The Samurai's Garden Page 5

  As she worked, she pondered again his proposition of marriage. Should she take a chance? Hiro was not the man her father was, nor was he like her husband.

  Her introspection stopped when the men dragged themselves inside, their clothing soaked from the rain. Hanako stopped them at the doorway, bringing her threadbare blankets to stem some of the dripping and prevent a chill. They both thanked her before sitting at the table.

  Hiro's friend looked better now the effect of the alcohol had passed. The rain had washed off some of his dirt and grime, too. He was still considerably wrinkled and worn, but the eyes that regarded her today were bright and friendly. There was no trace of the ashen-faced helplessness she had seen the previous day. She wondered what Hiro had done or said to give the man hope.

  The herbed fish and spinach soup was consumed with relish and pronounced a culinary delight. Hanako blushed with pleasure at their praise and retreated to eat her own meal. After she rinsed the plates, she donned her straw raincoat and hat and headed outdoors. The fields would get their nourishment from the rain, but her animals needed food. Both men moved to follow her, but she insisted they had done enough for the morning and told them to rest. Feeding her few animals wouldn't take her long.

  The cow had settled comfortably in the shelter Hiro and Ginjiro had built. The beast nodded her greeting but didn't move from her shelter. The chickens had taken refuge under the old cart Hanako used for bringing her vegetables to the market. They clucked furiously at her, seeming to scold her for the lateness of their meal.

  Returning to the hut, she hung the wet straw garment on a hook and turned to find the two men waiting for her. Hiro wore an expression of excitement and anticipation. Would he leave soon with his friend on a new adventure? Had he forgotten his proposal of marriage? She prepared herself for disappointment. Now that she had healthy animals and a field full of crops, she would survive alone — somehow. She silenced her fearful thoughts and realized Hiro had been speaking.

  "…so if it is acceptable to you, Ginjiro also would like to stay and learn the business of farming. With both of us working here, the farm will certainly prosper."

  Hanako's eyes widened. He wasn't leaving! She reached for the wall, fearing her knees would buckle in relief. She would not have to return to her solitary existence, eking out a meager existence from the land. At least not immediately.

  She pressed her hand to her heart and took a deep breath, bringing her focus back to Hiro's request. Ginjiro wanted to stay as well. Though she trusted Hiro, she was inwardly cautious of his friend. But an extra pair of hands would certainly make the work even easier, and as Hiro had pointed out, production from her tiny farm could be increased even more. She could perhaps afford to make some much-needed improvements on the farm.

  When she looked at the men, she found Hiro regarding her patiently, while Ginjiro looked anxious. She realized they were waiting for her to make a decision. The idea of two men waiting for her approval spread a warm feeling through her. Unlike many of the men in the village, these two respected her and accepted her as the mistress of this home and the farm.

  She bowed regally. "I would be honored to share my farm and my home with a friend of Tanaka-san."

  Chapter Five

  Hideyori sipped on the fragrant tea and closed his eyes, savoring the aroma. He set the cup down and adjusted the folds of his new silk robe. After their initial doubts, Togashi and Akamatsu had finally come through and advanced him the funds to start recruiting and training an army. He had assured them he would be the muscle, the brains, and the military strategist behind the operation. He knew how to lead people, even if he had never led an army. He would find strong samurai to fight. And they would win back all he had lost. But first he had had to improve his own standard of living. New clothes, a better home, good servants, and good food. He couldn't lead an army on an empty stomach, wearing nothing but rags.

  His campaign for soldiers had brought a handful of applicants so far, but he had yet to meet one worth his time. There were numerous reports of ronin roaming the countryside, leaving fear and havoc in their wake. Former samurai, fierce enough to level entire communities, could surely be convinced to use their strength in the name of an esteemed daimyo. There weren't many soldiers guarding his lands — and they were definitely his lands, no matter what the emperor said — so a small but powerful army would be all he'd need.

  When he took back what was rightfully his, the victory would attract more warriors to join him, and he could begin taking over more and more of the country. He smiled inwardly, contemplating the possibilities.

  "Excuse me, are you the daimyo looking for soldiers?"

  Hideyori's head snapped up at the question. The speaker had used correct grammar and had phrased his question using the appropriate amount of politeness due to one of his rank. This was promising. It showed the speaker had an education and had learned court manners.

  He hid his eagerness. It would not do to appear desperate.

  "I am his — representative. Who are you?"

  The soldier replied by presenting his identification papers. Hideyori's hands nearly shook with anticipation as he pored over them. The applicant, Masao Akira, came from an established samurai family. He had been employed by a daimyo in the south; however, the last few years were unaccounted for.

  "What have you been doing since the Meiji government took over?"

  The man shifted, obviously uncomfortable with the question.

  "I have been — traveling. I was not interested in working for the emperor."

  Hideyori's brows rose at the hesitation in the man's response. Had there been bad blood between Masao and the emperor's forces? This could be an advantage. He would have motivation to fight against them, if necessary.

  "If you were not interested in serving the emperor, why would you be interested in working for m — for Kato-san?" he asked.

