The Seabird of Sanematsu Read Online Free Page B

and business complete, Sanematsu emerged from the building to reclaim his steed. The boy holding the reins was feeding the horse a sweet cake. Sanematsu concluded the boy had stolen the treat from a vendor, as peasant children seldom had funds to purchase things. He also had the look of a mischievous boy.

    “And what would be your name, young horse master?”

    “Hosato, sire,” the boy answered, proud to be addressed by the warrior. He stroked the horse’s muzzle to avoid Sanematsu’s eyes.

    “You must be about thirteen years old. You were born the year of the greatest rice harvest.”

    “Yes, sire.” Thoughtlessly, Hosato looked up to meet Sanematsu’s gaze.

    “I often wish I were thirteen again, Hosato.” Sanematsu tousled the boy’s thick hair. “Do your parents honor.”

    Hosato blushed. “Yes, sire.” He gulped a breath. “Sire, would there be a place in your army for me? It would be a great honor for me to serve you.”

    “You have a sturdy hand with horses.” Sanematsu took the reins and pulled himself up into the saddle. “My horse master may have need of a young man to assist him in his old age. If your father will release you, come to Nishikata-jyo.” He reached into a pouch tied at his waist and removed his chop and a small scroll. With practiced hand, he stamped it and replaced the chop. “Present this to Uma when you come.”

    Hosato took the scroll, holding it with the reverence one gave an Imperial summons. Sanematsu smiled. The scroll would give Hosato true celebrity status.

    He watched as the boy looked toward the crowd. If the young man was a lesser son, Sanematsu could expect him to arrive at the gates of the walled fortress estate within days, as the farmer would be happy to release him to attend the daimyo’s horses and be one less mouth to feed.

    He left Hosato’s village for the next, and continued until he had completed his expedition to six more villages. It would take him every day for half a year to finish collecting taxes from all the towns and villages in his ryo-chi. Because the province he governed was so broad, the task sometimes required daylong journeys and overnight stays.

    He could have sent Matsumoto, staying himself at Nishikata to enjoy the fruits of his labors; but he did not trust Matsumoto to share his views on governing and how to treat the peasants. He also liked to show his people his genuine concern for their hardships and his delight in their joys. The brief encounter with the boy Hosato had made this trip worthwhile. Too, there was little of interest for him at Nishikata-jyo.

    He returned to his city late in the afternoon and went straight to the audience chamber. There he drank more tea and ate small delicacies sweetened with honey and fruits, and met with his governing body.

    As was not uncommon until a young heir reached majority, a Council of Elders had been established by his father’s will when the young Sanematsu first became daimyo. Sanematsu Shigeni had never thought much of his offspring’s military ability and hoped the boy would learn under the older warriors’ tutelage.

    Sanematsu’s grandfather, Shigehide, had seen to it, however, that the council was not disbanded, so he could continue to govern through the young heir. Tradition required an able-bodied warrior to lead the army and sit in the hereditary position of daimyo. Yoshihide had nevertheless acquiesced to Shigehide, allowing his grandfather to remain involved, even to control the four old men, warriors with allegiance to Shigeni, who made up the council. He overlooked his grandfather’s influence, comfortable with the support of the older soldiers and wanting the help.

    The old men reveled in political discussions, and they called meetings often. Sanematsu did not enjoy the long-winded debates and did his best to avoid attending. Today the council conferred with him regarding his alliance with the Shogun.

    The topic of greatest interest was the rumor Ashikaga, the