Emperor of the Fireflies Read online

  “Master Kinkiyo modified the design after the dragons were fired at the siege of Kurozuro Castle,” Hotaru said. “I propose that we ask him to stage a demonstration outside the city walls.”

  “We’ll have to make certain that this display poses no possible danger to our citizens.” The querulous tone in Lord Kiyomori’s voice grated on Hotaru’s nerves.

  “Lord Nagamoto,” and Hotaru turned pointedly away from the Minister of the Left, “I rely on you to ensure that there will be no risk to any spectators or property.”

  “I have it on good authority that Master Kinkiyo’s son-in-law Saburo was killed when one of these brutes backfired at Kurozuro,” added Lord Kiyomori. “What is the point of using weapons that destroy our own men?”

  So Kiyomori’s agents have not been idle; he must have sent them out to ferret their way into Kinkiyo’s forge.

  “And your point is, Minister?” Lord Nagamoto said.

  “These hellish contraptions will cost the state coffers a great deal of money.”

  “We must move with the times, my lord,” said Hotaru. “If our peace treaties with Xiang or Khoryeo were to be breached we would need to fight their iron dragons with our own.”

  “I trust your imperial majesty has not forgotten about the upcoming Autumn Moon Festival,” said Lord Kiyomori loudly. “The archbishop feels most strongly that to offend the Lords of the Tides by replacing them with iron dragons could bring the full wrath of the sea on Cipangu.”

  “How could I forget with you reminding me at every available opportunity?” Hotaru narrowed his eyes as he gazed at Lord Kiyomori. “And I have no intention of offending the Tide Dragons or the bond which my ancestors created with them.”

  “I am delighted to hear it, imperial majesty.” Lord Kiyomori made a bow – but not before Hotaru had caught a malicious glitter in his eyes.

  “Admiral Higekuro, please inform us when the preparations have been made to demonstrate the fire-power of the iron dragons.” Hotaru ignored the little tremor of panic that Lord Kiyomori’s reminder had provoked and, nodding to the gathered ministers, set off back toward his apartments, Kobai and the pages scrambling to pick up the heavy brocade train of his imperial robes. But as he walked, he was planning a way of bringing Naoki to the capital.

  I have Kaito’s flute. But I still need Masao’s katana as well.

  “Your son Naoki has been gathering saltpeter at Sakuranbo, my lord?” he said casually to Lord Toshihiro.

  “As your imperial majesty requested.” Lord Toshihiro bowed.

  “Master Kinkiyo will need it to demonstrate the firepower of the new iron dragons. It would be an excellent opportunity for Lord Naoki to attend on us at court. Perhaps you could invite him on our behalf to bring the fruits of his men’s labors to the capital.”

  “You do the Red Kites a great honor.” Lord Toshiro bowed again.

  “Lord Nagamoto; I leave the details to you.” Hotaru smiled and walked on before the Akatobi lord could raise his head.

  Poor wretch; after all the years in exile, he’d do anything to raise his clan’s status.

  Chapter 22

  The seashore is shrouded in mist. A silver tide is slowly receding, revealing a vast expanse of empty beach. It might be dawn…or dusk. And then Yūgiri sees a distant figure walking out of the swirling sea mists. With each step he takes, the waters silently retreat. The unknown advances, the salt wind stirring his long, unbound hair, as he looks first left and then right, as though trying to find his bearings.

  “Yū… Yū, can you hear me?” The strong voice carries across the desolate shore, borne on the chill wind.

  ***

  Yūgiri opened his eyes.

  The hall was swathed in gray shadows; dawn was not far off and the starless darkness of the autumn night was fading.

  That dream again. Night after night, always the same.

  But the only sounds were Lord Naoki’s steady breathing, and the snores of the other retainers, sleeping alongside.

  Yūgiri sat bolt upright, certain that this time it had not been a dream.

  Masao is here, calling for me. He’s so close. If only I could just catch sight of him. That would be enough.

  Before he knew what he was doing, he had grabbed his sandals and was hurrying barefoot out of the hall so as not to wake the others.

  But by the time Yūgiri reached the shore, the tide had already turned and was fast coming in, already filling the sea caves further along the promontory.

