The Tengu's Game of Go Read Online Free PDF Page B

spoke of it lightly, brushing aside his retainers’ concerns, all the while smiling as if he had a precious secret that he would tell no one. Masachika knew his lord had special teas brewed—Aritomo was sipping one now—but he did not know what was in them and had never been invited to share them.
    Aritomo had deteriorated in the weeks Masachika had been away in Aomizu, yet as usual he made no mention of his failing health nor, his aides whispered to Masachika, had he allowed it to interfere with his devotion to government. He rose while it was still dark and did not retire until late at night. The best way to win his gratitude, people joked, was to donate lamp oil or candles, or fireflies in cages. But no one made jokes in his presence.
    Masachika had written a report for Lord Aritomo, which the lord was now perusing carefully, but it was not as detailed and comprehensive as it might have been nor had he lingered over its telling. He said there was no way to assess the rumor, but he was taking steps to have the fleeing suspect tracked down. He did not mention that she might be Kiyoyori’s daughter. He would save that valuable piece of information for the right moment. He told himself he did not want to tire or place additional strain on his lord, but the truth was he was impatient to get back to the girl called Asagao, who had cast a spell over him. He had been afraid it would not last, that since she was just a woman of pleasure he would tire of her as quickly as he had been ensnared by her, but, during the hot summer nights when the skies were like velvet and the stars like pearls, she aroused in him an intoxicating ecstasy, an insatiable thirst. She made him feel like a young man again. From time to time he wondered with feelings of dread what would happen if Tama were to find out about her, and he recalled all his wife’s fine qualities with regret, but his new passion had rendered him helpless. He would never give Asagao up.
    He tried not to think of her now; he shifted uncomfortably in his formal kneeling position, summoned up images of snow, icy waterfalls …
    Aritomo had put the report down and was scrutinizing him with his shrewd gaze. Masachika feared the lord might see right through him and, hoping to distract him, said, “Lord Aritomo will be well enough to ride to Matsutani in the autumn? I am arranging a hunt in your honor. The air, the excitement, the hot springs will restore your health, I am sure. We will have deer, and wild boar, bears, possibly, and wolves. I will also provide hawks and falcons—anything you might desire.”
    He decided to keep the entertainment he had in mind, the musicians and the acrobats with their monkeys, to himself for the time being. He wanted it to be a complete surprise.
    â€œI will come,” Aritomo said. “I feel a longing for the forest and the open air. It will be an opportunity to reward those loyal to me and to assess my warriors’ skills.” He paused for a moment, then gestured to Masachika to come closer. He said quietly, “I am going to deal with the Kakizuki before winter comes. It will coincide nicely with your hunt. We will let their spies think we are fully occupied with sport and entertainment, but I have already dispatched a fleet of ships, carrying hundreds of men, to take them by surprise. Arinori is in command.”
    He grinned at Masachika. His breath smelled of his illness. “They think the old badger is finished, but he is still craftier than them.”
    So that was Arinori’s secret mission!
    â€œIt is a brilliant idea, but I should be leading such an attack force,” Masachika said with feigned enthusiasm. “I can delegate the hunt to someone else.”
    â€œIf you and I seem otherwise occupied, we will allay suspicions,” Aritomo replied. “Besides, Arinori has skills as a sailor and an admiral. Once the Kakizuki are eliminated, these rumors about Yoshimori will