The Tengu's Game of Go Read Online Free PDF

he said on one of these times.
    â€œI know, and your father is the one they call Shikanoko.”
    â€œHow did you know that?” he exclaimed. “I only found out a few days ago myself.”
    â€œThe tengu told my father. Tengu seem to know most things.”
    â€œI hope I will meet the tengu,” Take said.
    â€œBe careful what you hope for,” Kinpoge replied.
    They crossed the stream and walked into the clearing. Take stood still for a few moments, looking around, taking in the carved animals, the rock shapes, covered in moss, that suggested bears or wild boars. Then he saw the dogs, both real and fake. They looked back at him, the real dogs yapping, the fake ones voiceless. He felt a strong revulsion for their moth-eaten coats, their awkwardly angled limbs, their gemstone eyes.
    Two men sat by the fire. The sound of rasping echoed through the clearing. He saw they were sharpening tools: axes, knives, and—his heart bounded—swords. They worked in silence, swiftly and competently. They were very similar in build and appearance. Both had long, wispy beards and mustaches, and their thick hair fell to their shoulders. They used their feet, with thin, flexible toes, as much as their hands. They wore only loincloths and their skin, turned copper by the sun, glistened with sweat.
    â€œCome on!” Kinpoge said, and then called out, “Father! Look who I found!”
    One of the men got to his feet, laying aside the tools unhurriedly. He moved a few paces away from the fire and stood waiting for Take to approach him.
    Take went forward warily. He gripped the pole, wondering if he should prostrate himself before the man he hoped would be his teacher, deciding it would do no harm, but before he could bend his knees, the pole flew from his hands, struck him on the head, and landed some distance away. The man he had been about to kneel to was now behind him. He spun around, but caught only a glimpse of him before he disappeared.
    The man by the fire was grinning and Kinpoge was doubled over with laughter.
    â€œYou’ve no idea how funny you looked,” she cried.
    Her father reappeared beside her. “It could be quite amusing to have a pupil,” he said.
    Take felt rage building within him. He struggled not to let it overcome him. He remembered the old priest’s words the day they had left Aomizu. Master your anger , he had said. Here, he would need more than ever the wisdom and the ability to discern what was real.
    â€œIf you do permit me to become your pupil, I will be forever grateful,” he said, using formal speech, “and I will endeavor to continue to amuse you.”
    Kinpoge’s father chuckled again. “You look like a strong lad, agile, too. I think you will learn quickly. And you will have to, for my friend Tadashii tells me we do not have much time. Of course, it’s hard to tell, as time moves differently in the world of the tengu, but nevertheless … You’ve already met my daughter. I am Mu, this is my brother, Ima. We are your brothers, too, in a way, but I’ll explain all that later. Who are you traveling with?”
    â€œThe lady who was called Yayoi, and the acrobats Sarumaru and Yoshimaru.” He did not want to say anything that would give away Yoshi’s true identity, but Mu said, as if he already knew, “Yoshimaru? Well, he should be as safe in the Darkwood as anywhere, for the time being. Kinpoge, go with Ban and find them. Tell them Takeyoshi is staying with me for a while. Reassure the lady that he is in no danger. And now, Takeyoshi, since we have no time to waste, let’s get to work.”

 
    4
    MASACHIKA
    Masachika gazed on Lord Aritomo with an emotion close to pity, not one he often experienced. It was indeed cruel for the lord to be attacked by what appeared to be an incurable illness at this time when so much power lay in his hands. No one seemed to be able to diagnose or treat it. Aritomo himself