The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [54]
Hanzo, who’d come along to wish Jack luck, giggled. ‘The tengu’s invisible! It’s magic!’
Jack joined in the laughter. He felt rather stupid wearing a basket on his head, but he couldn’t deny the Komusō outfit made the perfect disguise.
Soke passed Jack the shakuhachi. ‘Remember it’s not just about looking like a Monk of Emptiness, it’s about acting the part,’ he reminded Jack. ‘That’s why the shakuhachi practice was so important. Playing the flute will convince the samurai you’re a real Komusō.’
Zenjubo took his final instruction from Momochi and announced it was time to leave.
‘Don’t get caught, tengu!’ Hanzo called cheerfully after him.
‘I won’t,’ replied Jack, ‘as long as you haven’t set any traps for me!’
Momochi was standing at the main entrance. As Jack passed by, the ninja grabbed his arm.
‘A word of warning,’ he hissed. ‘Shinobi are everywhere. If you betray us, we will know.’
31
MONKS OF EMPTINESS
Jack paid careful attention to their route. He plotted the course in his head like entries in a ship’s log, noting unusual features, memorizing distance, direction and time travelled by the position of the sun.
During the first morning, Zenjubo didn’t follow any paths – not that there were many to follow. Jack realized this was another Ring of Earth defence to keep the village well hidden. But Jack was able to use a couple of distinctive outcrops to get his bearings. Around midday, they hit a main trail and thereafter Jack became more confident he could retrace his steps. The first night, they slept beside a river with a small waterfall, while the second night was located in a forest clearing marked by two fallen trees.
‘With the war over, how can daimyo Akechi justify raising an army?’ Jack asked as they broke camp on the morning of the third day.
Zenjubo looked at Jack, then nodded at Tenzen to explain.
‘Officially,’ said Tenzen, ‘he’s using the non-payment of rice tax as an excuse. At least, that’s his reason for recruiting more samurai.’
‘You samurai have an easy life,’ commented Shiro, ‘not even having to grow your own rice.’
Miyuki tutted in disgust. ‘It’s got more to do with his samurai sense of pride. Daimyo Akechi wants to finish what Nobunaga started. To achieve what the General failed to do. He’s determined to wipe out the shinobi for good.’
‘Quiet!’ ordered Zenjubo as they came to the edge of the forest.
Ahead was a long road that led across a grassy open plain to the castle town of Maruyama. Upon a small hill at its centre, the fortress stood like a lone sentry. Encircled by a bailey wall, its base was constructed of coarse-cut stone upon which a four-storey keep had been built. Its walls were crisp cloud-white, topped with curving roofs of grey tile. Set off to one side was a wooden watchtower with unobstructed views of the plain.
‘Kasumiga Jo,’ whispered Tenzen. Mist Castle.
‘Why’s it called that?’ asked Jack quietly.
‘Legend has it that a fog descends to protect it in times of battle.’
‘Let’s go,’ instructed Zenjubo, putting on his wicker basket. ‘Shiro, stay here.’
‘Why me?’ complained Shiro. ‘I always get the boring jobs on a mission. Why can’t I go on surveillance for once?’
‘Do as I say. Guard the packs. Act as lookout. If something goes wrong, tell Shonin.’
Shiro crossed his arms moodily, but did as he was told.
Zenjubo turned to Jack in his Komusō disguise. He took one look and passed Jack a wet piece of bark. ‘Rub your hands and lower arms with this,’ he instructed.
‘What’s it for?’ asked Jack, the bark leaving a light brown residue on his skin.
‘The hairs on your arms give you away,’ explained Zenjubo. ‘They’re too light in colour for a Japanese. Now, are you clear what you have to do on this mission?’
Jack nodded. They were to enter Maruyama in pairs, beg for alms in various locations, visit the temple, then leave. On their way through the town and castle grounds, they were to take note of the number of troops, horses, any artillery, the level of provisions and the state of readiness of the army. Jack