Chapter 7
Early Autumn, 1236 – The Coast off the Ivory Kingdoms
Arahime watched as the last fishing boat and staked net disappeared from sight. Doji Mushari had shared with her the planned course of the trip. The ship, the Momomaru, was manned by an Arashi crew familiar with the waters up and down the Ivory coastline. The yojimbo interacted with them very little after realizing the ship’s first mate was Arashi Parushi, the man who had made a poor joke about the Kakita school when she was visiting the Military district with Seiho before Summer Court. Still, Parushi and the crew were diligent and polite now, and Seiho had removed Parushi from his circle completely after the incident. An appropriate enough cost for such disrespect.
Passage down the river past Twin Forks to Kalani’s Landing, with its crumbling stone bridges and stepped banks, had been smooth and peaceful. The boundless gray-green ocean lay ahead of them, still cloudy and churning with the last of the monsoon rains. From here, they were to sail east, past the Aerie and a number of smaller islands that dotted the stormy waters, until they reached Aramasu’s Vigilance, where the sea was made hostile by reefs and whatever monstrous creatures might arise from the Sea of Shadows. Such dangerous waters were too risky to venture, so they would then then turn west, passing again the mouth of the twin rivers, to reach the lighthouse of Suitengu’s Torch and the jungle coastline beyond. They planned to travel up the coastline to the edge of the distance that had been explored by adventurous Mantis sailors, and then turn back and return to Second City.
The glimmering star that served as the lighthouse was already visible in the early light of evening, but it was receding as their ship made its way slowly eastward. The Crane woman felt similarly left in darkness, for although she knew her trip and destination, the ambassador still had given her no sense of its true purpose. To venture away so long just to search for shells, a job a hired crew could easily do, seemed foolish. She gripped the railing of the ship tighter, trying not to focus on her own frustration.
The old courtier emerged from below decks and came to stand beside her. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” he asked mildly.
Arahime did not turn to look at the older man. “It is beautiful.” She paused for a moment as a gull gave a lonely cry that echoed across the sighing waters. “We’ve come far away from any port, Mushari-sama.” She turned to face him directly. “Please. Now can you tell me why are we here?”
Doji Mushari gave a soft sigh. “Very well.” He led the way down into his cabin where he knelt and poured tea for her.
Once there, the words he spoke were direct. “Arahime-san. I spoke to you before of enemies the Crane have in this court. The situation has been difficult, and I know you have suffered for it. As, you know, have I. However, we are here because a great breach of honor has been committed, and I refuse to allow such any longer. We are leaving to grant the Warlord, this one chance to compel his court into respectful dealings, or else he will find his means greatly reduced indeed.”
The young woman frowned, her jaw tightening. “Tell me.”
“You have already guessed. Yes, the rumors of the court are that you and Arashi Seiho are conducting a secret affair. I do not know, at least not specifically, where the rumors started, though I know that Seiho has not denied them. He may have encouraged them. He may have been too ashamed or cowardly to confront them in protection of your honor. Or he may been innocent of spreading them, but has not denied them out of a desire to fuel his own ego. I cannot tell.”
Arahime could not hide the anger and hurt in her expression, so Mushari hastened to continue. “The important thing you need to know is that I know you are innocent. Your clan knows you are innocent, and we refuse to allow this to besmirch your good name. I am giving Lord Arashi time to address this within his court, but the Crane consider this matter grave enough that we will take strong measures if he fails to do so. Things will not continue as they have been. I still cannot have war between the Crane and Zogeku, but this will be rectified. Do you understand me, Arahime-san?”
Betrayal, anger, grief, loneliness, fear, shame....the emotions washed over Arahime like the monsoon-driven crests that had battered the shoreline they traced. She could not keep the salt-tears from the corners of her eyes. The dishonor even of the accusations, what that meant to her house....she rubbed fiercely at her eyes with the back of her hand and set her face like flint.
“Thank you for telling me, Mushari-sama,” she said quietly. “I understand why you said nothing before. I am grateful my clan does not think so of me and I know they will treat me with justice.” But I should be allowed to win my own fights. I should have had the right to duel to clear my name.
As she wept silently into her pillow that evening, she longed for her home in Otosan Uchi. For the peaceful gardens of Shiro sano Kakita. She tried to push down the feeling of homesickness. And the feeling that Doji Mushari was still holding something back from her.
