They continued on their way, and after some time they came to the extensive dock network that was known simply as ‘the great harbor’. Here there was a great congestion of people, buying, selling, eating, drinking, talking, haggling, and dealing. It was almost impossible to move through unobstructed, and the overpowering smell of the open-air fish markets could not be ignored. The harbor itself looked like a bee’s nest, as myriad boats were coming and going.
After spending time traversing the outskirts of the harbor, Kaya brought them to a well-worn tavern called the ‘Umi-no-Ko.’ It was located right beside the docks, closer than any other tavern, which made it an ideal place for weary travelers who had just arrived, or as the last stop before departure. Long ago it had been popular with locals and outsiders alike, but it had aged considerably and now was more infamous than profitable. Still, it was a symbol, and many seafarers would jest about their lovers spending a night at the tavern, for its name, Umi-no-Ko, meant, ‘Child of the Sea,’ which doubled as a euphemism for a child conceived back on land while the sailor was away from home.
When they arrived, they found a table on the tatami flooring that could be surrounded by curtains, to give them privacy, though the place was nearly empty. It was early in the afternoon, so it was quiet except for a few patrons who appeared to be starting early or waking up from the previous night’s revelries. The place was not so large, and quite dirty, though one of the barmaids was doing her best to hide the grime. There was an upper floor, but those were guest rooms, and Kaya thought that they had enough privacy where they were.
The barmaid passed by, and Kaya ordered tea and a large bottle of sake for the table, despite Gin’s protests. She then put out her cigar with a few gentle taps.
“We have little money,” Gin said mournfully.
She merely dismissed him with a small wave of her hand.
“You seem like you have come far and under harsh conditions. It’s nothing, really. Now, we have much to discuss so let us begin, shall we?”
“I still want to know who you are and how you know Gin,” Saru interrupted, after downing her first cup. It was good sake, but she wrinkled her face as if it were not to her tastes.
Kaya noticed this gesture but said nothing. Instead, she turned and smiled at Gin. “Well, Gin-san may be able to answer those questions for you.” She squeezed his arm affectionately.
He nodded compliantly, but his smile was forced. Saru could tell that he was getting anxious. She knew what was really on his mind. “This is Kobayashi Kaya-san. We go back a long time. She helped introduce me to the Old Capital when I was first stationed there during the war. I was about eighteen or nineteen years old.”
“As was I…” Kaya said as if reminiscing.
“She moved out this way after the Old Capital became unsafe, and when I passed through ten years ago, we stayed with her for a few days. Thank you for then, and for this morning.”
“Oh, please! Anything for you Gin-san!”
“And what do you do here, Kaya-san?” Saru asked pointedly, though she had already surmised a guess.
This time Kaya answered for herself. “Well, I used to do a bit of entertaining now and again. I must say that my techniques were quite famous.”
“You were a geisha?” Saru blurted out, almost spilling her sake. Geisha were incredibly rare and usually tied up with the aristocracy and shrouded in mystery. In her childhood, she had heard about them in stories, as being legendary in their skills and beauty. She had always wanted to see one, but never thought she would get the chance.
“Did I say so?” answered Kaya, taken aback. “No, no, I am no geisha. But our work is not so different I suppose. Yet it’s a hard, cruel business. Girls often don’t make it and can suffer greatly, so these days I run a small rest house for them, to take care of those that need help and get them back on their feet.”
“That’s very commendable,” Gin remarked, clearly impressed.
Saru frowned. “Why then did the guards call you the Crane?”
“Kaya-san is originally from Tsuru Province on the southwest side of Nakashima. Their emblem is the white crane on an azure field,” Gin explained. “That’s how she got the name.”
“And here I thought it was for my grace and beauty,” Kaya said with a grin. “Anyways, enough about me, and it seems we both know Gin-san, so who is this lovely young woman?” she asked, casting her full gaze upon Saru.
“I’m Saru,” she returned bluntly, refraining from giving her surname.
