by Gaynor Baker
“Come in.” He invited, opening the door wide. “How have you been?” “Just fine after your wife fixed me up.” He smiled.
“Glad to hear it. But she isn"t my wife.” He smiled. It isn"t that I wouldn"t want her to be, he thought.
“Where is she?”
“Sleeping, why?”
“Well, your sister didn"t tell me exactly what the problem is. I can only assume you"re in some kind of trouble. Anyway, they"ve put posters up all over the place describing you and seeking your whereabouts.”
“They"re here?” Fujito asked, fear rising from the pit of his stomach. “No, not yet. But they will be. They"re looking in all the coastal towns and villages. I"m certain they"ll start looking inland soon.”
They heard the shoji to her room open. Katharine came out covering a yawn with her hand. “Ohaiyo Gozaimasu. Good morning”
“Ohiyo Gozaimasu.” Fujito greeted her. From the way he smiled and the softness in his eyes, the merchant knew he loved her deeply.
While she bustled about making tea the merchant took Fujito aside. “The handbill says she"s barbarian, is that really true?”
“Yes.” Fujito smiled, watching her.
“You didn"t have to tell me.” The merchant said, after Fujito had told him the whole story, wondering why.
“Well, I assume that by coming here to warn us that you have now put yourself at risk as well, so you should know everything. And it"s Isamu.” He smiled. Merchants were low pickings on the class ladder; Fujito had no reason to believe he was not working for any other motive. It was hard for a person born into low rank to ascend into a higher class.
“Hataro.” He bowed. “We should make a plan. We don"t know how long it will be before they discover you"re here.”
“I agree.” Fujito said. “But let me tell Katsuko first. She should know what is happening.”
“All right. I need to go into town. I"ll be back later.”
“All right.”
After breakfast, he told her he needed to talk about something important. “Hai, Fujito-Sama?”
He told her the merchant"s news.
“What will we do? I"m frightened Isamu.” She said quietly.
“I know you are, koibito.” He whispered.
He was, too, but not for himself. A samurai is prepared for death. But the manner of it in the Japans was not meant for a gentle-born Lady like Katharine; She should never have been exposed to it. He knew he would protect her, with his own life if necessary.
Hataro returned with news that no handbills had been posted in town. Fujito asked if he had any idea how close they were to coming here.
“No.” Hataro told him accepting a cup of tea from Katharine. “But they have been to Toyama. I passed through a few days ago.”
“Then doubtless they will have been to Ogimachi as well.” Fujito surmised. “It is my guess that it won"t take them long to find their way here.”
“Where will you go? When I was in town, I heard another merchant talking with his wife. The town will be out for blood. They are loyal to the Shogun.” “I"ve thought a lot about that.” Fujito said slowly. “If we can get to Kamikochi before the snow closes the roads we can stay until spring.”
„That"s a good idea.” Hataro agreed. “The Shogun"s men won"t be able to get in, either. Yes. That is the safest place to winter. If you make it through the mountains.”
“That"s what worries me. But it is the safest course, as you say.”
“When will you leave?”
“I want to stay here as long as possible. If we leave too soon, the roads will still be passable and we"ll be no better off there than here. And the weather will be so changeable we may not be able to get out quickly enough before they close on the wayEast.”
They were able to stay for a few weeks longer. During this time, Fujito gathered the supplies they would need to get them through the mountains to Kamikochi. One day he was just coming back from town when he saw one of the Shogun"s metsuke at the billboard. Fear gripped his heart when he thought they may already be at the house and imagined Katharine being dragged away. He hurried on without giving the metsuke cause to suspect he was anyone but the local sensei returning from town.
When he reached the house all was quiet. He let himself in quietly and drew his katana in readiness should there be anyone but Katharine inside. He looked around and was relieved to see her alone in the courtyard garden with her lute. Hearing him open the door she put down her lute and got to her feet. Taking a deep breath, he stepped out.
“They"re here.” He said quietly.
“Outside?” Fear darkened her gaze.