Weeks passed. There were sudden squalls, not unusual for the end of monsoon season, but generally the weather stayed well. The time was quiet, spent sitting on the sunny beach watching the heimen divers dive for snails, playing go with Mushari, or watching the coastline glide slowly by. They turned from the east to travel west, back past the twin mouths of the river and Kalani’s Landing, where they took on more supplies, and headed towards the Unknown Lands. The coastline of the Unknown Territory varied. A beach of pure, silvery-white sand ended at a cliff of black stone split into strange, hexagonal columns. Long stretches of coastline had trees growing right into the water, strange trees with wide leaves and coiling roots that looked like snakes. The sailors called the trees ‘Mangroves’.
Once Arahime saw a tiger, a huge cat of orange and red, leaping into the waves in pursuit of a small deer that had darted out of the forest. Around the boat, lazy in the water, there occasionally swam the creature known as a crocodile. A heimen diver explained to her that the crocodiles were very dangerous, but were attracted to splashing and noise. They could be avoided if not hungry or threatened, which is why the divers dared venture the dangerous water for the snails. But even with the threats of crocodiles or tigers, Arahime dreaded returning to Second City even more. But it was inevitable that the day would come.
Two days into the journey back, the duelist returned to her futon for the evening. Doji Mushari had dismissed her early. Heavy clouds had rolled in during the day and the sea was getting choppy with the promise of a light evening squall, and such seas did little to settle the older Doji’s stomach. The coastline that they passed was of undifferentiated mangrove, and any creatures it might have sheltered seemed content to hide from the impending weather. There was little for it but to turn in early.
When she arrived, there on the green and white blankets lay a pair of letters. She frowned, picking up one in well-made blue paper, scented, she could tell, with vanilla. It was old and unsealed; she opened it easily. The calligraphy was instantly recognizable.
Dear Tenmei Nasuko-san,
Thank you for your kind words about my yojimbo, Kakita Arahime. She is indeed, beautiful, intelligent, dutiful, and honorable. As you hoped, she is not yet engaged, though I am certain she will be soon. She would be a credit to any house she joined, in the Empire or beyond it.
I certainly appreciate Arashi-sama’s interest in a marriage match between his grandson Seiho and the Crane. It would be in the interest of both to improve relations between these houses. These things lie in the hands of the nakados, of course, but I will do what I can to facilitate such a discussion.
Sincerely,
Doji Mushari
A sting of betrayal. A marriage match? Mushari is trying to prepare a marriage match between me and Seiho? Is all of this trip just a chance to end the rumors and make sure I am no longer angry so I would be willing to accept such a thing? Her mind raced through a thousand implications, benefits to her family and clan, the changes to the Colonies, squared against Seiho’s arrogance and the disdain of the Zogeki. So much balanced against one small thing....only the sacrifice of all hope for her future happiness. And Harun.
Arahime opened the second letter. This one was newer, the paper plain and unmarked, the calligraphy without particular merit.
Kakita Arahime-sama,
I know when last we spoke, my words to you were shameful. But I ask you to see past such differences to our mutual benefit. I have tried to come forward earlier in this voyage, but shame held me back and I never found the right time. But now time is running out. A marriage between yourself and Arashi Seiho, while it may seem of value to toothless old men, will bring misery to you both. Neither Zogeku or Rokugan are served by your unhappiness. I have spoken with Seiho-sama. I believe there is a way we can prevent this match while retaining the honor of all involved. If this is your wish also, meet me on deck tonight after the midnight bell is rung and I will tell you my plan.
In confidence,
Arashi Parushi
The young woman’s eyes narrowed. I will go. I will listen to him. But I will never, ever trust him.
A pair of lanterns lit the deck with quiet pools of light. The stars and moon were hidden by the overcast sky, but the rough silhouette of the jungle served as sufficient guide. The ship was not at anchor; the sea was choppy enough that an anchored boat invited in water washed over the sides. Fortunately, the area was clear of reefs. A steady breeze blew eastward towards Kalani’s Landing, so there was no reason to stop for the night anyway. The sailors were eager to return home. One of the sailors held the helm, another made minor adjustments to the sail when needed, and Arashi Parushi awaited her on deck, keeping watch.
Kakita Arahime took comfort in the steady weight of her daisho on her hip. She wished for her armor, but had had to acknowledge that wearing armor shipboard was foolish. “Parushi-san,” she offered, focusing on keeping her On steady and her voice cool. “You wished to speak with me?”
