“No. He can eat in my cabin.”
“It’s easier, surely, to go where the food is.”
“Bosun! See that the pilot’s fed at once—all that he needs, in my cabin, anything from the table. Ingeles, do you want grog, or wine or beer?”
“Beer first, then grog.”
“Bosun, see to it, take him below. And listen, Pesaro, give him some clothes out of my locker, and boots, everything. And stay with him till I call you.”
Wordlessly Blackthorne followed Pesaro the bosun, a large burly man, down the companionway. Alvito began to go back to dell’Aqua and Toranaga, who were talking through Mariko near the companionway, but Rodrigues stopped him.
“Father! Just a moment. What did you say to him?”
“Only that you would like to see him and that we had food aboard.”
“But I was offering him the food?”
“No, Rodrigues, I didn’t say that. But wouldn’t you want to offer food to a fellow pilot who was hungry?”
“That poor bastard’s not hungry, he’s starving. If he eats in that state he’ll gorge like a ravenous wolf, then he’ll vomit it up as fast as a drunk-gluttoned whore. Now, we wouldn’t want one of us, even a heretic, to eat like an animal and vomit like an animal in front of Toranaga, would we, Father? Not in front of a piss-cutting sonofabitch—particularly one as clean-minded as a pox-mucked whore’s cleft!”
“You must learn to control the filth of your tongue, my son,” Alvito said. “It will send you to hell. You’d better say a thousand Ave Marias and go without food for two days. Bread and water only. A penance to God’s Grace to remind you of His Mercy.”
“Thank you, Father, I will. Gladly. And if I could kneel I would, and I’d kiss your cross. Yes, Father, this poor sinner thanks you for your God-given patience. I must guard my tongue.”
Ferriera called out from the companionway, “Rodrigues, are you coming below?”
“I’ll stay on deck while that bitch galley’s there, Captain-General. If you need me I’m here.” Alvito began to leave. Rodrigues noticed Mariko. “Just a minute, Father. Who’s the woman?”
“Donna Maria Toda. One of Toranaga’s interpreters.”
Rodrigues whistled tonelessly. “Is she good?”
“Very good.”
“Stupid to allow her aboard. Why did you say ‘Toda’? She’s one of old Toda Hiro-matsu’s consorts?”
“No. She’s the wife of his son.”
“Stupid to bring her aboard.” Rodrigues beckoned one of the seamen. “Spread the word the woman speaks Portuguese.”
“Yes, senhor.” The man hurried away and Rodrigues turned back to Father Alvito.
The priest was not in the least intimidated by the obvious anger. “The Lady Maria speaks Latin too—and just as perfectly. Was there anything else, Pilot?”
“No, thank you. Perhaps I’d better get on with my Hail Marys.”
“Yes, you should.” The priest made the sign of the cross and left. Rodrigues spat into the scuppers and one of the helmsmen winced and crossed himself.
“Go nail yourself to the mast by your green-addled foreskin!” Rodrigues hissed.
“Yes, Captain-Pilot, sorry, senhor. But I get nervous near the good Father. I meant no harm.” The youth saw the last grains of sand fall through the neck of the hourglass and he turned it.
“At the half, go below, and take a God-cursed pail and water and a scrubbing brush with you, and clean up the mess in my cabin. Tell the bosun to bring the Ingeles aloft and you make my cabin clean. And it’d better be very clean, or I’ll have your guts for garters. And while you’re doing it, say Ave Marias for your God-cursed soul.”
“Yes, Senhor Pilot,” the youth said weakly. Rodrigues was a fanatic, a madman, about cleanliness, and his own cabin was like the ship’s Holy Grail. Everything had to be spotless, no matter what the weather.
CHAPTER 27
“There must be a solution, Captain-General,” dell’Aqua said patiently.
“Do you want an overt act of war against a friendly nation?”
“Of course not.”
Everyone in the great cabin knew that they were all in the same trap. Any overt act put them squarely with Toranaga against Ishido, which they should absolutely avoid in case Ishido was the eventual victor. Presently Ishido controlled Osaka, and the capital, Kyoto, and the majority of the Regents. And now, through the daimyos Onoshi and Kiyama, Ishido controlled most of the southern island of Kyushu, and with Kyushu, the port of Nagasaki, the main center of all trading, and thus all trade and the Black Ship this year.
