The Fires of the Gods (A Sugawara Akitada Novel)

by I. J. Parker

  Jirokichi’s eyes widened. ‘You saw the boys near the fire?’

  ‘Not well,’ Tora admitted. ‘But they were together, and they may have a female working with them. She knocked me down and got most of my money.’

  Jirokichi raised his brows. ‘A female knocked you down?’

  Tora flushed. ‘I thought it was a woman. I was drunk and didn’t see her coming.’

  ‘Ah.’ Jirokichi grinned and nodded. ‘Careless. How much did they get?’

  Tora told him in an aggrieved tone. ‘It was to pay off a little piece of land for my wife and son. I’ll never have that sort of luck again.’

  Inside the wine shop, the monk was gathering his staff and leaving. The old men clicked their go pieces as before. ‘Plenty of gold around,’ Jirokichi muttered, frowning.

  Tora grasped the small man’s wrist. ‘Come on, Jirokichi, you owe me.’

  Jirokichi jerked his arm away. He looked both frightened and angry. ‘Leave it alone,’ he snapped. ‘You’ll get your gold back.’ He got up and hobbled away.

  Tora left some coins on the bench and hurried after Jirokichi, but the little man had disappeared.

  AKITADA PLAYS WITH FIRE

  Akitada woke up to a furious anger.

  For years he had struggled against hostilities from members in the administration. Though his family name linked him to the spectacular rise and unjust fall of his ancestor Michizane and he still bore the resentment and fear that that name aroused, he had never become disloyal to the emperor or to the ruling Fujiwara family. At no time had he refused to make sacrifices in his service – risking his life and limb and the lives of his family and people. And, invariably, his loyalty had been rewarded by new demands or punishments. And now someone was trying to pin a murder on him.

  Enough was enough.

  Notwithstanding Kobe’s gentle hint to stay away from the Kiyowara case, he could not wait for others to clear his name.

  What Kobe had implied – without saying it in so many words – was that any effort Akitada made to clear himself of the suspicion would make things worse. If the chancellor himself was behind the demotion, Akitada might clear his name, but he would lose everything by interfering.

  Perhaps he would have to take his family and seek modest employment in a provincial administration. His friend Kosehira would surely let him serve as his secretary or as a district prefect in his province.

  He knew that no official had ever managed to return from such disciplinary dismissal to a career in the capital. He was taking an enormous risk, but if he did nothing, he would also be lost. Kobe would try to help him, but Akitada did not think he would succeed.

  He got up and dressed – soberly, to fit his mood. Then he went to tell Tamako of his decision and its likely outcome.

  It was early, but he found her awake. She looked drawn and tired – and still much too flushed. He almost changed his mind, but she had as much to lose as he, and they were both concerned for the unborn child’s future.

  ‘Forgive me for troubling you,’ he said humbly. ‘I’m afraid I’ve made up my mind to take a step that may affect us all. As I seem to be under suspicion for Kiyowara’s murder, I will try to clear my name, but this, as Kobe tells me, may cost me my position and rank. We would have to give up this house and move to one of the provinces.’

  He saw her tense and fold her arms protectively around her belly. ‘Forever?’ she asked with a little gasp.

  He regretted his abruptness, but it was too late now. ‘It may not happen, but if it does… I can barely maintain this house at the best of times, and we shall need the funds I can raise on the sale to make a new life.’

  ‘It is your ancestral home, Akitada,’ she protested, her voice breaking. ‘It has been in your family since Heian-kyo was founded. Oh, Akitada!’

  He flushed with shame. ‘I know you’re disappointed in me – not perhaps on your account, but on behalf of our unborn son. I can only say how very sorry I am. I have tried, Tamako, but I cannot fight against the determination of those in power. The best I can do is to protect my family by removing them from danger and poverty.’ He put his face in his hands. ‘I’ve failed to protect you once before and lost my son. Even if I lose my position, I shall at least not fail to protect you again.’

  She said nothing.

  He lowered his hands. When their eyes met, he saw tears in hers.

  ‘Thank you,’ she said, ‘but I wonder if you understood my concern. It isn’t for myself or our unborn children that I protest, but for you. It isn’t like you to give up so easily. This house is a symbol of Sugawara persistence. Don’t sell it. We shall find a way to keep it, even if we must go wherever fate takes us. Only, can it wait until this child is born?’

