The Flood Dragon's Sacrifice Page 8

  “What have they been feeding you here? You’ve grown; you’re almost as tall as your big brother!”

  Kai was so surprised that he didn’t know what to say. “Th – thanks to the good care of Abbot Genko,” he managed to stammer out. “But why are you here? Is our mother all right?”

  The warmth faded from Takeru’s eyes. “I’ve come straight from the imperial court,” he said. “The emperor received an anonymous message saying that the Tide Jewels have been stolen. Isamu and I rode here directly – but following behind us is a high-ranking imperial official with orders to investigate. Abbot Genko, is it true?”

  So the Kites had carried out the first part of their threat. This was bad. Kai looked at the abbot with anguished eyes, wondering how he would react.

  The abbot let out a sigh. “Several days ago, the temple was infiltrated by shinobi using the Kite Shadow. One was captured – but the other escaped with the jewels.”

  Takeru exchanged glances with his squire Isamu. “The Kite Shadow?” he said. “So the Red Kites are back? And what’s become of the one you captured?”

  “Kakumyo has been conducting hostage negotiations with the Kites – and he’s ridden out to exchange the prisoner for the stolen Tide Jewels.”

  “So this shinobi was someone important?”

  “None other than Lord Toshiro’s son Naoki,” said Kai.

  “I don’t like the sound of this. It could be a trap.” Takeru gave a little nod of the head to Isamu, who instantly sprang to his feet. “Lord Toshiro swore an oath to destroy all the Crane warriors who were with our father the night of the fire at Castle Akatobi. Kakumyo must be at the top of that list.”

  “You really think Kakumyo’s in danger?” Kai said, alarmed. Even though he and Kakumyo often clashed, he had grown to respect – even grudgingly like – the hard-bitten warrior.

  “Which road did he take?”

  “The way across the dunes. They’re making for Tenryu Bay.”

  “Then let’s go and lend him some moral support, Isamu.” Takeru flashed his squire a grin. Kai saw Isamu return the smile with eyes that glowed with adoration. “Round up the men; they’ve had time enough to water the horses and refresh themselves.”

  “Men?” Kai blinked. “How many retainers have you brought?”

  “Only half a dozen,” Takeru said lightly. “But then I was attending court for a meeting with my fiancée’s parents, so it was just a social outing, not a war party.”

  “You’re going to be married?”

  “That’s the plan. She’s called Ayaka. But this matter has to be smoothed over first; her father is Lord Nagamoto, the Minister of the Right, and he doesn’t want any hint of scandal to tarnish his family’s good name.”

  Kai didn’t know what to say. Takeru was about to take a bride. There was such a gulf between him and Takeru that he wondered if it could ever be bridged. But Takeru didn’t even seem to have noticed his discomfort; he was already thanking the abbot for his hospitality. As always in their childhood, he was confidently running on ahead and Kai was left far behind, vainly calling out to him to wait.

  “Take good care of my brother, Lord Abbot.” Takeru turned around and tousled Kai’s hair affectionately, as if he were still a little boy. “And don’t worry about the sacred jewels; we’ll get them back to you just as soon as we can.” Then he was off, walking so fast that Isamu had to hurry to keep up with him.

  Kai made it into the main courtyard just in time to see the Cranes riding out beneath the gateway, with Takeru at the head, mounted on a sleek bay. The sight of their black and white banners depicting the three cranes of his family’s crest stirred feelings that he thought he had long forgotten. He understood that his father’s decision to leave him at the temple to be raised by the monks had been wise and well-intentioned. But, knowing that he could never ride at his brother’s side, a taste of bitter regret lingered.

  Mother didn’t even send word that Takeru was going to be married.

  He might as well have died of the wasting sickness that had weakened and deformed his leg for all the attention his family paid him.

  ***

  Tenryu Bay curved like a crescent moon, a wide expanse of pale sand, framed by gently sloping dunes. As Masao scanned the shore, he caught a sudden glint of light. Distant horsemen were crossing the dunes, half-hidden by the windblown clumps of green reeds. They were followed by an escort of men on foot carrying naginata, the sunlight gleaming on the sharp blades.

  He called out, pointing, “There they are.”

