Gloria Oliver

by In Service Of Samurai

  He turned his face away, knowing his “masterful stroke” had only been sheer luck and desperation.

  “Have you thought about my offer though, Toshiro-san?” she asked him. “I know there would be danger outside the castle as well as in it, but your chances for survival would be better out there. I can make sure you’re supplied with everything you’d need.”

  He sighed. “I appreciate what you’re offering me, but I can’t accept it. I can’t face my lord with the fact I’ve failed.” He tried to look at her to see if she understood, but Himiko had turned her face away.

  “There must be something I can do to help you,” she insisted. “I don’t wish to see you sent to your next life before your time.”

  He stared at his feet, troubled by the blooming joy he felt at her obvious concern for him. “You shouldn’t give up on me so easily. I’m sure between the two of us we can come up with something.”

  His words were filled with a confidence he didn’t feel, but he hoped she would believe them.

  “Himiko-sama, does your father ever leave his rooms? Is there a place where I might intercept him? Or some place where I might gain his notice in some way?”

  Himiko walked in silence for so long he thought she might never answer.

  “Tsuyu has his men constantly guarding my father and watching his guards. All the servants who serve Tsuyu and my father are known to the guards in that section of the castle as well,” she finally answered.

  “Every room is checked before he is allowed to enter. It might not be possible to see him without an approved appointment.”

  “I see.” He looked away, realizing this wouldn’t be easy, if even possible. Still, it did seem like something he might try. He just couldn’t bring himself to tell her. He had already involved her too much in his troubles when she had so many of her own. “Maybe we might still come up with something later.”

  Himiko didn’t look at him. “I will do all I can to think of a way.”

  They followed their usual routine for the next few hours. Toshi discovered he tired easily and decided it might be an excuse he could use to leave Himiko for a time and try out his own plan.

  “Himiko-sama, would it offend you greatly if I returned to my own room for a while? I must admit, I am not feeling quite myself today.”

  She looked at him, a hint of alarm in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I had not meant to impose on you so much.

  Yes, please, go rest. I’ll check on you later this afternoon.”

  “I’d like that, Himiko-sama.” He felt a little guilty at the subterfuge.

  Once he returned to his room, he found Yuko. He rested for a short while and then decided to move on with his idea. He tried not to think about how little chance it might actually have of working.

  “Yuko-san, would you take me to Asano-sama’s audience chamber—or, at least, tell me how to get there?”

  She stared at him, a look of confusion on her face. “They will not let us through. You do not have an appointment.”

  “Can we at least go by there?” he asked.

  Yuko nodded, her confusion still obvious. “If that is what you wish, sir.”

  He followed her out of the room, bringing the wrapped kettle. They left the guests’ area to go to a broad main hall. After a long walk, the hall intercepted another even wider. The walls he could see beyond it were heavily embroidered and covered with gold flakes. In the middle was a large set of thick wooden sliding doors. Every three feet, a guard stood, gazing outwards. They wore the Asano crest—except for every fourth man, who wore Tsuyu’s. Asano’s men stood rigid, staring about them, one eye on the hallway and another on Tsuyu’s men. Tsuyu’s men were doing the same with Asano’s. The tension about them was almost palpable. He wondered how they could stand it day after day.

  As he watched, a woman walked by carrying a tray. She shuffled rapidly to the wooden doors and was stopped by the guards. Asano’s men as well as Tsuyu’s carefully scrutinized the woman and even checked the covered dishes on her tray. His heart sank. Though he’d not yet thought too deeply on this score, one of the ideas in the back of his mind had been to try and pass himself off as one of the servants.

  Himiko seemed to be quite adept at the skill; and, with Yuko’s help, he’d thought he’d have a chance to get away with it. But not only did it look like he couldn’t approach the room without being challenged—it looked like it would do no good to try using a disguise as well.

  Slightly disheartened, he hurried on with Yuko, already noticing he’d inadvertently attracted the attention of a couple of the guards for lingering too long at the intersection.

