We turned off Suzaku onto Fifth Avenue. I closed my eyes. We were going back to our old neighborhood. I should have expected it. Akiko would have inherited the estate she and Surei grew up on. Of course, she would be living there now.
The gyusha drove onto the estate through a gap where the wall had fallen down and then halted. We dismounted into a clearing in the bushes. The rain had stopped, but the trees and underbrush were still dripping water. I looked around the overgrown garden in shock.
Why aren’t we using the gate? Did it fall down?
Seeing my surprise, Surei explained. “Not all of the estate is quite this bad. The garden around the main house is maintained, and there’s access to the main gate. Akiko will only let me help a little, although I finally convinced her to let me send my gardeners over at times, so the children had someplace to play. I wish she would let me do more.”
Surei pointed at a spot in the wild growth. “I use this route for privacy, so no one sees me visiting Akiko.”
Hiking her robes and wrapping her ponytail around her neck several times to keep it out of the way, Surei plunged into the verdant growth and vanished. I followed as rapidly as I could but kept having to sweep aside low-hanging branches. I smelled moss, wet leaves, and decay as we made our way through the overgrown garden. Eventually, we emerged from the trees, and I got my first glimpse of the estate.
Visible signs of neglect abounded. The main building of the shinden was in good condition, but many of the outer buildings were in poor repair or overgrown with foliage. Only a portion of the garden had been kept up.
I looked at Surei, wondering how she felt about her childhood home looking like this. Seeing the property like this underscored the passage of time and changes in fortune like nothing else had. I felt an unbearable sadness. I now realized that no matter what I did, the world I had once known was gone. I wondered what my family estate looked like.
Please, don’t let it be this bad.
Surei stopped and waited for me, taking the opportunity to straighten her clothing and fix her hair. As I joined her, she opened her fan and covered her face, once more becoming the proper lady.
An older man stood in the center of the yard where he could watch all the approaches to the main building. He limped towards us. He carried himself like a warrior and wore a well-used tachi at his belt.
He bowed deeply to Surei then looked me and my naginata over carefully. Surei nodded at me, and he relaxed, giving a brief nod in return.
I cocked an eye at Surei.
She whispered, “His name is Masanori. He’s an old bushi I hired for security. No one will use him as a soldier because of his wounds, but he can handle most intruders. His daughter, Sachiko, is Akiko’s ladies-maid.”
Screaming in excitement, a group of three girls and two boys came racing around the corner. Surei whispered, “Two are Akiko’s. The other three are Sachiko’s.”
At the sight of Surei, the children came running over, shrieking, “Surei-obasan! Surei-obasan!” They breathlessly begged her, “Did you bring us anything?”
With a look of exaggerated sorrow, Surei said, “I’m sorry, children, I forgot.”
Their faces fell in disappointment.
Several small items spilled onto the ground near Surei. She pretended great astonishment. “Where could those have come from? They must have accidentally fallen into my robe.”
The children, laughing and clapping, snatched them up. Once unwrapped, they revealed assorted candies and sweets.
Popping the treats in their mouths, the children charged up the stairs and through a half-open door into the building, yelling “Mommy! Surei-obasan is here!”
An indulgent voice answered, “Really? Thank you, children. Now, run along and play. The adults need to talk.”
We approached the main building. Surei and Akiko’s grandparents had once lived there. Akiko and her mother moved in after they died. I had never been inside before. Akiko’s mother didn’t approve of me, mostly because she blamed me for all the trouble Surei got Akiko into.
Surei and I mounted the steps to the entrance. Surei gently knocked on the partly open door, calling out in a soft voice, “We’re here.”
A female servant appeared. Bowing to Surei, she motioned us inside.
I looked around. The room consisted of a large open area with panels partitioning it into rooms. Covered walkways extended from either end of the house to other buildings. Surei and her father once lived in the structure to the right. I had noticed it was still in good repair. Perhaps the servants lived there now.
A corner of the room was blocked off by several tall wooden frames covered with a translucent silk. Akiko’s silhouette showed through these standing curtains, but no detail was visible. I was disappointed I wouldn’t be able to see her more closely, but a noblewoman only received male visitors from behind curtains.
Surei bowed low before the curtains. She said, “It’s good to see you again. I’ve got Yoshi with me.” Out of Akiko’s view, Surei signaled me frantically.