  He sank down on a boulder, crushed.

  Being forced to stay apart from Masao was slowly wearing down his resolve. The daylight hours passed agonizingly slowly as he alternated between trying to devise a way to thwart Hotaru and lapsing back into a black mood of frustration and despair as the solution eluded him. And during the hours of darkness, he lay awake long after his fellow retainers were snoring, only to fall asleep and hear Masao calling to him from the sea.

  The only times he felt at peace were when he was using his healing skills. Once the remaining Black Cranes realized that he was a competent healer – Shun had spread the word – he was made welcome in the makeshift infirmary. And even if Teiko-san, the clan physician’s daughter, had treated him with suspicion at first, she soon grudgingly admitted that she was glad of the help.

  No point feeling sorry for myself. He rose, turning his back on the incoming tide. There’s work to be done.

  ***

  Yūgiri lifted his hands from Shun’s wounded shoulder.

  “Is that any easier?”

  From the castle courtyard outside, the guttural shouts of the Akatobi shinobi going through their daily drill punctuated the calm of the infirmary.

  “Let’s see,” Shun said, flexing his shoulder. He raised his hand high, stretching out his arm. “Much easier.” He let out a grunt of satisfaction. “Thank you, Sensei.” And then he grinned. “I feel fit enough to draw my bow again.”

  “Not without Lord Naoki’s permission.” Yūgiri said, winding a bandage around the fresh dressing. “So, is your sister Sakami back yet?” he asked in what he hoped sounded like a casual, conversational tone.

  “She told me she’d be up at the mountain shrine for several days.”

  “Of course.” But she’s been gone for six days now and there’s still no word. If she’s run into trouble in the capital, there’s nothing I can do to help her. Was it too great a risk to send a young girl to the capital city alone? Yūgiri felt guilty that he had placed so much responsibility on her shoulders – and yet she’d been so eager to help. She must love Lord Kaito with all her heart. In spite of himself, a small sigh escaped him as he neatly tucked in the ends of the bandage. “You can put your tunic on now.”

  “You seem to have taken quite a liking to my sister,” Shun said, easing his tunic over the bandage and tying the belt. He looked up and gave Yūgiri a wink. “I’d be happy to give you my permission if you wanted to take it any further.”

  Yūgiri was so surprised by this unexpected offer that he could not think how to reply.

  Shun must think I’m sighing over Sakami.

  He bowed to hide his embarrassment. “You honor me, Shun,” he said, choosing his words carefully so as not to cause offence. “Your sister is a very special girl. But I’ll be leaving soon to return to the Akatobi domain – and her place is here, caring for you and the shrine.”

  Yet long after Shun had left the infirmary Yūgiri could not stop thinking about Sakami. A pretty young girl, companionless, apart from a naive fox-boy – could have so easily have got into difficulties.

  I should have gone with her.

  ***

  Naoki followed Chikaaki’s lead, taking part alongside his shinobi in the daily training ritual in the castle courtyard. Forcing himself to exercise was the only way to clear the fug of sleep clouding his mind.

  Sleep, or too much sake again last night?

  The morning air was crisp with a sharp tang of damp that stung the back of the throat; out on the mountainside,
the leaves had begun to turn golden-brown.

  Autumn’s already here – but there’s still no word from Hotaru. Has he forgotten about me?

  Beside him, the Red Kite retainers diligently practiced the familiar routines, but as he joined in, his thoughts kept wandering.

  Why hasn’t he summoned me to court? Does he think I know too much? Am I a liability? That realization was disturbing enough to make him to lose concentration and stumble; hastily, he righted himself.

  And when the snows start, we could be trapped out here all winter. We’ve no ships of our own, just the local fishermen’s flimsy boats.

  Each morning Naoki had woken with a stifling feeling of resentment that only grew more potent as the days went past and still no word came from the capital.

  I almost died stealing the Tide Jewels. Then I was left to rot in the dungeon here. I’ve proved my loyalty to Hotaru twice, three times over.

  Beside him, his shinobi moved with precision and skill to the brisk rhythm of their stamping feet and guttural shouts, like dancers performing a martial ritual.

