Black Arrow

TWELVE
THE TWISTED WAYS OF LOVE

The early morning gathering in Akitada’s icy private office was subdued. Day wasbreaking outside, but the shutters were closed against the cold and a candleflickered in the drafts. Akitada himself sat white-faced with fatigue, hisshoulders hunched against the chill, his shaking hands tucked into his widesleeves. Tora had been nodding off and jerking himself awake earlier but wasstaring at Hitomaro now, who had just finished his report and was waiting withthe rigid face of a man expecting a reprimand.

When Akitada said nothing, Toracould not restrain himself. “You mean you let that bastard walk away from acold-blooded murder? Committed in broad daylight in front of a large crowd? Bythe same man who sent his thugs after you once before? I can’t believe you’d beafraid to teach him a lesson when you caught him in the act!”

Hitomaro, who was seatedstiffly next to him, compressed his lips but did not take his eyes from Akitada’stired face. “If I have acted improperly, sir,” he said, “I offer myresignation.”

Outside the wind splattered wetsleet against the shutters like fistfuls of small pebbles.

Akitada shivered again andblinked. “No, no. Pay no attention to Tora. He is half asleep with exhaustion.You did quite right. A confrontation would have availed nothing and innocentpeople would have been hurt. Sunada is not going to abscond.” He gesturedtoward some documents on the desk. “I’ll have a look at the depositions later.”He sighed. “At the moment we have a more urgent problem. The Uesugi servant’sgrandson has disappeared. Tora and I spent the night turning Takata manor andthe surrounding country upside down.” In a weary voice he told Hitomaro oftheir investigation.

Hitomaro relaxed a little. “Theboy must be dead or you would have picked up some trail.”

Akitada clenched a hand. “Irefuse to believe that. It’s what they want us to think. Sooner or later therewill be a clue.”

“In that case,” grumbled Tora, “Iwish you’d gone home when the doctor did, instead of wasting a whole nightsearching that accursed foxes’ den.”

Hitomaro frowned hisdisapproval of such insolence, but Akitada said quite calmly, “It served itspurpose. After we talked to everyone and searched everywhere, neither Uesuginor his steward will dare punish the maid for reporting the disappearance. Andit may have gained us some goodwill from the servants. They seemed genuinelyfond of Toneo.”

“Well,” muttered Tora after ahuge yawn, “I don’t care what you two do next. I’m going to bed. Send for melater if you have any orders.” He got up and stretched, yawning again.

“Tora!” hissed Hitomaro.

“Sit down, Tora. Hitomaro isnot finished.” Akitada’s voice was flat with exhaustion. “Go ahead, Hitomaro.You met Genba later, after you had taken the depositions?”

“Yes, sir. Genba stayed in thecrowd to watch and listen.” Hitomaro smiled a little. “If there had been aconfrontation, Sunada’s thugs would’ve had their second surprise. You would notrecognize Genba. He’s huge and can toss a grown man farther than I can jump. Hewill win that match, I’m sure of it. After he saw that I was letting Sunada andhis goons go, Genba went to Flying Goose village. The fisherman Rikio”-Hitomarotapped the depositions on the desk-”is one of Sunada’s men. He got in debt andSunada helped him out. Now he’s working off the debt in Sunada’s warehouseswhen he’s not fishing. A lot of fishermen are in the same … er … boat.”

Nobody chuckled. Akitada wasrummaging among the papers on his desk. “Yes, I thought so,” he muttered,shivering. “No doubt the sake merchant is equally obligated to Sunada. Where isSeimei? Is there any hot tea? Wine will put me to sleep and there is too muchwork to be done.”

Hitomaro rose to call for Seimei.The old man arrived quickly, bowing to Akitada, and placing the tea utensils onthe desk. Coughing, he muttered something about hot water and left again.

“I wish there were even thesmallest sign of support for imperial authority,” Akitada said peevishly. “Idislike the idea of serving as high constable, although there is both precedentand cause for it. If I could count on just a small faction to oppose Uesugi, Iwould gladly forgo that dubious honor.”

Seimei reappeared with asteaming pot and prepared the tea.

