Where the Reeds Grow Thick

Chapter 8

For two days, Shige walked with Takuma, trudging through rice paddies and over rivers to avoid the path of footsoldiers.

On the second evening, a flax-growing village was a welcome sight. Shige removed her soaked waraji, feeling her blistered feet finally getting some respite. Takuma sat beside her, sipping on a flask of water.

Shige let herself breathe for a moment before gazing around the mouth of the village. It was much smaller than her hometown, mainly composed of an ox shed, grain mill, a few scattered houses, and a distant flax field. As the sun began to set, the villagers lit lanterns and candles, their warm glow casting a soft light on the surrounding fields. Shige and Takuma sat in silence, watching the villagers go about their nightly routines.

Suddenly, a sound pierced the peaceful night. It was a scream, coming from the direction of the oxshed. Shige stood up, hand on her bow, ready for whatever danger may come their way.

Takuma rose slowly, his head turning in the direction of the scream. "We should investigate," he said.

Shige nodded, her grip tightening on her bow. They made their way towards the ox shed, the screams growing louder with each step. As they approached, Shigerelaxed at the sight of a simple bonfire.

The villagers gathered around a great blaze, some of them crying out in excitement. Shige and Takuma approached cautiously, trying to determine what was happening. As they drew closer, they saw that the villagers had gathered around a spit, four large catfish turning over the flames.

Relief washed over Shige; it was a mere feast, not the danger they had anticipated. From the small crowd, Shige spotted a woman about Takuma's age, and she approached her softly.

"Excuse me," Shige said, "But we heard a scream and thought someone might be in trouble."

The woman smiled at Shige, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, no harm done," she said. "We were just celebrating the harvest season with a fish roast. Would you and your companion care to join us?"

Shige glanced at Takuma, who seemed hesitant. She knew he didn't like playing the guest, but after days of traveling and sleeping rough, a hot meal and some company would do them both some good.

"We would be honored," Shige said with a small bow.

The woman led them to a spot near the fire, where they sat and watched as the catfish cooked. The flames cast flickering shadows over the faces of the villagers, some of whom were singing and playing instruments. The woman brought Shige and Takuma each a portion of fish, and they ate in grateful silence.

"Call me Hina," said the woman. "Who are you two? If you're scared of the evil eye, don't answer."

Shige smiled. "I'm Shige, and this is Takuma. We're just passing through, trying to reach Kyōto."

Hina paused, and sat to sharpen a small scythe with visible irritation. "Mm. Takuma, you say? Now that you say that, I recognize you. You know, we're all thinking of burning your lord's summer house, down the way."

Takuma stiffened at Hina's words, his hand tightening on his sword. Shige could tell he was conflicted, torn between his duty to his lord and his newfound sense of justice.

"Why would you do such a thing?" Shige asked, trying to diffuse the tension.

Hina shrugged. "He's disappeared and allowed bandits to run amok in the countryside," she said flatly. Looking to Takuma, Hina perked her thin eyebrows. "And what happened to you, Takuma-sama? Last I saw you, you could see."

Takuma's expression darkened, and he lowered his gaze. "Smallpox, trapped on Mount Tennō," he grunted.

Hina kept a frown on her face. "I see. Well, it's dark now. Come, both of you. Stay in my hut for the night."

Shige and Takuma thanked Hina for her offer, and followed her through the village. As they walked, Shige couldn't help but feel uneasy. The villagers seemed friendly enough, but their talk of burning down Takuma's lord's summer house made her nervous. She couldn't trust anyone's intentions in these uncertain times.

Hina's hut was simple, but cozy. The walls were made of packed earth, and a single candle illuminated the space. A straw mat lay in the corner of the room, next to a pile of blankets.

"I hope it is to your liking," Hina said, gesturing to the mat. "It is not much, but it is dry."

"It's comfortable," Shige assured. With a nod, Hina sat in a corner and drifted into sleep, her chin in one hand and the other still gripping the scythe.

Shige laid down on the mat next to Takuma, feeling the exhaustion of their journey catching up to her. She watched as Takuma stared up at the ceiling, lost in thought.

"Do you think they'll actually burn down your lord's house?" Shige asked quietly.

Takuma sighed heavily. "It's possible," he said.

Shige nodded, sensing Takuma's desire for silence.