  Doesn’t the emperor trust me anymore?

  “Choose a partner for sparring practice.” Chikaaki came up to him and made the traditional warrior’s bow. “It would be an honor if you would work with me, my lord.”

  “Very well.” Naoki wiped the sweat from his forehead on his tunic sleeve and returned the bow. “Unarmed?”

  “Unarmed.”

  They circled each other. Chikaaki suddenly essayed a sneak attack but Naoki blocked it, leaping back before Chikaaki could follow through.

  “Come at me again, my lord.”

  Naoki aimed a blow with such force that the shinobi master only just managed to evade it, almost losing his balance.

  “Smart move, Lord Naoki,” called out a dry voice. “Chikaaki – are you losing your touch? Or has our young lord finally surpassed you?”

  “Yoriaki?” Naoki and Chikaaki both turned round, searching for the source of the familiar voice. The Kite Shadow Master appeared, high up on the battlements, a couple of shinobi behind him. A moment later, in a deft flurry of shadow wings, he alighted in front of Naoki and presented him with a folded paper.

  “A letter from your father.”

  Naoki stared at the letter, wondering what had prompted his father to write to him after so long. Then, remembering his duty as lord of the castle, he said to the newcomers, “You must be hungry after your journey. Raiko; take Master Yoriaki and his men to the main hall and see that they are well fed. The bath house is also at your disposal.”

  Yoriaki bowed his thanks and gestured to his subordinates to follow Raiko while Naoki opened Lord Toshiro’s letter:

  “The Ministry of the Right has informed me that Master Kinkiyo has set up a new armory and forge outside the capital. The emperor has personally requested him to arrange a demonstration of the new iron dragons. Lord Nagamoto orders you to ensure the safe delivery of the saltpeter you’ve harvested to Kinkiyo as soon as possible.

  “To that end, I’ve sent Yoriaki to you by sea; the captain of the boat has orders to transport the saltpeter to Master Kinkiyo’s forge.

  “The rebuilding of Akatobi Castle is progressing well. I trust that you have crushed any signs of defiance in the remaining Black Crane retainers. The only way to maintain order is to make an example of any who dare to rebel and punish them to instill fear in the others.”

  Naoki grimaced as he read; he could hear his father’s stern voice dictating the letter, thumping his clenched fist on his knee to emphasize his words.

  There are other ways, Father, to gain their trust.

  “There is to be a special ceremony at the Autumn Moon Festival at which the emperor – at the request of the Kiyomori clan – will summon the Tide Dragons. As your presence is requested at the festival, I suggest that you leave Yoriaki in charge of the castle and travel with Raiko and a couple of retainers.”

  Summon the Tide Dragons? Clutching the letter, Naoki ran back toward the main house, calling out for Yūgiri.

  “What’s wrong, my lord?” The shaman appeared in the infirmary doorway. Naoki grabbed hold of him by the arm, hurrying him behind the main house where they would not be overheard.

  “Is there any way you can contact Masao?” he asked in a low voice and saw Yūgiri’s damaged eyes widen in surprise. “Because we need to warn him that there’s been a direct challenge to Hotaru’s right to the throne from the Kiyomori clan. The emperor is going to summon the Tide Dragons at the Autumn Moon Festival.”

  “How can he do that without the Tide Jewels?” Yūgiri asked, equally softly.

  “He can’t – unless he’s found a way to create new ones.”

  Naoki saw a strange, conflicted look pass across Yūgiri’s pale features. “It would be better if you were to warn Masao, my lord,” he said, avoiding Naoki’s gaze.

  “No; only you can do it.” It should have been me trapped in Ebb’s body– and I forced Masao to take my place as Sacrifice.

  “But I –” Yūgiri began but then subsided into silence.

  “I don’t understand.” Naoki gazed down at the characters on the crumpled letter. “We’re ordered to take the saltpeter to the capital so that Kinkiyo can demonstrate the firepower of the iron dragons to the ministers. There’s no longer any need to rely on the Tide Dragons to defend Cipangu.”

  Yūgiri looked up. “Very well, my lord; I’ll warn Masao.” There was a new note of determination in his voice. “But if you’re going to Master Kinkiyo, I ask you to let me accompany you.”

