Free Yamada Monogatori: The Emperor in Shadow by Richard Parks

I was beginning to think I had more in common with the man than I would have suspected.
    I considered what he said. “You want me to discover the reason your daughter haunts her former home and, if possible, put her troubled spirit to rest. In exchange, you will side with the new emperor against your brothers. I think you understand what you are risking, Lord Yorinobu.”
    His smile was faint. “I do know the potential consequences. Whatever my inclinations toward the future or any gratitude I feel toward the crown prince, I am no hero. It is for my daughter’s sake alone that I am willing to take this risk, just so that we understand one another. Will you help me or not?”
    His honesty demanded an equally honest response. “In that same spirit, you know I am no friend to the Fujiwara and likely never will be, so I am not inclined to help you. However, if it is within my power, I will help your daughter, for Takahito-tenno’s sake,” I said. “If that amounts to the same thing, so be it.”
    Yorinobu laughed, so loudly and heartily that I was startled, and I realized all the bushi waiting for us outside were staring. When the fit had passed, he lowered his voice again. “Whatever you may feel about me or my family, I think I like you, Lord Yamada. As we both sail now into troubled waters, try not to die.”
    “For the sake of the future emperor and all of our futures, you do the same.”

CHAPTER FIVE
    “After all this time, yet another ghost,” Kenji muttered. “Are we to spend the rest of our lives chasing one angry ghost or another?”
    I was thinking of the spirit of Princess Teiko. “Other than the ones chasing us? That is in the hands of fate and karma, Master Kenji. Not ours. Not as long as both they and we have unfinished business.”
    “If you’re referring to Princess Teiko, she didn’t appear angry to me.”
    “No, but she does want something. Since I’m no longer certain what that ‘something’ is, we may be facing her anger after all.”
    We spent the night at an inn within the Grand Shrine complex. The next morning, accompanied by our escort, we set out for Saiku to take our leave of the high priestess. From there I hoped to reach the Suzuka Pass before nightfall, though I knew this hope was probably optimistic. Kenji had been in a sour mood since I’d related to him as much of my conversation with Yorinobu as I felt prudent. I hadn’t named the man I’d met with, of course, except to Kenji. The fewer people who knew of the acting saidaijin ’s involvement, the better for everyone.
    “I don’t suppose we have any leeway as to exorcism?”
    “Wards may be in order but no exorcism, Master Kenji. Not until we know why the ghost is there. Patience.”
    He frowned. “Rubbish. At a time like this, Prince Kanemore first sent us to Ise just to gain a client—which neither of us wanted or needed? I’m not a simpleton, Yamada-sama. There is far more going on here.”
    “Of course there is.”
    “But you’re not going to tell me,” he said.
    I twitched the reins to avoid a hole in the road. “I suspect there will come a time when you know as much or more than I do. That is unavoidable, but until that day comes, you’re better off not knowing. I fear you’re simply going to have to trust me for now.”
    “It would be a long way from the first time,” he said. “And not always to the best conclusion.”
    True enough, but I ignored his comment and simply let him sulk. Kenji’s mood lingered for a while, but by the time we approached Saiku and the Bamboo Palace, a little of his old cheer was returning. “Do you think I will be allowed in this time? I would like to meet this priestess.”
    “I have no doubt of that,” I said, “though I do not know how likely it is that either of us will see her today. She has other duties, and this is just a courtesy call.”
    “So was our first time at the Bamboo Palace,” he said. “You still haven’t told me everything about that meeting,