The Open Road by Paul Kidd

Author:Paul Kidd [Kidd, Paul]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“Are you comfortable, Reiju san?”

“Yes, Tonbo san.” Reiju’s voice was soft and shy. “Thank you.”

“Chiri will be able to heal you once we find a quiet place.”

The others had drawn slightly ahead. Tonbo hoisted the girl higher up onto his back and hurried after them – up, up the side of a great green hill and on into Lord Ishigi’s gardens.

Chapter 2

The local Ishigi mansion had tasteful gardens, excellent décor and a perfect view across the river towards the island shrine. The screens had been opened to catch the river breeze, and the main hall decorated with flowers. Lanterns hung in the eaves, ready for the evening festival. Out in the gardens, several archers were practicing their art, while little boats trailed slowly up close to the shore.

The hall was filled with laughter and high spirits. The Spirit Hunters and priestess Reiju had been regaled with an excellent lunch, fine sakē and fine wine. In return, Sura regaled the Ishigi samurai with stories of her colourful teenage years at Fox Mountain.

A dozen samurai shared the feast, hoisting sakē cups. Laughing maids travelled back and forth, bringing yet more noodles to Tonbo, fried pheasant and pork for Sura, and drinks for one and all. Sura was at her very best, eating and drinking as she talked, surrounded by listeners and revelling in her tales. She was always willing to appear perfectly ridiculous in her own stories – part of the elemental charm of a true fox. Sura leaned forward, waving a pheasant leg about, one hand on the senior Ishigi samurai’s arm. Her fangs flashed in her long muzzle as she laughed.

“Alright, alright! So the magic instructor, she never wore underwear! She said it ruined the lines of her kimono.” Sura mimicked the voice of a sultry middle aged matron, expressively wriggling her own hips. “Oh – and she was always in her human aspect! She said fur made her look too fat! Awful woman! So anyway, one night we were put on punishment for swiping some crayfish from the kitchens…”

Reiju was blushing again, with one hand to her blazing cheek. “Um – you were on punishment, Sura san!”

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