“Not yet. But they will be soon.”
“We have to leave, we can sneak out this way.” She began to go toward the door. He caught her arm. “No, Katharine.” He said quietly.
She stopped midstride. “But they"ll—
“Yes. If we try to escape now, they will kill both of us.” He agreed. “But if we stay we"re dead anyway!”
He could see the rising panic in her eyes. He took her hands in his willing her to be calm. “No. You can hide here. There"s a secret passage and a secret room. I found themwhile you were sleeping. Out there you"re vulnerable; an easy target.” “And what about you?”
“I will fight them to protect you.”
“But you could die.” It was spoken so softly he almost missed it.
“Yes, koibito.” He enfolded her in his arms, feeling the moistness from her tears on the shoulder of his kimono. “Shhh. ”He rested his chin on her head. “It is said that a samurai picks his own death; well, I am not planning to die yet.” He eased her away from him and kissed her forehead. Then he took her to the secret passage and through it to the hidden room. As he sealed the entrance, he heard pounding on the outer doors.
The metsuke from town was there with two yoriki. He eyed themevenly. “Yes, gentlemen. What can I help you with today?”
“Are you Fujito Isamu?” Metsuke did not observe niceties.
Fujito studied the three men. Sizing up what weapons they were carrying, how and when they might use them.
When they received no reply theyadded, “We understand you have a young woman with you. Were you aware she is a barbarian masquerading as a Japanese and assuch, an enemy of the state?”
“As a sensei it is no concern of mine. I am trained to save lives, no matter whose it is.”
“It is not you we want Sensei. Let us have the woman and we will leave you in peace.” He moved to walk through. As he did, he pulled the short blade from his sash.
Ducking down to avoid the knife"s thrust Fujito brought his body up to block the man"s arm with his right forearm. He twisted away from the attack then all the way in towards him. Then he moved his left foot out and spun clockwise so that he was facing the same way as his attacker. He brought his left arm over his right to keep the blade away from his body and took his own right wrist locking his arms. As he bent the arm back the pressure was too great and the man dropped the knife.
He took his attacker to the floor and picked up the knife. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the two inexperienced yoriki fleeing for their lives
“If you want her, you"ll have to go through me.” Fujito whispered harshly, inches from his enemy"s face; he glared into the man"s eyes with points of iron. Keeping theknife trained on the man"s heart, Fujito leaned over and picked up the rope the yoriki haddropped and tied the man up. “And while I don"t look for them, I don"t give up a fighteasily.” he hissed in his ear as he pulled him up by his sleeve He took him to another hidden room and pushed him inside. As he walked back to rescue Katharine, he could hear the man screaming obscenities and threats. He sealed the passage, and no longer heard the voice.
Then he went to find Katharine.
All she heard as she huddled against a beam on the far wall were the sounds of the fight. Then silence.
“He"s dead.” The words reverberated against her brain, allowing no other thought inside. Then suddenly she heard the so
und of footfalls in the passage. She stood up and
prepared to meet whatever fate awaited her.
She heard the door open. The figure was outlined by the dim light in the passage. She couldn"t make out his features She screamed.
She lunged at him. “You"ve killed him, you brute! You killed him, you killed him YOU KILLED HIM!” She pounded her fists against his chest, tears blinding her vision, until he arrested her hands. He pulled her into his arms.
“Shizuka na.” He said gently “Quiet koibito.”
“Isamu!” No other words came and she cried tears of relief and of pent up emotion. “You"re alive!” She barely believed it. “You"re alive!” She mumbled through
her tears into his shoulder
“Yes, koibito.” He laughed. The pure pleasure in the realization came over him. Holding her face in his hands, he smothered her with kisses until she joyfully begged for mercy.
The Samurai"s Lady
Chapter Seven
Suddenly they heard a noise. It was far away, but increased in intensity as whatever was making it came closer. Her fear was mirrored in his eyes. “Easy.” He told her. He moved to the side of the door, ready to surprise anyone who entered. He drew his short sword quietly from its scabbard. The footsteps came closer.