“Well, there’s the doctor,”Tora offered.

Akitada said, “Yes. Thank youfor reminding me, Tora. Oyoshi is a good man and a loyal friend, I think.”

Seimei poured water and offeredAkitada a steaming cup. “Friendship is a rare jewel,” he said, suppressinganother cough. “It may take more than a year to make a friend, but only amoment to offend him. Remember that, Tora.”

“Thank you, Seimei.” Akitadadrank, then warmed his stiff fingers on the cup. “Tell me about the victim,Hito.”

“His name is Koichi. He was aporter when he could get work, but he had a bad reputation and severalconvictions for theft and robbery.”

Akitada clapped his hands andshouted, “Hamaya!” When the senior clerk bustled in and knelt, he asked, “Doyou remember a defendant by the name of Koichi?”

“Koichi the porter? Oh, yes.Theft, robbery, intimidation, assault, and rape. A familiar face in thecourtroom and a man who does not seem to feel the pain of the bamboo. Ahardened case, sir. Is he in trouble again?”

“He is the murdered man broughtin yesterday. I suppose Sunada will claim to have performed a civic duty.”

Hamaya looked astonished. “Koichiis the man Mr. Sunada killed? That is strange!”

“How so?”

“Mr. Sunada employed Koichiafter his last jail term. I thought it most generous because Koichi’sreputation is well known. And now he attacked his benefactor!” Hamaya shook hishead in amazement.

“Thank you, Hamaya.”

When the clerk had left,Akitada remarked sourly, “The reports of Sunada’s good deeds multiply likeflies on a dead rat.”

Seimei, on his way out, pausedat the door. “This Sunada sounds very suspicious to me. Best watch out for him.He is the kind they call a devil chanting prayers.” He coughed again and left.

Silence fell. Akitada hunchedmore deeply into his robe and stared into space. Tora snored, began to topplesideways, and came awake. “Wha … ?”

“Tora,” said Akitada, “go getsome sleep. We’re done for now.”

Tora nodded groggily andstaggered from the room.

“Sir, I am unworthy of yourgreat trust,” Hitomaro said, as soon as they were alone. He shifted to hisknees and touched his forehead to the floor. “I have let a personal matterinterfere with my duty.”

Akitada smiled a little. “Donot look so worried. I have no doubt that you will rectify whatever troublesyou.”

“Thank you, sir. I shall tryharder in the future.” Hitomaro paused, then said, “What Seimei said aboutfriendship, sir? I shall not forget it again.”

“He meant it for Tora,” Akitadasaid, surprised.

“I know, sir. But I almost hitGenba yesterday, and he was very kind …” Hitomaro broke off, overcome withthe memory of his friend’s generosity.

Akitada got up and touched hisshoulder. “Never mind, Hito. These are difficult times for all of us.” Hesighed deeply. “That little boy asked my help. I cannot forget his eyes.”

Hitomaro stood. “What can I doto help, sir?”

Akitada pulled his earlobe andfrowned. “I wish I knew. There is Judge Hisamatsu. I am not sure he is mad-hestruck me more as a fool-but what you told me about his association with Chobeiis very strange. He is close to Uesugi and his home is on the road to Takata.You might see if you can find out anything.”

Hitomaro nodded.

“But first there is the matterof the fishmonger and his missing brother. It is time that case was settled.Arrest the fishmonger, and ask Captain Takesuke for more information about thebrother.”

¦

Hitomaroglanced at the sky. The clouds were as low and thick as ever, and gusts of winddrove painfully sharp grains of sleet into his face and the backs of his hands.His armor was covered with a straw rain cape, and instead of a helmet he wore astraw hat which the wind would have torn off if he had not tied it on firmly.As it was, icy blasts pulled at the bow and quiver he had slung over hisshoulder and blew wisps of straw into his eyes.

Back at the tribunal, Torawould be snoring in his warm quilts, and their master, no doubt, had alsoretired. Hitomaro did not begrudge them the rest after their night scouringTakata for the boy, but he, too, had lost sleep, though far more pleasantly. Infact, lost sleep had been a matter of both joy and shame to him for many daysnow.

