Young Samurai _ The Way Of The Dragon - Chris Bradford [37]
‘You have a question, Jack-kun?’ Sensei Yosa enquired, her eyes sharper than a hawk’s.
Jack looked up, startled. He hadn’t wanted to ask her in front of all the class in case he appeared stupid.
‘I was wondering,’ he said, sensing the eyes of the other students upon him, ‘what you were shouting In-Yo for?’
‘Good question,’ said Sensei Yosa. ‘It’s an old samurai prayer meaning darkness and light. It focuses your samurai spirit on the target. Now, do you wish to be the first to try Yabusame?’
Jack shook his head. Although he’d had two years’ intensive training and his archery skills were much improved, he didn’t fancy his chances from the back of a horse.
‘Sensei, with respect, I think I need to learn to ride first.’
‘I understand,’ she replied. ‘Who would be willing to teach Jack how to ride like a true samurai?’
Jack glanced down the line at Akiko, giving her a hopeful smile, but the new boy, Takuan, had already come forward.
‘I’d be honoured to,’ he said, bowing. ‘I was lead rider at the Takeda Ryū in Wakasa.’
‘Thank you, Takuan-kun,’ replied Sensei Yosa. ‘Take the brown mare. She’s got a good nature and should behave well.’
Takuan led the horse over to the treeline, Jack trailing a little behind.
Jack was surprised the boy had offered to help him. They’d barely spoken since his arrival. Not that he’d made a purposeful decision to avoid Takuan. It was just that the boy was constantly surrounded by admirers.
‘It’s a privilege to assist you,’ said Takuan, bowing formally to Jack. ‘I’ve heard so much about you.’
‘Really?’ said Jack, a little taken aback.
‘Yes. Akiko told me how you won the Taryu-Jiai against the Yagyu Ryū. That was true sacrifice, giving up the Jade Sword to Yamato.’
Takuan began to make adjustments to the saddle, patting the horse reassuringly.
‘And Yori, he praised you to the heavens. He told me how you saved his life during the Circle of Three. You’re quite some samurai for a gaijin…’
Jack tensed. For a moment he’d thought Takuan was being friendly and had begun to let his guard down. But the boy had let slip his true feelings.
‘My apologies… I meant to say a foreigner,’ said Takuan hurriedly. ‘It’s just where I come from your sort aren’t particularly popular.’
‘My sort?’
‘Yes. Christians. We had a number of Jesuit priests try to convert everyone in our town. They were insisting we obey them and serve Jesus Christ over and above our Emperor. That didn’t please our daimyo and his samurai. They saw it as a threat to their authority. Though I’m sure that’s not your intention.’
‘Why should it be?’ said Jack, crossing his arms defensively. ‘I’m not a Jesuit and I’m not Portuguese.’
‘But I thought you were Christian. Isn’t that the same thing?’
‘No, I’m an English Protestant. The Jesuits are Catholic and England’s at war with Portugal. We’re sworn enemies. I have no intention of converting anyone.’
‘I’m so sorry. This conversation hasn’t gone at all the way I’d intended.’ Takuan bowed his head low and didn’t look up. ‘Please accept my apologies for my ignorance.’
‘You weren’t to know,’ said Jack.
Jack had come to understand the many intricate formalities of Japanese etiquette. Apologizing was considered a virtue in Japan. When someone said sorry and expressed true remorse, the Japanese were willing to forgive and forget.
‘Thank you, Jack,’ replied Takuan, smiling. He stroked the neck of the mare. ‘Now would you like to mount your horse for your first lesson?’
Jack positioned himself near the saddle, putting his left foot in the stirrup and took a hold. Until now he’d always had the benefit of a guide like Kuma-san to pull him up, so he struggled to get on. The horse kept shifting round every time he attempted to mount her.
Takuan took hold of the horse’s head.
‘Don’t use your arms to pull yourself up,’ he advised. ‘Use the spring of your right leg. And lift your leg high so that you don’t kick the horse or hit your leg on the back of the saddle.’
Jack tried again and to his surprise got on first time.
‘Excellent,’ praised Takuan. ‘Now make sure