Young Samurai: The Ring of Wind Read Online Free PDF

oars and leapt on to the sand. Within the blink of an eye, he’d drawn a bloodstained sword and assumed a battle stance.
    ‘Time to prove yourself, pilgrim!’ he snarled.
    Jack’s heart was in his mouth as he saw Yori stand up to follow his opponent ashore. All of a sudden Yori snatched up an oar and pushed the rowing boat back out to sea. The
ronin
stared in outrage and utter bewilderment as his adversary left him stranded.
    Rowing calmly away, Yori cried out, ‘There’s your demonstration in defeating the enemy … with no sword!’

7
     
Seasickness
     
    Yori reboarded the boat to the sound of applause. In awe of his peaceful resolution, the pilgrims clustered round him asking for his blessing. Meanwhile, the merchants and court nobles were arguing over their bets – some believing Yori to be the clear victor, others protesting that an
actual
duel had never occurred.
    ‘What about the
ronin
?’ a deckhand asked the captain.
    The samurai was stamping up and down on the beach, waving his arms furiously at them.
    ‘He’ll be picked up by another boat …’ replied the captain, ‘… eventually!’
    With a booming laugh, he gave the orders to weigh anchor and they resumed their journey towards Shikoku Island.
    ‘Did you see the look on the
ronin
’s face?’ Saburo chortled, when Yori finally managed to rejoin his friends. ‘It was as if he’d swallowed a fish whole.’
    Jack laid a hand upon Yori’s shoulder. ‘You
really
had me worried for a moment.’
    Yori smiled ruefully. ‘Sorry, but it was the only way I could think of to get the
ronin
off the boat without a fight.’
    ‘That is
ninja
cunning!’ Miyuki remarked. ‘Still, you should’ve taken a weapon, just in case.’
    ‘I did,’ replied Yori, tapping a forefinger to his temple. ‘The mind is the greatest weapon.’
    Jack grinned at his friend. Every day Yori was becoming more and more like their old Zen master, Sensei Yamada – not only in manner but in wisdom too.
    The boat sailed on and the passengers settled down again, dozing in the sun or gazing across the glistening waters of the Seto Sea. Returning to their position at the bow, Jack and the others ensured the canvas bag was kept securely between them. But they needn’t have worried. The other travellers now maintained a respectful distance from Yori and his companions, his honourable act having enhanced his status on-board the boat.
    Jack looked towards the distant horizon. Shikoku Island was not yet in sight. Surveying the huge expanse of water before him, he suddenly experienced a deep ache in his heart. England lay two years’ voyage on the other side of the world, divided by vast oceans and fierce storms. Yet being at sea, he felt closer to home than ever before. He yearned to set foot on English shores once again – to find his sister, Jess, and to finally stop running. Jack had no doubt that she still prayed for his and his father’s safe return, even after all these years. But he was worried about what had become of Jess without a family to protect and care for her.
    ‘I feel awful,’ groaned Saburo, holding his head in his hands.
    Jack took one look at his friend’s pale face. ‘You’re seasick. Stand up and keep your eye on the horizon.’
    Getting shakily to his feet, Saburo leant against the guardrail. Jack fished out a gourd from the bag and offered it to him. ‘You need to sip lots of water.’
    Saburo took a swig. Wiping the back of his hand across his mouth, he moaned, ‘Oh, I wish this deck would stop moving.’
    ‘This is nothing!’ laughed Jack. ‘Wait until we hit a storm. The deck heaves so much, the sky becomes the sea and you don’t know which way is up!’
    Saburo now appeared even more queasy. ‘How did you bear this for
two
whole years
?’
    ‘Don’t worry,’ said Jack, patting his friend gently on the back. ‘After three days, your body adjusts to the motion and you stop being seasick.’
    Saburo’s eyes widened in dismay. ‘Three