第60节

e Shogun's mind in order to achieve

their objective: the discrediting of the College of Heralds and its

takeover by the Office of the Lord Chamberlain.

Before falling under Roz's spell, Kamakura had already pledged himself

to aid Mishiko. Now, as his spirit returned to his body - or so he

believed he was prepared to offer her strange allies the same

unquestioning assistance, for in a final twist to the seance, Roz had

relinquished her control of Mishiko and concentrated on the samurai,

ending his mind-trip with a scene filled with light and majesty in

which the Shogun rewarded Kamakura's loyal endeavours by arranging for

his daughters to be married to the scions of various well-connected

families.

For this honest, long-serving soldier, it was the realisation of his

most cherished dream. It was also the cruellest of deceptions, for if

Cadillac's plan succeeded, Yoritomo would not live long enough to

reward anyone, and the Captain and his family might soon suffer a

similar fate ....

Mishiko resumed her seat on the dais, between the two spirit-witches.

Now fully aware of the task which lay ahead, Kamakura applied his mind

to the practical problems that faced them. Mishiko and her party could

not remain concealed in her apartments all day. Apart from needing a

hot bath, they would need a supply of food, fuel and water. There was

also the basic but unavoidable problem of sanitation.

The chamberpots in the wooden cabinets would have to be emptied if they

were not to stink the place out.

None of these things could be done without risking discovery. Mishiko

and Cadillac were forced to agree.

It would be dangerous to remain. What did the Captain propose?

'Mi'lady, if I may be so bold, I suggest you leave the castle by the

way you came. I will meet you and your servants at a pre-arranged spot

with a few trusted men, and convey you to my humble abode which as you

know is situated beyond the Palace walls.

'Once you are installed in as much comfort as can be provided I will

send my men with one of yours to collect your three children and the

rest of your retinue from the farm. They too will shelter in my house

for the rest of today and overnight, then tomorrow you and your

companions can re-enter the Palace. I shall meet you here, by which

time I hope to have found a way to conduct you to the Shogun's

apartments without being stopped by men loyal to the Lord

Chamberlain."

'I already know of a way, Captain. All you have to do is meet us here

- leaving us enough time to be in position when the Shogun reaches his

apartments."

Kamakura bowed. 'I shall not fail you, mi'lady."

Cadillac leaned forward. 'There is one more task which has to be

completed before dawn tomorrow. We need to make contact with Secretary

Ichiwara during the hours of darkness. Do you know this man?"

'Yes, I do, uhh. sire." Kamakura wasn't quite sure how you were

supposed to address a spirit-witch.

'Good. By nightfall, we shall require a plan showing where his

bed-chamber is situated within the palace, together with details of

when he sleeps and whether or not he sleeps alone. If his servants are

lodged nearby, we also need to know their names and how many there are,

and whether the corridors leading to his quarters from Lady Mishiko's

apartments are patrolled by guards around the hour of midnight."

And if his door is locked, I imagine you will require a key,' concluded

Kamakura.

."That is correct, captain. We have power over natural objects, but

locks, being man-made, do not readily respond to magic spells."

When it was their turn to enjoy the facilities of Kamakura's

bath-house, Mishiko ensured that Cadillac and Roz were left to relax in

complete privacy. Having his back scrubbed by naked body-slaves was

something Cadillac had enjoyed during his previous stay in Ne-Issan,

but that was one of the minor details of life under the Iron Masters he

had omitted to mention to Roz. The way he told it, the long months had