  “Can you take me by the lord’s living quarters now?” He asked this once they were well away from the audience chamber.

  “As you wish.”

  Asano’s private chambers were located on the second floor of the east side of the castle.

  “Yuko-san, are these the stairs Asano-sama would use to go to his rooms?” he asked hopefully. There’d be little the guards could say if he hung around a common stairwell then, as Asano came by, somehow attempted to get his attention.

  “No, Kazete-sama, they are not,” Yuko informed him with a slight shake of the head. “Beyond the audience chamber Asano-sama has his own private set of stairs that lead to a small hallway that will take him to his rooms. The way is heavily guarded and no one but those authorized may go through there.”

  He nodded. Yet another possibility proved worthless. Still, he wasn’t done. “And his rooms are in this direction?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’ll go on alone from here, then,” he said. “Thank you for your help.”

  Yuko hesitated. “Are you sure you should be doing this? It is not my place to point out such things, but this may not be a wise course.”

  “Thank you for telling me. I promise I’ll be careful.” He had to try, whether it was a wise thing or not.

  He left Yuko behind, staring uncertainly after him.

  Toshi walked quietly in the direction of Asano’s rooms, not entirely sure what he planned. Himiko had told him each room was searched before Asano was allowed inside. Still, if he could find one Asano was sure to try to enter and he could remain undiscovered until Asano came, surely, he could make enough of a fuss that Asano would overhear. And then, if he said enough of the right things, the lord might grant him an audience right then and there.

  Even as he thought of it, the plan seemed risky, at best; but, at the moment, it was all he had.

  He knew he was getting close to his goal when the quality of the walls improved, the amount of decorations multiplied in their intricacy and incense scented the air. He slowed down, looking about for any prospective places to hide, hoping he could find what he needed before anyone caught him walking about.

  A strange birdcall suddenly whispered from the floor. He thought it almost sounded like a nightingale.

  Confused, he looked down and realized it came from his own feet where he stepped on the boards. He stopped in shock. He’d heard of this, though at the time he hadn’t put much stock in it. These were nightingale floorboards, created with a strange ingenious contraption that made a sound resembling a nightingale when they were stepped on. It was supposed to deter ninja trying to sneak in to assassinate lords in the night.

  If a ninja couldn’t cross this strange flooring quietly, what chance had he? He wouldn’t be able to sneak anywhere in this area. As if to prove his conclusion right, a guard rushed into the hallway from around the corner.

  “Stand right there, do not move!”

  He did as he was told, relieved only a little that the guard wore Asano’s symbol rather than Tsuyu’s. Still, all his plans had one by one crumbled to nothing. What was he supposed to do now? Toshi tried not to think about it, this problem being more pressing at the moment.

  “What are you doing here?” the guard asked, his hand on the hilt of his sword.

  “I’m—I’m sorry. I think I am lost. I was trying to find the appointment off
ice.”

  The man studied him up and down, weighing his response. “It’s not here. Go back the way you came and go to the next floor. Someone there will show you the way. You should not be wondering the halls alone.”

  He bowed deeply. “My sincerest apologies. I will do as you say.” He turned to go.

  “Wait!”

  Toshi glanced over his shoulder, as a new man turned into the corridor. This one wore Tsuyu’s symbol at his shoulder.

  “Who is this boy?” the new guard demanded.

  The other gave him an irritated look. “I’ve taken care of this. It’s none of your concern.”

  “Anything that affects Asano-sama affects Tsuyu-sama, so this is my concern.”

  The two men glared at each other with mutual dislike. It was becoming ever more obvious to Toshi that Tsuyu had a lot less control than he made it seem. Though he was good at manipulating what power he had obtained, all obviously did not go easy for him.

  “I’m sorry, sirs. Again, this was all my fault. I did not realize I was not where I meant to be.”

  “What is your name?” Tsuyu’s guard demanded.

