by Sarah Ash
“Very well,” he said gruffly, glancing away. Which one of the twins did he like best? Pert Mai, who was always sighing after Rikyu, or quiet, unassuming Mami? If you must fall in love with one of them, please let it be Mami. “But promise me that you’ll come straight back to the castle. And be careful out on the mountain; even if the siege is at an end, there’s no knowing if Lord Toshiro has withdrawn all his spies yet.”
“And you must promise me not to return to duty until you’re properly healed,” she said sternly. “I don’t want to return and find you’ve had a relapse.”
Shun pulled a face, pulling down one eyelid and waggling his tongue, just like one of the children.
“How old are you? Seven?” She couldn’t help laughing as she left his bedside to refill his soup bowl.
Is the siege really at an end? She gazed around the hall, sobered by the sight of so many injured Cranes. It’s only just in time. If it had lasted any longer, I wonder if we could have held out…
***
“Why can’t I come with you, my lord?” Susumu was sulking as he helped Kai make ready for the journey.
“I told you; we need all our warriors here to defend the castle just in case.”
“So you think the Kites aren’t done with us yet?”
Kai looked at his squire over the top of the medicine chest. “Have they set sail?” He had made certain that no one saw him slip the Tide Jewels, each one carefully wrapped in a fragment of silk Lady Umeko had given him, into two of the little drawers, hiding them beneath sachets of dried healing herbs.
Susumu shook his head. “Something tells me that Lord Toshiro isn’t going to give up so easily.”
“All the more reason for you to stay behind and protect my mother.”
“If that’s what you’re ordering me to do, my lord.”
Kai heard the wistful tone in Susumu’s words and felt guilty at leaving him masterless once more. And then the idea came to him; perhaps there was a way in which his squire could serve the clan after all. “Would you say we were about the same height, Susumu?”
“More or less. Why, my lord?”
“If we were to dress you in the clothes I’m wearing now, would the Kites be fooled, I wonder?”
“You want me to impersonate you?” Susumu gazed back so earnestly that Kai felt uncomfortable. It was, after all, a mission that could cost Susumu his life.
“It’s a dangerous decoy mission. It involves sneaking past the Kites on the shore and setting out to sea in a fishing boat. It’s more than possible that the Kites will pursue and capture you. This is what they’ll be looking for.” He passed the ebony casket to Susumu, who took it gingerly, weighing it in his hands.
“The Tide Jewels?” he said, and then, “It’s empty.”
“Precisely.”
“Ah.” Susumu nodded slowly, as if he had not quite understood. “But why would the Kites try to steal the jewels a second time?”
“It’s just a hunch,” Kai said. “And as guardians of the emperor’s jewels, we can’t afford to take any more risks.”
“I understand.” And to Kai’s surprise Susumu dropped to his knees before him, the little casket clutched to his chest. “It’s an honor to carry out this mission for you, my lord,” he said, his voice quivering with eagerness.
A short while later, Kai had put on his novice’s robes once more (Umeko had made sure they were freshly laundered) and Susumu was wearing his black silk loose-laced trousers and gold-embroidered over-jacket.
“Now you look quite the young lord.” Kai, glad to be in his comfortable old clothes again, looked at Susumu admiringly. “Much more so than I did.”
Susumu blushed like a girl. “And your orders?” he said gruffly.
“When the sun sets, you’ll put out to sea with some of the village fishermen. If the Kites board your boat, don’t offer any resistance. Only fight if there’s no other alternative. You’re a decoy, remember. The idea is to stall and confuse the Kites for as long as possible.”
***
“Lord Naoki’s free!” The shout went up from the sentries as Naoki and Yoriaki approached the camp. Masao followed, pushed along by Chikaaki at knife-point.
As they entered the camp, they were instantly surrounded by cheering soldiers. Anxiously scanning the crowd, Masao could see no sign of Yūgiri’s ivory hair or white robes amongst the milling warriors. Is Yū in hiding? Or has he been found out? Without the Hisui shamans, the Kites would be unable to use the Kite Shadow. But was that enough to protect the young healer from the clan lord’s anger when he found out that he had been betrayed? The more he thought about it, the more uneasy Masao became. If they’ve hurt you in any way, Yū, they’ll pay dearly.
