Читать книгу White Serpent Castle - Lensey Namioka - Страница 10

Chapter 5

Zenta could see that his companion had a question on the tip of his tongue. As soon as the door closed behind the old woman, Matsuzo asked, “Do you think that Shigeteru will try to get in touch with Ume?”

“Why does everyone assume that Shigeteru and his men are coming?” said Zenta.

“Well, the chamberlain and Jihei seemed to expect his coming,” said Matsuzo. “Perhaps they have some definite news.”

“Shigeteru would be a stupid fool to come here and attempt to take over the castle by force,” said Zenta. “He would be an even greater fool to reveal his identity to that gossipy old woman.”

“He might not have any choice about revealing his identity,” Matsuzo pointed out. “I think she would recognize him.”

“I doubt it,” said Zenta. “You heard what Ume said: Shigeteru was only a boy when he left. Ten years, at his stage of growth, can change his looks completely.”

“I still think Ume knows something,” insisted Matsuzo.

Zenta didn’t bother to answer. Ume was stupid and thought herself cunning, a disastrous combination in a conspirator. He wanted no part of her dangerous plots. Taking out his two swords, he sat down on a straw cushion and began a minute examination of the blades. Then from a little pouch attached to his sash he took out a small jar of oil and some rags. With these he polished his swords, his hands caressing the beautiful grain of the blades.

It had been said that a samurai’s sword was his soul. For Zenta, his swords were also his only constant companions in his lonely, wandering life. They had been given to him by a grateful warlord. For a while his future at the court of this warlord had looked bright, but he had left that job, just as he had left so many other promising jobs.