  Of course. I never… You did not think we were to leave immediately?’

  She chuckled weakly. ‘You came with such a fierce look on your face that I thought you wanted me to start packing at once.’

  Relief washed over him. ‘But the rest… You would not mind my losing both position and rank? I doubt I shall ever be able to regain them after this.’

  ‘I’m your wife,’ she said firmly. ‘Have I ever given you cause to doubt my loyalty?’

  ‘No. Never.’ He had doubted her in the past, but he had been wrong. It had been he who had been disloyal to her. Ashamed, he took her hand and held it to his heart. ‘I shall try to be a better husband,’ he said, then left quickly.

  He went to see Nakatoshi first. Nakatoshi had been his clerk when he had run the Ministry of Justice for the absent Soga. Meanwhile, the able Nakatoshi had been promoted and transferred. He was the only man he knew who would help him in this undertaking and be discreet about it.

  He found the young man in an office in the Ministry of Ceremonial. He sat behind a very neat desk, dictating a letter to a scribe. His fortunes had changed quickly: he was now a junior-grade secretary in the Bureau of Ranks.

  Dismissing the scribe, Nakatoshi rose and greeted Akitada with effusive pleasure.

  ‘I’m impressed,’ said Akitada, when seated, looking around the fine room. ‘You’ve done well for yourself. But no one deserves it more, and I expect you’ll rise quickly now.’

  Nakatoshi made a face. ‘The fact is that I miss working in the Ministry of Justice. This is all pretty dull stuff. But one must consider the welfare of one’s family. I’m married now, and we’re looking forward to a child.’ He blushed a little with pride. ‘It’s wonderful that you stopped by and I could share my news with you.’

  Akitada felt guilty that he had not looked in on Nakatoshi before, all the more so because he now wanted a favor. He said, ‘My heartiest congratulations. We also – my wife and I – are expecting. Any day, in fact.’

  Nakatoshi’s face broke into a huge smile. ‘Oh, excellent news, sir. I’m so very glad. I’m sure you’re particularly looking forward to this child. After the tragedy of last year, you’ll finally enjoy the happiness of being a father again.’

  Happiness? Akitada was acutely aware of not being happy. The impending birth had raised all his fears of death again – Tamako’s and the child’s this time. And if Tamako survived the birth, children were so frail. Most did not grow to adulthood. The joys of raising another small son like Yori were doubly cruel if that son was also taken away.

  ‘Is anything wrong, sir?’ Nakatoshi asked, eyeing him nervously.

  Akitada did not want to speak of his private terror and plunged instead into the murder of Kiyowara Kane and of his having become a suspect in the case.

  Nakatoshi barely let him finish. ‘But that’s absurd,’ he burst out. ‘Anyone who knows you, knows that. Besides, you had never met the man, had you?’

  ‘No, but I was very angry that he, a stranger, should speak against me. I’m still angry, only now I can see that I must not let my enemies use their tricks against me again. I’ve been warned away from the case by Superintendent Kobe, but I think doing nothing is worse. I’ve come to you for some information about Kiyowara’s fami
ly and his friends and associates. Someone must have had a strong motive for the murder.’

  Nakatoshi nodded eagerly. ‘The accusation is ridiculous, but you see, already my life becomes exciting again.’ He had such a look of fervor on his face that Akitada felt uncomfortable. ‘Thank you for your trust, sir,’ he said. ‘I shall not disappoint you. Allow me to take a part in the investigation – however small.’

  Akitada was dismayed. Any active participation was likely to ruin Nakatoshi’s promising career because he would be working against a powerful Fujiwara faction. Akitada’s enemies – and Akitada now counted the chancellor among them – would not think twice before destroying Nakatoshi, who, though talented and hard-working, did not have the advantage of Akitada’s old and noble name and would be much easier to remove.

  ‘Thank you for your friendship,’ Akitada said. ‘I shall not forget it, but at the moment all I need is some information. This being the Bureau of Ranks, I thought you might know something about the man.’

  Nakatoshi clapped his hands. When his scribe rushed in, he requested the documents pertaining to Kiyowara Kane. The man bowed and disappeared. Nakatoshi said, ‘Kiyowara is – was provincial gentry. His family is said to be quite wealthy, with holdings in Bingo and Izumo provinces.’