“Saru? What an interesting name!” Kaya said with a high-pitched laugh. “And those ears! How very cute! Now, Gin-san, don’t tell me you got remarried without consulting me first!”
“I haven’t!” he stammered, flushing red. “We are just traveling companions.”
“How fascinating! Traveling companions! All the way from Akaii?” Kaya persisted, her dark eyes glittering.
“I was taken here against my will by the Hairohi,” Saru explained, swallowing down another cup of sake. “Gin set me free.”
“Now that is some news! But that does sound just like Gin-san. I could spend the rest of the day recalling all the times he has come to my aid.” Kaya gazed at him flirtatiously, but he did not reciprocate. Hardening slightly, she turned back towards Saru. “So, may I venture a guess and presume that he has brought you here to find you passage back home?”
“In part,” Gin answered before Saru could reply.
Kaya stiffened in her chair a bit. “Well, you might find that rather difficult. As I said before, these are dark days.” In those words, her voice changed. It lost the carefree exuberance it once had and was hushed and tense.
“Go on,” Gin prodded.
“Well, you see, the city is nearly overrun with idle sailors. Most are out of work as many of the old trade routes have been cut off. This has caused a problem with the local government, as crime and violence have become rampant. These are fishermen and seafarers by trade, their spirits are not meant to be caged in a city like this. Gangs have formed, and they are getting restless.”
“What do you mean the old trade routes are cut off?” Gin asked. “I saw many ships going out as we walked here.”
“Ships will cross the strait, and travel around the coast of Minami-shima, but further than that is taking a risk. Of course, there are always risks when you cross the sea, but apparently, it’s gotten unbearable. Not long ago, ships went as far as the barbarian lands and even Akaii, though it was exceedingly rare that your people ever came down here.” She glanced at Saru briefly before continuing.
“There are a few reasons that our boats are staying docked. Some are more believable than others. Firstly, there has been a sharp increase in barbarian vessels in the West Sea over the past several months. Now, there have always been barbarian ships about in the West Sea, but they were usually trading ships and posed no threat. But now, there is a considerable number of warships, and several of our own have been boarded, and a few sunk without warning.
That compounded with the fact that that Kagi daimyō was robbed of nearly all his fighting vessels after the war, as concessions to the new Shōgun, has left our sailors here without means of fighting back. And the Shōgun has denied us aid many times.”
“Barbarians...” Gin mused aloud. “But they haven’t been a threat since the days of the Emperors.”
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“Well, perhaps they have once again set their sights on the Islands,” Kaya said darkly. “But there is another reason.” With this, her voice became even softer than before, and she leaned forward so that only they could hear her. “Some men are saying that they’ve seen strange lights on the water in the East Sea. Unnatural lights, devilish lights. Within the past several weeks a few ships that dared to go out into the wide ocean have not returned. Many are wondering if something much worse than barbarian corsairs is out on the seas.”
Kaya finally leaned back and peered at both Gin and Saru before proceeding. They both had a look of skepticism mixed with an uneasy dread.
“To make matters worse, our beloved daimyō has just been summoned by the Shōgun to live with him in the New Capital for three years. A new steward has been sent down to rule in his place, but many of the sailors are worried that he will do little to help them, and they are getting restless.”
“So, what you're saying is that I cannot go home,” bemoaned Saru.
“There is no direct way to get from Kagiminato to Akaii right now unless you plan on going back with the Hairohi,” Kaya said sternly. “But ferries cross from here to Nakashima every day. Once you get on the main island, you may be able to find another route home by land or by sea.”
Saru glanced at Gin, who was lost in thought. After a few moments of contemplation, he spoke out. “If crossing the strait is your only option it may be the best one. From what Kaya-san says, this city is on edge. It would be better to get out sooner than later.” He then shifted towards Kaya and looked at her intently. “But there is something else I need to ask,” he said, forcing a polite smile.
