The Open Road Page 18

  “A sword is inanimate, Kuno san. How may it have honour or dishonour?”

  The group made their way down a steepening road. They passed a trio of woodcutters, two men and a young woman - all laden down with racks of fresh-cut kindling. Kuno nodded a bow in reply to the woodcutters, and spoke on, answering Chiri.

  “The sword is the soul of the samurai, Chiri san.”

  The rat nodded in thought. “Ah. So preserving the sword ensures a samurai’s honour?”

  Sura chimed in merrily from behind. She looked fondly at Kuno.

  “The samurai get it the wrong way around. The object reflects the soul, not the soul the object.”

  Kuno turned about, arching one brow.

  “I wonder how it is that the entire samurai class holds one belief, and yet Sura san holds another – and knows it to be correct?”

  “My evidence is objective! Like any good investigator, I work with what I see.” Sura gave an elegant wave towards Kuno as she walked along beside him. “Kuno will fight defensively with his sword against men he has no reason to kill. Most samurai would be scornful. They see no reason to restrain themselves once swords are drawn. Kuno, however, believes in reason and compassion. His soul is seen through his swordsmanship.”

  The fox made a little bow to Kuno.

  “The sword itself? Inanimate and meaningless. The sword animated by the soul has meaning.”

  They walked onwards down the steep hill. Chiri pondered the information, then cast a thoughtful glance back towards Tonbo.

  “Tonbo san prefers his tetsubo to a sword. I wonder if that, too, is a reflection?”

  Tonbo merely shrugged and gave a grunt. Sura glanced happily back towards him.

  “Ah! Tonbo lives by another old rule, Chiri san. And no less meaningful.”

  “What rule is that, Sura san?”

  Sura leaned over to murmur into Chiri’s ear.

  “That sometimes, size does matter…”

  The rat blushed pink, and Sura swatted at her – Chiri was an easy mark. The group laughed and continued happily onward down the road – towards the flatter lands beside the sparkling river.

  Behind them, the woodcutters watched the Spirit Hunters walk on. Their cold eyes glittered with calculation.

  The two male woodcutters halted as if to confer. But the female wood cutter pulled down her straw hat and shouldered her load. She walked doggedly on towards the town. Her two male companions immediately followed after her.

  The sun shone, the river glittered – and white birds circled off above the distant island shrine.

  The town was prosperous and well built, with flowers growing in little boxes and gardens all up and down the streets. Long strings of coloured lanterns had been strung across the lanes. The locals had set out small tables beside their doors, ready to be filled with offerings to the departed, once night-time came. Children ran through the streets carrying long sticks tipped with streamers, and the streets were thronged with visitors. There were fluff-tailed Tanuki spirits selling bright clothing, combs and necklaces made from river pearls. Colourful nomadic river folk had arrived, bringing with them goods and wares from far away. The Ishigi clan mon decorated the banners that flew over the town, and Ishigi samurai walked the streets, chatting and enjoying the festival.

  Kitsune Sura had decked herself out in her tall formal hat and priestly robes. She had transformed herself into her half-and-half form, half fox and half human, letting her tail shimmer and her red fur gleam. It was her usual look whenever she planned to attract attention. It utterly delighted the children, who followed about her in swarms, asking great torrents of questions. The Spirit Hunters plunged into the town streets, where street performers played and food stalls spread delicious scents into the morning air. Tonbo hastened after Sura, making her put her sheath back atop her spear before she cut strings of lanterns down.

  A man with a trained monkey was loudly reciting great classical stories. The monkey was dressed in robes, hat and carried a little sword. It bustled about, acting out parts of the stories, and crowds of townsfolk, travellers and children watched and laughed.

  The monkey was playing out the tale of the first emperor. The human performer struck at a block of wood with a fan to emphasise this lines as he declaimed grandly out across the crowds.

  “Down then fell the demon! The Lord of all the Oni! Ruler of the realm of hell, general of its armies!

  All the sorcery of hell defeated, beaten by the magic sword! Slain there by the hero who gave his life to strike the blow!