  Naoki hesitated, remembering Lord Toshiro’s instructions to get underway “as soon as possible.” “Very well,” he said curtly. “It will take a while to load the boat. Be ready to sail on the dawn tide.” And he strode off, calling out, “Raiko – we’re leaving for the capital.”

  ***

  “That’s the last of the saltpeter, my lord.”

  Naoki gazed at the sacks of the crystalline powder that the miners had brought down from the mountain. Chikaaki came to stand beside him.

  “How many sacks have you gathered in all?”

  “Fifty, maybe.” Naoki bent down to sift through the contents of the nearest sack, sniffing the white powdery residue left on his hand with distaste. “I suppose Kinkiyo will know what to do with it. . .”

  “So that’s it?” Chikaaki said, scratching the back of his neck. “The reason we’ve been cooling our heels out here all summer?”

  “You don’t sound very impressed, Chikaaki.”

  The veteran shinobi gave a little shrug. “It’s not my place to be impressed, one way or the other, my lord. The emperor gave us a task – and we’ve fulfilled it before the winter sets in.”

  “No time to waste.” Naoki straightened up, dusting off his hands. “Start moving the sacks on to the boat. Remember – no naked flames anywhere near this cargo. Just in case –”

  A heartbreaking wail arose from the kitchen; startled, Naoki swung around, one hand on his sword-hilt.

  “What did you expect, my lord?” A girl’s voice, sharp with anger, rang out from inside. “You led my sister on. Now you’re going to abandon her?”

  Intrigued, Naoki wandered over toward the open doorway where he saw Raiko standing with head hanging down, shoulders slumped, as Mai harangued him, jabbing her finger at him to emphasize each of her points. Mami had sunk to the ground at Raiko’s feet, quietly sobbing.

  “I don’t want to go,” Raiko protested. “But when my lord gives the order, I have to obey.”

  “Then take me with you.” Mami rose up, clutching at his hand. “Don’t leave me.”

  You idiot, Raiko, didn’t I warn you not to get involved? What have you promised her?

  Suppressing a grunt of irritation, he said, “What are you doing in the kitchens, Raiko-kun? Have you finished the task I gave you?” and saw all three look round, startled. The girls instantly prostrated themselves and Raiko blushed to the roots of his hair.

  “If my retainer has made
you any promises he is unable to fulfill,” Naoki said as Mami’s shoulders shook with silently suppressed sobs, “then I will ensure that he makes full financial compensation for any. . .extra essential expenses.” And he steered Raiko out of the kitchens, muttering, “Think next time about the consequences before you start bedding the local girls. Especially Black Crane girls.”

  Chapter 23

  The new moon was rising as the receding tide brought Masao ashore at Kurozuro Bay, a silver sliver of pearl in the indigo sky. High on the cliff above stood Kurozuro Castle, the banners of his clan, the Red Kites, fluttering from every tower. So many evenings he had returned to this beach and called out to Yūgiri. . . But always in vain.

  I know you’re there, so why don’t you answer me? I just need to know that you’re all right. And Naoki too. . .

  The night air was chilly. He was still not practiced at conjuring clothes for himself so he slipped into the sea cave where he and Kai kept the garments they wore on land, and wrapped the rough-woven tunic about himself. He came out, knotting the belt about his waist, to see a man emerging from the pines beneath the castle cliff on to the shore.

  Moonlight glinted in the figure’s long, pale hair, turning it to gossamer threads of spun silver.

  Masao’s breath caught in his throat. After waiting so long in vain, he could hardly believe what he was seeing. He blinked and looked again. The oncoming figure, walking swiftly across the moon-bleached shore toward him, was no illusion.

  “Yūgiri?” He started forward, leaving the shelter of the cave, and began to run across the damp sand. “Yūgiri!”

  “Masao.”

  They stopped, staring at each other. Masao had been dreaming of this moment for so long yet now that Yūgiri stood there before him, all the things he had planned to say flew out of his mind.

  “Listen,” Yūgiri said, his voice somber, urgent while Masao stood there, tongue-tied. “Hotaru is planning to summon the Tide Dragons at the Autumn Moon Festival.”