  “Is Naoki with them?” Lord Toshiro spoke quietly but Masao detected an underlying note of agitation that only heightened his own feelings.

  “Hard to tell.” Master Yūdai shaded his eyes with one mailed hand.

  “And there’s no sign of reinforcements lying in wait to ambush us?”

  “You still don’t trust the Cranes?”

  “Only as much as they trust us,” Lord Toshiro replied, lips twisted in a cynical smile.

  Okitane barked a brusque order to the oarsmen and, as they raised their oars, the ship stopped moving, gently bobbing on the tide.

  “Masao, stand by.” Lord Toshiro turned to him. “Don’t intervene unless the Cranes play us false. Remember that Naoki’s life is at stake.”

  Masao nodded. As if I needed reminding…

  Lord Toshiro waded out through the shallows of the lapping tide toward the shore where the warrior monks stood waiting. Behind him, Okitane carried the Tide Jewels in an ebony casket. Master Yūdai brought up the rear.

  “Captain Kakumyo – you said no weapons. Tell your men to lay down their naginata!” Okitane’s words carried back to the watching Kites, borne on the gusting wind.

  Kakumyo turned, raising one hand to signal to his men. Masao shot a warning glance at Saburo, wondering if this might be the moment when they were forced to set off the iron dragon.

  Where is Naoki? I can’t risk firing and hitting him.

  The foot soldiers were piling their naginata like firewood on the sand. Then two of them returned to lead forward one of the horses. Only then did Masao recognize the slumped figure of their hostage, drooping in the saddle, hands bound.

  What have the Cranes done to you, Naoki? Anger scorched through him. I should never have left you behind. It just all happened so fast…

  Lord Toshiro took the black casket from Okitane and opened it to show the Tide Jewels to the Cranes. Kakumyo gave a curt nod.

  Why is it taking so long? Masao gripped the ship’s rail, watching the proceedings and wishing that he could make out what was being said. The rustle of the wind in the canvas sails made it hard to hear the voices on the shore. The warrior monks were busy untying Naoki; they must have bound his feet to the stirrups to discourage any attempt at escape. Not that Naoki would have got far, Masao reckoned, with such a well-armed guard.

  “Lord Masao, what’s that?” Saburo pointed further up the dunes. Masao and the other retainers turned to look.

  “No!” Masao’s keen sight picked out a flutter of banners behind the reeds. Black on white. Black cranes on a snow-white background.

  Reinforcements? He swore. That bastard Kakumyo, he’s tricked us. Crane horsemen were riding through the dunes, making straight for the shore. They were moving fast, the horses’ hoofs scuffing up a fine spray of sand. And Lord Toshiro just stood there staring at them in disbelief, weaponless, vulnerable.

  “Saburo!” Masao shouted. “Light the fuse!”

  Chapter 8

  Fire and shot erupted from the iron dragon’s mouth. The timbers of the ship shuddered violently, throwing Masao off his feet, sending him and Saburo sprawling across the deck.

  Dazzled by the burst of bright fire, deafened by the blast of sound, Masao struggled to get to his knees. He felt as if some invisible force had kicked him in the gut, knocking the breath out of him. Foul-smelling, acrid smoke billowed everywhere, stinging his eyes and making him cough.

  Somewhere close by he could hear men shouting
but the assault on his eardrums made their cries indistinct, as if heard through layers of headgear. Beside him, Saburo was pulling himself up, clutching the ship’s rail. Masao staggered to his side, peering through the clouds to try to make out what was happening on shore.

  “Did it work?” he asked, his voice sounded muffling and distant in his own ears. “Did we stop the Cranes’ attack?”

  As the drifting smoke began to disperse Masao saw the shore party wading swiftly back toward the ship. Lord Toshiro’s face was as dark as thunder; his mouth was open, bellowing orders that Masao couldn’t hear. Behind him, Masao saw a scene of chaotic confusion on the shore. One of the Crane horses was galloping away in panic. A warrior in Crane clan colors lay face down on the sand; others had dismounted and were hurrying to his side.