“Why yes, of course. Anything for you Gin-san.”
“I’m looking for someone,” he said quietly. “Well, it’s more like two people. And one of them is my daughter.” He sounded as if he had to force the last few words out of his mouth with a great effort.
“Did she run away with someone?” Kaya asked, with her eyes on his. “She’s at that age…”
“No. She was taken.”
“Taken?”
“A man, dressed in black, but appearing as if he were a traveling merchant did it. I saw him take her, and he managed to get free,” said Gin as his fists tightened in frustration.
“Why would he…I mean…what reason could he…”
Gin shook his head sorrowfully. “I do not know. I made so many enemies in my past, it could be any one of them. But it’s not her fault. They are obviously doing this to punish me.”
“That’s awful!” Kaya cried hotly. “Absolutely intolerable! She was such a beautiful little girl! I suppose you want me to see if they came through the city?” she asked.
Gin nodded. “If they are here, or were here, I need to know. It’s been about a week since it happened.”
Kaya looked away and sighed. “I was hoping that after you assisted this woman off the island, you would be able to stay for a while with me. But I suppose there is no hope in that now.”
“I am sorry, but can you help me?”
“I did say anything for you Gin-san, did I not?” she answered, a pleasant smile crossing her face once again. “Give me a few hours, and I will return with as much information as possible. My girls always have their eyes open. They see more than even the guards do.”
“Thank you,” he said with a bow. “While you are gone, we will also look around too…”
“You most certainly will not!” Kaya replied with surprising force. “Do you know how unlikely it is that either of them is walking about in the open just waiting to be found? Let me ask my girls. That is your best chance. If anything, your wandering around might alert this man to hide or move on. Stay here, I will have food brought and baths prepared for you. You both look like you need them.” She said this with a twitch of her nose.
Gin seemed to have some internal conflict with this idea, but Kaya calmly reassured him.
“It will only be a few hours. If I don’t find anything, you can go search the city yourselves if you’d like.”
“All right,” he finally conceded. “A few hours…”
With that, Kaya said a quick farewell, bowed and departed the curtained table and tavern with speed.
Despite the anxiety that was consuming him, and at the behest of Saru, they both ate a filling meal and went around back to bathe. Not only did it distract him from the monotony of waiting, but it felt good to be refreshed, and deep down he knew he needed it, especially if he was to have to confront the merchant in black once again. As he waded into the hot bath, he noted his many scars and fought back the feeling of regret whenever he saw them. Perhaps, after all this time, his judgment had finally come for his past misdeeds. Yet for Yukiana to have to suffer for it, was the lone price he was not willing to pay. He would do whatever he had to do to free her, even if it added one or a thousand more scars to his body.
Kaya returned about three hours later within the timeframe promised. Both Saru and Gin had returned to the table but had little conversation. The suspense was too great.
She gave nothing away by her face but flitted along and sat down once again, closing the curtain behind her. By now there were quite a few more denizens in the old tavern, but none seemed to mark her arrival.
“So?” asked Gin, barely able to contain himself.
Kaya leaned forward and spoke softly. “They are here.”
Gin exhaled long and slow as if a great weight had just been lifted from his shoulders.
“I talked with my girls who work throughout this city,” Kaya began. “One of them told me about a man who came sniffing around late last night, looking for some company. He seemed to match the description. She said he looked pretty dangerous, and was armed to the hilt, but wore the robes of a merchant. He didn’t seem like a regular merchant though, who are quite predictable men, and refused to give a name, even a false one which we usually expect. He didn’t say anything other than that he did not intend to stay in the city long.”
Gin said nothing but looked worried.
“Well, my girl said he paid and left, but out of curiosity, I suppose, she kept her eye on him from the window, and saw that he entered an inn down at the end of the street. She knew the innkeeper who later told her that the man had made dealings to leave the city in a few days, by a private ship.”
“Was he with anyone?”
