Genpei by Kara Dalkey

Author:Kara Dalkey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tom Doherty Associates
Published: 2015-06-11T04:00:00+00:00

Gray Robes

Tokiko paused, her writing brush held in midair as she became aware that someone was staring in through the shōji at her. A drop of black ink fell upon her gray-silk kimono. She turned her head and saw it was Kiyomori, kneeling on the verandah just outside. He held a fan in his right hand, but though there was perspiration on his face, he did not use it. He looked sad and old, and she could not help but pity him.

“Well, it would seem my astrologers are right again,” said Tokiko. “This is a time of communication with those from my past.” She put the brush down and blotted at her sleeve.

Kiyomori stared down at his hands. “I… regret that I have not spoken with you in so long, wife.”

Tokiko frowned. He is so humbled. This is not like him. “Are you going to come in, or are you going to wait until the moon rises so you may admire it?”

Kiyomori sighed and entered, but no farther than just within the threshold. He clearly did not want to be there at all.

“What is the matter? What brings you to your son’s house in such a melancholy state?”

Kiyomori waved his fan in a vague gesture that told her nothing.

“Have the blossom fairies stolen your voice?”

Kiyomori began to say something, then stopped. In that moment, Tokiko saw he was suppressing great anger. At last, he stated, “Today I banished Narichika to the province of Bizen.”

“Well,” said Tokiko, “that was merciful of you. Shigemori will be reassured, though I cannot say he will be pleased.”

“Hm. So. How are you, Tokiko, old dragon?”

“Me?” She paused in surprise. “I am Nii no Ama, now, you must remember. Nun of Second Rank. And I am finding the process of growing old to be … interesting.”

“Interesting, is it, o Nun of Second Rank? I must say, I find your appearance improved now that you do not wear white face paint or stain your teeth. You look healthier. Like someone’s grandmother.”

“Like an Emperor’s grandmother, perhaps?”

“Perhaps.” The ghost of a familiar twinkle appeared in his eyes, and Tokiko felt relief that his charming old self had not entirely faded.

“Who knows?” asked Tokiko playfully. “When I have returned to my father’s kingdom and become young again, perhaps I will miss these aches in my joints.”

The anger returned to his face, like a cloud crossing the sun. “Return? You are not planning to desert us soon, are you?”

“Soon? By the Amida, no! It will be many years, I am sure. Why? You cannot possibly be implying that you will miss me.”

Kiyomori looked away, gazing past the shōji. When he spoke again, it was to murmur, “You are copying sutras.”

Tokiko blinked at the change of subject. “Yes, it is a thing required of nuns. At first it was tedious, but now I find it soothing. I do not know why I comply … I do not even know if I have a mortal soul like yours. I suppose it can do no harm.

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