“Isamu?” It was Hataro.
Fujito relaxed and put the sword away. “You scared us half to death.” He breathed.
“Sorry. I came to help you get away. I hope you"re packed already. You don"t have much time. They"ll be wondering where the metsuke got to and come looking forhim.”
“We are.” Fujito told him. He fetched the things while Katharine and Hataro waited in the garden.
When he returned Hataro handed him a scroll tied with a red cord. “A map I made of the area you"ll be going to.” He explained.
“Thank you.” Fujito smiled taking it. “You could leave now if you wanted to.” Fujito said with a smile.
“I can"t do that. You see, I believe that Christians should stand together.” He smiled.
“How did you know?”
“The Good Samaritan.” He explained. “Another samurai would have let me die in Toyama or helped me attain my reward; I am, after all, the next in line to a peasant.”
“Well, you are also a good friend. I am in your debt” Fujito said, bowing. They took the back trail to the outskirts of the town that led to the mountains. “Have you traveled mountainous terrain before?” Hataro asked.
“I have, some.” Fujito answered
“What about Katsuko?”
“I don"t think so.”
“I would watch out for her, then. The first time I came this way I got awfully sick; I almost died. If it weren"t for a pilgrim"s help, I would have. Just be careful.” “I will.” Fujito said. “What should I be looking for?”
“Headache, and dizziness, and a queasy stomach. Stop right away. Allow her time to get used to the altitude. I"ll be praying for your safety.”
“Thank you.” He bowed.
Hataro came as far as the first turn off then said good-bye.
They switched their footwear to straw sandals because it would be easier to ascend the heights in them than the normal geta. Although, Fujito told her, geta would be fine for a light snowfall.
“But there shouldn"t be any of that just yet.” He added smiling.
The first part of their journey was on low flat ground then the terrain began to climb gently.
“How"re you doing?” Fujito asked.
“Fine.” Katharine smiled. She did feel a rubbing on her heel from the sandal but it wasn"t bad so she didn"t mention it.
On the first night, they stopped in a grove of cedars. The ground was soft and warm and the trees overhead gave a roof overhead. As the sky darkened stars winked through the tall branches blown by a soft breeze.
“It"s so pretty here.” Katharine sighed. She leaned her back against a large trunk. “Do you have forests in England?” Fujito asked, kneeling beside her. “The higher Lords do. They keep deer there and have hunting parties.” “Look!” He whispered suddenly.
She followed his gaze with her own and was delighted to see a small deer on the slope above them. As she watched Fujito came closer and put his arm around her shoulders.
“It"s not often you see deer at night.” He told her. “She probably was in search of food.”
They were silent for a while, enjoying each other"s company then Fujito said, “And this might be our last warm night for a while. We head into the mountains tomorrow. It"ll be a steep climb but we"ll be fine.” He assured her. “Will we have to stay in the mountains?” She asked, a little fearful. “I"d like to, as long as we can. It"s better that we don"t reach Kamikochi until the snow blocks off the road.” He kissed her temple. “If we get there too soon they couldfigure out that"s where we are and come after us. But if we get there just as the roads areblocked with the first heavy snow fall they won"t have a chance of making it until April.”
Katharine was glad he used western terminology for months and times. Japanese ways of counting the hours and marking days and months was very difficult. But whatworried her was that they might be too early getting to Kamikochi or worse, too late.
The next day was sunny, but there was a stiff breeze from the West. “It could mean bad weather.” Fujito told her, securing his pack.
As the trail made its ascent, the breeze became a wind. Katharine felt secure until the shelter of rock fell away on one side, leaving them exposed to the possibility of falling. She glanced over the side.
“Don"t look down.” He said, more sharply than he"d intended.
“I"m sorry, Fujito-Sama.” She said meekly.
