, with soap and cleansing water on the side. The old woman was waiting for him there.

  After shooing Himiko out, the healer helped Toshi undress so he might bathe. He washed and then entered the bath after he’d rinsed. The old woman crooned over him, checking his shoulder as he soaked in the scalding water. He relaxed in the soothing warmth and fell into a doze before long. The old woman nudged him awake again.

  “Come on, young one.”

  The healer helped him get dressed, making sure to leave his bandaged shoulder exposed. As he was led back into the first room, he could feel a current of excitement building inside him.

  The room had been cleared of his futon and blankets, which had been replaced by a large, squat table containing his few possessions. Himiko and Kirin sat around it, bowing to him as he came in.

  “Kazete-san, we hope you’re feeling more like yourself again?” Kirin asked.

  “Yes, I am, thank you. I’m feeling much better.”

  Himiko served him tea as the old healer set a large bowl of broth before him. He reached for it without much enthusiasm. He drank as much as he could stand and then set it aside. He immediately reached for his tea.

  “How long before the meeting?” he asked. He kept his voice low, trying to keep his nervous excitement under control.

  “Less than an hour from now,” Kirin told him.

  “Yes, long enough for you to drink the rest of your broth,” O-baa-san said.

  He sighed as the healer refilled his bowl.

  “Has Tsuyu attempted anything?” He held his breath as he gulped down more of the healer’s bitter concoction.

  “He’s been very quiet since he left my father in his rooms,” Himiko informed him. “All of his higher officers seem unusually subdued as well.”

  “It’s a bad sign,” Kirin said.

  Toshi saw Himiko trade agreeing glances with him.

  “What options does he have though?” he asked. “What can he do to stop the meeting?”

  Himiko and Kirin traded glances again.

  “His best ploy would be to attempt to detain you on the way, if not kill you outright under some trumped-up pretext. He may have one of his better men challenge you to combat for an imagined insult, which would allow him to get rid of you with a minimum of questions.” Kirin’s tone was matter-of-fact.

  “Is there no way around this?” He felt his excitement ebbing away. Even if his shoulder hadn’t been injured, he knew he didn’t have what it took to go against a truly skilled opponent.

  “You won’t be going alone, so that should help make it more difficult on them,” Kirin said. “Plus, there are a number of ways to get to Asano-sama’s rooms. Tsuyu will, of course, try to anticipate which we will use. But there are a few secrets to this castle I’m sure he is not aware of.”

  Toshi stared at his lap and sighed. “I have no right to ask you and your men to place yourselves in danger on my account. If he’s desperate enough, there’s bound to be a lot of bloodshed.”

  Kirin smiled, but there was no humor in it. “We would only be guaranteeing our lord’s wishes by making sure you reach your meeting. All of our people are only too aware of who was responsible for the deaths of our comrades at the hands of the assassins. We’re only doing as we must.”

  Toshi bowed, accepting the aid, not able to think of a way of refusing it that wouldn’t offend them.

  “Thank you. Your aid will be most welcomed.”

  Everyone stiffened at an unexpected knock at the door.

  “I fear, Kirin-san, perhaps we have underestimated Tsuyu’s gall.” Himiko withdrew a sheathed blade from one of her sleeves.

  “Would he knock, though?” Toshi asked.

  Her eyes grew thoughtful. “I guess we’d best see. Stay here.”

  Gracefully, Himiko rose to her feet, leaving the blade’s sheath on the table. With quick shuffling steps, she hurried to the door, hiding her armed hand from sight. She opened the door just a crack.

  He heard her gasp then watched as she stepped back to pull the door wide open. Beyond it stood a well-built man with an unreadable face. His gray-streaked hair was pulled back into an immaculate topknot.

  “Father!”

  The man’s eyes flickered in Himiko’s direction. “Daughter. It’s been a long time.”

  He nodded slightly before walking past her into the room. After a moment, Himiko broke her stunned gaze from him long enough to close the door.

  Toshi struggled to stand and bow as all others in the room bowed low. Kirin stood away from the table and escorted Asano to the room’s place of honor close to the rear wall. “Lord Asano, it’s good to see you.”

  “Yes, my old friend, it has been too long.” Both men’s faces softened for a mome
nt.

  Asano sat down, his hard gaze glued to Toshi’s face. He glanced at the others for a moment.

  “You will all leave us now,” he commanded. “I don’t have much time, and I wish to amuse myself as long as possible.”

  Toshi dared not look at Kirin or Himiko as they and the guards quickly filed out of the room. His heart beat faster as he heard the door pulled close behind him.

  “Approach,” Asano said.

  Bowing deeply, Toshi grabbed the kettle and stepped forward. Stopping an appropriate distance from the man, he sat and bowed until his forehead rested on the mat beneath him.

  “What is your name?” Himiko’s father demanded.

  “Kazete Toshiro, Asano-sama.”

  “I’ve heard you’ve been wanting an audience with me.”

  Now that the moment was here, Toshi was quivering inside. “Yes, that’s true, Asano-sama.” He waited for the question that must surely follow. It didn’t.

  “Over the years, I’ve had a number of unusual people come to visit me,” the lord said casually. “Not a small number of them have had a kettle looking very much like yours.”

  Toshi’s surprise flashed across his face before he could try to conceal it.

  “Who sent you, boy?” Asano’s voice turned harsh.

  He swallowed hard, feeling crushed beneath Asano’s steel stare, and forced himself to answer. “I’m here on behalf of Asaka Ietsugu, Asano-sama.”

  “Asaka Ietsugu is dead.” There was no emotion in the lord’s tone.

  “I know that, sir,” he said, “but even so, I’m here on his behalf.”

  The look of incredulity that passed across Asano’s eyes reminded Toshi of his first meeting with Himiko.

  “Can you prove he sent you here?”

  A light tone of mocking disbelief colored Asano’s voice.

  Toshi’s mind went blank. “Uh, yes, lord, I can.”

  Reaching inside his kimono, he removed the bamboo tube containing the writ. For the first time, it occurred to him to wonder if it had been damaged during his vigil in the rain. Sending a quick prayer to the gods, he crawled forward to lay it close to Asano’s feet and then moved back. He tried to keep a sudden wave of nervousness under control as Asano leaned forward to pick up the bamboo cylinder.