The big Zogeki stood near the railing, watching for pirates or any other that might threaten the ship. He looked over at her. Arashi Purashi was tall and muscular, fairer of skin than many of the others of his family. It was easy to see the Mantis blood bred true in him. He bowed. “Thank you for coming, Arahime-sama. I am...” he hesitated, “...sorry...that I did not give the letter to you earlier. I did not know how to talk about it. And with the false rumors, it was even more difficult.”
A heart of flint. A heart of steel. “When was the letter sent?”
“I’m not certain. Seiho did not give it to me until just before we left. I don’t think he wants this match either. He’s given to fascinations, maybe. But he’s young. He’d rather be the playboy. He doesn’t want the responsibility of being husband, or Warlord, a day before he has to assume it. Marrying, even to one as honorable as you are, Kakita-sama, would not permit that.”
That, Arahime could believe was true. “And you have a plan?” she asked cautiously.
“I do.” Parushi gave a look across the deck at one of the sailors who was casually mending a line that had snapped in a sudden gust of wind. He gestured for Arahime to come closer so they wouldn’t be overheard.
Arahime frowned and approached, glancing towards the dark and choppy waters and the black shadows of the shoreline. “What is it, then?” she said, her voice suspicious, but quiet.
“This.”
Purashi twisted and grabbed the back of the smaller woman’s haori with both hands, hauling sideways and upwards. Arahime flailed, her hands finding nothing but air as she reached out to grab anything she could to prevent her fall. But void and darkness surrounded her and churning waters lay below her. She was flying over the side of the ship and into the tropical waters with a splash.
The world melted into a gasp for air and a thousand bubbles. The light of the lanterns on the ship was enough, just barely, to orient her towards the surface. A few strokes, and she was able to reach it with a sputtering gasp. But before she could even cry out, another small wave crashed over her, pushing her back under again. When she made it up to the surface again, the lanterns were smaller and further in the distance. She seized another breath to call out to the ship for help, Though who would hear but Purashi himself...those others on the deck were certainly his men, or they would already be turning around for me..., but another waved shoved her down again.
By the time she emerged from the next set of choppy waves, no one on the ship could have heard her over the sound of the sea anyway.
Early Autumn, 1236 – The Coast off the Ivory Kingdoms
Arahime watched as the last fishing boat and staked net disappeared from sight. Doji Mushari had shared with her the planned course of the trip. The ship, the Momomaru, was manned by an Arashi crew familiar with the waters up and down the Ivory coastline. The yojimbo interacted with them very little after realizing the ship’s first mate was Arashi Parushi, the man who had made a poor joke about the Kakita school when she was visiting the Military district with Seiho before Summer Court. Still, Parushi and the crew were diligent and polite now, and Seiho had removed Parushi from his circle completely after the incident. An appropriate enough cost for such disrespect.
Passage down the river past Twin Forks to Kalani’s Landing, with its crumbling stone bridges and stepped banks, had been smooth and peaceful. The boundless gray-green ocean lay ahead of them, still cloudy and churning with the last of the monsoon rains. From here, they were to sail east, past the Aerie and a number of smaller islands that dotted the stormy waters, until they reached Aramasu’s Vigilance, where the sea was made hostile by reefs and whatever monstrous creatures might arise from the Sea of Shadows. Such dangerous waters were too risky to venture, so they would then then turn west, passing again the mouth of the twin rivers, to reach the lighthouse of Suitengu’s Torch and the jungle coastline beyond. They planned to travel up the coastline to the edge of the distance that had been explored by adventurous Mantis sailors, and then turn back and return to Second City.
The glimmering star that served as the lighthouse was already visible in the early light of evening, but it was receding as their ship made its way slowly eastward. The Crane woman felt similarly left in darkness, for although she knew her trip and destination, the ambassador still had given her no sense of its true purpose. To venture away so long just to search for shells, a job a hired crew could easily do, seemed foolish. She gripped the railing of the ship tighter, trying not to focus on her own frustration.
The old courtier emerged from below decks and came to stand beside her. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” he asked mildly.
Arahime did not turn to look at the older man. “It is beautiful.” She paused for a moment as a gull gave a lonely cry that echoed across the sighing waters. “We’ve come far away from any port, Mushari-sama.” She turned to face him directly. “Please. Now can you tell me why are we here?”
