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[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] retainer, who with his sons had taken his own life rather than agree to surrender the town to Arai Daiichi. Takeo wondered if Zenko was aware of the house's history of loyalty, and hoped he might be influenced by the spirits of the steadfast dead. Before the evening meal, when he was to meet these potential enemies, he sent for Hiroshi to speak with him privately. The younger man seemed calm and alert, yet filled with some deeper emotion that Takeo could not fathom. After discussing the following day's procedures and ceremonies, Takeo thanked him for his diligence. 'You have spent many years in my family's service. We must reward you. Will you stay in the West? I will find an estate for you, and a wife. I had considered Lord Terada's granddaughter, Kaori. She is a fine young woman, a great friend of my daughter.' 'To give me land in Maruyama would be to take it from someone else, or from Lady Shigeko,' Hiroshi replied. 'I have already mentioned to Taku: I will stay here while I am required - but my real desire is to be permitted to retire to Terayama and follow the Way of the Houou.' Takeo stared at him without replying immediately. Hiroshi met his eyes and glanced away. 'As for marriage ... I thank you for your concern, but I have truly no desire to marry, and I have nothing to offer a wife.' 'Any family in the Three Countries would welcome you as a son-in-law. You do not value yourself enough. If Terada Kaori does not please you, let me find someone else. 7s there someone else?' 'No one,' Hiroshi replied. 'You know the great affection my whole family holds you in,' Takeo went on. 'You have been like a brother to my daughters; were we not so close in age I would regard you as a son.' 'I must beg you, Lord Takeo, not to continue,' Hiroshi pleaded. The colour had mounted to his neck. He tried to hide his distress by smiling. 'You are so content in your marriage, you want us all to share the same state! But I feel called to another path. My only request is to be allowed to follow it.' 'I would never deny you that!' Takeo replied, and decided to drop the question of marriage for the time being. 'But I have one request to make of you: that you will accompany us when we go to the capital next year. As you know, I am making this peaceful visit at the request of the Masters of the Way of the Houou. I want you to be part of it.' 'It is a great honour,' Hiroshi replied. 'Thank you.' 'Shigeko is to come with me, also on the Masters' advice. You must take care of her safety, as you always have done.' Hiroshi bowed without speaking. 'My daughter has suggested that we take the kirin: it will make an unparalleled gift for the Emperor.' 'You would give away the kirin!' Hiroshi exclaimed. 'I would give away anything if it preserves the peaceful existence of our country,' Takeo replied. Even Shigeko? Neither of them spoke the words, yet they echoed in Takeo's mind. He did not know that he could answer yet. Something from this conversation must have alerted him, for in the moments when he was not occupied with Lord Kono, Zenko and Hana he found himself Page 105 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html watching Hiroshi and his daughter during the evening meal with more attention than usual. They were both somewhat silent and grave, hardly addressing or looking at each other. He could not discern any particular feeling between them; he fancied Shigeko's heart to be untouched. But of course they were both adept at hiding their emotions. The meal was formal and elegant, the autumn specialities of the West: pine-tree mushrooms, tiny crabs and prawns, salted and crunchy, chestnuts and ginkgo nuts, served on lacquer trays and pale fawn pottery from Hagi. Kaede had helped restore the residence to its former beauty: the mats were green-gold and sweet-smelling; the floors and beams gleamed warmly; behind them stood screens decorated with the birds and flowers of autumn, plovers with bush clover, quail with chrysanthemums. Takeo asked himself what Kono thought of the surroundings, and how they compared with the Emperor's court. He had apologized for his wife's absence, explaining her pregnancy, and had wondered if Zenko and Hana were disappointed at this news, for it would delay plans for adoption of either of their sons. He thought he discerned the slightest pause of discomfort before Hana began effusive congratulations, expressing her joy and hoping for a son for her sister. Takeo, in his turn, was careful to praise Sunaomi and Chikara - it was not difficult, for he was genuinely fond of both boys. Kono said courteously, 'I have received letters from Miyako. I understand you will visit the Emperor next year.' 'If he will receive me, that is my intention,' Takeo replied. 'I believe he will receive you. Everyone is curious about you. Even Lord Saga Hideki has expressed his desire to meet you.' Takeo was aware that Zenko was hanging on every word, though his eyes were cast downwards. And if they ambush and kill me there, Zenko will be waiting in the West, will advance with the Emperor's blessing . . . 'Indeed Lord Saga is thinking about some sport, or contest. He writes to me that rather than shedding the blood of thousands of men, he would like to meet Lord Otori in some game - dog hunting, perhaps. It is his passion.' Takeo smiled. 'Lord Saga has no knowledge of our remote affairs. He cannot be aware that my crippled hand prevents me from drawing a bow.' Luckily, he could not help thinking, for I have never had much skill with the bow. 'Well, some other contest, perhaps. Your wife's confinement will prevent her from accompanying you?' 'Naturally. But my daughter is to come with me.' Shigeko raised her head and looked at her father. Their eyes met and she smiled at him. 'Lady Shigeko is not yet betrothed?' Kono inquired. 'No, not yet,' Takeo answered. 'Lord Saga is recently widowed.' Kono's voice was cool and neutral. 'I am sorry to hear it.' Takeo was wondering if he could bear to give his daughter to such a man - yet it could be a desirable alliance, and if it were to ensure the peace of the Three Countries . . . Shigeko spoke, her voice clear and firm. T look forward to meeting Lord Saga. Perhaps he will accept me as my father's substitute in any contest.' 'Lady Shigeko is highly skilled with the bow,' Hiroshi added. Takeo recalled in amazement Gemba's words: There will he some contest in Miyako . . . your daughter should also come. She must perfect her horse riding, using the bow . . . How had Gemba known this? He looked across the room at Gemba, who was seated a little distance away next to his brother Kahei. Gemba did not meet his gaze, but a faint smile appeared on his plump face. Kahei looked more stern, masking his disapproval. Yet this corroborates the Masters' advice, Takeo thought swiftly. I will visit Miyako. I will accept Saga's challenge, whatever it is. We will settle matters between us. There will be no war. Kono seemed as surprised as Takeo, though for a different reason. 'I had not Page 106 ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.html [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ] |