  His brother rode down the demon hordes – their strength had utterly been broken. The Oni flew back into hell, fearing now the strength of mortals.

  The mighty general chased the monsters from the mortal realm. The evil gate was finally closed, locking the Oni inside hell! Forever more the gate is sealed! Never to be opened from within!

  And across the Sacred Isles, all creatures knew now that they were brothers! All petty kings had fallen. Thus peace came to the lands, and all the myriad creatures were united.

  General of the many realms, creator of the great alliance! Defeater of the Oni! Came he to the ashes that marked the body of the demon. The sword he wrapped in robes of silk. He wrapped it in his brother’s banner.

  And so he arose as Emperor, first founder of the mighty dynasty!”

  The man clapped his hands together as the monkey took a bow.

  “The bell rings! The bell rings! Let all who hear remember heroes! The blossoms have fallen, and yet the trees grow strong!”

  The man bowed low, finishing his performance. Beside him, the monkey scuttled about with a little basket, bowing as it accepted gifts of coins.

  “Thank you! Thank you one and all! Please favour us with your generosity!”

  It had all been wonderfully well done. The audience gave the performers small coins, and both man and monkey replied with bows. Sura gave the man two copper coins, and handed him cool fruit purchased from a nearby stall.

  “Wonderful! Wonderful!” The fox was alive with delight. “You two are great! This is an amazing act!”

  “Thank you, Kitsune san! Thank you!” The performer bowed, sweating. He served his monkey fruit and water before he drank. “You are here for the festival? You are a guest of the shrine, perhaps?”

  “No no – just a wandering exorcist!” The fox had to shout to make certain she was heard. She bowed once again to the performers. “You guys have a good time! Don’t eat all that fruit at once!”

  People’s heads turned at the mention of the word ‘exorcist’. More and more people turned to stare at the fox. They saw the fu papers thrust through her belt and her spear streaming with written prayers. A young page from the Ishigi clan took one look at Sura, seized hold of his sweets purchased from a nearby vendor, and raced off into the streets as swiftly as his feet could fly.

  People gathered about in great excitement. Sura stood about and chatted with a strolling samisen player, then made her colourful way off across the main town square. Her fox face, spear and great tall hat made her visible clean through the churning crowds.

  A booth by the river road was selling fried fresh garfish. Sura enthusiastically bought fish for herself and her friends, and stood under a shady tree to enjoy her snack. Suddenly some men came threading towards her through the crowds, calling out to Sura as if she were a long lost friend.

  A thin, slightly oily man hastened past the astonished Kuno. He tried to take Sura by the arm.

  “Reibai! Honoured reibai! Do you perhaps need a place to stay for the night?”

  A second man – one eyed, unshaven and dressed in magnificent silk robes, came pushing hastily forward.

  “Fool! A reibai needs protection! My own house is the perfect place to rest the night in peace.” The one-eyed man gestured towards a tavern. “Come! We shall discuss this over a banquet!”

  The first man waved the other to an indignant halt. “Pah! All your visitors end up resting in peace. That’s why you need a reibai!”


  The two men began arguing. A third man – slim and dressed in plain robes, came up and bowed to Sura. He gestured over towards what was clearly the local gambling den and brothel. The upper floor balcony was well stocked with cheerful, waving prostitutes.

  “Reibai! Please do me the honour of gracing my spacious home! We are set up to offer you true hospitality. The finest wines – food and delicacies! Song, dance – games of chance…!”

  Kuno looked the man over, and then flicked a disapproving glance towards the brothel.

  “A gambling establishment.” The samurai sniffed. “Ah. And you fear that one or two ex-customers might come visiting in the night?”

  The gambler placed a hand against his own heart in protest. “Samurai san, I am shocked! I run a reputable house!” He saw that Sura was about to walk on to another booth. “Priestess! Wait, wait! Did I mention the cakes? And I have a beautiful silk robe that I am sure would fit you! You can have it with my compliments…!” The man scuttled forward in panic, waving at the brothel. “I can pay you in trade!”

