The Ring of Water - Chris Bradford [68]
‘I’ve always wanted to play one of these,’ he said, picking up the long bamboo flute that was the other symbol of the komusō monk. He put his lips to it and blew hard. A strangled screeching sound burst out.
‘Must be broken,’ he said, giving it a cursory inspection before handing it back. ‘Anyway, where are you headed?’
‘South,’ replied Jack, quickly finishing off his tea. The conversation was entering dangerous territory again.
Ronin sucked in air between his teeth. ‘Dangerous. Many bandits.’
‘Thank you for the drink,’ said Jack, picking up his pack and swords, wrapped in a cloth so as not to rouse suspicion.
‘Tell you what, Takeshi, I’ll be your guide.’
‘That won’t be necessary.’
‘But I insist,’ he said, getting unsteadily to his feet. ‘Don’t want a monk getting into trouble, do we?’
Jack took off at a good pace down the road and entered the mountain forest.
‘In a real hurry to pray, aren’t you?’ remarked Ronin, catching up as they hiked through the countless cedar trees. ‘Good thing I know a short cut!’
He dragged the protesting Jack off the main road and along a narrow path that cut through the woods, following the edge of a narrow gorge. They hadn’t gone far when Jack began to feel drowsy and a wave of nausea hit him.
Seeing Jack stumble, Ronin said, ‘You should rest a while.’
In no fit state to argue, Jack let himself be helped over to a tree and sat down. His limbs felt as heavy as lead and the earth seemed to be rolling beneath him. He closed his eyes against the sickening sensation …
43
LIVE TARGET
‘You drugged me!’ shouted Jack, backing away, one sword raised at Botan, the other now at Ronin.
‘I did?’ replied Ronin. And then the memory slowly dawned upon him as well. ‘You were the komusō monk?’
‘I thought you were honourable. A man of bushido! A samurai!’
‘It was the drink!’ he implored, shaking his bottle with disgust. ‘I was desperate and needed work. I was told we were trapping a spy … disguised as a monk! And I have good reason to hate spying monks.’
Jack ignored his pleas. ‘That’s why the gambler in Kizu knew your name. You’re one of Botan’s gang! How can I trust you now, Ronin?’
‘I’ve been helping you since –’
‘But I wouldn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for you!’ interrupted Jack.
Ronin lowered his head in shame. ‘I made an unforgivable mistake.’
‘Is that you or the drink talking? It’s no surprise you’re a ronin. No master would want you in their service!’
‘I’m sorry to interrupt this lover’s tiff,’ smirked Botan. ‘There are more pressing matters at hand. Now what did you do with the rutter, Ronin?’
Jack glared at Ronin, equally eager to hear the answer.
Ronin regretfully shook his head. ‘I … I can’t remember.’
‘You’re a useless waste of a samurai, Ronin,’ said Botan, throwing up his arms in frustration. ‘No wonder you failed your father.’
Anger flared in Ronin’s eyes. Brandishing his katana, he charged at Botan.
‘Put down your swords!’ shouted a man emerging from the forest. It was the gambler from Kizu. ‘Or else your friend dies!’
Ronin stopped in his tracks when he spotted Hana, a knife held to her throat by the gambler.
‘Perfect timing!’ said Botan.
Three more men emerged from the forest to surround Jack and Ronin.
‘If you harm one hair on her head,’ growled Ronin. ‘I’ll –’
‘You’re in no position to make threats,’ said Botan. ‘Do as Shoda says.’
With no alternative, Jack and Ronin laid down their swords. Immediately, they were both seized and forced to their knees.
‘This is your last chance, Ronin. Where’s that book?’
‘I told you I don’t remember.’
‘Perhaps this will jog your memory,’ said Botan. He turned to one of his men. ‘Tie the girl to that apple tree over there.’
Once Hana’s arms had been bound to the trunk, Botan borrowed Shoda’s knife and stood beside her. ‘Tell me, or I’ll cut this little girl’s tongue out.’
He grabbed Hana around the head and forced her jaw open. She struggled and squealed, but Botan was too strong.
‘Have mercy!’ cried Ronin. ‘She’s got nothing to do with this.’
Ignoring him, Botan put the blade inside Hana