The Seabird of Sanematsu Read Online Free PDF Page A

present Shogun, was considering appointing Sanematsu shugo --military governor--of the Satsuma Province. This would improve his position and increase his wealth, but also his responsibility to the shogunate. As shugo, Sanematsu would be required to maintain a residence in Kyoto. The council would go with him and sit in on the meetings to give their advice on the matters brought before the Bakafu.

    The tent government of Ashikaga did not have authority over Sanematsu’s army, even if he owed the Shogun his allegiance. This did not mean his domain was safe when he was away. In their eagerness to indulge in all the festivities and vices the Eastern Capital had to offer, the council seemed to forget Sanematsu’s absence would leave the domain vulnerable. For that reason, he was reluctant to pursue the appointment.

    He was already allied to the Shogun by the gift to his clan of the Satsuma Province of Kyushu. It had been presented by the Minamoto clan in return for the Sanematsus’ allegiance during the Gempei War in 1185, in compensation for the help of the Sanematsu retainers at Dan-No-Wa, where the Taira clan had been defeated. To be exiled to such an isolated ryo-chi, away from the center of government, was an insult for a clan so closely allied to the victorious Minamoto. It also meant the ruling clan feared Sanematsu’s power, making the posting a double-edged indignity.

    Still, Sanematsu enjoyed a unique autonomy that came with Nishikata’s distance from Kyoto and because of the might of his military force. His ability on the battlefield allowed him to make his own rules and ignore those of Ashikaga’s he disliked. Seldom did he use the capability, because the day would come when he would be called to account for his actions.

    The position of shugo would take much of this authority and freedom away.

    “My Lord, I wish to remind you of your…prisoner.” Matsumoto spoke in a hushed voice at a lull in the elders’ conversation. The council perked up at his words. “It draws late, and I thought you would wish to deal with her before you retire.”

    “You have neglected to inform the council of any prisoners taken from the foreign ship,” Shigehide pointed out.

    “It is of little consequence, Grandfather.” He brought his feet underneath his hips, readying to stand.

    “But are not all foreigners of concern? We must have an opportunity to question any prisoners,” Lord Kaihara insisted.

    “I do not think I wish to have the council meet with such a barbarian before I do so myself.”

    Now standing, he used his height as a way of intimidating the seated men.

    “On the contrary, Lord Yoshihide,” Lord Imaizuni countered. “The council, as governing body of your ryo-chi, is obligated to conduct such interrogations.”

    “I remind the honorable lords that I am daimyo of the Satsuma provinces and will do as I please.” Sanematsu firmly, but politely, cut off any further debate. “I am retiring to my rooms. Goodnight.”

    As the sun set, he crossed the courtyard. His maid met him at the steps to his quarters and removed his sandals, leaving him with only thick black socks on his feet. He had put one foot onto the verandah outside his chambers when his two eldest daughters assaulted him. The adolescent girls ran to him down the wide porch.

    “Father!” Aya and Hatsu greeted him in unison. The area echoed with their laughter.

    The girls bowed to their father and daimyo, and then came to his side.

    “You must come see our new dances,” Aya, the eldest and Sanematsu’s stepdaughter, insisted.

    “Yes, Father, Aya dances so well,” Hatsu asserted. They gazed up at him in adoration and eagerness.

    “And you do not, Hatsu?” His firstborn child was shorter than her half-sister and heavier. Both were pretty, attired in uchiki, the multi-layered ensemble of the women they were growing into.

    “Please, Father.” Aya took hold of his sleeve.

    “Come, Father.” Hatsu imitated her sister.

    They