Free The Harsh Cry of the Heron by Lian Hearn Page A

tried to compose himself, fighting tiredness
and pain.
    They began by talking
about the estate, Zenko explaining what he knew of its condition, Kono
expressing a desire to visit it for himself, a request which Takeo granted
without argument, for he felt that Kono had little real interest in it and no
intention of ever living there; that his claim on the land could probably be
dealt with quite simply by recognizing him as the absent landlord and remitting
a certain amount to him in the capital - not the full taxation but a percentage
of it. The estate was an excuse for Kono’s visit: a perfectly plausible one. Kono
had come with some other motive, but after over an hour had passed and they
were still discussing rice yields and labour requirements Takeo began to wonder
if he was ever going to hear what it was. However, shortly afterwards a guard
appeared at the door with a message for Lord Arai. Zenko made profuse apologies
and said he would be forced to leave them for a while but would join them for
the midday meal.
    His departure left
them in silence. Minoru finished noting what had been said thus far and laid
down his brush.
    Kono said, ‘I have to
speak of a somewhat delicate matter. It may be best if I talk to Lord Otori
alone.’
    Takeo raised his
eyebrows and replied, ‘My scribe will remain.’ He gestured to the rest of the
attendants to leave the room.
    When they had gone,
Kono did not speak for a while. When he did, his voice was warmer and his
manner less artificial.
    ‘I want Lord Otori to
know that I am merely an envoy. I have no animosity towards you. I know little
of the history of our two families - the unfortunate situation with Lady
Shirakawa - but my father’s actions often distressed my mother, while she was
alive, and myself. I cannot believe that he was entirely without fault.’
    Without fault? Takeo
thought. All the fault lay with him: my wife’s suffering and disfigurement, the
murder of Amano Tenzo, the senseless slaying of my first horse, Raku, all those
who died at the battle of Kusahara and in the retreat. He said nothing.
    Kono went on, ‘Lord
Otori’s fame has spread throughout the Eight Islands. The Emperor himself has
heard of it. His Divine Majesty and his Court admire the way you have brought
peace to the Three Countries.’
    ‘I am flattered by
their interest.’
    ‘It is unfortunate
that all your great achievements never received imperial sanction.’ Kono smiled
with seeming kindness and understanding. ‘And that they stem from the illegal
death -1 won’t go so far as to call it murder - of the Emperor’s recognized
representative in the Three Countries, Arai Daiichi.’
    ‘Lord Arai died, like
your father, in the Great Earthquake.’
    ‘I believe Lord Arai
was shot by one of your followers, the pirate Terada Fumio, already a criminal.
The earthquake resulted from the horror of Heaven at such a treacherous act
against an overlord: that is what is believed in the capital. There were other
unexplained deaths that concerned the Emperor at the time: Lord Shirakawa, for
instance, possibly at the hands of one Kondo Koichi, who was in your service,
and who was also implicated in my father’s death.’
    Takeo replied, ‘Kondo
died years ago. This is all past history. In the Three Countries it is believed
that Heaven took a hand in punishing my grandfather’s brothers and Arai for
their evil deeds and betrayals. Arai had just attacked my unarmed men. If there
was any sort of treachery, it was his.’ Earth delivered what Heaven desired.
    ‘Well, his son, Lord
Zenko, was an eyewitness, and a man of his probity will tell the truth,’ Kono
said blandly. ‘My unpleasant duty is to inform Lord Otori that, since you have
never sought the Emperor’s permission or endorsement, have never sent tax or
tribute to the capital, your rule is illegal and you are requested to abdicate.
Your life will be spared if you retire in exile to some isolated island for the
remainder of your days. The