He intended to do penance byworking harder.

The garrison gates stood wideopen in a welcoming manner. Hitomaro looked for guards and, finding theminexplicably absent, walked in.

Inside the palisades, among thewooden barracks and on the exercise fields, was more evidence of relaxeddiscipline, if that was the word for it. Garbage was stacked in corners, thecourtyard was littered with horse droppings and dirty piles of snow, and thegarrison flags, slapping wetly against their poles, were tattered and torn.

Hitomaro located theadministrative building and entered. In the large hall, groups of soldiers weregathered about braziers, throwing dice, drinking, talking, or sleeping. After acasual glance at his bow and the sword protruding from under the straw cape,they paid no further attention to him, and Hitomaro walked past them to acorner that was screened off by makeshift stands covered with reed mats.

He had guessed that this mustbe the commander’s office. Pushing aside one of the screens, he found CaptainTakesuke engaged in mutual fondling with a round-faced boy recruit. Theyoungster wore only a light robe and a loincloth, but the cold did not seem tobother him; he was flushed with wine or desire, and slow to disengage when bothbecame aware of Hitomaro.

“What do you want?” snappedTakesuke. “Who sent you in here?”

Hitomaro suppressed hisdisapproval, snapped to attention, and saluted. “Sorry, sir. There was nobodyat the gate, and the men outside seemed occupied. Lieutenant Hitomaro from thetribunal, on orders of the governor.”

Takesuke pushed the half-nakedyouth away. “Well, Lieutenant,” he growled, “what is it that you want?”

Hitomaro avoided eye contactand instead kept his gaze just above the captain’s right shoulder. “You aremissing a soldier by the name of Ogai, and we have a mutilated body at thetribunal. Goto, a local fishmonger, has identified it as that of his brotherOgai. This Goto has laid murder charges against a neighbor, but we have reasonto believe that Goto lied about the body. His Excellency has sent me for Ogai’smilitary documents.”

“Ogai? That lazy bastard?”Takesuke glowered. “You mean he’s not dead after all? By the Buddha, he’ll wishhe were when I get my hands on him. Absent without leave again! He’s deserted,that’s what he’s done. And that sly weasel of a brother has made up the storyto save his own skin.” He slapped his hands on his knees. “If only there weresome action. That would keep the men out of trouble. Don’t you worry,Lieutenant. We’ll take care of the matter for his Excellency.”

“May I ask, sir, why Goto wouldtell such a lie?”

Takesuke stared. “Are youjoking?”

Hitomaro shook his head. “Ofcourse not, sir. I am puzzled why a man would lay a false murder charge againstanother man. That’s an offense punishable with a hundred lashes.”

Takesuke laughed. “What’s ahundred lashes to a man who’s about to lose his property? Goto stands suretyfor his brother. If Ogai deserts, his brother is a beggar.”

“Ah,” nodded Hitomaro. “Thankyou, sir, and forgive the interruption.”

The prospect of punishing bothOgai and his brother made Takesuke jovial. “Not at all, Lieutenant.” He smiled.“Give my humble regards to the governor. He’ll have his report this veryafternoon.”

From the garrison, Hitomarowalked to Goto’s shop. It was empty of customers, and the fishmonger wasleaning on his slimy counter, swatting at flies. Several large wooden tubs heldfish-bonito and bream, tuna and eels packed in melting blood-flecked snow orswimming in filthy water. Fat flies crawled everywhere. Only the grosseststench from fish offal would attract flies in this cold, Hitomaro thought, andheld his breath.

Goto recognized him andstraightened up. “Lieutenant!” He bowed several times. “An honor. You bring menews about my poor brother’s murder?”

“No. I’m here to arrest you forlying to the governor and accusing an innocent person of a capital offense.”

Goto’s jaw dropped. He tried asickly smile. “You’re joking. Ha, ha, ha. Soldiers will have their fun. My poorbrother was just such a one.”

Hitomaro slowly unwound a thinchain from his waist. “Put your arms behind your back!”

