The Temple of the Dead by I. J. Parker

Author:I. J. Parker
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ingrid J. Parker Inc.
Published: 2022-07-10T00:00:00+00:00

21

A Strange Marriage

Feeling rather cowardly about going into town alone, Akitada went to get Tora before setting out on his search for Tsugita.

Tora was near the guard barracks, working out with one of the officers. Akitada wished he had the leisure to do so. He had let himself go. Not only was his hair turning gray, but his belly was no longer as flat as it had been. It was a wonder a young woman like Tomiko would give him a second glance.

They were working with staves. Tora used to be an expert at wielding the fighting pole, the only weapon permitted to peasants. He had taught Akitada some of the moves when both were much younger, and Akitada stood now and watched. The heavy, polished wooden weapons were almost six feet long and made of oak. They did not compare to a sword when it came to fighting a real enemy, but they made a good defensive weapon. Few swords could cut through a solid bo. And a bo, wielded well, could kill and had a greater reach than the average sword.

Tora had slowed down a lot since then, and he had also gained weight, but he held his own against the much younger, more agile opponent. Technique was everything.

They broke apart and saw him. The young officer saluted. Tora grinned and said, “Have you come for a bout? Take off that hat and robe, and let’s see what you remember. . . sir.”

The last word was an afterthought and for the benefit of the other man. Tora only used it when they were not alone.

“No time, Tora! I need to go into town and I want you with me.”

“Great! Let me get my proper clothes.”

Tora left and the officer still stood at attention. Akitada smiled at him. “At ease. I’m sorry I interrupted your workout.”

The man relaxed a little. “Captain Tora is wonderful. He’s been everywhere and has done everything. And you, too, sir.”

“Thank you. We were once where you are now. You, too, will have the chance to see action.”

Tora returned, wearing half armor and his sword. He looked capable of facing down an angry mob.

They nodded to the officer and left the tribunal grounds. The guards at the gate saluted smartly. Tora had worked wonders with them.

“Where are we going?” Tora asked.

“I want to question a woman called Tsugita. She reported her husband missing a few weeks ago. The husband appears to be Lord Yoshihito’s friend. He’s the one who sent him to Ushimado.”

“How did you find him?”

“I suddenly remembered her. Mrs. Tsugita was the only one who reported her husband missing. She said he was an inspector. I looked up the name in the archives and found a Tsugita Heishiro. Heishiro’s the name Yoshihito muttered when I talked to him yesterday.”

“Ah! What a brilliant mind you have.”

Akitada snorted. “No. I’d forgotten the incident. I should have investigated it. It’s shameful.”

Tora laughed. “So we’re going to talk to this Mrs. Tsugita?”

“Yes, and I’m not looking forward to it.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.