The Way of the Fox Read Online Free Page A

imagine why.”
    Kuno straightened his sleeves, and set off down the trail. Tonbo drew a deep breath and gave a humph of disapproval. But he hefted spear and club, and followed Kuno onwards down the path.
    The pathway wound a hundred paces on towards the swamp. There were clear signs of habitation: a rope had been tied about a tree trunk, and a fishing net was strung up over a long wooden pole. The place had a deepening, rank, unpleasant scent.
    A large hut with low eaves sa t close beside the edges of the marsh. A tree shaded the roof, and a string bag beside the door held a great many tortoise shells. The thatched roof was held down by rows of great, flat stones.
    A young girl in red robes embroidered with patterns of spring flowers sat upon the porch weaving hemp upon a loom. She had a sweetly pretty face – pale, red lipped and smiling. She saw her visitors approaching. Her eyes assessed them, and she gave a supple bow.
    “ Samurai! Good day to you. To what does this humble girl owe the pleasure?”
    Her voice had a low, purring allure – subtle, and filled with hidden promises.
    It was a pleasant surprise to find so genteel a figure in such uncouth surroundings. Kuno advanced and gave the woman an elegant, formal bow.
“Good day to you. We are passing, nothing more.”
    “ We have few visitors, samurai san – except for those who wish to use the shortcut to the main road. Few choose to use it.”
    “A shortcut? Is there a path through the swamps?”
    “Yes, samurai. It takes a full ri from the journey.”
    Leav ing aside her loom, the girl arose. She was a creature of considerable grace. With robes trailing about her, she walked serenely to the rear of the house, where a line of stepping stones led off into the inner reaches of the swamp.
    “There are causeways between the islands. The route is easy enough, if you do not mind the surroundings. The swamps can unnerve those who are unused to them.” The woman cast an eye towards the cloudy skies overhead. “But it will be raining in half an hour. You would most certainly be drenched, whichever way you travel.”
    The girl archly considered the two handsome young samurai – one tall and massive, the other polite and erudite. A warmth smouldered in her eyes.
    “If you would choose to grace my home, honoured samurai? You could weather the rain until it has passed.” The girl drifted off towards her house. “It is but humble, but I can offer you both what small… comforts … I possess.”
    Kuno bowed, accepting the offer as a gracious one. The woman moved with dainty steps to the door of the house, knelt down, and slid open the door. Kuno entered the house with great politeness. The girl inclined her head, beckoning Tonbo to follow his companion inside.
    Tonbo considered the little swamp hut, and scratched his chin. He then set down his back packs, leaning Sura’s spear against a tree. He pulled out her clothing and lai d it flat upon the ground, propping open the neck of her robes. With all stowed neatly beneath the tree, Tonbo took up his mighty tetsubo and clomped up the steps to the hut. He nodded a brief bow to the red-robed girl, then passed inside.
    The hut had a low ceiling and floor covered in mats of woven reeds. A low, smoky fire of swamp wood served to boil a tea kettle. At the back of the hut there were several boxes, ba skets and folded mats, with a few strings of copper coins. Yet more baskets held dried fish, and great bales of cut reeds were stacked beneath the eaves.
    The air was thick with the stench of fish, ill-dried tortoise flesh and smoke: the effect was quite eye watering. Kuno and Tonbo sat themselves down – Kuno kneeling formally, Tonbo cross-legged with club in hand.
    H er red robes gleaming, the girl set out tea cups, tea caddy and bamboo whisk upon a wooden board. Her hair was beautifully ordered, tied back with red ribbons. Her skin was so pale it seemed almost blue. Kuno complimented the woman upon her tea set – the cups