Lord Toshiro emerged from his tent, flanked by General Okitane and Master Yūdai.
“On your knees, Masao.” Chikaaki whispered, forcing him to the ground.
“Naoki?” Lord Toshiro strode forward and placed his hands on his son’s shoulders. “At last.” He pulled him toward him in a swift embrace, then held him at arm’s length again. “But how did you get out of Kurozuro? What price did you have to pay? What made Asagao let you go?”
Masao felt Chikaaki’s hand on the back of his head, pushing his face into the damp sand.
“It was Masao,” he heard Naoki say. “He got me out.”
“Masao.” Lord Toshiro’s voice had gone quiet. “The very man I want to speak to.” Masao heard the sudden change of tone and a sense of dread drenched him like a cloudburst.
What does he know? Is he genuinely pleased that Naoki’s free? Or is he just toying with me?
“Chikaaki, bring Masao to my tent,” he heard Lord Toshiro say. “I have some questions for him.”
***
“I was testing the fire drug,” Masao explained.
“Without alerting anyone beforehand?”
“It went off before I had finished my preparations. I told you,” and Masao glared at his interrogators, “that Saburo warned us not to use any more of the new fire drug without testing it. Don’t forget, he died because the iron dragon backfired.” All Lord Toshiro’s retainers were watching him, saying nothing.
“Masao has betrayed the clan. Worse still, he’s betrayed the trust you placed in him.” General Okitane’s voice, usually so loud and blustering, had dropped in volume; that fact alone convinced Masao that his uncle was beyond anger. “He must be made an example of. If he is too much of a coward to commit seppuku, then I will execute him myself. Just give the order.”
Masao waited, head defiantly raised, to hear what sentence Lord Toshiro would pronounce. He felt strangely detached from it all, as if his spirit were floating above the tent, watching dispassionately. I don’t care what they do to me; I took the risk, knowing the consequences. But I have to make sure that Yūgiri is exonerated. I can’t let them harm him. As long as I know he’s safe, I can face whatever punishment Lord Toshiro chooses to inflict.
“That will not be necessary, Okitane.” Lord Toshiro’s reply came at last, uncharacteristically subdued, as if all the rage had leached out of him.
“You’re going to pardon him?” Okitane bellowed, outraged.
“My father doesn’t have the heart to order the execution of his own son,” said Naoki casually.
“His own – ” Okitane broke off, the sentence unfinished. Masao looked up, not sure he had heard Naoki aright. Lord Toshiro was staring at the ground.
“It’s true, isn’t it, Father?” Naoki was smiling, but there was no warmth in his expression.
I’m Lord Toshiro’s son?
After what seemed an eternity, Lord Toshiro said, “How did you find out?”
“I’ve recently made one or two influential friends in high places. I must congratulate you, Father; you’ve kept the secret well concealed all these years. Even amongst your own clan.”
“Surely he’s not your legitimate son?” Uncle Okitane began blustering again. “Are you saying that you – and my sister-in-law – ?”
; “Fumiko was very ill for a long time after Kiyoshi was born.” Lord Toshiro still stared at the ground. “Tomoe was very understanding. Tomoe and I…” His voice tailed away; then he raised his head and stared at Okitane defiantly. “It just happened. These things happen.”
“And you married her off to my brother to cover it up?”
“Fumiko’s health was delicate. When she began to recover, I didn’t want to upset her.”
“How very sensitive of you, Father.” Naoki was still smiling, but Masao could sense the anger seething behind the smile. Who had revealed the truth to him? Prince Hotaru? The emperor’s brother seemed to be remarkably well informed about the clan’s most intimate secrets; but then, an onmyōji as powerful as he had probably uncovered all manner of buried truths about the imperial court.
“I don’t see how this alters anything.” Lord Toshiro had regained his self-composure. “You’re still my heir, Naoki.”
I’m the clan lord’s illegitimate son. Masao could still not take in this information. Naoki is my half-brother.
