by I. J. Parker
Akitada took one of Murata's statements from inside his robe. His other statement, the one concerning the princess, he kept tucked away. Handing the paper to Matsuura, he said, "There is nothing for you to do, except perhaps sending one of your constables to keep an eye on Murata at the Golden Dragon. Inabe will testify against him. I'm going to have a talk with Sukemichi tonight. If I'm not back by morning, come looking for me with your constables." Akitada pointed to the statement in Matsuura's hand. "You have the whole story there! Read it!" And with that he left.
()n the veranda, he put on his raincoat again and walked to the post stables. They balked at renting him a horse, but a piece of gold (almost his last one) convinced them. The poor beast resisted leaving the warm and dry stable, but eventually Akitada was in the saddle and trotting toward the chief priest's residence. Once he was in the forest, the trees protected him somewhat from the wind and rain.
Nakatomi received him, looking anxious. "In this weather, Sugawara? Has anything happened'"
"I have worked out that the princess must be at Sukemichi's place and am on my way to get her."
The chief priest paled. "Oh, dear. Then she's ruined. We are all ruined. And this stone that is coming is our punishment. The gods are angry because the shrine virgin has been dishonored."
Akitada did not argue the point. He said, "Look, we need to bring her back. Anything else can be settled later. I only stopped by to inform you. I'm on my way to talk to Lady Tamba now and get them to send a palanquin or a carriage. Then I'll pick up Lord Minamoto as a witness and proceed to Sukemichi's."
Nakatomi wrung his hands but nodded. He said, "Thank you, Sugawara. May the gods go with you."
==
Al the Bamboo Palace, the young guard officers for once seemed to show proper concern. All the shutters of the palace buildings were closed and secured. Uniformed guards and servants stood watch on the verandas, and building supplies of various sorts were stacked in the broad entrance courtyard. Akitada also saw buckets filled with sand, and more buckets lined up near a well in case there would be fires.
He was taken to Lady Tamba, who had her mother with her. They both stared at his wet clothing and Lady Tamba asked in a faint voice, "Is it very bad outside?"
Her mother said, "Don't ask stupid questions. Why else would he look like a drowned rat?"
Akitada was unpleasantly aware of water trickling down his neck and his robe being heavier because it was soaked. He answered Lady Tamba, "It's unpleasant and will probably get worse, my lady."
"You must dry out a little and take a bite of food and some warn wine," she said.
"Thank you, but there's no time. I'm on my way to get the princess and bring her home."
Lady Tamba gasped. "The gods be thanked! But in this weather?"
Her mother snapped, "Don't argue with the man. It took him long enough, but he has finally managed to find her. Let him do his work. And after that wild romp, she deserves a good drenching. Any other girl would get a whipping.
"Mother!"
Akitada cleared his throat. "Lady Tamba, I need the carriage, a driver, and an ox to pull it. And Lady Ayako should come along to tend to her highness."
"Ayako? She's not sufficiently senior."
Her mother gave her a push. "Fool! Ayako is the only one who knows what happened and why. Do you want the rest of the gossipy brood to find out the truth?"
"Your lady mother is right," Akitada said. "It will be best if you let it be known outside this room that the carriage is for a visiting lady who was caught by the storm and sought refuge at Lord Sukemichi's place." Lady Tarnba cried, "Lord Sukemichi's place?"
Her mother shot Akitada a sharp glance. "So that was the game."
Akitada had the uncomfortable feeling that the old lady understood far better than he what had possessed Sukemichi to abduct an imperial princess who was also a consecrated shrine virgin. He said, "The reasons are immaterial at the moment. Would you order the carriage and Lady Ayako to Lord Sukemichi's residence? I shall stop for her highness's cousin, and we'll meet your people there. And please hurry. This must be done quickly, and not just because of the storm."
She nodded. "Go then and do your best. May the goddess be with you."
==
Akitada put on his sodden raincoat and got on his horse to head back out on the forest road to Minamoto's lodge. The wind had picked up and what he was spared by being protected from its gusts and the now much heavier rain he made up for with breaking branches and a constant barrage of smaller debris. It occurred to him that he might be putting the princess in even greater danger by sending her out in this with no more protection than the woven reed cover of the carriage.