He stopped, turned and retraced his steps where he had gone ahead of her. “No, Koibito.” He took her hands in his. “It is I who am sorry. I shouldn"t have spoken harshly. Please forgive me? It was only my fear of losing you that caused me todo so.”
“Yes.” She smiled into his warm brown eyes. “I do forgive you, Isamu.” “Oh, my koibito.” He whispered, pulling her into his arms. He buried his head in the crook of her neck.
“Excuse me, Isamu San but if we aren"t careful we"ll both be lost.” Raising his head he laughed so that it echoed back through the two sides of rock behind them.
Where the trail was wide enough, he held her hand as she walked beside him. When she had to walk behind him, it was only a few paces back.
The wind increased as the incline of the terrain. The coldness of it froze her cheek and cut through the thin material of her kimono like a knife.
Just as they turned a bend on a particularly narrow stretch of path, the wind gusted across knocking Katharine off balance. Fujito had almost turned into the wider tract but he felt the gust and was close enough to hear her gasp. He turned in time to see her fall
and get blown by another wind shear as she grabbed for a handhold. “ISAMU!” She screamed.
Her feet slid over the muddy path as she continued to grope for something to stop her fall.
When he reached her, she was clawing the earth desperate for anything to break her fall. Once more and the sand would crumble beneath her fingers sending her to her death.
Fujito knelt close enough for his arm to extend to her but far enough away so that he wouldn"t get pulled with her. The wind gusted again. He balled his free hand into a fist, jammed it into a nearby hole in the earth to steady himself, and extended his other arm out over the side of the ledge.
On her last desperate attempt, she grabbed something solid. It was Fujito"s arm. Her body shook with tears of relief.
“Don"t cry now, Katsuko.” Fujito shouted over the wind. “I"m going to pull you up. Hang on tight.”
She felt herself being pulled up and instinctively reached out with her other arm. When she was close enough he held it fast and pulled her away from danger. He drew herinto his arms. “Now you can cry.” He whispered with a smile. He held her as sobs racked her body. “Easy.” He whispered stroking her hair. “You"re all right no
w.”
When her sobs had lessened he held her away from him and wiping the tears from her cheeks with one hand took her arm with the other. They moved carefully on through the mountain pass until nightfall forced them to make camp. She hadn"t paid any attention to the blister on her heel. But while she was removing her sandals she rubbed the place and winced in pain.
“What is it?” Fujito turned from the fire he had just built and came over to her. “My heel, I think I"ve got a blister.”
He examined it. “When did you first feel it?”
“Yesterday.” She said a little sheepishly.
“Why didn"t you say something before?”
“It wasn"t bothering me too much. Besides,” She smiled, “who can think of a blister while they"re hanging over the edge of the world?”
“No one, I imagine.” Fujito laughed. He brought the oil lamp closer and examined her foot again. He became serious.
“Maybe you should have.” He said. “It"s pussed and infected.”
“What can you do?”
“It needs to be broken and cleaned out. You"ll have to tell me what to do.” “You need a knife.”
He took his shortsword from its scabbard. “Will this do?”
“Yes.”
“Would you like some sake?” When he looked at her, his eyes held a mixture of worry and compassion.
“Yes.” If she drank it fast just as he was about to break the membrane, she wouldn"t feel him clean the wound out.
He handed her the container and said, “I hope I"m as good as you.” He smiled. “What do I do first?”
“Heat the blade in the fire to sterilize it. Then puncture the membrane in the center to release all the pus.” Her voice was calm, but inside her heart was beating rapidly. A simple blister was no problem, but with an infection, the pain would be worse.
She watched as he heated the blade and came toward her.
He sat in front and to the side. Taking her ankle and held it tenderly in his left hand. Just as he was about to puncture the skin with the blade she closed her eyes and drank the sake.
The tingling warmth of the liquor lessened the sting of the knife blade and the only sound she made was a sharp intake of breath, although tears filled her eyes. “Easy.” He comforted. He looked at her then back at her ankle. “Almost finished.” It was a minute or so later when he said, “There.” He kissed the tip of her nose.