Where the Reeds Grow Thick

Chapter 13

Shige woke up early the following day, feeling well-rested and ready to face the day. She dressed in her kimono and went to the teahouse to start her shift. As she walked, the weight of the tsuba in her pocket thumped against her leg, reminding her of what she searched for.

She knew it might be a long shot, but it was their only clue so far. When she arrived at the teahouse, Waka greeted her with a smile. "Good morning, Shige-san. How did you sleep?"

"I slept well, thank you," Shige replied, returning the smile. "Is there anything I need to know before I start?"

Waka shook her head. "Not really. You did a good job yesterday. Just keep doing what you're doing."

Shige nodded and took her place behind the counter. As the day went on, she served tea and food to the customers, just like before. But this time, she was more determined to listen and observe, hoping to overhear any conversations that might give her a clue about her brother's whereabouts.

The steam and grease from the kitchen permeated her skin, the overbearing noise of the customers making it almost impossible to understand anyone by noon. By now, two men wandered into the teahouse, providing a happy distraction in their secluded area; the two swords each carried signified their samurai status. Knowing how uptight and changeable Takuma was simply as a samurai's servant, she prepared herself for anything.

She approached their table with a tea set, minding the hot water in the pot. "Good morning," she said as cheerily as she could. "We have no rice wine available, but could I interest you in some tea?"

The samurai looked her over,their eyes lingering on her kimono and unadorned hair. Shige tried to not let their gazes intimidate her. One of them, a taller man of about forty, finally answered her. "Tea will do just fine, thank you," he said, his voice low and rusty.

Despite his voice, the man's tone was friendly, and Shige relaxed. He was dressed in light armor over a white and green kimono, tucked into black hakama. The other man was dressed similarly; their linen clothing gave off a casual air.

Shige poured the tea, smiling at them both. "Are you two patrolling the neighborhood to scout for battle?" she asked.

The second man, white-haired and nearing old age, chuckled. "No, no, the battle has moved on from Kyōto, finally. Now we're watching out for looters and bandits, general mischief."

"General mischief mostly being the bandits," the first man clarified with humor.

Shige's heart raced at the mention of bandits. "Have you seen any suspicious activity?" she asked, trying to hide her eagerness.

The men spoke of this thief or that one for a while longer before ordering their food. Shige left to attend to other customers, but the green-clad man's eyes roamed with her.

As the day went on, Shige couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. Every time she glanced over her shoulder, she saw the green-clad samurai sitting alone at his table, watching her with a focused intensity that sent shivers down her spine. She tried to ignore it and continued with her work, but she couldn't shake the feeling that he knew something about her brother's disappearance.

Just as she was about to give up hope, the samurai signaled for her to come over. She approached his table with caution, unsure of what he wanted. "Is there anything else I can get for you, sir?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

The samurai shook his head. "No, but I couldn't help but notice that tsuba you're carrying,"he said, nodding towards the object in her pocket. "May I see it?"

Shige hesitated, unsure of whether or not she should trust him. But something in her told her that he might be able to help her. "Yes, of course," she said, untying it from her obi and handing it to him.

The samurai examined it closely, his fingers tracing the etchings. "This belongs to Shiba Mitsumasa, or perhaps his son now," he said, his voice low. "Where did you get it?"

Shige explained to him about Hina finding it on the bandit and giving it to her. The samurai looked thoughtful. "I see. Perhaps Shiba Hidemasa was out there chasing his family's lost fortune."

"Oh?" said Shige, careful of others listening.

"Two years ago, this war began, and his father's home was razed. I was a retainer of Mitsumasa, so that also cut me deep. With no paternal headquarters, it would seem Hidemasa is chasing looters. Or has become one himself, if rumor rings true."

Shige couldn't resist sitting next to the man. "Do you know where this Hidemasa is? My brother, Eiichi, he's missing. I'm worried he was caught by bandits on the road. If Hidemasa is responsible, I need to find him."

The samurai bowed. "We should meet somewhere less crowded to discuss this further. Eyes are everywhere."

Quickly, she giggled, pretending to be flirted with. "Oh, samurai-sama, of course! I get off in an hour; we can meet in my room. Do come back then."

The green-clad samurai gave her a small bow before leaving the teahouse. Shige's heart was pounding in her chest as she finished her shift. She couldn't believe that she might be closer to finding her brother.

After the teahouse closed, Shige rushed back to her room. She quickly tidied up and waited for the samurai to arrive. "Takuma," she said, throwing the covers from where he slept. "Get up and be presentable! A samurai is coming who's heard of your lord."

Takuma groggily sat up, rubbing his eyes. "What? Who's coming?"

"A samurai who knows about the Shiba family. He might have information about Eiichi," she said, her voice shaking with excitement.

Takuma nodded and quickly dressed, grabbing his sword and tucking it into his kosode ties. He stood by the door, waiting for the samurai to arrive. When there was a knock, Shige quickly opened the door, revealing the green-clad samurai.

"Please, come in," she said, gesturing for him to enter.

The samurai bowed respectfully before stepping inside. He took a seat on the floor, facing Takuma and Shige. "I am Imagawa Katsunori," he said. "As a boyhood retainer of the Shiba family, I know a thing or two about their affairs."

Takuma bowed deeply. "Thank you for coming. I am Takuma, servant of Shiba Hidemasa, and this is Shige of Yamazaki."

"Please, tell us anything you know," Shige insisted.

Imagawa nodded, his clever eyes betraying the plans he made within. "I heard you talking about the tsuba earlier. It belonged to Mitsumasa, as I said before. His son, Hidemasa, has been searching for the lost family fortune since his home was destroyed two years ago at the start of this war. He's been chasing down bandits and looters hoping to find it, but it seems he hasn't had much luck."

"Do you think he might have captured my brother?" Shige asked, her voice shaking. "Can you take us to him?"

Imagawa hesitated before nodding. "Takuma-san, you know where your lord comes from and goes to, generally. You wait with Shige for a week to see if Hidemasa shows up. If he doesn't, I'll take you where he was last seen. We'll spring him."

"Thank you, Imagawa-sama," said Shige. "May I ask, why would you help us so readily?"

Imagawa tapped at his knees with his fingertips. "In times of war, allied clans need to stay civil. Mitsumasa built the first steps for my career as his retainer, and I owe him greatly for it. If not for him, I would be a horse groom like my father; horses and I don't often get along."

Shige was impressed by Imagawa's loyalty. Takuma, seeming to feel the same, bowed to the man. "I feel my lord is simply held over," said Takuma. "But I appreciate your loyalty."

The samurai rose to his feet, bowing before turning to leave. "Be careful," he warned as he exited the room.

Takuma and Shige sat in silence for a moment, considering their next steps. "Do you think we should trust him?" Shige asked finally.

"He seems sincere enough. And he knew about the Shiba family, which gives him credibility."

Shige nodded. "We'll wait and see. And if we have to, we'll take matters into our own hands."