The lodge lay in silence. Akitada rode up to the gate and shouted, "Ho! Open up!"
Nothing happened. He cursed the old gatekeeper and hammered on the gate with his fist, shouting again. The wind gusts were strong enough to push his horse against the gate.
Finally the cracked voice shouted back, "Go away!" This was followed by the slamming of a door or shutter. Akitada shouted again, pounded again, kicked the gate and was about to attempt climbing it, when he heard Minamoto's voice. "I'm coming."
The gate opened and a windblown Minamoto looked up at him. He was pale and anxious, but not from the rain and wind. He had not shaved in a day or so. "Sugawara? Has something happened?"
Akitada dismounted, tied up his horse, and followed him inside.
A few charcoal pieces gleamed dully in a brazier and a flask of wine stood nearby. Minamoto smelled strongly of wine.
Akitada said, "I need you to accompany me to Sukemichi's place. I believe he holds the princess prisoner there."
Minamoto stared at him. "I don' believe it. Sukemichi would never dare. He's local gentry and not from a good family at that."
This was not an entirely unexpected remark from someone who had imperial blood in his veins, even if he no longer claimed imperial rank. Akitada knew the court well enough to understand its mindset. But he had dealt with criminals from diverse backgrounds and knew quite well that ambition thrived even in the humblest heart. And Sukemichi had struck him as anything but humble.
"Nonetheless. Here, read this!" He took Murata's other statement from inside his robe and held it out to Minamoto. With a searching glance at Akitada's face, Minamoto carried it over to a candle and read. He read it twice before turning around. "Who is this Murata? Do you mean to tell me that you suspect Sukemichi because this man informed him of what the shop girl said?"
"It's a little more complicated. Sukemichi has been in partnership with this man. Between them they have run the local gangs and most likely also pirates working out of Ise and Owari ports. The story Michiko told Murata and that Murata passed on to Sukemichi gave the high constable a wild idea how he could rise in the world. You said yourself he hopes for a position in the capital."
Minamoto clenched his fists. "He must be mad. He'll never get away with it."
"Well, they've already made quite a bit of money from you."
Minamoto received this news more philosophically, but he started pacing. "I cannot believe this. Even given his ambitions . . . how could such a man . . ." He stopped and turned. "Do you have any proof that he has her?"
"Very little."
"But you think Takahime is there?" Akitada nodded.
"Then let's go." Looking grim, Lord Minamoto took his sword from its stand, pushed it through his sash, and made for the door."
"You'll need something against the rain." "Forget it!"
On second thought, Akitada decided to abandon his own waterlogged straw cape.
They rode single file mud did not speak. The world had turned into a hellish place where they had a hard time staying in their saddles. Minarnoto led the way. Managing their horses took all their attention as all around them debris flew through the air and the road turned into a swamp.
When they reached Sukeinichi's residence, Akitada shouted through the noise, "Ask for shelter!" Minainoto nodded.
They pounded on the big double gates. A small window opened and a face peered out. "What do you want?"
"I'm Lord Minamoto. My friend and I were caught in the storm and need shelter."
One of the gates opened and they rode in. If the gate guards recognized Akitada, who was dressed quite differently on this occasion, they did not say so. Debris lay around the courtyard; tiles, brandies, a torn flag, and assorted wooden utensils that had been blown about by the wind. They dismounted and hurried to the main house.
There a senior servant waited on the veranda. They gave their names and were taken inside and supplied with towels to dry themselves.
Sukemichi appeared in the midst of this. He hurried toward Minamoto, crying, "My lord, what happened' You are drenched. Allow me to send for dry clothes."
Akitada noted that Minamoto's birth and rank assured him of' Sukemichi's respect and assislaiice. Minamoto on his part eyed Sukemichi much as a hungry cat eyes a goldfish. He snapped, "Later. This is Governor Sugawara. You may be aware of the purpose of his visit to this area'?"