Goto backed away. His eyesmeasured the distance to the door, but Hitomaro’s bulk blocked the way. “I didn’tlie,” he cried. “I could’ve made a mistake. The worry about my missing brother… we were like two beans in one pod. I was expecting the worst. You know howit is, Lieutenant.”

“I know nothing.” Hitomarostretched the chain experimentally between his fists. “Turn around.”

“If it was not my brother, whata relief! What good news! You must allow me to invite you to a celebration.Wine and dinner. In the best restaurant. Yes, and bring your friends. I am verygrateful.” Goto laughed too loudly.

Hitomaro sighed. Transferringthe chain to his left hand, he stepped forward and gave the fishmonger’sshoulder a quick jab, wrapped his other arm around the man’s neck, and squeezed.Goto went limp. Hitomaro let him fall and rolled the inert body over to tie theman’s wrists behind his back. Then he filled a bucket with icy water from thefish tub and poured it over Goto’s head. Goto jerked up, coughing and spitting,small fish flapping in his shirt and sliding off his hair.

“Get up and march!” orderedHitomaro, pointing him in the right direction with a kick to his posterior.Amid grins from neighbors and jeers from small boys, they walked to thetribunal, where one of the constables locked the half-frozen fishmonger into acell.

This done, Hitomaro stopped bythe main hall, fully expecting to be told by Hamaya that his Excellency wasstill sleeping. But Akitada was in the archives, bent over a map of thedistrict. He was making notes on a slip of paper.

“Yes, what is it, Hitomaro?” heasked absently.

“Goto’s in jail. CaptainTakesuke told me that he stood surety for his brother Ogai.”

Akitada straightened up. “Goodwork! That does explain his persistence in the face of the obvious agedifference of the corpse.”

“Surely it solves the murder,too, sir? He must have killed a vagrant to save his brother’s skin and his ownproperty. And he probably shaved the victim’s head to make his identificationmore convincing.”

“But why write the note? And Idoubt he can write in any case. No, I believe Goto only took advantage of theincident at our gate.”

Hitomaro’s face fell.

“You did very well,” Akitadasaid consolingly. “What did you think of the garrison?”

“Very lax discipline, sir. Noguards at the gate, soldiers gambling and drinking, and I walked in on thecommandant making love to one of his men in the middle of the day.”

“I would not put too muchimportance on Takesuke’s sexual preferences,” Akitada said. “Such things are commonamongst warriors. Garrison life breeds familiarity. But if Takesuke supportsUesugi, the lack of discipline may be good news for us.”

Hitomaro nodded. “I thought I’dtalk to the judge next. Undercover.”

Akitada raised his brows. “Ithought you had met.”

“It was pretty dark and I don’tthink he bothered to look at me. Chobei, of course, could be a problem.”

“Well, good luck. Be carefulwhat you say to him. We don’t want to alarm our enemy yet.”

Hitomaro returned to hisquarters to change. He put on a plain dark blue gown of the type any scribe orstudent might wear and tucked a small black cap in his sleeve. After a moment’sthought, he removed a small package from a spare pair of boots and placed it inthe other sleeve. Then he put on his straw cape, hat, and boots again, and wentto saddle his horse.

Bythe time he approached the thatched gate of the judge’s country house, theweather had turned bitterly cold. The sleeting had stopped, but now a sharpwind pushed the gray clouds across the sky at great speed, tossing the barebranches of the willows beside Hisamatsu’s villa and cutting like ice needlesthrough Hitomaro’s light clothes. He knocked at the gate with his fist.

It creaked open slowly. An oldman peered out, grumbling irritably when he saw the horseman.

“Is your master at home?”Hitomaro asked.

“The maids are out, the boy’sout, the groom and Mr. Chobei are visiting West village, but me and the masterare in.”

It could not be better.Hitomaro smiled at the grumpy servant, who opened the gate fractionally wider.Hitomaro rode into a dirt courtyard. The villa, a one-story house thatched in arustic manner, had five or six outbuildings and storehouses. The old servantled the way to the main house where Hitomaro dismounted and tied his horse to apost. In the entryway, he shed his wet straw cape and boots and put on hisblack cap.