“How long have you known?” He could keep silent no longer. Why hadn’t Naoki told him the truth? But Naoki wasn’t listening to him.
“Your heir and Ebb Dragon Sacrifice.” Naoki thrust his left wrist in his father’s face. “Did the emperor fool you too with his lies about what an honor it was to be chosen? Did you agree to this because you already had Kiyoshi and Masao to succeed you? I could be sacrificed to the Tide Dragons because I was only the second – no, the insignificant third – son?”
“That’s enough, Naoki.” Lord Toshiro struck his hand away. “So you think you’re insignificant? Go and take a look at the list of Kites who have given their lives on this shore to save you. Go ask each commander how many men he’s lost in the siege. Perhaps that will bring you to your senses.”
“Fine!” Naoki turned his back on his father and stormed out of the tent. Lord Toshiro let out a sigh and slumped down on his chair.
“Go after him, Okitane. He’s in a dangerous mood. See if you can calm him down.”
Masao didn’t want his uncle to leave the tent. But Okitane obeyed the clan lord’s orders, and he and Lord Toshiro were left alone together. Masao stared at the ground, unwilling to look the man he had just learned was his father in the eyes.
“What am I going to do with you, Masao?” he heard Lord Toshiro murmur, almost as if he were talking to himself. “You’ve proved a great disappointment to me. Frankly, I’m ashamed to have to acknowledge you as my son. But now that Naoki has learned the truth…”
Masao slowly raised his head. He might be in disgrace but he would not be cowed by the clan lord’s disapproval. The situation he found himself in was so absurd that he would have laughed out loud had his life not been in danger. At any moment, Lord Toshiro might draw his katana, and demand that he commit ritual suicide to rid the Akatobi name of the stain of his treachery.
“The fact remains, Masao, that you chose to act on your own initiative. You went to the enemy. You betrayed the trust I put in you. You betrayed our clan. And for that I shall have to punish you. I can’t have it said that I overlooked your actions just because you happen to be my son. I can’t be seen to be so indulgent.”
“When were you planning on telling me the truth, my lord?” As he asked the question, Masao realized that at some deep level he was more hurt by Naoki’s revelation than he was prepared to admit to himself. He’s going to punish me anyway. “I could have been killed here, besieging the castle, and never have known. Perhaps that would have been easier for you.”
Lord Toshiro rose; Masao braced himself for the blow that he deserved for speaking so insolently to his lord. But before the blow fell he heard a sudden burst of excited voices outside the tent and Chikaaki reappeared.
“A boat, my lord,” he said breathlessly. “The lookouts have spotted a fishing boat putting out to sea further along the shore.”
“At this time of night? When there’s been no sign of fishermen since we landed?” Lord Toshiro left the tent, Chikaaki following. Masao heard the clan lord’s voice issuing abrupt commands. “Go after them. Don’t let them leave the bay. Bring back everyone who’s on board – alive.”
Is this a reprieve? Masao had been bracing himself for more blows. He closed his eyes, letting his tensed muscles relax for a moment. Or just a stay of execution? His mind was churning so violently with conflicting thoughts that he could no longer think straight, only react. From the sounds and shouts outside the tent he guessed that a squad was being mobilized to go in pursuit of the Crane boat.
Have they forgotten about me? And where is Yūgiri?
No one returned to check on him. He waited a little longer. His throat was sand-dry, his mouth parched; he couldn’t remember the last time he had eaten or drunk anything. For some time he had been eyeing the bowl of barley tea left untouched beside Lord Toshiro’s chair. He grabbed the bowl and drank it down; the cool, refreshing liquid took the edge off his thirst, clearing his head a little. He got to his feet and looked around for a weapon. But Lord Toshiro had taken his katana with him – and there was no sign of his own weapons; Chikaaki must have removed them.
Too bad. He had other more pressing concerns. Must find Yūgiri. He hurried to the far end of the tent and knelt down, preparing to wriggle out beneath the thick canvas. Must make sure he’s safe.
He was halfway across the unlit area behind the tent when a lithe figure sprang out and gripped him in an iron stranglehold.
