The Ring of Water - Chris Bradford [81]
Emerging from the forest, they came upon the raging torrent that was the Kizu River. On the opposite bank was the town of Kizu itself. The wooden bridge, propped up on its legion of stilts, was completely deserted, its walkway now barely above the waterline. Wasting no time, they stepped on to the bridge and began to hurry across.
‘I hope this is the last time I see this place,’ said Jack.
‘Me too,’ said Hana, peering over the bridge’s handrail at the fast-flowing waters. Then she turned to Jack. ‘But I hope to see you again … one day.’
Jack smiled warmly at her. ‘My mother used to say, a journey is best measured in friends rather than miles. Nagasaki’s still a long way off, but I’ve travelled further with people like you helping me … and Ronin … than I ever could have done on my own. I’m forever grateful for that.’
‘That’s what friends are for, aren’t they?’
‘And I’m blessed to count you as one.’
Hana bowed her head, embarrassed. ‘I’m simply happy you’ve got back Akiko’s pearl, your swords and particularly your father’s rutter.’ She held up the inro. ‘I’ll be sure to return this to you … when we next meet. I wouldn’t want you thinking that I steal from friends!’
‘It’s yours,’ said Jack. ‘A gift.’
‘Really?’ she replied, staring at the exquisitely crafted case in rapture. ‘I’ve never been given such a valuable gift before. Thank you.’
She bowed again.
‘I’m the one who should be bowing to you,’ said Jack. ‘I’m indebted to you for going on this quest.’
‘It’s an honour,’ Hana replied, attaching the inro next to her bokken. ‘I just pray I can get to Akiko in time.’
‘Praying won’t help,’ said a familiar voice.
51
THE BRIDGE
‘I said I’d hunt you down, gaijin.’
Kazuki stood behind them, his shaved head glistening with the rain.
Like warrior statues, the Scorpion Gang formed an unbroken line across the entrance to the bridge. Clad in black kimono, their red sun kamon upon their chests, the five young samurai – Nobu, Hiroto, Goro, Raiden and Toru – glared at Jack, hands upon their weapons, eagerly awaiting Kazuki’s command so they could be unleashed.
Hana tugged on Jack’s arm and they began to back away.
‘There’s no escape this time,’ laughed Kazuki, nodding towards the other side of the bridge.
Glancing over his shoulder, Jack saw the Kizu end had been blocked by a garrison of dōshin. Armed with iron jutte truncheons and vicious sasumata, they formed an impenetrable barrier.
One look at the swollen river told Jack that their only other option would be suicidal, especially for a non-swimmer. It was now apparent why there had been no one on the bridge – Jack and Hana had walked straight into a trap.
Jack confronted Kazuki. He’d realized this day would come, but hadn’t imagined it would be quite so soon. He also knew there was no hope of survival against such overwhelming odds. But he had to defeat his old rival. He couldn’t allow Akiko to come to any harm at the hands of his enemy.
‘I see the Two Heavens failed you,’ smirked Kazuki, pointing to Jack’s bandaged left arm.
Jack ignored the jibe. Despite a long session of kuji-in healing, his arm was still stiff and he had reservations about its effectiveness in a sword fight.
‘Let Hana go,’ he demanded. ‘She has nothing to do with us.’
Kazuki shook his head, tutting. ‘When will you learn that anyone who helps you signs their own death warrant?’
Hana took hold of her bokken. She briefly struggled to pull it from her obi, then unsteadily raised its tip to Kazuki. ‘Jack’s my friend … I’ll willingly lay down my life for him.’
Jack was astounded at her courage. Despite being totally untrained, she was prepared to take on an experienced swordsman.
Kazuki burst out laughing. ‘Yet again, a girl fights for you, Jack! And a hinin at that!’
Incensed, Hana rushed forward and slammed the bokken into Kazuki’s thigh. ‘I’m not a nobody!’
Taken by surprise, Kazuki buckled under the blow.