“Tell your master,’’ he said, “thatI’m a student and have come from afar to make the judge’s acquaintance.”

The old man grunted and tookhim to a spacious room. It was dark because the shutters had been closedagainst the weather, but he lit a few rush lights, which provided meagerillumination. Shelves filled with books and papers sprang into being, but thelight was too feeble to reach them. Hitomaro was about to take a closer lookwhen a door squeaked behind him. He swung around and found himself facing thejudge.

“I am Hisamatsu,” the judgeannounced in a nasal voice, enunciating every syllable carefully. He blinked athis guest. “Who are you?”

Hitomaro bowed deeply and said,“It is a great pleasure to meet your Honor at long last. The fame of youraccomplishments has reached far, and since I am visiting this province, Istopped to pay my respects and perhaps benefit from your wisdom. My name isHitomaro.”

The judge came a little closerand peered at him nearsightedly. “Family name?” he demanded.

“Saga, your Honor. From Izumiprovince.”

“Really? A fine family.”Hisamatsu thawed. His round face broke into a smile. “You have come tocongratulate me, no doubt. Please sit down!”

Hitomaro obeyed.

The judge lowered his stoutfigure with a grimace, clapped his hands for the servant, and ordered wine andfood. The old man glared at him, then shuffled out, muttering under his breath.

“Forgive these rustic mannersand surroundings,” Hisamatsu said, frowning after the servant. “I have not yetmoved into my official residence.”

Hitomaro looked around. “Youare too modest. Surely this is a charming and delightful retreat for a scholar.”

“Scholar?” His host glanced atthe room vaguely. “Oh. You refer to my former work. I retired recently from aposition as district judge. No time for that sort of thing now. As adviser tothe Lord of Takata I can hardly worry about local crime. No, no.”

“Advisor to the Lord of Takata?Surely your talents lie in the legal field, your Honor.”

Hisamatsu pursed thin lips. “Youngman, you cannot possibly know all my talents, as you call them. As a judge I amperfectly trained to formulate and administer laws, and for someone with visionthere are no limits in government. The Lord of Takata is expanding histerritories into Dewa province. In fact, the establishment of a northern empireis not out of the question. His Lordship relies on me for advice on the mostconfidential matters of state. Keep this to yourself, but I expect officialappointment soon and will then take over the local administration.” FixingHitomaro with a sudden suspicious stare, he asked, “Is this not what broughtyou here in the first place? News of our august leader has surely spread toIzumi province.”

This sounded so patently mad ittook Hitomaro’s breath away. The girl in the market had been right. He put onan apologetic expression and bowed deeply. “Forgive me, Excellency,” hestammered. “We have indeed heard rumors. I should have offered my humblefelicitations right away but thought it wiser not to speak of it. Besides, Ihave always aspired to be a great judge like you and could not help thinkingthat your elevation must be a great loss to jurisprudence. Your children mustbe very proud of their father.”

“I have no children. Cannotabide them.” Hisamatsu was appeased by the flattery. “So you wish to be ajudge? Let me tell you, there’s no advantage in it. Any upstart court officialcan order you about.” He nodded for emphasis. “But true genius rises above thecommon run of things. I’m afraid my own nature is quite different from yours.”

Hitomaro sincerely hoped so. “Icould never compare myself to a great mind like yours,” he said. “Indeed, Ifeel that I am in the presence of an intellect like that of… of MasterConfucius. In your presence I am ashamed of my lack of education. I managed toqualify for the imperial university in the capital, but family mattersprevented my going. Now the best I can hope for is to become a tutor tomerchants’ sons.”

A brief silence fell. Hisamatsucontinued to stare at him. “You qualified for the imperial university, you say?”he finally asked. “And you are looking for work?”

Hitomaro bowed humbly.

“People become rather touchinglydependent on someone like me,” Hisamatsu said. “It pleases me to help thembetter their lot in life. Perhaps you could assist me. Mind you, I expectcomplete loyalty, and no doubt you have much to learn.” He sighed. “But Isuppose we must expect to train our future officials.”