  “Where’s Naoki?” Masao scanned the Kites hurriedly splashing back through the shallows toward the ship. He could only count three men and Naoki was not among them. But the warrior monks were close on their heels, brandishing their naginata.

  “Masao – the Tide Jewels!” Okitane hurled the casket toward him. “Catch!”

  Masao leaned far out over the rail and his hands closed around the precious box, clutching it close to his chest.

  ***

  Naoki blinked, his eyes dazzled by the bright ball of fire. And now he couldn’t see anything but billowing smoke clouding the shore.

  Is my father all right? He had no idea what had caused the explosion. Had the Kites devised it to cause a diversion? And where had those Crane warriors appeared from? All he could hear now was frantic shouting.

  If only I could find enough energy to create the Kite Shadow… He closed his eyes, seeking deep within himself for the elusive jutsu. But there was only the faintest dark flicker; he must have used up all his strength in healing the arrow wound.

  He would just have to make a run for it.

  The shouts onshore grew louder. His guards, distracted, turned away to see what was going on.

  Now! Naoki launched himself forward. His shoulder hurt like hell but he didn’t care. He ran over the soft sand, through the smoke, straight toward the sound of the sea –

  Until someone caught hold of him. His captor twisted his arm behind him, forcing him to his knees. Pain shot through his half-healed wound and he swore vehemently between gritted teeth.

  ***

  “Naoki!” Masao leaned over the side of the ship, crying out his name until his throat ached. The oarsmen lowered their oars with a tremendous splash; the ship lurched, throwing Masao off balance. When he looked back to land, he saw that leader of the warrior monks had caught Naoki in an arm lock, forcing him to his knees.

  “Let him go!” His first blind impulse was to scramble over the side of the ship and run to drag him free. A strong hand clamped on his shoulder, restraining him.

  “Where the hell d’you think you’re going?” His uncle Okitane glowered down at him.

  “We’re just leaving him behind?” Masao cried, almost beside himself with desperation.

  “And you were going to do a little deal on your own? Give that here!” His uncle snatched the casket from his hand, and dealt him a blow across the face that sent him tumbling back across the deck. “Have you lost leave of your senses? You leave this ship and the Cranes will kill you. The gods know why they lured us into a trap; did they think they could get the Tide Jewels back and teach us a lesson at the same time?”

  Masao, dazed, raised a hand to his stinging cheek and saw blood on his fingertips.

  “Not everything has gone the Cranes’ way,” he heard Master Yūdai saying to his uncle. “It looks as if the iron dragon has done some damage to one of their elite warriors; he’s still lying where he fell.”

  “Archers – make ready to cover our retreat!”

  The command came from Lord Toshiro as he clambered up the rope ladder. As the Kite archers raised their bows, aiming at the Cranes on shore, Okitane added, “But don’t hit Lord Naoki.”

  ***

  “Lord Takeru! My lord!” Isamu knelt in the sand beside his master. The other retainers dismounted and came over. But Takeru lay unmoving, where his horse had thrown him.

  “What in hell’s name – ?” Kakumyo flung Naoki down. “Two of you, keep hold of the hostage.” He ran over to where Takeru lay and felt for a pulse at the side of his neck. To his relief, there was still a faint flicker of life. The thought of having to explain to Princess Asagao that he had failed to protect the heir to the Cranes, as he had once failed to protect his father…

  “Why did you intervene?” he demanded, grabbing hold of Isamu and hauling him to his feet. “The Kites thought you were attacking! Who gave the order?”

  “It was a trap!” Isamu shouted. “My lord came to warn you – ”

  At that moment Kakumyo heard the sharp hiss of arrows arcing across the waves from the retreating Kite warship. “Take cover!” he cried just as the lethal hail fell among them, scattering Takeru’s retainers.

  “Ha! The Kites are as useless at archery as ever,” one of Takeru’s men called out.

  “Shall we go after them?”

  “Not unless your armor’s waterproof – you’d sink like a stone.”

  “Forget the Tide Jewels.” Kakumyo glared at them. “Our clan lord’s lying injured here. One of you, go fetch clean cold water and a cloth.” He crouched down by Takeru again. There was something odd about his shallow breathing, the unnatural pallor… and yet he could see no sign of blood leaking into the pale sand beneath Takeru’s head.

