Lian Hearn - Tales of the Otori 02 by Grass for His Pillow

Author:Grass for His Pillow
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-06-04T13:18:33+00:00

Jo

“You must make some decisions,” she said quietly. “Otherwise we will all starve before spring.”

“I am reluctant to approach anyone,” Kaede said. “I must not seem like a supplicant, desperate and needy. I know I must go to Arai eventually, but I think it can wait till winter is over.”

“I believe the birds will begin to gather before then,” Shizuka said. “Arai will send someone to you, I expect.”

“And what about you, Shizuka?” Kaede said. The pillar was in position and the new lantern in place. Tonight she would place a lamp in it; it would look beautiful in the frosty garden under the clear sky. “What will you do? I don’t suppose you will stay with me forever, will you? You must have other concerns. What about your sons? You must long to see them. And what are your commands from the Tribe?”

“Nothing more at the moment than to continue looking after your interests,” Shizuka replied.

“Would they have taken the child as they took Takeo?” Kaede said, and then immediately added, “Oh, don’t answer me, there is no point now.” She felt the tears threaten and pressed her lips firmly together. She was silent for a few moments and then went on, “I suppose you keep them informed of my actions and decisions too?”

“I send messages from time to time to my uncle—when I thought you were close to death, for instance. And I would tell him of any new developments: if you were to decide to marry again, that sort of thing.”

“I won’t be doing that.” As the afternoon light began to fade, the pink plumage of the ibis glowed more deeply. It was very still. Now that the workmen had finished, the garden seemed more silent than ever. And in the silence she heard again the promise of the White Goddess: Be patient.

I will marry no one but him, she vowed again. I will be patient.

It was the last day of sunshine. The weather became damp and raw. A few days later Kondo returned from one of his patrols in a rainstorm. Dismounting rapidly, he called to the women in the house, “There are strangers on the road: Lord Arai’s men, five or six, and horses.”

Kaede told him to assemble as many men as possible and give the impression there were many more at call.

“Tell the women to prepare food,” she said to Shizuka. “Everything we have, make it lavish. We must seem to be prospering. Help me change my clothes, and bring my sisters. Then you must stay out of sight.”

She put on the most elegant robe that Fujiwara had given her, remembering as she always did the day she had promised it to Hana.

She will get it when it Jits her, she thought, and I swear I will be there to see her wear it.

Hana and Ai entered the room, Hana chattering excitedly and jumping up and down to keep warm. Ayame followed, carrying a brazier. Kaede winced when she saw how full of charcoal it was: They would shiver more when Arai’s men were gone.

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