Hitomaro expressed himselfoverwhelmed with gratitude and then pointed to the books on the shelves. “Isthat a complete set of the Chinese masters, I see?” he asked. “I’m afraid,Excellency, my Chinese is not fluent.”

Hisamatsu waved the objectionaway with a pudgy hand. “Never mind that. I don’t bother with Chinese. Thelocals are not able to grasp it. Those are translations.”

“In that case, how soon may Istart? I hope with your guidance …”

Hisamatsu interrupted, “I am avery busy man. But come tomorrow anyway. No sense in wasting time.” He lookedat the door.

Recognizing dismissal, Hitomaro made several deep bows and murmured, “Thank you, Excellency. I am most gratefulfor the opportunity,” as he backed out of the room.

He almost fell over the old mancrouching in the dark hallway.

“I’m leaving,” he told theservant, unnecessarily since he had clearly been eavesdropping.

The servant scowled. “Yourhorse is in the stable. Get it yourself. Do you think I have nothing better todo than wait on every fellow who calls?”

“I suppose,” Hitomaro said, “yourmaster has many visitors since he has become such an important person.”

“Pah,” said the old man.

“Looking after all thoseimportant guests must be a chore for an elderly person like yourself. I assumethey stay here? Perhaps even families with children?”

“Are you mad? He hateschildren, and nobody stays here. What is it to you?”

“I am to be his assistant.”

The old man made a sound thatmight have been a grunt or another “pah” and shuffled off down a dark hallway.

Bythis time, dusk had fallen. Hitomaro got on his horse and glanced back at thevilla huddling under the bare willows. No sane man would conceive of the schemeHisamatsu had proposed. Merely mentioning such matters was high treason. Buthere in the north, so close to the barbarians, many things were not as theyshould be. Hitomaro debated for a moment whether to return to the tribunal tomake his report. But he had another promise to keep, and there was no longerany urgency. Toneo was certainly not hidden in Hisamatsu’s house. Theill-tempered servant would have complained, had he been asked to look after asmall boy. On the other hand, there might be other secrets, secrets connectedwith the mutilated corpse. How fortunate that the mad judge had offered him ajob. All in all, it had been a very productive day, and Hitomaro felt he hadearned a night of pleasure.

Spurring his horse, he hummed, “Ofumi,my love, loosen your sash and soothe my troubled heart.”

The sharp-nosed woman-he knewby now her name was Mrs. Omeya and that she claimed to be a respectable luteteacher, though, in fact, she was a procuress who purchased the services ofyoung women by paying money to their parents- opened to his knock and helpedhim off with his wet straw cape and boots.

“You are later than usual,Lieutenant,” she gushed. “The pretty flower is waiting anxiously.” She acceptedher usual fee, gave him a coy wink, and led him to the customary room, closingthe sliding doors after him.

After the cold and stormydarkness outside, the room embraced him with perfumed warmth, soft light, andthe gentle chords of music. He stood for a moment and drank in the scene,feeling, as always, the hot blood starting to pound in his temples and groin.

Silken bedding had been spreadon the mats. Ofumi reclined on it, idly moving an ivory plectrum over thestrings of a lute. She wore only the thinnest white silk robe, and her thick,long hair fell over her shoulders, framing her beautiful face.

Her resemblance to his latewife always moved him profoundly. Lost in the momentary memory of the deadpast, he whispered, “Mitsuko,” then winced at the jarring sound from the lute.

She sat up, her beautiful faceangry. “I have told you not to call me that.” Her loose robe had slipped,revealing pink-tipped breasts and a softly rounded belly. Hitomaro’s eyesgreedily searched lower, but she snatched at the silk and covered herself.

He was instantly contrite.Falling to his knees beside her, he begged, “Forgive me, my beloved. Yourbeauty has bewitched me until I no longer know who or where I am.”

“Tell me that I am morebeautiful than that dead wife of yours,” she demanded.

His heart rebelled, but hiseyes wandered over her body, lingering where warm skin shimmered through thesilk. “You are more beautiful than any woman living or dead,” he murmured,lightly touching a breast and then cupping it in his hand.

She shuddered and moved away. “Howcold your hands are. Where have you been?”