Toranaga said through Father Alvito, “What’s so difficult? I just want you to blow the pirates out of the harbor mouth, neh?”
Toranaga sat uncomfortably in the place of honor, in the high-backed chair at the great table. Alvito sat next to him, the Captain-General opposite, dell’Aqua beside the Captain-General. Mariko stood behind Toranaga and the samurai guards waited near the door, facing the armed seamen. And all the Europeans were conscious that though Alvito translated for Toranaga everything that was said in the room, Mariko was there to ensure that nothing was said openly between them against her Master’s interests and that the translation was complete and accurate.
Dell’Aqua leaned forward. “Perhaps, Sire, you could send messengers ashore to Lord Ishido. Perhaps the solution lies in negotiation. We could offer this ship as a neutral place for the negotiations. Perhaps in this way you could settle the war.”
Toranaga laughed scornfully. “What war? We’re not at war, Ishido and I.”
“But, Sire, we saw the battle on the shore.”
“Don’t be naive! Who were killed? A few worthless ronin. Who attacked whom? Only ronin, bandits or mistaken zealots.”
“And at the ambush? We understand that Browns fought Grays.”
“Bandits were attacking all of us, Browns and Grays. My men merely fought to protect me. In night skirmishes mistakes often happen. If Browns killed Grays or Grays Browns that’s a regrettable error. What are a few men to either of us? Nothing. We’re not at war.”
Toranaga read their disbelief so he added, “Tell them, Tsukku-san, that armies fight wars in Japan. These ridiculous skirmishes and assassination attempts are mere probes, to be dismissed when they fail. War didn’t begin tonight. It began when the Taikō died. Even before that, when he died without leaving a grown son to follow him. Perhaps even before that, when Goroda, the Lord Protector, was murdered. Tonight has no lasting significance. None of you understands our realm, or our politics. How could you? Of course Ishido’s trying to kill me. So are many other daimyos. They’ve done so in the past and they’ll do so in the future. Kiyama and Onoshi have been both friend and enemy. Listen, if I’m killed that would simplify things for Ishido, the real enemy, but only for a moment. I’m in his trap now and if his trap’s successful he merely has a momentary advantage. If I escape, there never was a trap. But understand clearly, all of you, that my death will not remove the cause of war nor will it prevent further conflict. Only if Ishido dies will there be no conflict. So there’s no open war now. None.” He shifted in the chair, detesting the odor in the cabin from the oily foods and unwashed bodies. “But we do have an immediate problem. I want your cannon. I want them now. Pirates beset me at the harbor mouth. I said earlier, Tsukku-san, that soon everyone must choose sides. Now, where do you and your leader and the whole Christian Church stand? And are my Portuguese friends with me or against me?”
Dell’Aqua said, “You may be assured, Lord Toranaga, we all support your interests.”
“Good. Then remove the pirates at once.”
“That’d be an act of war and there’s no profit in it. Perhaps we can make a trade, eh?” Ferriera said.
Alvito did not translate this but said instead, “The Captain-General says, we’re only trying to avoid meddling in your politics, Lord Toranaga. We’re traders.”
Mariko said in Japanese to Toranaga, “So sorry, Sire, that’s not correct. That’s not what was
said.”
Alvito sighed. “I merely transposed some of his words, Sire. The Captain-General is not aware of certain politenesses as he is a stranger. He has no understanding of Japan.”
“But you do have, Tsukku-san?” Toranaga asked.
“I try, Sire.”
“What did he actually say?”
Alvito told him.
After a pause Toranaga said, “The Anjin-san told me the Portuguese were very interested in trade, and in trade they have no manners, or humor. I understand and will accept your explanation, Tsukku-san. But from now on please translate everything exactly as it is said.”
“Yes, Lord.”
“Tell the Captain-General this: When the conflict is resolved I will expand trade. I am in favor of trade. Ishido is not.”
Dell’Aqua had marked the exchange and hoped that Alvito had covered Ferriera’s stupidity. “We’re not politicians, Sire, we’re religious and we represent the Faith and the Faithful. We do support your interests. Yes.”