  Sura eyed the happy, waving ladies of the night in bemusement.

  “Trade?”

  “Not trade! Back rubs! We do back rubs! I’ll even walk on you myself!” The gambler suddenly fell prostrate in the dirt, ashen with terror and despair. “Please, Reibai! Don’t leave me to the ghosts!”

  Sura gave a sigh. She spread out a work space beside a shady tree, and brought forth her ink bowl, brushes and strips of yellow paper.

  “Oh alright alright!” She called out to the crowd. “For those that need them – here! Wards and guards. I’ll paint them for you.” Sura began mixing her ink, and eyed the one-eyed man as she worked. “For you, I’ll paint one extra large. But you go talk to a monk about how to live a better life, or a ghost will have you on tofu for breakfast!”

  The one eyed man flung himself down into an abject, frightened bow.

  “I will!”

  Sura mixed ink, then with a sudden flick of her hand set the entire ink bowl on fire. She covered it with a mirror, spun it about its axis in mid-air, and poured forth the ink onto a little ink stone. Crowds of worried townsfolk pushed in about her as she worked, clamouring for wards and guards. Sura dealt with them all in turn, missing no one. Some paid her with sakē bottles, some with sweets or silver coins. Sura took it all in and was highly entertained. For the next twenty minutes, she was wonderfully busy.

  Kuno watched the townsfolk and shook his head. He nodded to Chiri and Tonbo.

  “Look at them! It seems a guilty conscience is a burden far heavier than stone.”

  Tonbo looked over at the fox and narrowed his eyes.

  “Thinking of being stoned – let us remove those sakē bottles before the honoured priestess decides to have a party.”

  Chiri gave a bow.

  “Yes. It really does no justice to her complexion.”

  The rush of customers had subsided. Tonbo pushed through the crowds, opening up his backpack to gather Sura’s loot. As he backed away to make space for his bag, his armoured backside bumped into a woman who had been bending over inspecting baskets spread out beside a trading stall. The poor young woman went flying. Mortified, Tonbo hastened forward to help his victim to her feet. He dusted her off, bowing profusely in apology. He was deeply embarrassed to discover that he had toppled a priestess.

  “Forgive me, priestess. I am clumsy.”

  The young priestess looked up at Tonbo. She was slender, with fine round features and the most astonishingly beautiful eyes. She stared at Tonbo, then blushed.

  “Oh! Why – it is entirely my fault.” She was extremely touched by his concern. “Please samurai, I am sure…”

  Sura’s rush of customers had thinned. She looked about, caught sight of the young priestess and absolutely howled with glee. The fox leapt to her feet, throwing her arms wide.

  “Reiju!”

  Sura pounced upon the other priestess, holding her in a grip of steel and dancing around and around with her in joy. The fox was absolutely beside herself with delight.

  “Reiju! Reiju Reiju Reiju!” Sura turned to point the girl out to her friends. “Guys! This is Reiju!”

  Very happy to see Sura and only lightly crushed, priestess Reiju managed to croak out a welcome. She was half buried within Sura’s rather impressive breasts.

  “Honoured samurai. And… shugenja? I am so pleased to meet you.” Reiju pulled back and held Sura lovingly by the hands. “Gentle colleague! How wonderful to see you again.”

  Sura was utterly ecstatic. She gathered all her friends together underneath her wings.

  “Reiju, this is Tonbo, Kuno and Chiri. The Spirit Hunters! Guys – this is Reiju! She came to study demons at Fox Mountain temple.” The fox saw only blank faces from the other Spirit Hunters. “Reiju? I’ve talked about her about a thousand times! You know – Reiju? The one who helped me steal those bean cakes from the Grand Abbot? Used to go skinny dipping with me in the castle moat?”

  Chiri hesitantly gave a nod. “Reiju?”