Sukeinichi looked at Akitada, swallowed, and made him a bow. "I'm honored, Excellency," he imanagced. Akitada did not return the bow. "My second visit to your residence, Sukemichi. The reception was less polite the last time."
"A mistake by my stupid men, Excellency. I regret it extremely. Allow me to make reparations."
Minamoto interrupted him. "Stop babbling! You know why we're here. Where is the princess?"
Akitada had not planned such an abrupt beginning and wondered how Sukemichi would react.
He did what Minamoto might have expected. He pretended ignorance. "I leg your pardon, my lord. The princess? Surely she was not out in this storm also?"
Minamoto took a step and seized the other man by the front of his robe, pulling him forward until they wereface to face. "Don't lie to me. We know you have her. Your accomplice has confessed."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I have no accomplice. I don't have the princess. Please take your hands of me, sir."
Akitada said mildly, "I.et him go, Sadamu."
Perhaps it was his use of his lordship's given name that made Minamoto obey. He released Sukemichi and stepped back. "I shall find her myself," he said, turned on his heel and strode toward one of the doors.
Sukemichi dashed after him, snatching at his sleeve, but Minamoto was already heading down the corridor. Akitada followed, thinking that the young man's impetuosity might serve them better than a long drawn-out discussion of the evidence against Sukemichi.
What with Sukemichi's shouting to Minamoto to stop, servants appeared from various corners but did little more than to stare and trail along behind their increasingly frantic master and his wet guests.
Minamoto made for the corridor that led to the northern apartments where the emperor's women resided in the imperial palace. The corridor led to an outside gallery, which in turn led to a separate pavilion. The gallery was roofed and enclosed by shutters, but one of the shutters had blown open and banged against the wall. The noise of the storm penetrated and large puddles of water had formed on the floor. When they reached the pavilion, Sukemichi fell back, and Minamoto knocked.
Akitada had a moment of fear that they would find themselves deeply embarrassed by an intrusion on Sukemichi's wives, but at this point he could think of no more options.
The door opened, and a pretty maid peered out. When she saw the wet and glowering Minamoto, she tried to close the door again, but Minamoto pushed it wide and strode in. "Takahime?" he shouted.
39 The Princess
Their abrupt entrance was greeted by shrieks from five women. The sixth woman was silent and pale.
Her presence astonished Akitada, but he had no time to think about it. One of the shrieking females had detached herself from the rest and flung herself on Minamoto, babbling hysterically.
Princess Takahime.
Akitada's hand shot to his sword hilt as he turned to look for Sukemichi. They were alone here with a weeping woman in the very heart of a compound belonging to Sukemichi, a place that also contained manny servants and a company of trained warriors. He was not certain what Sukemichi would do now that his guilt was revealed and his life in shambles. Would he be desperate and foolish enough to have them killed in hopes that no one would find out?
Sukemichi joined them. He watched the pair of lovers with a frown but seemed otherwise calm enough. Akitada asked, "How do you explain this, Sukemichi?"
"I beg your pardon?" Sukemichi turned to him, feigning surprise at the question. "It seems to me that it is you and Lord Minamoto who owe me an explanation for this rude intrusion into my wife's quarters."
Akitada glanced around the room. The only female present close to Sukemichi's age was Mrs. Akechi from the silk shop. "I referred to the fact that you have abducted Princess Takahime and kept her here against her will. I don't know what other crimes against the goddess and the nation you may have committed."
Sukemichi raised his chin. "Her Imperial Highness, Princess Takahime, has done me the honor of becoming my wife."
Akitada suppressed his shock. Could it be? Surely she had been forced into such a match. And what would be the outcome of such a marriage? Almost certainly he would be blamed for it.
He had no time to finish the thought because Minamoto abruptly released the clinging Takahime and drew his sword. New shrieks erupted. Sukemichi tried to take cover behind Akitada, and Mrs. Akechi flung herself in Minamoto's way.
"He lied," she screamed. "They're not married. Don't hurt him. It was all a foolish mistake. I tried to stop him."
This caused Minamoto to pause. "Who are you?" he asked suspiciously.