Doji Mushari gave a soft sigh. “Very well.” He led the way down into his cabin where he knelt and poured tea for her.
Once there, the words he spoke were direct. “Arahime-san. I spoke to you before of enemies the Crane have in this court. The situation has been difficult, and I know you have suffered for it. As, you know, have I. However, we are here because a great breach of honor has been committed, and I refuse to allow such any longer. We are leaving to grant the Warlord, this one chance to compel his court into respectful dealings, or else he will find his means greatly reduced indeed.”
The young woman frowned, her jaw tightening. “Tell me.”
“You have already guessed. Yes, the rumors of the court are that you and Arashi Seiho are conducting a secret affair. I do not know, at least not specifically, where the rumors started, though I know that Seiho has not denied them. He may have encouraged them. He may have been too ashamed or cowardly to confront them in protection of your honor. Or he may been innocent of spreading them, but has not denied them out of a desire to fuel his own ego. I cannot tell.”
Arahime could not hide the anger and hurt in her expression, so Mushari hastened to continue. “The important thing you need to know is that I know you are innocent. Your clan knows you are innocent, and we refuse to allow this to besmirch your good name. I am giving Lord Arashi time to address this within his court, but the Crane consider this matter grave enough that we will take strong measures if he fails to do so. Things will not continue as they have been. I still cannot have war between the Crane and Zogeku, but this will be rectified. Do you understand me, Arahime-san?”
Betrayal, anger, grief, loneliness, fear, shame....the emotions washed over Arahime like the monsoon-driven crests that had battered the shoreline they traced. She could not keep the salt-tears from the corners of her eyes. The dishonor even of the accusations, what that meant to her house....she rubbed fiercely at her eyes with the back of her hand and set her face like flint.
“Thank you for telling me, Mushari-sama,” she said quietly. “I understand why you said nothing before. I am grateful my clan does not think so of me and I know they will treat me with justice.” But I should be allowed to win my own fights. I should have had the right to duel to clear my name.
As she wept silently into her pillow that evening, she longed for her home in Otosan Uchi. For the peaceful gardens of Shiro sano Kakita. She tried to push down the feeling of homesickness. And the feeling that Doji Mushari was still holding something back from her.
Weeks passed. There were sudden squalls, not unusual for the end of monsoon season, but generally the weather stayed well. The time was quiet, spent sitting on the sunny beach watching the heimen divers dive for snails, playing go with Mushari, or watching the coastline glide slowly by. They turned from the east to travel west, back past the twin mouths of the river and Kalani’s Landing, where they took on more supplies, and headed towards the Unknown Lands. The coastline of the Unknown Territory varied. A beach of pure, silvery-white sand ended at a cliff of black stone split into strange, hexagonal columns. Long stretches of coastline had trees growing right into the water, strange trees with wide leaves and coiling roots that looked like snakes. The sailors called the trees ‘Mangroves’.
Once Arahime saw a tiger, a huge cat of orange and red, leaping into the waves in pursuit of a small deer that had darted out of the forest. Around the boat, lazy in the water, there occasionally swam the creature known as a crocodile. A heimen diver explained to her that the crocodiles were very dangerous, but were attracted to splashing and noise. They could be avoided if not hungry or threatened, which is why the divers dared venture the dangerous water for the snails. But even with the threats of crocodiles or tigers, Arahime dreaded returning to Second City even more. But it was inevitable that the day would come.
Two days into the journey back, the duelist returned to her futon for the evening. Doji Mushari had dismissed her early. Heavy clouds had rolled in during the day and the sea was getting choppy with the promise of a light evening squall, and such seas did little to settle the older Doji’s stomach. The coastline that they passed was of undifferentiated mangrove, and any creatures it might have sheltered seemed content to hide from the impending weather. There was little for it but to turn in early.
When she arrived, there on the green and white blankets lay a pair of letters. She frowned, picking up one in well-made blue paper, scented, she could tell, with vanilla. It was old and unsealed; she opened it easily. The calligraphy was instantly recognizable.
Dear Tenmei Nasuko-san,
Thank you for your kind words about my yojimbo, Kakita Arahime. She is indeed, beautiful, intelligent, dutiful, and honorable. As you hoped, she is not yet engaged, though I am certain she will be soon. She would be a credit to any house she joined, in the Empire or beyond it.
I certainly appreciate Arashi-sama’s interest in a marriage match between his grandson Seiho and the Crane. It would be in the interest of both to improve relations between these houses. These things lie in the hands of the nakados, of course, but I will do what I can to facilitate such a discussion.