  The question made him pause. He considered lying but then discarded the idea. How many wounded people were there about the castle? If he lied, it would be found out; and the deceit might give Tsuyu an excuse to hold him for deeper questioning and put him somewhere where he could be dispatched quietly before anyone was the wiser.

  “My name is Kazete Toshiro. I am a guest of Asano-sama’s.”

  He saw Tsuyu’s guard’s eyes narrow, as if the man were irked he hadn’t bothered to lie. It seemed Tsuyu had briefed his men about him.

  “Do you see now? I’d taken care of this like I said.” Asano’s man said.

  “He still looks suspicious to me.” Tsuyu’s man eyed Toshi, as if looking for anything he could use to back up his claim. “Perhaps we should detain him.”

  Toshi felt a bead of perspiration roll down his neck. He forced himself to keep his mouth shut.

  “A boy with a wound? What about that do you find threatening, Ishi? The others will laugh you right out of here if you try it.” The guard’s barking laugh echoed down the hallway.

  Tsuyu’s man’s face reddened, and he sent a look of death in Toshi’s direction.

  “I will gladly cooperate in anything you wish me to do.” He bowed as he spoke, though falling into Tsuyu’s hands was the last thing he wanted.

  “That won’t be necessary,” Asano’s man said. “Please, be on your way—and be more careful next time.”

  “I will. Thank you very much.” He bowed to them again. Without looking back, he went the way he’d come.

  “Kazete-sama!”

  He was a little surprised to find Yuko at the head of the stairs once he’d made his way back. It looked like she’d been waiting for him. “You didn’t have to wait for me, Yuko-san.”

  The young woman actually blushed. “I—I was concerned. I’m glad to see you are all right.” Her eyes met his for a moment. “May I guide you back to your room?”

  He nodded, knowing there was nothing more he could accomplish here. “Yes, please.”

  Once back in his room, he sat outside, considering his options. All his plans had come to nothing.

  Himiko was right—there seemed no way to get to her father. Before, he’d been stumped by the layers of bureaucracy Tsuyu had helped establish between Asano and everyone else in order to have control as to who did or did not have access to the lord. This had been compounded by Toshi’s need to keep his business a secret. Now that Tsuyu knew who he was, the official ways would be blocked for him permanently. What few alternatives he’d come up with on his own had now proved to be blocked as well. His only hope was that Himiko had somehow seen a possibility he hadn’t; otherwise, he’d have no chance to ever complete his mission.

  He rubbed his shoulder as he tried not to get depressed. Yet, when Himiko arrived a while later the unreadable expression on her face told him she’d not had much success on his behalf either.

  “Toshiro-san, were you able to rest?” she asked him lightly.

  He bowed and then go up. “Yes, I am feeling much better.”

  “Shall we go, then?” She waited for him to join her.

  They walked a short way without either of them saying anything. Though he knew the answer already, he decided he had to ask.

  “Himiko-sama, were you able to come up with anything?”

  She didn’t look at him as she answered. “I’m afraid not. I’ve done nothing but ponder on this since you left and…”

  Despair colored her words. He decided he wanted to make it go away. “Is there anything that motivates your father anymore? Does he at any time vary from his routine?”

  Himiko slowly shook her head. “The only thing, the only weakness, I’ve ever seen in him is his love of a good mystery. How that could help you, I just—” She stopped walking and turned to look at him. A touch of excitement filled her voice. “There might be a way. I don’t know if it will work, and it will make you very vulnerable; but it might have a chance.”

  “I’m willing to take the risk. What’s your idea?” He felt his own excitement rising. Could there still be some hope?

  She nodded and resumed walking. It was several minutes before she answered him.

  “In the early morning and late evening, my father takes the same route from his rooms to his audience chamber and back again,” she said. “Part of the route goes through a hallway that has five or six small windows on the second floor, which look out upon a raised stage we use for special ceremonies.