"I'm his wife," Mrs. Akechi said. "The only wife he has here. We have been together for five years, though he'll deny it because I'm not nobly born and he's ashamed of me. We have a son together."
Sukemichi snapped, "Enough, Haruko! Say no more!"
Minamoto put his sword away and turned to Princess Takahime. "What happened?"
She dabbed a sleeve at her eyes and said in a small voice, "I left after you said I had to go back. Then some soldiers came and brought me here. And that man,"she nodded with her chin toward Sukemichi"wouldn't take me back to the Bamboo Palace. He kept making excuses. Then the silk woman came and she also tried to make him send me back."
Akitada stepped forward, knelt, and bowed deeply. "Your Highness, my name is Sugawara Akitada. Your August brother sent me to find you. I regret that it has taken so long. May I assume that no marriage has taken place between Your Highness and this Sukemichi?"
She sniffed. "Of course not. He is an old man and a disgusting commoner. It is offensive that you should ask . such a question."
Akitada bowed again. "I humbly beg your pardon, Highness. I have arranged for transport. The carriage and your escort should arrive at any moment."
Sukemichi had the nerve to protest. "But not in this storm! Her Imperial Highness cannot possibly leave. I offer my home as refuge."
Outside a loud crash underscored his words. It had sounded like a building collapsing. Akitada hesitated. The princess had moved a little closer to Minamoto. "I'm not afraid," she said. "I want to go home."
Mrs. Akechi moved to stand beside Sukemichi and now laid a hand onhis arm. "Let her go, Yasunori," she pleaded. "It's time. It was a foolish idea. I wish I'd rnever told you about Michiko."
Sukemichi gave her a vicious push. "It's time you left, too. In fact, nobody asked you to come. You've ruined me."
Akitada was tired of' all of' them. He went out to check on conditions. Tine wind still gusted. A second shutter had blown open in the gallery. He wondered if the carriage had reached them. He was going to see about this when a servant emerged from the main house and came running along the gallery. He called out, "There's a carriage arrived from the Bamboo Palace. Is the master inside? I can't find him anywhere."
"Your master is inside, and the lady is ready. Have them bring the carriage around."
>
"She's setting out in this storm?" "Yes. Now hurry."
He ran off and Akitada went back inside. "The princess still stood beside Minamoto. His arm was around her, and he was talking to her in a low voice. She was weeping. Mrs. Akechi, pale and tense, had gone to sit in a corner near the maids, and Sukemichi stood with his back to her, watching the two lovers.
Akitada said, "They are bringing the carriage around."
Mrs. Akechi got up. "Someone should go with her highness. I'll go if you like. The other women are too frightened of the storm."
"Thank you Mrs. Akechi, but one of her ladies has come for her."
Minamoto said, "I shall also accompany the princess."
Akitada nodded. "Yes. And so shall!"
He became aware of a sudden quiet outside and listened. It seemed doubtful that so violent a storm would suddenly abate so completely. There was another, rather weak gust, and then nothing, not even the sound of' rain on the roof above his head.
Minamoto listened also. "Good. It's the calm," he said. "It may last until we reach the Bamboo Palace. Let's hurry."
They opened the shutters to the veranda, and there was the carriage, already backed up, with Lady Ayako peering out anxiously. Mrs. Akechi brought a silk robe and draped it over the princess's head and shoulders, and Lord Minamolo walked her out and helped her into he carriage. Akitada saw that the interior had been filled with quilts and bedding so that the two women should ride comfortably enough. The curtains were closed, the palace guard brought their horses up, and the ox driver, a sturdy main in boots and a straw cape,
snapped his whip across the rump of the ox. Slowly the carriage rolled away.
Akitada wasted no more time on Sukemichi. He and Minamoto hurried to the entrance courtyard, where they got back on their horses and joined the carriage and its escort.
Above them the clouds had parted and revealed a blue sky, but the return journey shocked them with the damage the storm had left in the forest. Everywhere trees had fallen, many of them snapped like kindling halfway along their trunks. Akitada marveled at the power of this storm and how they and the carriage with its escort had managed to pass through it unharmed earlier.