Shadow in Lightning

Chapter 4

Let me tell you, This place was huge! Like the size of a small village built in a valley between two mountains and with a river flowing right through the middle of the estate. The river passed under the main house and was being diverted to all kinds of different places throughout the complex. What's more impressive is that the river diversions were laid out to make it look like flowers were blooming from the sides if you looked at it from the sky. It was absolutely beautiful. He had a labyrinth-like garden in the main court that led to a tall yellow pagoda surrounded by cherry blossoms. On the right of the main building looked like a small tower like a building fused to the mountain and on the left was small housing built for the staff. Lastly behind the main building was what looked like a platform with ships of all different shapes and sizes. I assumed we would be landing on that. In which case I was right. We docked on the landing pad and carried Yago-Denka's belongings into the large store room with wooden walls and boxes everywhere. We stacked his belongings in an area that seemed relatively empty and proceeded into the house from a door along the back wall. The maid guided Yazui and myself through the manor. The floors were all made of marble with glass plating in the center of the floors making a line that allowed you to see the river below. The walls were made of cherry wood that had a gentle hint of red in them, and they were lined with portraits of Yago, His wife, his brother, and... Hatomie... By the gods. Hatomie was Yago's daughter. She was much younger but you couldn't mistake her. No. No. No. This can't be. I was shocked just standing there staring at the painting and while I did so all of my feelings, emotions, and memories came flooding back.

I must have stood there for an hour staring at the painting on the wall when a beautiful woman walked up to me. When she spoke it was like silk woven from the light of the moon.

"Beautiful isnt she. It was almost impossible to get her to pose for this portrait. She was such a tomboy. Haha. Always sneaking off to train with the guards or hanging from the window of the manor pretending she was a ninja on a secret mission. We've missed her so much that it would be hard to explain. By the way you look at her I'm assuming you knew her? Would you mind telling me?"

I looked at the woman filled with despair and I saw it. This woman was definitely Hatomie's mother.

"Yes my lady, I would be happy to tell you about how wonderful she was."

"Tehe. That would be marvelous, however please just call me Sakuri. No honorifics after all I'm just a peasant who is lucky enough to be blessed with a loving family."

"As you wish, lady Sakuri."

She chuckled a little and guided me to a room where we could talk in private. We talked for hours. Well into the night and by the time we finished dawn was upon us. And with a yawn she stood up and asked me to follow her. She led me out of the manor and to one of the buildings on the west side of the estate. She told me I was welcome to use this house as my own for as long as I wished. She then turned around and began to walk away, then she paused and slightly turned towards me and said ever so gently.

"Thank you so very much. You kind words have given me comfort. To know Hatomie was herself till the very end is more than I could ask for. I'm sure my husband will call for you soon. I'll be sure to ensure he treats you kindly. Oh and before you go I would like for you to have something."

I reached inside my luggage bag and pulled out the cloak made of crow feathers. Then handed it to her.

"Hatomie made this while she was with me. I think it would be best if you had it. Something to remember her by."

Tears welled in her eyes as she took the cloak and buried her face in it.

"Thank you. Thank you so much Hidamora-san. This is a kindness that won't be forgotten."