Where the Reeds Grow Thick

Chapter 14

For the next week, Shige and Takuma kept a close eye on the teahouse and the surrounding areas, hoping to glimpse Shiba Hidemasa. But despite their efforts, they didn't see anything out of the ordinary. As the days passed, Shige grew more anxious; she knew that time was running out to find her brother before something terrible happened to him.

On the eighth day of their vigil, as Shige was getting ready to start her shift at the teahouse, Imagawa returned. "I have news," he said, his face grave. "I couldn't track him, but the hotelier gave me a letter this morning, addressed to Takuma."

Shige nodded. "I can't read kanji; please read it, Imagawa-sama." Imagawa took the letter from its envelope, scanning it with his eyes for a moment.

"Ah! It's written in hiragana anyway," he said. "'My loyal servant, Takuma: it has been months since we set out for the mountain shrines. Regrettably, Sannomaru and Genmaru have passed on from the pox demon's influence. Wherever you may be, I plead with you to return to our newly built home. If this finds you well, I hope to see you soon.'"

Takuma hung his head, shifting to sit on his heels. "I... am glad it wasn't my lord's eldest sons to die. At least."

Shige was compelled to hold his hand. "We have an address to find him now. We can stop at a shrine to offer tribute if you want."

Takuma nodded, taking comfort in Shige's touch. "It's the least we can do for the boys. Neither of them reached the age of three."

Imagawa nodded. "I'll accompany you if there are any dangers on the road."

The trio set off towards Shiba Hidemasa's home, located in a remote area of Ayabe. The journey was long and treacherous, but they finally arrived.

An expansive, single-level castle sat protected atop a tall hill, the Shiba clan banner perched at any available corner. The austere architecture and simple landscaping told Shige that this was an old family, sensible in their interests.

Walking to the foot of the hill, Imagawa shouted up the stone staircase, "Good afternoon! I am Imagawa Katsunori, a representative of the Ōta clan. I've come to bring the servant Takuma home."

There was a long pause before a voice boomed, "Who are you to come here and disturb us?"

Imagawa bowed deeply. "I apologize for any offense, but we come in peace. We have a message from Shiba Hidemasa."

The voice hesitated before replying, "Very well. Come up and state your business."

The three walked up the stairs,mindful of any escape routes. When they reached the top, two guards stood at the gate, spears held upright as they waited.

Imagawa stepped forward,showing the letter to the guards. "We've received this letter from Lord Shiba. If possible, we'd like to speak with him."

One of the guards took the letter and inspected it. With his face growing pale, the guard handed it back. "Lord Shiba is not in the vicinity; Lady Toku can give you an audience. Follow us."

They led the group to the main hall, where servants quickly closed off a room with a sheer curtain. "Lady Toku, the servant Takuma has returned," said a guard, bowing as he and the other left.

"Shige-san," Takuma whispered. "Position me where the curtain is."

She led him there, keeping her eyes averted from the noblewoman. Quickly, Takuma prostrated himself before the curtain. "This worthless one is relieved to be back in your service," he said.

The screen hid all features of the woman, past her immaculate hands perched beneath it; the fine silk of her layered sleeves draped the floor in white, green, and cream. Shige noted the woman's antiquated clothing, her white-painted face gleaming in the low light.

The woman stood and studied Takuma, her hands softly in her lap. "Your lady greets you, Takuma. Are you well?"

"I contracted smallpox, princess. I can no longer see; please take pity and do not release me from service."

Shige strained to understand the formal syntax and obscure words but stood firm, trying not to look like a bumpkin in this austere court. Imagawa stepped forward to help Takuma stand when Lady Toku gave the signal.

"I feared so," said Lady Toku. "As you read in the letter I sent, Lady Kirinohi's youngest son has passed, and that of Lady Matsu. I was hoping my husband was with you to receive the news, but he remains elusive, it seems."

Shige heard the pain in the woman's husky voice. It was a good sign that Lady Toku mourned her husband's children by the concubines.

"Noble princess," Shige said, bowing deeply. "I am Shige of Yamazaki. I found Takuma wandering alone in the mountains almost two months ago. Uh, I... Excuse me. I've been helping him to return here, and I'm glad to have given the little help I could. Your husband helped my family evacuate to those same mountains to avoid a battle, but..."

Shige didn't know if she should mention the bandits' deception or the suspicion that Hidemasa was one of them.

"My brother, Eiichi," she continued. "He went missing around that same time, and we have reason to believe... that... your lord husband has been in contact with the bandits."

Silence passed, and Lady Toku sat down without a sound. "My husband has run off with Lady Matsu, Lady Mamako as her real name goes. It's a well-known fact in this court that he has friends in the bandit groups. I would not be surprised if he were one himself now."

Shige's heart sank at Lady Toku's words. She had suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed was still a blow. "How horrible. Do you think they would kill my brother?"

Lady Toku's voice trembled as she spoke on. "It's hard to say. But if your brother is in their hands, I cannot help you. Hidemasa has blackened my reputation, and I fear I must end my life to recover it."

Shige was shocked at the sudden turn of events. She had not expected Lady Toku to be so distressed. She felt deep sympathy for the noblewoman and knew she could not leave without trying to help.

Imagawa stepped forward. "With all due respect, Lady Toku, I cannot stand idle while a man with connections to bandits continues to cause harm. Live for your daughter and your husband's remaining sons, and allow me to bring him to justice."

Lady Toku's shadowy form bowed deep behind the screen. "What clan do you belong to, to show me this loyalty?"

"By birth, the Totomi Imagawa, as a retainer the Shiba clan, by marriage the Ōta clan," Imagawa recited. "I am Imagawa Katsunori. As all these clans are allied, I offer my service to whichever needs it."

Lady Toku was quiet for a moment. "I thank you, Lord Imagawa. You have done much already with your efforts to bring the servant Takuma safely to me. I give you leave to find my husband and bring him to justice."

Shige and Imagawa bowed deeply, and Takuma followed their lead. "I am honored by your trust, princess," said Imagawa.

Lady Toku retired from the room. Exiting the main hall, Shige found a small shrine for the deceased children by the door. Placing some flat stones for the children to stack in the afterlife, Shige offered the Jizo statue her string of prayer beads.

As she closed her eyes and whispered a prayer, determination and purpose washed over her. She knew the road ahead would be dangerous, but she was willing to face any obstacle if it meant getting justice--if not for herself, then for Lady Toku and all who suffered from the bandits' reign.