“Leaving us again so soon, Masao?” He recognized Chikaaki’s voice, mouth so close to his ear that he could feel the warmth of his breath. And before he could answer, the shinobi delivered a stunning blow to the back of his neck. The pain struck like a dazzling flash of lightning in the night – a flash followed by inky black.
Chapter 34
“Go after that fishing boat,” Lord Toshiro ordered. “Bring back everyone who’s on board – alive.”
A detachment of warriors sped away down the dark shore toward the Kite ships.
Naoki heard his father’s curt command and checked his wrist by the light of one of the torches marking the perimeter of the Kites’ camp. The Ebb Dragon tattoo could barely be seen, even lit by the flaring flames.
It’s just another ruse, Father. If the Tide Jewels were on that boat, I’d be the first one to know. But just in case Kaito had found a subtle way to subdue the jewels’ powers so he could pass close by unnoticed, he did not speak out, but watched instead as the men, holding their weapons above their heads, waded out through the ebbing tide. He followed them slowly over the wet sand and shingle until he stood where the water lapped around his bare feet.
“Prince Shiohiru,” he said silently. “Your brother came last night when Kaito played his flute. Why have you never claimed me as your Sacrifice? Why have you never once spoken to me? Are you ashamed of me?”
Rustle of dry heat, whisper of flame…
Naoki shivered, sensing a powerful presence approaching, fast as a windblown forest fire.
I know this presence. I’ve felt it before. Instinctively, he gazed up into the sky and saw a streak of fire and shadow ripple across the stars.
Lord Naoki. The crackling voice seared through his mind, filling it with a flicker of flame. I bring a message from my master.
At last. Naoki ran along the shore, following the course of the prince’s messenger as it descended. He hoped that if any of the lookouts spotted the shikigami’s bright trajectory as he landed, they would take it for a shooting star.
He caught up with him at the furthest end of the curving beach to find that the shikigami had already assumed his mortal form – though no mortal Naoki had ever seen possessed eyes that glowed like molten lava, or a cloud of smoky hair that shed sparks whenever the spirit moved his head.
“What does your master want, Kurika?” Naoki asked, not daring to go too close; he could already feel the shimmer of heat.
“Time is running out,” said the shikigami, in a voice deep a
s rumbling thunder. “Where are the Tide Jewels?”
Naoki knew there was no point in lying. “The Cranes have them.” He did not like to admit that he had failed.
“Then you must get them back and take them to my master. Time is running out.”
“Why can’t you take them?” Naoki flung back at him. “You’re much more powerful than I am.”
The scarlet eyes flashed displeasure. “The Tide Jewels are poison to me. I cannot touch them; they would extinguish my life-flame and reduce me to smoke. It’s your duty to fulfill my master’s wishes, Lord Naoki. You promised to help him; don’t break your word and betray his trust.”
“Then help me!” Naoki heard the desperation in his own voice and was ashamed that he had sunk so low as to beg for the shikigami’s aid. “Unlock the forbidden Shadow skill I inherited from Lord Takadai, the first Red Kite lord. The prince promised me he would do it if I brought him the jewels. But I need it now.”
“Are you sure your puny mortal body can take it?”
“I’m a Red Kite. It’s in my blood. Of course I can take it.”
“You still bear the mark of that cursed Ebb Dragon.”
“We’re wasting time.” Naoki no longer cared. He had spent so many hours fantasizing about this in the Cranes’ custody that he was prepared to risk everything to gain his ancestor’s power. “Just do it.”
The shikigami beckoned him closer with one hooked, glossy coal-black talon. Naoki hesitated then obeyed, feeling the shimmer of raw heat exuding from Kurika’s body growing stronger the nearer he came. A sudden shiver of apprehension ran through him.
Too late to run away now.
One clawed hand shot out, pressing against Naoki’s forehead, whilst the other centered over his heart. A jolt of fiery energy shot through Naoki’s body. He felt his limbs jerk and twitch but his fire-dazzled brain could do nothing to control them.
“Get up,” said the shikigami dispassionately.
Naoki found he was lying prone on the sand. Every nerve, every muscle in his body prickled and a scarlet haze floated before his eyes.