  ‘Yes. He bought Soga’s villa and has spent a great deal of money on it,’ said Akitada.

  Nakatoshi smiled. ‘I bet you hated going there.’

  ‘I did.’

  The scribe returned with a box and left again. Nakatoshi started sifting through the papers inside. ‘His father served as governor of Izumo and made a number of very generous gifts to the emperors at the time. No doubt because of that, some of the women of the family were invited to serve at court.’ He held up a document and looked at Akitada. ‘That would explain Kiyowara’s marriage to a daughter of the Minamoto chieftain. His mother was lady-in-waiting at the time and arranged the match. It turned out to be a brilliant move. The following year her sister married Fujiwara Yorimichi, our current chancellor.’ He returned to the rest of the papers in the box. ‘Kiyowara quickly received appointments. The latest one made him a junior controller.’ Nakatoshi closed the box. ‘That is all we have. I’m afraid I know nothing of any enemies, but a man who rises so quickly may count on opposition.’

  Akitada nodded. ‘True, but envy rarely leads to murder. I think there must have been greater provocation. What of his reputation?’

  ‘People say that he was a hard worker. Mind you, since this is the Ranks Office, there was some gossip about what honors he might be striving for next, but it was just gossip. Still, he seems to have been an ambitious man.’

  ‘Yes, I think we can take that for granted. What of his personal life?’

  Nakatoshi frowned. ‘I seem to recall someone mentioning that he was too fond of women.’

  Akitada smiled. This sort of gossip attached itself to many men, and some positively cultivated such rumors. ‘You think that perhaps his wife lost her temper?’

  Nakatoshi looked doubtful. ‘Why didn’t she object earlier? I have a feeling that she enjoys being the wife of a man who is rising in the government. You know, of course, that Yorimichi will be making more appointments soon?’

  ‘There have been rumors.’

  ‘Yes. Since Michinaga finally retired to his new palace at Uji, there have been many changes in the government. Now four of his sons hold the highest offices, and Yorimichi, the eldest, is regent and chancellor. Michinaga rules from retirement.’

  Akitada remembered the rumors about the fires. ‘The people are still very unhappy about his choice of Crown Prince. Do you think he will listen?’

  Nakatoshi shook his head. ‘He’s never listened before. Last year they blamed the smallpox epidemic on this, and now it’s the fires. Still, he must be worried. The court astrologer has done a reading, and he says the gods are indeed angry.’

  They were getting away from the murder case. ‘What about Kiyowara’s children?’

  ‘His son by his first lady is the heir, I believe. He’s the only one old enough.’

  ‘If he was a womanizer, it could mean jealous husbands or lovers.’

  Nakatoshi spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. ‘I can try to find out more.’

  ‘No, better not stir up suspicions. At least, not yet. Besides, there’s another suspect. Prince Atsunori went in to speak to Kiyowara before me. He may be the man who quarreled with him.’

  Nakatoshi reacted much as Kobe had. ‘Atsunori? He’s an imperial and outranks Kiyowara. If they quarreled, Kiyowara would be the loser.’ He thought. ‘Could it have been suicide?’

  ‘No. Apparently Kiyowara’s head was bashed in. I did wonder what a man of Atsunori’s rank was doing there.’

  ‘Yes, it’s strange.’

  ‘I also saw another famous gentleman. Ono Takamura was coming from the women’s quarters.’

  ‘The poet? He’s a favorite of the court at the moment. They say the collection he’s working on will be brilliant. A lot of people hope to be included.’ Nakatoshi pondered a moment, then said, ‘I would have thought him harmless. All he cares about is poetry and his comforts. He makes himself pleasant to people in power because they supply him with praise and luxurious surroundings. Did you know that he lives as a guest in the Crown Prince’s Palace?’

  ‘Does he really? I had much the same impression of the man, but I think I must try to talk to him. He may know something about other visitors that day. How does he come to be acquainted with Kiyowara’s wives?’

  ‘I don’t know, sir. Perhaps I can find out.’

  ‘Better not.’ Akitada rose. ‘Thank you, Nakatoshi. Please don’t mention this to anyone – for your sake as well as mine.’

