Free The Seabird of Sanematsu by Kei Swanson

his bed! If he chose to take her against her will, this man would find a warrior to contend with as brave as any in his army.

    ** *

    Sanematsu waited, alone, for the women. At this hour, his grandfather and the council were resting, and he could overlook their order to be included in any audience with the barbarian woman.

    He was tired of the old men who spent their hours napping, playing Goh, practicing the tea ceremony and planning how to run his fief. He had, from time to time, entertained thoughts of renouncing his position, but then reality would step in and his hopes of a life of his own would vanish. He submitted to the council’s interference because it was easier.

    Early in life, he had learned how to take the path of least resistance out of any dilemma. He disliked confrontation, going out of his way to avoid it. His birthright forced him to cultivate an aggressive, stern character, to learn the ferocity of the bushi . Contempt for those beneath him was ingrained into his being. He had learned to be quick to anger and to punish but could never justify such responses. To react with violence and gruffness to every slight or imperfection was not in his makeup.

    He rode to war only after all avenues of peace were exhausted. Servants who erred in some manner were sent away instead of slain. He overlooked slight and unintentional insults.

    Other warriors gave him a questioning eye, but he did not have to answer to them. He was daimyo of the Satsuma Province, a law unto himself until he no longer breathed or was, like his grandfather, ineligible to rule.

    His true personality was patient, easy-going. This made him appear an indecisive ruler, especially when he allowed the Council of Elders to make the decisions. He accepted their advice in the proper manner so he would forfeit nothing, yet he lost confidence in himself each time, becoming less and less a leader, all for the sake of his sanity.

    When he acted out of whim, as he did with this meeting, he regained some part of himself. It reminded the council of their position, that Lord Sanematsu Yoshihide ruled Satsuma Province, not Lord Shigehide and the Council of Elders. He would deal with the barbarian in his own way; use her, if possible, as a tool against them. He would mingle his karma with hers, no matter how briefly.

    Only two women knew the girl spoke their language, and both would keep the secret unto death, if necessary. His slip of the tongue at the shrine, however, had given Matsumoto a hint about it.

    He heard his guard speaking with Sachi. The perfect choice to befriend the barbarian, Sachi was the wife of one of his retainers. Of samurai birth, loyal and intelligent, she would train the girl well and make herself a permanent ally.

    The woman was here, and he was anxious, almost nervous. He snorted and cast the ridiculous feelings off. She was a woman! A barbarian female, at that. She should not be allowed to cause this turmoil.

    The shoji slid back, and the women entered, led by his guard. They fell to their knees and bowed to touch forehead to floor. Sanematsu inclined his head, and all rose.

    “My lord,” the guard spoke. “Sachi-sama, wife of Hikita-uji, and the foreigner.”

    “Yes. Come,” Sanematsu acknowledged curtly.

    The guard moved back to the doorway and sat on his heels, sword on knees.

    ** *

    Sachi motioned for Aderyn to follow her forward; they settled on cushions before Lord Sanematsu. This time, Aderyn did not look at him. She stared at her folded hands, mindful of Sachi’s instructions.

    “My lord.” Sachi’s soft voice carried in the room. “At your request, I have instructed her in our ways. If she or her actions should offend you, I assume the responsibility.”

    “I am sure you have done well in the few hours I have given you,” Sanematsu replied. “You may leave us.”

    Sachi departed without a glance at Aderyn, who watched her friend’s departure with dread.

    “I have not had the opportunity to ask