(eng) Paul Kidd - Spirit Hunters 01 by The Way of the Fox

Author:The Way of the Fox [Fox, The Way of the]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The night-time streets were a maze of pale grey moonlight and impenetrable shadows. The only signs of movement were the town watch, walking slowly along a distant street with lanterns in hand. They struck wooden clappers together to announce the hour, the sound echoing through deserted streets. Only the castle showed lights – red lanterns glowing like baleful eyes high above. Inside the houses, shutters were closed tight. Families ate their meals in silence and hid behind closed doors.

Three figures emerged from amidst the wealthy houses near the castle. In the lead was a small boy holding a lantern in nervous hands. Behind him came two women. The young maid from the brothel was first – still dressed in green, but now with a courtesan’s expensive embroidered sash about her waist. Behind her came a serving maid carrying a makeup box and a samisen. The trio hesitated at the edge of the main street, then stepped out to hasten towards the castle, looking nervously at the shadows as they walked.

Ahead, across the open ground, the castle gates were flanked by blazing baskets filled with logs. Foot soldiers could be seen on guard – spears erect and armour gleaming.

The night watch – yet more foot soldiers from the castle – saw the trio as they moved through the streets. The soldiers came to demand to see curfew papers, for townsfolk were required to carry passes when out at night. The maid hastened forward to present their papers and explain them in detail to the guards. They walked aside to the far edge of the street, where a second lantern was brought so that the documents could be read in full.

A figure beckoned from the shadows. The young woman in green shot a swift glance to the night guards, then flitted over. The figure drew her out of sight and into an alleyway.

The shadow was a young, avid man armed with a pair of swords, short and long. Muscular, unshaven, and wearing old hemp robes, he took the girl into his arms, holding her for a moment. She clung to him, then thrust him hurriedly away.

“Benten san! You cannot be here! It is too dangerous.” She tried to pull back out into the street. “Hurry! You must hide!”

The youth kept a hold of the girl’s hands. He looked into her eyes in anguish.

“Akiko chan! Please – you cannot go to him!”

“It is an order! A direct order!”

The young man was mortally afraid for her. “Feign illness. They can send another!”

“Mama Ippongi would know. Then you and I would both be under suspicion!” The girl gripped the fan thrust through her sash. She was controlled, intelligent and unafraid. “He saw me from his palanquin! He specifically summoned me!”

Benten felt utterly sick. “You cannot!”

“And what of the town?” Akiko’s back was straight – her face set and proud. “These are my people. Any anger awakened in Lord Raiden will be felt by the town a thousand fold! He has already had one man executed merely for asking for an extension on his taxes!” Ashamed, Akiko could not meet Benten’s eyes.

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