“I agree. I was considering—” Alvito stopped interpreting and his face lit up and he let Toranaga’s Japanese get away from him for a moment. “I’m sorry, Eminence, but Lord Toranaga said, ‘I was considering asking you to build a temple, a large temple in Yedo, as a measure of my confidence in your interests.’”
For years, ever since Toranaga had become Lord of the Eight Provinces, dell’Aqua had been maneuvering for that concession. And to get it from him now, in the third greatest city in the Empire, was a priceless concession. The Visitor knew the time had come to resolve the problem of the cannon. “Thank him, Martin Tsukku-san,” he said, using the code phrase that he had previously agreed upon with Alvito, committing their course of action, with Alvito the standard-bearer, “and say we will try always to be at his service. Oh yes, and ask him what he had in mind about the cathedral,” he added for the Captain-General’s benefit.
“Perhaps I may speak directly, Sire, for a moment,” Alvito began to Toranaga. “My Master thanks you and says what you previously asked is perhaps possible. He will endeavor always to assist you.”
“Endeavor is an abstract word, and unsatisfactory.”
“Yes, Sire.” Alvito glanced at the guards, who, of course, listened without appearing to. “But I remember you saying earlier that it is sometimes wise to be abstract.”
Toranaga understood at once. He waved his hand in dismissal to his men. “Wait outside, all of you.”
Uneasily they obeyed. Alvito turned to Ferriera. “We don’t need your guards now, Captain-General.”
When the samurai had gone Ferriera dismissed his men and glanced at Mariko. He wore pistols in his belt and had another in his boot.
Alvito said to Toranaga, “Perhaps, Sire, you would like the Lady Mariko to sit?”
Again Toranaga understood. He thought for a moment, then half nodded and said, without turning around, “Mariko-san, take one of my guards and find the Anjin-san. Stay with him until I send for you.”
“Yes, Lord.”
The door closed behind her.
Now they were alone. The four of them.
Ferriera said, “What’s the offer? What’s he offering?”
“Be patient, Captain-General,” dell’Aqua replied, his fingers drumming on his cross, praying for success.
“Sire,” Alvito began to Toranaga, “the Lord my Master says that everything you asked he will try to do. Within the forty days. He will send you word privately about progress. I will be the courier, with your permission.”
“And if he’s not successful?”
“It will not be through want of trying, or persuasion, or through want of thought. He gives you his word.”
“Before the Christian God?”
“Yes. Before God.”
“Good. I will have it in writing. Under his seal.”
“Sometimes full agreements, delicate agreements, should not be reduced to writing, Sire.”
“You’re saying unless I put my agreement in writing, you won’t?”
“I merely remembered one of your own sayings that a samurai’s honor is certainly more important than a piece of paper. The Visitor gives you his word before God, his word of honor, as a samurai would. Your honor is totally sufficient for the Visitor. I just thought he would be saddened to be so untrusted. Do you wish me to ask for a signature?”
At length Toranaga said, “Very well. His word before the God Jesus, neh? His word before his God?”
“I give it on his behalf. He has sworn by the Blessed Cross to try.”
“You as well, Tsukku-san?”
“You have equally my word, before my God, by the Blessed Cross, that I will do everything I can to help him persuade the Lords Onoshi and Kiyama to be your allies.”
“In return I will do what I previously promised. On the forty-first day you may lay the foundation stone for the biggest Christian temple in the Empire.”
“Could that land, Sire, be put aside at once?”
“As soon as I arrive at Yedo. Now. What about the pirates? The pirates in the fishing boats? You will remove them at once?”
“If you had cannon, would you have done that yourself, Sire?”
“Of course, Tsukku-san.”