I belatedly realized she wanted me to come up and join her. I moved up beside her and knelt next to her on the floor.
Unsure of how to proceed, I finally decided formality was the safest course. “My Lady, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
In a raised voice, Akiko told the servants, “Leave us, we have important matters to discuss.”
Once they were gone, Akiko surprised me by stepping out from behind the curtains. She had matured into a serenely beautiful woman. Her face lit with joy as she looked at me. She came over, pulled me to my feet, and gave me an affectionate embrace. It went on so long I grew uncomfortable.
Finally, she let go and held me at arm’s length. She studied my face closely. “Yoshi,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s so good to see you. We thought we’d lost you years ago.”
She looked sideways at Surei. “Although Surei always insisted you were fine.”
Surei got her “I told you so” smile. She often knew far more than she was supposed to, but she learned early no one but me would believe her visions—apparently not even Akiko.
Akiko's face clouded with sorrow. “I know it happened a long time ago, but we were devastated to hear about your father and brothers.”
I was touched. Akiko’s concern and her genuine and unfeigned pleasure at my presence stood in stark contrast to Surei’s cold indifference. “Thank you. I … it is good to know they are not forgotten.”
I studied her. She had a strong family resemblance to Surei, but her face was softer, rounder, and more feminine. She wore her hair loose. It was long and thick, a deep glossy black color. She was beautiful.
Stop it! You are not here for romance, particularly not with Akiko.
She wore robes of muted shades of brown and red as if she were in mourning. Although her clothing was of good quality, it was faded and worn. There was an austere severity to her that only served to highlight her beauty. She seemed a sad and lonely figure.
She and Surei hugged. “Dear Surei, it’s been so long since you were here.” A bit sternly, she continued, “You know how much I love your visits. I wish you would come more often.”
Surei seemed embarrassed. “Akiko, you know my feelings. Someone of your rank can’t associate too much with shirabyoushi. If anyone were to discover you are my cousin….”
Akiko chuckled. “As usual, you’re right, but I still wish you’d visit more.”
We sat together on reed mats on the floor.
Akiko turned to me. “I still think of your father, he was so kind and patient with us. I must have been a terrible bother to him, always tagging along with you and Surei.”
I said, wryly, “He was very strict with my brothers and me. If we didn’t live up to his expectations, we heard about it in no uncertain terms.” I smiled. “Of course, he had nothing but boys. I think he considered you two the daughters he wanted but never had.”
“Do you remember the time we put you in armor and gave you a tachi?” I asked Akiko, laughing at the memory.
Akiko covered her mouth. “Oh dear, yes. I was so small the chest armor fell to my ankles, and the helmet kept slipping down so I couldn’t see.”
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Surei giggled. “Then you started waving the tachi around, declaring, ‘I am a ferocious Minamoto. Fear me!’ You came so close to hitting Yoshi he had to dive into a pile of practice shields.”
Akiko giggled, too. “When Yoshi’s father came, you two tried to make me lie down, so he wouldn’t know what you had done.”
“When my father asked what we were doing, and Akiko popped up in front of him, he just stood there, looking at the three of us. I thought for sure he was going to thrash all of us.”
By this time, the three of us were laughing so hard we couldn’t speak.
Surei, finally getting herself under control, said, “But he didn’t. He just walked out without saying anything to us.”
I said dryly, “He didn’t say anything to you. Later, he took me aside and said I needed to have a better appreciation of the family armor, so he had me repair every piece in the family armory. It took me months.”
“That’s right,” Surei exclaimed. “I helped you with that, didn’t I?”
“I wouldn’t call it help. You thought the armor should be ‘prettier,’ so you painted red flowers all over them. I got in trouble for that, too.”
Surei and Akiko both broke into peals of laughter again.
For the first time since our reunion, Surei seemed to be herself. Here with Akiko, a tension, a hardness was missing from her.
We sat there for a time, reminiscing about our childhood.
Finally, Surei cleared her throat slightly and looked at Akiko.
Akiko sighed. “We don’t have a lot of time. So, I should probably explain my problem.”
I felt very uncomfortable. I had already refused Surei, and I didn’t want Akiko thinking I had agreed to help. Still, it bothered me to see her in such a bad way. “Akiko, I’m delighted to see you again, but I’ve told Surei—”
Surei gave me an irritated look. “Don’t be silly.” She turned to Akiko. “Just explain the situation to Yoshi. I’m sure he’ll be happy to do anything he can to help.”
