Death of a Doll Maker Read Online Free PDF Page A

thieves.”
    Tora grinned. “True, but I saw a restaurant just down the street from us. I’ll run out and get us something to eat.”
    Later, after a rather odd meal of fish and pickled vegetables wrapped into some large leaves, Akitada studied the provincial papers and records. He sighed from time to time and finally closed the last document box. “A sad state of affairs,” he said to Saburo, who sat nearby, nodding off. Tora was snoring in a corner.
    Saburo jerked upright. “S-sad, sir? How so?”
    “There are no funds beyond what we found. And no new payments are expected until early next month. I have a suspicion Lord Tachibana was less than diligent in collecting dues and taxes. Hakata seems a prosperous place. Did you look into the granary when you went to the kitchen to make the tea?”
    “No, sir. I didn’t see a granary. It was dark outside.”
    “Well, that too will wait for morning. Go to bed now. It’s been a long day.”
    “What about your bedding, sir.”
    Akitada gestured to the pile of bags and trunks they had brought in. “I’ll put my head on one of those and cover myself with my robe. I’m afraid you and Tora will have to do the same.”
    *
    Though he was very tired, Akitada could not fall asleep. It was not the unfamiliar surroundings or the unknown problems lying ahead. He was finally at leisure to remember his family. Nearly every night since he had left the capital had begun this way. His heart contracted with love and longing, and his fear for Tamako’s life twisted in his belly.
    They had greeted him with such joy when he returned with his promotion. Flags waved in the breeze and streamers adorned the eaves. That had hurt almost more than the shock of his assignment. He had paused just inside the gate, put a smile on his face, and expressed his surprise and gratification. The four musicians hired for the occasion plucked and fluted happily on their instruments, the dog Trouble woofed and twisted his crippled body, and the children came running to clasp his knees.
    His eyes had met Tamako’s. As they made their way into the house and to the fine banquet they had prepared for him, she had drawn him aside.
    “What’s wrong?” she whispered.
    “I’m to be governor of Chikuzen,” he whispered back.
    “But that’s good, isn’t it?”
    “Chikuzen is in Kyushu.”
    “Oh!” Her eyes widened and a hand went to her mouth. “Why?”
    “Later. Come, we mustn’t spoil everyone’s pleasure.”
    It had been a fine meal, eaten by his family and the families of his three retainers. Only the house servants were excluded in order to serve the meal, but their own festivities came later, along with the gift of a gold coin from their “fortunate” master.
    When Akitada had finally been alone with his wife, he had not known how to begin with what must be discussed.
    She had seen his face and said quickly, “I admit it’s bit of a shock, especially just now. But we will manage.” Her hand had gone protectively to her belly. Her pregnancy was just beginning to show under the full gown. The child was expected in early summer, four months from now—when he would long be gone. Giving birth was always a dangerous business. She was paler and thinner than she should have been.
    “I’m sorry,” he had said miserably. “I wish I could be with you.”
    Her features had sharpened. “You cannot mean to leave me behind?”
    “I must. It’s far too dangerous for you to travel so far in your condition, and the children are much too small. The climate is unhealthy, and there may be other dangers.”
    She had looked utterly bereft. “I see,” she murmured and turned away.
    “It’s not a tragedy,” he had said, feeling blamed for something that was not his doing. “I will see how things stand, and then perhaps you may be able to join me later.”
    She said nothing. They had both known this would not happen. She would give birth, and the new child would be unable to travel. Besides, they did not