  “If my father saw you sitting there for a few days, it might just intrigue him enough to start asking questions. If he does, I can make sure he’s informed you’ve been waiting to meet with him. He might just start wondering what could be so important you’d go to such lengths just to get him to notice you. And, if you’re so desperate, why it is that an audience was never granted you in the first place.”

  “You think it could work?” It seemed like such a slim hope.

  Her walnut-brown eyes wouldn’t meet his. “I truly don’t know. I haven’t recognized the man who sits as my father for a long time. I’m not really sure how he’ll react. I don’t know if Tsuyu’s hold is so strong he’ll ignore everything,” she admitted. “I just don’t know.”

  He didn’t press her further but walked on in silence. He jostled his mind for any other alternatives, in case inspiration struck him, and found none. Though her plan might prove ineffective, it was the only option he had.

  “Himiko-sama, would you show me the courtyard?”

  “You’re going to do it, then?” Her face was serious. “Are you sure you realize the danger of this course?

  You’ll be highly vulnerable in the courtyard if you stay there both day and night, as you must. If my father asks, he will be told of your constant vigil and only if you’ve never left will he be intrigued by your commitment, and wonder at it as well. We will have witnesses who’ll be able testify to the fact. For, only something truly unusual will catch his eye.

  “Tsuyu will try to get rid of you once he realizes what you’re doing. Yet the game he has been playing is dangerous, and he has much to lose if he is ever exposed. He has power only at my father’s sufferance, so if anything tipped my father’s favor against him…

  “But Tsuyu is also very impetuous and will surely try something by indirect means, where no blame will stick on him.”

  Toshi shook his head, not ready to be discouraged. He was amazed, however, at the politics going on all around. Peasants weren’t made for such games.

  “I have nothing to lose by trying, Himiko-sama. My life is forfeit whether I do this or not. I’d rather have some hope than none.” He felt his throat dry up, knowing only too well what he was committing himself to. Though death was never longed for, he oddly discovered he had no regrets. Asaka had allowed him to choose his road, and he would remain on it until the end.

  Glancing at Himiko,
he realized she, too, had made a choice and wouldn’t shy away from it. It brought him a slight sense of satisfaction that if things went wrong at least he wouldn’t be around to hear of her death on her wedding day.

  Chapter 39

  In the course of their wanderings, Himiko led Toshi to the courtyard she’d talked about that afternoon.

  Feeling tired but resolved, he studied the area where he would play his hand.

  The castle walls rose grandly about fifty yards from him. Six long, narrow windows were cut into the wall directly facing the small stage. The back of the courtyard was surrounded by a curtain of trees cutting it from view of the castle’s main thoroughfares. The area was quiet and serene.

  “Those windows are part of the hallway my father will be walking through. If he looks out, he can’t help but see you. Unfortunately, if my father notices you, so will Tsuyu,” Himiko pointed out. “Out of what he thinly disguises as respect, Tsuyu escorts my father back and forth each day. That he’ll do something once he sees you is without question.”

  She grabbed his arm. Her hands were cold. “I’ll try to do what I can to protect you,” she said, with some emotion. “I will speak to Kirin-san, and he will get a message to our guards. They will make sure Tsuyu doesn’t have his men block the windows. I’ll also have him post guards here so they can protect you and act as your witnesses. I will do my utmost to give you as much of a chance to gain my father’s attention as I can.” She glanced away. “I want you to live a long and happy life for the both of us.”

  He found her face unreadable, but her eyes were sparkling. He looked away, feeling strange inside.

  “Come, Toshiro-san, it is yet too early for you to begin your vigil. We don’t want the dogs to pick up your scent before we’ve even begun.”

  Though he was tired and his shoulder was becoming more insistent in its aches, he went along with her as she showed him a number of other courtyards. Himiko’s retinue followed, never far behind.

  “Toshiro-san, I will speak with Kirin-san about the guards as soon as we part today. I’ll have him send them over as soon as I can. After I leave you, explain to Yuko what you’re going to do. Then, make your way to the courtyard. You must be there before my father’s had a chance to return to his rooms.”