I was not certain how I should respond. In the ensuing silence, the sound of Surei’s people unloading supplies came to us faintly from outside the building.
Akiko looked at Surei, then turned back to me with compassion in her eyes. Keeping her gaze on me, she said, “Surei, I know you want to help, and I can’t tell you how much that means to me. But, if Yoshi’s going to do this, it has to be because he wants to, and not because you are pressuring him.”
Surei appeared unhappy at Akiko’s mild rebuke. She briefly glared at me.
Akiko continued, “Yoshi, I’m in a difficult situation, and we were hoping you could help. However, I want you to know you’re absolutely free to walk out right now. I’d completely understand your decision and think none the less of you for it.”
Akiko’s selflessness overcame the last of my crumbling resolve. I’d spent years wandering the country alone, and here was a dear friend and childhood companion who needed my help, yet cared enough about me she was prepared to look elsewhere for aid. How could I turn my back on her?
I felt a deep sense of shame. What would my father say if he knew I hesitated to help this woman whom he’d loved as a daughter?
With a deep sigh, I said, “No, Akiko, Surei’s right. I’ll be happy to do anything I can to help you. Tell me about your problem.”
Surei didn’t look at me, but a small smile played across her lips.
Akiko hesitated. “All this may just be a misunderstanding or an oversight on someone’s part. There could be any number of reasons—”
Surei broke in, “Akiko, we’ve discussed this. It won’t hurt to have Yoshi ask some questions. Go on.”
Akiko began her tale. “My husband died about three years ago. Naturally, when he was alive, he took care of our financial affairs and land holdings. After he died, I was forced to rely on our provincial representatives. The bulk of my income comes from a single shouen in Isé. It’s a large estate and used to be very productive, but recently, the output has fallen to nearly nothing. Without the income, I can’t maintain the manor, as you can see.” She waved to our surroundings. “While I have no problem living without luxury, this jeopardizes my children’s prospects. It’s possible my son might overcome this, but my poverty damages my daughter’s chance for a good marriage.”
I asked, “Have you ever been to the shouen?”
Akiko smiled at some private memory. “Right after our marriage, my husband and I took a trip to Isé to see the property. He loved the land and the people so much he would have preferred to live there, but his duties in the capital made that impossible.”
Her eyes were very far away, and she spoke in a soft voice as if recalling something special, “One night, we had a meal under the stars. We were on top of a high hill in the center of the shouen, under a single sakura tree that stood alone on the crown of the hill. You could just see the ocean. The tree was something of a local landmark and even had a story the local people tell. Supposedly, a young woman’s lover went to sea to find his fortune, and she promised to wait for him. She would climb the hill and keep watch for his ship every night. But, he was lost at sea and never returned. Still, she waited. The gods were so touched by her devotion they changed her to a beautiful sakura tree as a testament to her fidelity. They put her on the hill so she could always watch the sea for his return.” There was a sparkle of tears in Akiko’s eyes.
She continued, embarrassed at her display of emotion. “The first year I thought nothing of it. There are always bad years for crops. The second year was even worse and I began to get worried. That year, Surei suggested someone travel to the shouen. I sent one servant to Isé, and he sent back a message saying he’d arrived, but nothing after that.”
Surei spoke up. “Travel to the provinces is tricky, given the highwaymen, poor roads, and other risks, but losing a man in such a manner after he arrived was suspicious. We wanted to investigate further, but we were concerned anyone else we sent would meet the same fate.”
Surei smiled. “So, there I was, pondering who I could possibly trust to represent Akiko’s interests. I planned to send two or three of my men, but with the current political unrest, I can’t spare them. Then, you appeared. It seemed ideal.”
I protested, “Wait, I’m more than willing to help Akiko, but you’re sending me by myself?”
I wondered if this wasn’t just another example of Surei getting me in over my head.
In a soothing tone, Surei said, “It’s not that bad, Yoshi, you’ll have some help. Mouse is traveling in the group as a porter and drover with one of the merchants in the caravan. No one knows who he is, and there’s nothing to connect him with you. While you’re looking around in a straightforward, above-board manner, he’ll be moving around in the background asking questions and keeping an eye on you. He’ll be your reserves, to put it into military terms.”