Kaya shook her head. “Not that I heard of, though he rented the entire top floor of the inn. That seems a bit excessive don’t you think?”
Gin nodded thoughtfully. “Did he seem to have any other business in the city?”
“I don’t believe so. My girl said that he appeared to be a solitary man and didn’t make any other dealings that she knew of.”
Gin said nothing at first. His eyes were now set on something, but only he could see what it was. Finally, he spoke.
“Where is this place?”
“On the western side of the city. It’s residential and quiet.”
“So now what are we going to do?” asked Saru, speaking up for the first time.
“We?” Gin repeated. There was an unintended sharpness to his voice.
“What, are you going to do this by yourself?” Saru replied, growing hot.
“I must,” he resolved. “This is not your fight.”
“I don’t care I…”
“I also have a way for you to get out of here Saru-san,” Kaya said, interrupting them. They each paused a moment to listen. “There is a ferry leaving here tonight, in just a few hours. Although it is full, I managed to get you on the list. It will take you across the strait, then you can find your way back home.” She also handed Saru a bag of coins. “That should help supply you for your journey.”
Saru stared back at Kaya with great surprise. “Why?” was all she could bring herself to say.
“A friend of Gin-san is a friend of mine,” she said plainly. “I am not sure when the next ferry out will be, so I suggest you go tonight.”
Saru glanced over to Gintaro, who wore a solemn expression. “We made an agreement back in the forest. Our paths part here.”
The young woman sat back, appearing angry at first that she was so easily discarded, but then quickly became quiet and removed.
“Gin-san, I can show you the way,” Kaya said softly.
“All right,” he said, his voice now quiet and reserved. “But first, let me see Saru off.” At this, the young woman lifted her head. There was a hopeful glimmer in her eyes.
The two went to say their final goodbyes just outside the inn near the docks. Her ferry was going to leave in a few hours, and Gin thought it would be wise to head out early just in case she got lost on the way. Saru was quiet as they stood and gazed out upon the magnificent sprawl of docks and boats anchored there. Gin pointed to where she would need to go first, and she nodded stiffly, adjusted her pack, and tightened the bands on her arm guards. Gin was visibly anxious, speaking faster than usual, for he had resolved what he had to do in his mind, and it was beginning to consume him. He could not quite remember the exact directions to her ferry and stumbled over his words awkwardly.
“It’s all right,” Saru interrupted. “I can see it from here. I’ll be fine.”
Gintaro closed his eyes and shook his head, almost as if he were trying to physically clear his mind. “So, I suppose this is it then,” he said quietly.
“Yeah,” she replied, gazing out towards the sea. “I believe so.”
A few moments passed, and neither moved.
“You trust this friend of yours?” Saru asked suddenly.
She was surprised because he did not answer immediately in the affirmative. “I do not know,” he finally admitted, shaking his head. “But I have to do something. If Yuki is here, I must do something. I cannot let her slip through my fingers again.”
Saru nodded. “You’re a good man, Gintaro-san. I am glad it was you who stumbled across my cage in the forest. When you find your daughter, you are welcome to come to Akaii Province. The long arm of the Shōgun isn’t so strong there. You could find peace again.”
Gin smiled stiffly. He had not actually considered what he would do if he was able to rescue his daughter. This was a legitimate prospect, though the journey would be hard. But he still had to find her first.
“Thank you,” he managed to say. “Perhaps our paths will cross again one day.”
“I hope so,” Saru said, now looking at him with a playful grin. “I’d like a rematch after all.”
His face relaxed, and he bowed low, as did she. When they rose, they looked into each other’s eyes one last time, nodded, and then went their separate ways.
Gin’s heart had been pounding since they first entered the city. Now that they knew the whereabouts of the merchant in black, his every thought was bent on his daughter’s rescue. His mind could not bear to conceive the agony she was in, but all those thoughts were transformed into an unfiltered raw energy that was aching to get out. He was no longer merely anxious; he was ready to explode.