Sincerely,
Doji Mushari
A sting of betrayal. A marriage match? Mushari is trying to prepare a marriage match between me and Seiho? Is all of this trip just a chance to end the rumors and make sure I am no longer angry so I would be willing to accept such a thing? Her mind raced through a thousand implications, benefits to her family and clan, the changes to the Colonies, squared against Seiho’s arrogance and the disdain of the Zogeki. So much balanced against one small thing....only the sacrifice of all hope for her future happiness. And Harun.
Arahime opened the second letter. This one was newer, the paper plain and unmarked, the calligraphy without particular merit.
Kakita Arahime-sama,
I know when last we spoke, my words to you were shameful. But I ask you to see past such differences to our mutual benefit. I have tried to come forward earlier in this voyage, but shame held me back and I never found the right time. But now time is running out. A marriage between yourself and Arashi Seiho, while it may seem of value to toothless old men, will bring misery to you both. Neither Zogeku or Rokugan are served by your unhappiness. I have spoken with Seiho-sama. I believe there is a way we can prevent this match while retaining the honor of all involved. If this is your wish also, meet me on deck tonight after the midnight bell is rung and I will tell you my plan.
In confidence,
Arashi Parushi
The young woman’s eyes narrowed. I will go. I will listen to him. But I will never, ever trust him.
A pair of lanterns lit the deck with quiet pools of light. The stars and moon were hidden by the overcast sky, but the rough silhouette of the jungle served as sufficient guide. The ship was not at anchor; the sea was choppy enough that an anchored boat invited in water washed over the sides. Fortunately, the area was clear of reefs. A steady breeze blew eastward towards Kalani’s Landing, so there was no reason to stop for the night anyway. The sailors were eager to return home. One of the sailors held the helm, another made minor adjustments to the sail when needed, and Arashi Parushi awaited her on deck, keeping watch.
Kakita Arahime took comfort in the steady weight of her daisho on her hip. She wished for her armor, but had had to acknowledge that wearing armor shipboard was foolish. “Parushi-san,” she offered, focusing on keeping her On steady and her voice cool. “You wished to speak with me?”
The big Zogeki stood near the railing, watching for pirates or any other that might threaten the ship. He looked over at her. Arashi Purashi was tall and muscular, fairer of skin than many of the others of his family. It was easy to see the Mantis blood bred true in him. He bowed. “Thank you for coming, Arahime-sama. I am...” he hesitated, “...sorry...that I did not give the letter to you earlier. I did not know how to talk about it. And with the false rumors, it was even more difficult.”
A heart of flint. A heart of steel. “When was the letter sent?”
“I’m not certain. Seiho did not give it to me until just before we left. I don’t think he wants this match either. He’s given to fascinations, maybe. But he’s young. He’d rather be the playboy. He doesn’t want the responsibility of being husband, or Warlord, a day before he has to assume it. Marrying, even to one as honorable as you are, Kakita-sama, would not permit that.”
That, Arahime could believe was true. “And you have a plan?” she asked cautiously.
“I do.” Parushi gave a look across the deck at one of the sailors who was casually mending a line that had snapped in a sudden gust of wind. He gestured for Arahime to come closer so they wouldn’t be overheard.
Arahime frowned and approached, glancing towards the dark and choppy waters and the black shadows of the shoreline. “What is it, then?” she said, her voice suspicious, but quiet.
“This.”
Purashi twisted and grabbed the back of the smaller woman’s haori with both hands, hauling sideways and upwards. Arahime flailed, her hands finding nothing but air as she reached out to grab anything she could to prevent her fall. But void and darkness surrounded her and churning waters lay below her. She was flying over the side of the ship and into the tropical waters with a splash.
The world melted into a gasp for air and a thousand bubbles. The light of the lanterns on the ship was enough, just barely, to orient her towards the surface. A few strokes, and she was able to reach it with a sputtering gasp. But before she could even cry out, another small wave crashed over her, pushing her back under again. When she made it up to the surface again, the lanterns were smaller and further in the distance. She seized another breath to call out to the ship for help, Though who would hear but Purashi himself...those others on the deck were certainly his men, or they would already be turning around for me..., but another waved shoved her down again.
By the time she emerged from the next set of choppy waves, no one on the ship could have heard her over the sound of the sea anyway.