Uh-huh. And if I get killed, you’ll have some idea of who or what did me in.
Out loud, I said, “I still don’t like the odds of one instead of three. Mouse doesn’t strike me as someone who is terribly helpful in a fight.”
Surei chuckled and replied “I think you’ll find he has talents not apparent at first glance. I assure you he can take care of himself, and you may find him more useful than you think.”
I thought about it. Travel to Isé was hardly like a journey to the eastern or northern provinces. It was one of the Home Provinces, located close to the capital. Despite the servant’s disappearance, it shouldn’t be too difficult to go there, look around and come back. Surei’s fears were probably overblown. In my experience, city dwellers had no idea how to handle themselves once they got outside the capital. Maybe I could turn this to my advantage.
“Given the difficulty of the commission, I really think I should be getting more. Twice the usual rate would be good. You’re still coming out ahead.”
Akiko spoke up. “I think he’s right. It only seems fair.”
That made me feel a little bad about leading them on.
Surei glared at me. “Fine, I will apply double towards your debt.”
She took a deep breath and then continued. “We’ve obtained a commission as an imperial inspector for you. If anyone asks, you are on a fact-finding mission to Isé for the Minbushou, the Ministry of Popular Affairs. You’ll be traveling to Isé with the high priestess’ caravan. It will be well-defended, so you shouldn’t have any trouble while you’re on the road. Once you arrive, look around and find out what you can.”
The extent of her preparations stunned me. There was no way that she could have pulled this together in a single night. This had to have been days in the planning.
She knew all along I was coming and always intended to con me into doing this.
All of a sudden, I didn’t feel bad at all about forcing a little extra money out of her.
Akiko gazed at Surei and me in turn. Her eyes glistened. “I don’t know how to thank you both. I’m a fortunate woman to have friends like you. We must have shared a strong bond in an earlier life for you to come to my rescue like this.”
She looked at me worriedly. “Yoshi, please be careful. Whatever the problem is, discovering it isn’t worth your life, especially since we just got you back.”
Surei stood. “Your credentials will be arriving shortly, and I can’t be seen here. I’m going to go watch the imperial procession.”
She looked at me. “Yoshi, the rest of your clothes and belongings are in the saddlebags of a horse I had Mouse take to the caravan site. He left it with the caravan master. Akiko is right. You must be careful. Don’t trust anyone in Isé. I have a hunch matters are murkier than they appear. Don’t let your guard down, and stay away from saké while you’re in danger.”
Before Surei could leave, Akiko stopped her, “Oh, Surei, I almost forgot. Wait here a moment.”
She got up and left the room.
I looked at Surei, who just shrugged.
Akiko returned carrying a bundle wrapped up in some silk cloth. “Some months ago, an onmyouji from the court came by and asked if I had anything of Abé no Seimei’s. I told him I didn’t, but after he left, I remembered Mother was holding this for you.”
She handed the bundle to Surei.
Surei untied the wrappings, revealing a rectangular, polished wood device covered in zodiac symbols. In the center of the device was a raised brass hemisphere, inscribed with a strange writing.
A look of surprise passed over Surei’s features.
“What is it?” Akiko asked.
“It’s an onmyoudou divination instrument. It must have been great-grandfather’s. I know something of their use…” Surei laughed bitterly. “But this is of no value to me. I will never learn enough to truly use it.”
She hefted it. “It’s surprisingly heavy. Could this be made of zitan? That would make it very valuable. Perhaps priceless.”
She continued to examine it, running her fingers along the engravings on the side. Suddenly, there was a click and a drawer popped open. Surei put the device on a table and pulled the drawer open. Three tightly rolled scrolls lay inside.
Surei gently opened a scroll. Her eyes ran over the first few lines and she gasped. “This is a treatise on magic!” She rapidly scanned the rest of the scroll. “This was written by Abe no Seimei! These are his secret writings on onmyoudou.” Her hand started shaking and she dropped the scroll on the floor.
Akiko gave me a worried glance.
“I…” Surei stared at the scrolls. “With these, I could learn his magic.” She bent over and picked up the dropped scroll, placed it back in the drawer, and closed it up.
Standing up, Surei replaced the instrument in its silk wrappings and refastened the knots with shaking hands. “I don’t know how to thank you, Akiko. This is precious beyond words.”
She bowed in farewell to Akiko, glanced at me, then left.