  The man straightened. "The emperor's forces are far too complacent. I read Kato-san's recruitment advertisement. He is looking for forces to stop the troublemakers in the area. If the emperor's forces aren't able to do that, more force is needed. It has been far too long since I have been part of that kind of action."

  Hideyori noticed the gleam in the younger man's eyes. He was indeed a warrior. Bloodthirsty. Eager for a fight. This was a good sign. I need to find more men like this one!

  ****

  Hiro fed the chickens, his mind on his journey to this place. It had been a wayward path, one he had not expected to take. Only a few years ago, he had been a soldier, a member of the elite fighting force feared and respected by all. And now he was here, laboring in the hot sun, in a place where his fighting skills and tactical training were of no use.

  After Hiro's final break with the daimyo, his older brother had encouraged him to return to Tokyo and join the Imperial Army. Taro's letter had been the last communication he'd had from his family:

  We would be a strong force for the emperor. Like our father, we would be able to represent and defend a leader, one we can be proud of. Please come back to Tokyo and join me. I would be proud to serve with you.

  Instead, Hiro had gone even farther north. Taking a ferry to the island of Hokkaido, he had walked aimlessly for days, until he had reached the village of Furano. And now he was here, on Hanako's farm. Instead of being paid to take lives and use his strength to suppress lives, he earned his way by nurturing life. What would his father, the great Yukio Tanaka, think of his son now? Would he be embarrassed to know his second born had chosen to live as a simple farmer?

  He was certain his family and friends would be amazed to see him working like this. The Tanaka family had wealth and social standing, and even though he was a second son, he had the benefit of the finest education and training. His father had hired tutors in music, literature, mathematics, and science, as well as the physical training necessary for a samurai. Hiro had enjoyed his studies and had endured the physical training as a necessary part of his regimen.

  Now, Hi
ro used his strength to spread the grains from his sack over the ground, chuckling at the way the birds raced around to snatch them up. The chickens now numbered four, and a rooster had joined the menagerie. The hens' combined output of eggs now exceeded what three people could eat, and Hanako sold the excess during her weekly trips into town. Hiro was trying a new combination of grains to feed the flock. Lately, he'd read whatever he could find about the science of agriculture, and had persuaded Hanako to let him experiment with different types of feed to see if it would improve the hens' size and output.

  Across the yard, Ginjiro milked the cow. When finished with his task, he covered the bucket with a cloth, and carried it to the stream, where the milk would stay fresh for a day or two in the cool shade. Farm life seemed to suit the former warrior. His eyes were now clear, his step lighter, and he stood straighter, having a purpose in life.

  "I think I'm getting used to this," Ginjiro bragged. "I managed to keep my head away from the hooves this time," he added, pointing at the nasty gash on his forehead. "I've had my share of injuries, but I've never been attacked by a farm animal." He glanced around the yard. "So what's next? Shall I go to the field and help Hanako?"

  "That's fine. I'll join you in a moment," agreed Hiro.

  Ginjiro nodded and turned toward the field. After a few steps, he stopped and turned back to Hiro, a question in his eyes.

  "What happens to these animals in the winter? They aren't going to live in the hut with Hanako, are they?"

  Hiro stared at his friend. "I hadn't thought of that. The hut is too small for her, let alone all her animals. We will need to build something."

  "If we're going to build something, we should build a home for her, and turn the hut into a barn. The place we sleep in would make a nice chicken coop, but then we would need to build two structures."

  Hiro nodded in agreement. "Good idea. I'll discuss it with her."

  Ginjiro regarded his friend shrewdly. "Would you share this home with her?"

  Hiro hesitated. "We have not agreed to that," he hedged.

  His friend grinned. "She's afraid of you?"

  "I'm not sure. Perhaps she's not ready to marry again."

  Ginjiro's eyes widened and his jaw dropped. Hiro almost laughed at the comical look of surprise.

  "Marry? Why would you want to do that? Just build her a house and live in it with her. You would be her protector. No one would expect you to do more."

  Hiro knew this was true. Many of his fellow samurai had concubines. But the idea did not sit well with Hiro. Hanako deserved to be treated with respect, and reducing her to the role of mistress would not do. His friends always teased him about his soft heart, his penchant for healing lost souls. Was Hanako a lost soul in need of protection? Was that why he was so concerned about her feelings, her needs, and her reputation? How had the son of a samurai become such a bleeding heart? His father had been known for his strength, but there was one summer long ago when he'd shown another side of his personality. Hiro had been on his way home from school when he'd decided to take another route...

  ****

  The tiny kitten lay on the roadside, injured and abandoned. Ten-year old Hiro couldn't leave the animal in the road to die, so he brought her home, cleaned her up, and nursed her back to health. He found an old basket, lined it with a soft blanket, and hid the kitten in his room. Each day, after completing his studies and exercises, he sneaked back to his room, gently petting the fur ball and crooning to her softly. Always a dutiful son, he was careful to complete his tasks before indulging himself in the luxury of cuddling with his pet.