“I apologize for being so devious, Sire, but we have had to formulate a plan. The cannon do not belong to us. Please give me one moment.” Alvito turned to dell’Aqua. “Everything is arranged about the cathedral, Eminence.” Then to Ferriera he added, beginning their agreed plan: “You will be glad you did not sink him, Captain-General. Lord Toranaga asks if you would carry ten thousand ducats of gold for him when you leave with the Black Ship for Goa, to invest in the gold market in India. We would be delighted to help in the transaction through our usual sources there, placing the gold for you. Lord Toranaga says half the profit is yours.” Both Alvito and dell’Aqua had decided that by the time the Black Ship had turned about, in six months, Toranaga either would be reinstated as President of the Regents and therefore more than pleased to permit this most profitable transaction, or he would be dead. “You should easily clear four thousand ducats profit. At no risk.”
“In return for what concession? That’s more than your annual subsidy from the King of Spain for your whole Society of Jesus in Asia. In return for what?”
“Lord Toranaga says pirates prevent him leaving the harbor. He would know better than you if they’re pirates.”
Ferriera replied in the same matter-of-fact voice that both knew was only for Toranaga’s benefit, “It’s ill-advised to put your faith in this man. His enemy holds all the royal cards. All the Christian kings are against him. Certainly the main two, I heard them with my own ears. They said this Jappo’s the real enemy. I believe them and not this motherless cretin.”
“I’m sure Lord Toranaga knows better than us who are pirates and who are not,” dell’Aqua told him unperturbed, knowing the solution as Alvito knew the solution. “I suppose you’ve no objection to Lord Toranaga’s dealing with the pirates himself?”
“Of course not.”
“You have plenty of spare cannon aboard,” the Visitor said. “Why not give him some privately. Sell him some, in effect. You sell arms all the time. He’s buying arms. Four cannon should be more than enough. It would be easy to transship them in the longboat, with enough powder and shot, again privately. Then the matter is solved.”
Ferriera sighed. “Cannon, my dear Eminence, are useless aboard the galley. There are no gun ports, no gun ropes, no gun stanchions. They can’t use cannon, even if they had the gunners, which they don’t.”
Both priests were flabbergasted. “Useless?”
“Totally.”
“But surely, Don Ferriera, they can adapt …”
“That galley’s incapable of using cannon without a refit. It would take at least a week.”
“Nan ja?” Toranaga said suspiciously, aware that something was amiss however much they had tried to hide it.
“What is it, Toranaga asks,” Alvito said.
; Dell’Aqua knew the sand had run out on them. “Captain-General, please help us. Please. I ask you openly. We’ve gained enormous concessions for the Faith. You must believe me and yes, you must trust us. You must help Lord Toranaga out of the harbor somehow. I beg you on behalf of the Church. The cathedral alone is an enormous concession. Please.”
Ferriera allowed none of the ecstasy of victory to show. He even added a token gravity to his voice. “Since you ask help in the Church’s name, Eminence, of course I’ll do what you ask. I’ll get him out of this trap. But in return I want the Captain-Generalship of next year’s Black Ship whether this year’s is successful of not.”
“That’s the personal gift of the King of Spain, his alone. That’s not mine to bestow.”
“Next: I accept the offer of his gold, but I want your guarantee that I’ll have no trouble from the Viceroy at Goa, or here, about the gold or about either of the Black Ships.”
“You dare to hold me and the Church to ransom?”
“This is merely a business arrangement between you, me, and this monkey.”
“He’s no monkey, Captain-General. You’d better remember it.”
“Next: Fifteen percent of this year’s cargo instead of ten.”
“Impossible.”
“Next: To keep everything tidy, Eminence, your word before God—now—that neither you nor any of the priests under your jurisdiction will ever threaten me with excommunication unless I commit a future act of sacrilege, which none of this is. And further, your word that you and the Holy Fathers will actively support me and help these two Black Ships—also before God.”
“And next, Captain-General? Surely that’s not all? Surely there’s something else?”
“Last: I want the heretic.”
* * *
Mariko stared down at Blackthorne from the cabin doorway. He lay in a semicoma on the floor, retching his innards out. The bosun was leaning against the bunk leering at her, the stumps of his yellow teeth showing.
“Is he poisoned, or is he drunk?” she asked Totomi Kana, the samurai beside her, trying without success to close her nostrils to the stench of the food and the vomit, to the stench of the ugly seaman in front of her, and to the ever present stench from the bilges that pervaded the whole ship. “It almost looks as though he’s been poisoned, neh?”
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