The Ring of Water - Chris Bradford [32]
‘But won’t the merchant suspect something if you don’t return?’ asked Jack.
‘I told him to hire a priest for protection. Samurai don’t fight spirits!’ replied Ronin, rising to his feet. ‘But, as my last duty, I agreed to return the pearl and bury your body.’
He snorted with amusement and picked up his bottle of saké. ‘Ready?’
Nodding, Jack disposed of his old torn clothes beneath a rotting pile of straw. Dressed in his smart blue kimono, he felt more like his former self. A sense of optimism filled his heart and he was eager to go after the rutter.
‘So, on to Kyoto!’ said Ronin, raising his bottle in salute.
‘Kyoto? Botan’s headed for Nara,’ said Jack.
‘And your swords are in Kyoto.’
‘But –’
‘We agreed. A samurai is nothing without his swords.’
‘But Botan’s got everything else, including the inro and my father’s diary.’
‘What’s so important about this diary?’ enquired Ronin.
Careful with his answer, Jack explained, ‘My father was murdered by ninja. The diary’s the only remaining possession of his that I have.’
Ronin fixed Jack with a curiously intense stare, his usual harshness giving way to something approaching compassion.
‘A sentimental motive, but I understand,’ he said, laying a hand proudly on his swords. ‘These were my father’s.’ He uncorked his bottle and drank deeply. For a moment, Jack thought he wouldn’t stop. ‘But if it’s the Botan I’ve heard of, he’s a ruthless warrior and despises foreigners. You’ll need your swords when you encounter him.’
Jack considered Ronin’s advice. The samurai was probably right. Kyoto and Nara were equally dangerous, but he’d stand a better chance with his swords in his hands.
‘Kyoto it is,’ agreed Jack, taking up his staff and putting on Ronin’s straw hat.
With no other belongings to pack, there was little reason for delay.
‘See you around, thief!’ said Ronin, barely glancing at Hana.
He was halfway through the door when Hana, a hopeful expression on her face, asked hesitantly, ‘W-what about me? Can’t I come too?’
Ronin gruffly shook his head. ‘No.’
‘I only –’
‘I said NO!’
Her face fell, crushed by Ronin’s outright rejection. Glancing at Hana, now crouched in the corner, forlorn and lost, Jack realized she not only wanted their company, she needed it.
Jack pulled Ronin to one side. ‘Why can’t she come?’
‘The girl’s a liability. She’s a thief, dishonest and untrustworthy.’
‘But Hana did help us,’ argued Jack.
‘And she’s served her purpose. Besides, she’s another mouth to feed and we don’t have the money to spare.’
‘You never know, her skills could come in useful for recovering my swords.’
Ronin looked far from convinced, but Jack had made a valid point. ‘All right,’ he relented. ‘But one false move and she meets the sharp end of my sword.’
Jack turned to Hana, but she’d already jumped to her feet and was by his side.
‘I’ve always wanted to go to the capital city,’ she beamed. ‘Do you think we’ll see the Emperor?’
Leaving Kizu, they kept to the backstreets but through an alley caught sight of the merchant’s store. The building was now strewn with lucky charms, ofuda talismans and protective amulets from the local Shinto shrine. Inside, the merchant was desperately trying to placate his wife, showering her with new jewellery and kimono. But she was having none of it, questioning where each piece came from and to whom it had belonged before her – all the time wafting incense above her head.
Jack couldn’t help but smile at their antics. Perhaps in future they’d be more respectful to strangers and the merchant more honest in his dealings.
Keeping their heads down, the band of three took the road north to Kyoto. The river was swollen from the night’s storm, threatening to burst its banks. As they crossed, Jack noticed the pillared bridge creaking under the strain of the current and prayed it wasn’t about to give way. He didn’t fancy staying in Kizu another day.
As they made their way north, Hana chatted cheerfully away about nothing and everything. Ronin walked several paces ahead,