  Nakatoshi stood also. ‘Of course. But I wonder if it might not be better if I asked the questions. It’s easier for me to get access to some of the people close to Kiyowara. Won’t you let me help, sir?’

  Akitada knew what he meant. Doors would be closed to him in too many quarters now. Nobody wanted to be seen to associate with those in disfavor. He smiled at Nakatoshi. ‘Not quite yet,’ he said. ‘Perhaps later.’ But he knew he would not involve this very nice young man in his troubles.

  ‘Be careful, sir.’

  ‘I’ll try to be, Nakatoshi. My best wishes to your wife.’

  Nakatoshi blushed and smiled. ‘And mine to yours, sir.’

  THE COURT POET

  Ono’s reputation might have entitled him to quarters in a palace, but his room lacked the luxuries Kiyowara had enjoyed.

  When Akitada was shown in by a palace servant, he found a somewhat mean space dominated by a small, old desk and shelving overflowing with books, scrolls, and document boxes. But the writing set on the desk was new and very beautiful. Boxes, brush holders, water containers, seals, and even the brushes were lacquered the color of autumn maples and heavily decorated with golden leaves and mother-of-pearl flowers.

  Ono himself wore a casual green silk robe open over a heavy white under-robe and brilliant red trousers. This effeminate attire suited him, as did the lassitude with which he gestured towards a cushion, saying, ‘You find me hard at work, Sugawara. Please forgive the lack of amenities. When there are fires every day, one does not want to burden oneself with possessions. Alas, I cannot even offer you wine. I do not take my meals here, and my servant has gone out for ink.’

  Akitada sat down. ‘Don’t concern yourself, sir. It’s very good of you to see me.’ On closer inspection, Ono was not only a handsome man, but also older than Akitada had thought. His hair, now that he was bare-headed, was turning quite gray, though the eyes were still large and bright and his face smooth. ‘I wonder,’ Akitada asked, ‘if you recall our meeting at Kiyowara’s house two days ago?’

  Ono looked blank. Clearly, he had not recognized Akitada. But he smiled quickly and nodded. ‘Ah, yes. Of course. Poor Kiyowara. He has died, you know.’

  ‘Yes. The very day we met. I’m afraid he was too busy to see me.’r />
  ‘Ah.’ Ono nodded, but volunteered nothing else.

  Akitada thought perhaps the poet was still confused and explained, ‘You were walking in the garden, reciting poetry. I was on the veranda of the reception room. Do you remember?’

  Ono’s eyes lit up. ‘Oh, that poem. I’ve rewritten it completely. Wait a moment. Now, where did I put it?’ He stared at the shelves with their boxes and scrolls, shaking his head. ‘It’s a very great undertaking, putting together an anthology of the best poems of our time. There are so many submissions that my own work gets lost among them. Sometimes I despair.’

  ‘Please do not trouble on my account,’ Akitada said quickly. ‘It’s the murder of Kiyowara I came about. Being a close friend, you must have some thoughts on who could have killed him.’

  ‘Oh, I’m not a friend. No, not at all. I didn’t like the man. And I haven’t really thought much about his death.’

  That was an astonishing and – under the circumstances – foolhardy admission. Akitada cheered up a little. The poet’s lack of common sense could turn out to be very helpful. He said, ‘Oh? I thought as a frequent visitor…’ and let his voice trail off.

  Ono glowered. ‘Only of Hiroko and her children. I avoided Kiyowara. The man had neither taste nor talent. His was the soul of a bureaucrat.’

  Being a bureaucrat himself, Akitada was not sure he liked this. ‘But if you consider his murder now, do you have any suspicions?’

  Ono looked up at the ceiling and frowned in concentration. ‘I don’t know… there was some rumor. Some official was dismissed because Kiyowara insisted on it.’ He stared at his overflowing shelves for a moment, then shook his head. ‘No, I don’t recall exactly. Why do you ask?’

  With an inward sigh of relief, Akitada accepted that Ono was simply too self-absorbed to care about those around him. Getting information from him was hopeless. He said blandly, ‘Just a matter of interest. With Kiyowara gone, there will be changes in appointments. Someone else will be put in his place. That can make for a powerful motive.’