  One day, the kitten fell ill. Hiro's heart ached for the tiny being as she lay listlessly, refusing to eat, not wanting to play. He feared for the kitten's life, but didn't know how to help her. Chores were done quickly, and he hurried back to his room to check on his charge. He sat on his ofuton, gently petting her, when the shoji screen opened and his father walked in. In his hand was a piece of armor. Hiro had been instructed to polish the headpiece, but the lack of shine attested to his carelessness. Hiro looked up, up, up at the man he loved and feared more than any other. Not only had he failed in his duty, he was harboring a pet. What would the great samurai do? Could he stand by and watch his father callously discard the kitten?

  He clutched the kitten to his chest, trembling. The pet squirmed, but thankfully remained quiet, as if understanding that her fate lay in this powerful man's hand. Hiro struggled to contain the tears that filled his eyes and fought to keep from pleading for the mercy he knew would not come. Duty came first to a samurai. There was no time for the frivolity of pets.

  And then the great warrior spoke. Hiro mentally prepared himself for the lashing he knew would follow.

  "I wondered about the noises I heard coming from this room when you weren't home. But you have not come here during the day before now. What caused you to abandon your duties today?"

  Hiro's heart held to a thread of hope. Was it possible that his warrior father understood? He struggled to find his voice. "F-forgive me, otousan. She — she seems ill. She is not eating."

  Otousan said nothing, but one brow raised. He held out his hand and waited.

  Dutifully, Hiro handed over the kitten, though his hands trembled, and he feared he might drop her. Otousan took the tiny bundle in his large hands and examined her closely. "It appears she has a cold. See, her eyes are watering, and her breathing seems labored. Let's see if we can help her." He turned and strode to the ofuro, the bath area, with Hiro following closely on his heels.

  In the hot, steamy room, otousan lay the kitten on a soft, clean towel. Gradually, the kitten settled in, her breathing calmed. Hiro's anxiety also eased as he realized she was going to be all right.

  Father and son brought the pet back to Hiro's room to rest. "You should bring her back to the ofuro three or four times each day to clear out her lungs." He turned a stern eye toward his son. "Of course you will do this in between your chores and lessons." Hiro nodded in understanding. "And now that she is resting comfortably, you can return to polishing this armor properly."

  Hiro bowed low, thanking the gods he would not be punished today. "Yes, Otousan. I will polish until it gleams."

  The beloved pet had lived until her master left for the university, and Hiro never forgot his father's compassion that day. He had learned it was possible to be both a fierce samurai and to have a tender heart. And he realized that strength used to care for a weaker being showed a greater nobility than strength used to take from those who could not fight back.

  ****

  Now, Hiro leveled a steady look at his friend. "Hanako would make a fine samurai wife. I would be honored if she agreed."

  Chapter Six

  "Ginjiro and I would like to build a house for you."

  Hanako nearly dropped her rice ball. "Build a house? Why?"

  "Consider it payment for our room and board. Or a payment for you teaching us these new skills and profession. Or…" He leaned toward her and lowered his voice, eliciting a chill in her spine, "…consider it an early wedding gift."

  Heat flooded her cheeks at the mention of a wedding — their wedding. She cast a quick glance at Ginjiro, who lay snoring under another tree. The three had taken a lunch break from their farm work. She and Hiro hadn't really discussed marriage. He had not brought it up since the day he had first dropped the suggestion, and she had wondered if he had regretted the impulsive offer. But she wasn't ready to discuss it now. She tried another line of questions.

  "What would happen to the house I have now?"

  "You could tear it down — or perhaps keep the animals in there during the winter. They would not be able to survive outdoors in the snow."

  She hadn't considered that problem. Hokkaido was famous for its pleasant summer breezes, but winters in Japan's northernmost island were brutal.

  "Where did you keep the animals in the winters before the raid?"

  Before the raid, they'd had a barn for her larger animals and a coop full of
chickens. The ronin had slaughtered the animals, eaten a few, and left the rest to rot. The outbuildings were burned to the ground. How could she have forgotten about building permanent shelters for these new animals? Her shoulders sagged as she realized the implications of what was needed to keep her farm afloat. In order to make the needed improvements, she needed money. What was she willing to do to get that money? Hiro had offered a solution. Would it be wise to accept his offer? Or would she be selling her body and soul?

  And what was Hiro's motivation? What did he stand to gain by marrying her?

  Long ago, when she was about eight years old, she'd gone to Sapporo with her father. It was one of the last times she remembered her father with fondness. They went to visit a relative, a cousin of her mother. Her home had tatami floors, unlike the rough wood planks at home. Flowers, artfully arranged, graced brightly lacquered tables. But what had impressed Hanako most was the aura of tranquility. Servants came in and out of the rooms, their steps muffled by the tatami mats on the floors. Sitting in the courtyard with a tiny cup of tea, she heard nothing but the rippling of water in the pond.

  The lady of the house greeted them with smiles. She had no children, she told Hanako, and was so happy her cousin's daughter had come to see her. "Please call me obachan, since I am like an aunt to you."

  This aunt, though older than her father, showed none of the signs of aging so evident on farm women. She wore her hair in a pretty style, and she smelled so nice. Her voice was gentle, reminding Hanako of a soft, comforting voice from deep in the recesses of her memory.