While the coming of the Obon festival was a religious event to celebrate one’s ancestors, it was also an event in which men traveled home to see their families. Any event in which men traveled was also a time when business went up in the floating world, and thus the entertainment district of any town or city was now in furious preparation for the coming rush. The Inn of a Thousand Lanterns was no exception, and the girls and servants were all hard at work decorating for the coming event, with many carts rushing in and out of the compound at every hour.
Masato, worried that they might get turned away at the front door, had decided that he and Taro would follow one of these carts in like they were attendants and then look for Shiori-san. This seemed the best choice for them, as he and Taro had now been on the road alone since the morning of the day before, and neither smelled or looked like someone who would be allowed through the front doors of such a prestigious place. So, with the sun starting to sink in the Western sky, they laid their hands on the side of a cart and walked right in.
The young samurai apprentice was worried they might be thrown out before they could find the courtesan, but as it turned out his fears were misguided. They had no sooner gone through the gates than they found her standing there supervising a group of servants unloading what looked to be fireworks.
“The ones with the red bows go to the east garden, the ones with green bows to the west garden, and the yellow bows to the inner courtyard.” She ordered. “And, don’t mix them up, or the colors will be wrong, and Master Han will have your heads.”
Masato grabbed Taro and the two of them rushed over to her, with Masato not waiting for her to turn before he dropped into a deep bow.
“Ma’am.” He said breathlessly. “Your humble servant brings you greetings from my master.”
Shiori turned, looking at the pair of bowing boys with amused interest. “Oh?” She said curiously. “And, who is your master who sends me his smelliest servants?” The other servants had stopped to watch the scene, and a few laughed at her comment.
Then Masato raised his head, and she whispered “Masato-kun?” as her eyes went wide, going from bemused to concerned in an instant.
“My master is…” Masato began, not hearing her whisper his name and worried that they might get thrown out before she could recognize them, but Shiori suddenly raised a hand to wave in front of her nose.
“Ah, I know!” She announced. “You’re from the stables, aren’t you? That must be why you smell so bad.”
“Umm…No, we’re…” Masato persisted, not catching the hint.
“Be quiet, servant!” She told him, and the look in her eyes silenced him in a flash. Then she looked at one of her attendants- “You, finish up here, I’ll get rid of this pair.”
The attendants bowed, and Shiori strode deeper into the compound, motioning for the boys to follow her.
* * *
Apologies came when the three were alone, and explanations followed.
As Masato told his story, every word seemed to add another year to Shiori’s youthful face, until, as he told of the events of Jiro’s death, the vibrant woman who had led them into the gardens clung to a bridge railing for support. All she should do was stare off into nothing, and nod as he told how they came to the Inn.
Finally, she stepped forward and hugged a startled Masato.
“I am very sorry for your loss,” she whispered hoarsely. “Your teacher was a good man.”
“Uhhh…Thank you.” Masato mumbled, and felt the tears coming, but did his best to stop them as it wasn’t manly to cry in front of women.
Then she backed away, wiped her face with her sleeve and knelt down in front of Taro.
“Welcome home, young master.” She said. “You were very brave.”
“Thank you,” Taro answered, acting precocious again. “But Masato-kun deserves the credit.”
“Yes,” she said, smiling at Masato with sad eyes. “Yes, he does. Jiro would be proud.”
“Shiori-san,” Masato said, trying to keep ahead of his sadness. “Can you help us? We need to warn our lord.”
“Yes,” Shiori stood up and brushed off her robes. “I will send a messenger right away to the nearest garrison. However, I don’t know if it will do any good. The meeting you speak of is tomorrow morning, and our lord has already left to meet Lord Sugura. If it is a trap, we may well be too late.”
“Oh no!” Masato exclaimed.
“Masato, we need to do something!” Taro yelled, “We have to warn father!”
But the courtesan just shook her head sadly. “We can only pray.”
But Masato didn’t think that Jiro would only pray- his master would do something.
And, so would Masato.
“Shiori-san,” Masato said, bowing deeply again to the lady. “Please! Give me a horse!”
And before Shiori could answer, Masato heard Taro yell-“Me as well!”
“Young lord, you can’t come!” Masato said angrily to the younger boy. “It’s too dangerous.”
But Taro remained stubborn. “It’s my father, I’m going to help!”
Masato looked at Shiori for aid, but after a moment’s hesitation the courtesan said- “I believe you should both go. It is unlikely the lord will listen without his son there as proof. I will also write a letter.”
“Thank you, honored lady.” Taro said, bowing to Shiori again.
Masato looked at the scene, and then sighed.
He didn’t like this, not one bit. But, what choice did he have?
Within the hour, the pair were cleaned up, fed, mounted, and on their way.
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