The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [56]
‘You stay here and pretend to pray,’ whispered Miyuki. ‘I’m going to see what I can find out from the priest.’
Jack approached a large wooden effigy of the Buddha. Picking up a stick of incense, he lit it from a nearby candle and placed it in a bowl. The heady aroma of sandalwood filled the air. Bowing twice, he clapped his hands before bowing a final time.
‘You travel far?’ asked a soft voice from behind.
Jack turned to see another basket-headed monk. ‘Two days,’ he replied.
‘Your journey has hardly begun.’
‘And you?’ asked Jack.
‘My pilgrimage is never-ending. I’m visiting all the temples in Japan.’
All the temples, thought Jack, wondering whether this monk could possibly deliver the message to Akiko. He’d surely be more trustworthy than a courier.
‘Including the Ise shrine near Toba?’ Jack asked innocently.
‘Of course,’ he replied. ‘I’ve already prayed there. I’m now heading south.’
Jack was glad to be wearing the basket, otherwise the monk would have seen the disappointment on his face.
‘Journey well,’ said the monk, bowing as he departed.
‘What do you think you’re doing?’ demanded Miyuki, suddenly appearing at Jack’s side.
‘Just being friendly,’ said Jack.
‘Well, don’t. You’re risking our mission.’
The two of them returned to the central square and found a spot to perform in sight of the main gate while they waited for the others to return.
‘Time to go,’ Miyuki whispered, indicating with her flute the appearance of Zenjubo and Tenzen. The two of them were already heading down the main street.
Jack came to the end of his song and a few more alms dropped into his bowl.
‘I think that settles it,’ he said, depositing the proceeds into his bag. It jingled with considerably more coins than Miyuki had collected.
‘You can celebrate when we’re out of here,’ she replied testily.
Miyuki led the way through the busy main street, the townsfolk giving them a respectful berth. As they passed a stall selling fans, Jack overheard the merchant talking to a finely dressed woman.
‘The one with pearl inlay comes from Toba …’
His attention caught, Jack slowed his pace, trying to eavesdrop further.
‘Do you have any others like this?’ the lady asked.
The merchant shook his head. ‘But I can send for more. My son travels the Tokaido Road regularly. He’ll be passing Toba next month.’
This merchant could deliver the message to Akiko, thought Jack. For the right money, of course.
By now, Miyuki was approaching the gate. She looked back impatiently, wondering what was holding Jack up. Not wanting to be left behind or rouse her suspicion further, Jack quickened his pace. Then he realized this would look odd. He was supposed to be a monk in meditation. His haste could attract the unwanted attention of a samurai. As hard as it was, he walked slowly and with great deliberation. Through his wicker basket, Jack eyed the guards. But they were paying him no interest. He reached the gate and almost wanted to skip down the road. The mission had gone without a hitch and he’d found a way of contacting Akiko.
‘Komusō!’
Jack froze, his heart leaping into his throat.
Miyuki, further down the road, glanced back but didn’t stop.
‘I’m talking to you, monk. Come here.’
Jack’s first instinct was to run. But he’d have little hope of escaping with a basket on his head. Keeping his cool, he turned to face the guard. The man beckoned him over.
‘Play us a song.’
Jack almost wanted to laugh out loud with relief. The samurai appeared relaxed, not at all suspicious. Obediently, Jack raised the shakuhachi to his lips and began to play ‘Hifumi’.
The guard groaned. ‘Not that one,’ he said, rolling his eyes. ‘I want to hear “Shika no Tone”.’
Jack hesitated. Soke had once played the tune for him, but he’d never been able to master it.
‘I’m sorry,’ Jack admitted. ‘I don’t know that tune.’
The guard’s eyes narrowed. Without warning, the samurai drew his sword.
‘A real Komusō would!’
32
A QUESTION OF LOYALTY
‘The infamous gaijin samurai in my castle!’ mused