His eyes fell on the lute. Evento his inexperienced eye this was a rare instrument. It was made of sandalwoodand the front and back of the oval body were covered with an intricate floraldesign of inlaid amber, mother-of-pearl, and tortoiseshell. Such an instrumentwas worth a fortune. The bitter bile of jealousy rose in his throat. She hadanother lover.

“Who gave you this?” he askedhoarsely.

“The lute? Oh, I borrowed it.Isn’t it beautiful? An antique dealer saw me admiring it and let me try it out.When I told him how much I liked it, he insisted I take it home for a while. Hesaid a beautiful lute must feel the touch of a beautiful woman to stay in tune.Wasn’t that charming?” She smiled up at him. “Will you buy it for me, Hito?”

“Anything, my beloved.”Hitomaro reached for her again.

“No, Hito! Your hands are likeice. I asked you where you have been.”

“An assignment outside thecity. The wind is very cold.” He held his hands over the brazier of glowingcoals and rubbed them briskly.

“Outside the city? Where?”

“The judge’s place.”

She cried, “You went to seeHisamatsu? Why?” Seeing his surprise, she added, “Surely a judge is beyondreproach.”

Hitomaro saw a flask of warmwine and two cups, and went to pour himself some with the idea of speeding upthe warming process. “Not this one. He hired our former sergeant, a thoroughscoundrel if ever there was one. I was sent to check him out, and what do youthink I found? His honor is plotting some mad scheme of rebellion against theemperor.”

She stared. “You must bejoking. Hisamatsu is a bit eccentric. Better not take it seriously or you’lllook a fine fool.” She held her breath, but when Hitomaro chuckled, she changedthe subject. “There was some rumor about a murder in the market.”

Hitomaro disrobed, folding hisclothes neatly. “A merchant killed a vagrant. He claims the man attacked him. Ihad to let him go.”

“What will happen in courttomorrow?” she asked as he stretched out beside her.

“Oh, I expect…”-he brushedback her hair, revealing a dainty ear and a soft white neck, and kissed both-”Iexpect his Excellency will announce the findings of this murder and report onthe other pending cases.” He bent to breathe in the warm scent of her body,caressing her neck and shoulder with his lips.

She purred softly and turnedtoward him. Nuzzling his ear, she murmured, “What other cases?” Her fingerstraced a design on his bare chest. “Is there new evidence? Will he pronounceany sentences?”

“Ofumi!” Hitomaro drew back. “Whatis the matter with you? Why all the questions? You know I come here to forgetmy work, and you want to do nothing but talk.”

“Oh.” She pouted. “How rude youare! You men are all the same. You only want to use our bodies. You carenothing for us as persons. I was trying to show you that I take an interest inwhat you do and that I think about you all day long.” Her soft lower lipquivered and tears gathered in her eyes. “To you I am just another whore,” shesobbed.

“No. Oh, no.” Hitomaro flushedwith contrition. “Please don’t cry. You know how deeply I care for you. I wantyou to marry me, Ofumi.”

“Truly? Oh, Hito! If only itwere possible! If only we could be together day and night! All our lives! Itwould be paradise.” She gave him a melting look, then turned away with a littlesob. “It will never be. Too much money is owed to Mrs. Omeya. You said you didnot have enough to buy me out.”

He reached for her with a softlaugh and pulled her into his arms. “I have a surprise, little one. See!”Reaching into his bundle of clothes, he extracted the small package. “Take it!There is enough to buy your freedom.”

She lifted the package. “It issmall.”

“I changed the silver bars intogold. Now will you marry me?”

She unwrapped the gold and satlooking at it with a rapt expression.

“Well?”

“Oh, Hito,” she cried, throwingher arms around his neck. “You are the most generous, the kindest, the strongest of men.”

Her arms slid over his muscular shoulders and her fingers moved lightly across his chest and down to his loincloth. Hitomaro drew a shuddering breath.

She smiled up at him, her pinktongue slowly licking her lips. Her practiced hands undid the cloth and,shaking with desire, Hitomaro pushed aside the folds of her robe. She sank backinto the silken quilts and parted her thighs.