Free The Fires of the Gods by I. J. Parker

women.’
    Akitada smiled. This sort of gossip attached itself to many men, and some positively cultivated such rumors. ‘You think that perhaps his wife lost her temper?’
    Nakatoshi looked doubtful. ‘Why didn’t she object earlier? I have a feeling that she enjoys being the wife of a man who is rising in the government. You know, of course, that Yorimichi will be making more appointments soon?’
    ‘There have been rumors.’
    ‘Yes. Since Michinaga finally retired to his new palace at Uji,there have been many changes in the government. Now four of his sons hold the highest offices, and Yorimichi, the eldest, is regent and chancellor. Michinaga rules from retirement.’
    Akitada remembered the rumors about the fires. ‘The people are still very unhappy about his choice of Crown Prince. Do you think he will listen?’
    Nakatoshi shook his head. ‘He’s never listened before. Last year they blamed the smallpox epidemic on this, and now it’s the fires. Still, he must be worried. The court astrologer has done a reading, and he says the gods are indeed angry.’
    They were getting away from the murder case. ‘What about Kiyowara’s children?’
    ‘His son by his first lady is the heir, I believe. He’s the only one old enough.’
    ‘If he was a womanizer, it could mean jealous husbands or lovers.’
    Nakatoshi spread his hands in a gesture of helplessness. ‘I can try to find out more.’
    ‘No, better not stir up suspicions. At least, not yet. Besides, there’s another suspect. Prince Atsunori went in to speak to Kiyowara before me. He may be the man who quarreled with him.’
    Nakatoshi reacted much as Kobe had. ‘Atsunori? He’s an imperial and outranks Kiyowara. If they quarreled, Kiyowara would be the loser.’ He thought. ‘Could it have been suicide?’
    ‘No. Apparently Kiyowara’s head was bashed in. I did wonder what a man of Atsunori’s rank was doing there.’
    ‘Yes, it’s strange.’
    ‘I also saw another famous gentleman. Ono Takamura was coming from the women’s quarters.’
    ‘The poet? He’s a favorite of the court at the moment. They say the collection he’s working on will be brilliant. A lot of people hope to be included.’ Nakatoshi pondered a moment, then said, ‘I would have thought him harmless. All he cares about is poetry and his comforts. He makes himself pleasant to people in power because they supply him with praise and luxurious surroundings. Did you know that he lives as a guest in the Crown Prince’s Palace?’
    ‘Does he really? I had much the same impression of the man, but I think I must try to talk to him. He may know something about other visitors that day. How does he come to be acquainted with Kiyowara’s wives?’
    ‘I don’t know, sir. Perhaps I can find out.’
    ‘Better not.’ Akitada rose. ‘Thank you, Nakatoshi. Please don’t mention this to anyone – for your sake as well as mine.’
    Nakatoshi stood also. ‘Of course. But I wonder if it might not be better if I asked the questions. It’s easier for me to get access to some of the people close to Kiyowara. Won’t you let me help, sir?’
    Akitada knew what he meant. Doors would be closed to him in too many quarters now. Nobody wanted to be seen to associate with those in disfavor. He smiled at Nakatoshi. ‘Not quite yet,’ he said. ‘Perhaps later.’ But he knew he would not involve this very nice young man in his troubles.
    ‘Be careful, sir.’
    ‘I’ll try to be, Nakatoshi. My best wishes to your wife.’
    Nakatoshi blushed and smiled. ‘And mine to yours, sir.’

THE COURT POET
     
    O no’s reputation might have entitled him to quarters in a palace, but his room lacked the luxuries Kiyowara had enjoyed.
    When Akitada was shown in by a palace servant, he found a somewhat mean space dominated by a small, old desk and shelving overflowing with books, scrolls, and document boxes. But the writing set on the desk was new and very beautiful. Boxes, brush holders, water