  “That’s her!” The fox hugged Reiju’s hand against her heart. “See – they know all about you.” Sura looked about herself and saw her pile of loot – sakē bottles, wine, and barley liquor. She was instantly alive with inspiration. “Oh! Drinks! We have drinks! You have to tell me what you’re up to now!”

  There were still at least a dozen customers wretchedly clamouring for attention. Sura dashed off to handle their needs, handing out fu papers to one and all. Kuno, Tonbo and Chiri all turned patiently to Reiji, bowed to her, and performed a more formal, patient, quiet introduction.

  Tonbo bowed.

  “Priestess. We are honoured to meet you.” The huge samurai kept his tetsubo tucked neatly underneath his arm. “I am Tsunetomo Tonbo. This is Asodo Kuno, an Imperial Deputy. And here is Nezumi Chiri, shugenja.”

  The quiet young priestess bowed in return.

  “I am Kiohara Reiju, priestess of the first rank. I am deeply honoured to meet the Spirit Hunters. The fame of your deeds has preceded you. I trust you are all well?”

  “We are well.” Tonbo rumbled, nodding, looking over towards Sura. “And Sura is just Sura.”

  Reiju watched Sura, and smiled at her with love.

  “Sura is irrepressible.”

  Kuno could only give a sigh.

  “Yes – but we live in hope…”

  With the last customers served, Sura collected her loot and packed it into her backpack – all save one large bottle of wine, which she carried on a cord over her back. She came hastening back to the others looking tousled and wonderfully happy. She stroked Reiju’s face as if unable to believe that she was truly there.

  “Reiju. I’m so damned glad to see you.” She looked about herself for a decent tavern. “Come on. Let’s sit down, take our sandals off and eat!”

  They turned to move off, when suddenly they heard the clash and clatter of men moving hastily in armour.

  Four Ishigi samurai in full armour came running into the market place, led by an excitable young page. The page pointed out the Spirit Hunters, and the samurai immediately beamed. They hastened happily over to the Spirit Hunters as they stood with Reiju, and bowed to them in greeting.

  “Honoured Spirit Hunters! Lord Ishigi’s compliments. He asks if you would honour his house by accepting our hospitality. The great lord would be pleased to have you in his attendance at the festival.”

  Kuno gave a wonderfully formal bow in return.

  “Lord Ishigi is most generous to remember us. We accept his invitation with humble gratitude.”

  “Excellent – we shall inform his lordship at once.” The senior samurai bowed again. “Priestess Reiju! We hope that you have time to enjoy the afternoon with us before the ceremony?”

  “I do indeed. It is most gracious of Lord Ishigi to invite me.”

  Sura turned to look at Reiju in amazement.

  “You’re part of the ceremony?”

  Priestess Reiju blushed and bowed in acknowledg
ement.

  “I am the sword-priestess at the island temple, Sura san. I am to light the first lamp tonight.”

  They turned to accompany the Ishigi samurai. As Reiju put her weight upon her left ankle, the girl winced and staggered, falling against Sura. The fox seized the girl and kept her on her feet.

  “Are you alright? Did he hurt you with that fall?”

  Reiju blushed bright.

  “It is only my ankle. I shall be alright.”

  Sura glowered at Tonbo, and thrust Reiju into his arms.

  “You broke it – you carry it!” The fox seized Tonbo’s tetsubo, backpack and helmet – passing most of the gear to Kuno. “Come on!”

  Tonbo bowed to Reiju, feeling sadly mortified. He turned and hoisted her effortlessly up onto his armoured back. They were both flushed pink with embarrassment. Sura made certain all was well. She patted Reiju happily on the backside.

  “You’re in good hands. Tonbo is the best!”

  The little page grandly led the way. Kuno, Sura and Chiri followed after the Ishigi samurai, with Tonbo and Reiju following along in their midst. Daitanishi whirred doggedly along beside Reiju, looking her over with a considering eye.

  They walked up along the riverbanks towards Lord Ishigi’s town house. Tonbo cleared his throat, and tried to look back at Reiju.

  “Are you comfortable, Reiju san?”