Night Boat by Spence Alan

Author:Spence, Alan [Alan Spence]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780857868527
Publisher: Canongate Books Ltd

Shichibei had said my father was alive and well, but he had qualified it with that Although . . . Now he told me the whole story, the reason he was here, and at first it made no sense. He said my father had grown increasingly troubled. He looked haggard from lack of sleep and had taken to getting up in the middle of the night, wandering aimlessly from room to room, sometimes going outside where Shichibei had found him once or twice, staring in the direction of Fuji and muttering to himself.

It’s all falling into ruin and decay, he would say. It’s disintegrating into nothing. Then he would say Ekaku is the only one who can make a difference, the only one who can save it.

What is he talking about? I asked. The world? The universe? That’s too big a job for me!

The temple, said Shichibei. He’s talking about Shoin-ji.

Shoin-ji? I said. The place was run-down even when I was there. So I can well imagine the state it’s in now.

With respect, said Shichibei, bowing, I don’t think you can. It’s utterly derelict. The walls have cracked and crumbled, and the roofs have caved in. There’s nothing to keep out the rain, and even indoors you have to wear a hat or carry an umbrella. The straw matting on the floors has rotted away and all the sacred books and scrolls have been damaged. Soon, said your father, it will disappear completely. The earth will swallow it up and a field of wild barley will grow in its place.

As he spoke my father’s words old Shichibei’s voice choked with emotion. I gave him a moment or two to recover before continuing.

But why is this bothering him? I asked. Why Shoin-ji? Why now?

He mentioned the family connection, said Shichibei. He said the temple had been restored by his uncle, Daizui-Rojin. Your father was taught by him there as a young man.

Yes, I said.

Again there was a silence. I thought Shichibei had something more he wanted to say but was struggling with it.

What else? I asked.

He hesitated then came out with it, almost apologetic.

He also mentioned your mother.

It was like a lamp being lit, throwing light into a dark corner.

Ah, I said. Yes.

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