  “What was that fireball that came from the Kite ship, captain?” Isamu knelt beside him. He put out one hand to check the pulse at his master’s wrist and Kakumyo noticed that his fingers were trembling. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

  “It was bad news for us Cranes, lad.” Kakumyo sifted sand through his fingers, searching for fragments of charred evidence. “Back in Lord Morimitsu’s time, there was talk of pyromancers working for Khoryeo. It was said they were developing a weapon that could blast a hole through the thickest of stone walls.” As he spoke, he couldn’t take his eyes off Takeru. The likeness to his dead father was so strong that he found himself blinking away sudden, unbidden tears. “Was Lord Takeru’s horse caught by the explosion? Was that why it threw him? He’s an experienced rider.” The longer Takeru lay in the sand unmoving, the more concerned he became. “The tide’s on the turn. We’ll have to move him.”

  With the help of four of the monks, they turned Takeru over. And only then did Kakumyo see what had been hidden from them before: a large, tide-smoothed pebble, half-buried in the sand. “He must have struck the side of his temple as he fell. Take him further up the beach.” He gently supported Takeru’s head as they carried him upshore away from the incoming tide. There was an ugly purplish contusion marring Takeru’s forehead, spreading beneath the hairline…but remarkably little trace of blood.

  “Let me look after him, captain,” said Isamu quietly.

  Kakumyo grunted his assent, leaving Isamu to apply a cold compress to Takeru’s forehead. He could see how shaken Isamu was; leaving the young squire with something practical to do for his lord was the best way to calm his nerves. In the meantime he had to work out what to do next.

  The other retainers had set out after Takeru’s wildly careering horse, which had finally come to a stop on the far side of the bay.

  Kakumyo stood staring at the Kite warship, which was now so far away that it had dwindled to a mere speck on the horizon.

  What was the reason for Takeru’s sudden appearance? What news had been so urgent that he had ridden in to interrupt the hostage exchange? Isamu had blurted out that they had come to warn him the meeting was a trap. What ill omen had cursed this disastrous encounter with the Kites? Kakumyo glanced up the beach to where Lord Naoki was sitting between his guards, back hunched, also gazing dejectedly at the fast-dwindling ship.

  And what exactly am I going to do with that hostage now?

  “What are your orders, C
aptain?” asked one of the warrior monks. “Should we return to the monastery?”

  Kakumyo shook his head. “We’re only two days’ ride from the castle. My first duty is to ensure Lord Takeru’s safe recovery. So let’s take him home to Kurozuro. We’ll hand the hostage over to General Tachibana for safe-keeping in the castle dungeons while we re-open negotiations with Lord Toshiro. There’re still quite a few days to go until the Tide Festival…”

  ***

  Standing in the outer courtyard of the Tide Dragon monastery was an ornate palanquin painted in crimson and gold, surrounded by an escort of foot soldiers and riders, all wearing the imperial colors.

  As Kai and the assembled monks watched, a servant opened the door of the palanquin and held out a hand to help the occupant descend. A nobleman stepped down and gazed around, blinking myopically in the sunshine; he reached inside one capacious sleeve and took out a pair of spectacles which he placed on the slender bridge of his nose, winding the supports around his ears.

  Abbot Genko went forward and bowed.

  “This doesn’t bode well,” murmured Master Seishi. Kai glanced at him. “That’s no second-rank court official. The emperor has sent his younger brother, Prince Hotaru.”

  “Prince Hotaru?” Kai had heard that the emperor’s brother was a quiet, scholarly young man, preferring to spend his days in the imperial library rather than taking part in more robust courtly pursuits of hunting and martial arts.

  “Of course, it’s possible it’s just a coincidence and the prince has come to make sure the arrangements are in place for the festival, but…”

  It was exactly as Takeru had warned them. Kai tried to stifle the feeling of panic that had begun to stir inside him. And there was still no word from Kakumyo about the hostage exchange or the stolen Tide Jewels.

  “We are honored to receive such a distinguished visitor.” The abbot’s words drifted across the courtyard to them. “Please, your highness, let us offer you some refreshment after your long and tiring journey from the capital.”