Jimmu thought that the solution was simple.

“Wouldn’t it be better if Lady Takeko postponed her visit until after the Takeda men have been dealt with, sir?” he said.

The effect of this question was remarkable. Captain Muraki rocked with laughter, and slapped his palms against his thighs. It took him almost a minute to regain his composure.

“Forgive me, Jimmu, but you don’t know Lady Takeko,” he said, his voice husky from laughing. “She has a fearsome temper, and once her mind is set upon something, no one can persuade her otherwise. Her mother died shortly after she was born, and Lord Ankan was so stricken with grief that he vowed never to marry again. The memory of his wife has made him overindulgent toward his daughter. Lady Takeko is used to getting her own way. She is willful, and speaks her mind directly. This mission may be important for your career, Jimmu. Lord Ankan gave specific orders that you were to be one of Lady Takeko’s guards.”

“I am deeply honored, sir,” said Jimmu.

The situation was almost amusing. Jimmu had vowed to avenge his father by taking Choju Ankan’s life—now Lord Ankan had chosen Jimmu to protect his daughter. Though the irony was not lost on Jimmu, he quickly forgot about it. The prospect of seeing Lady Takeko again dominated his thoughts.

That evening, Jimmu was surprised when Sadamichi sat next to him in the mess hall. Since their sword fight, Sadamichi had done his best to avoid Jimmu, but now he greeted him like an old friend, and joked with him while they ate.

Jimmu’s suspicions were aroused. Sadamichi’s oily charm did not affect him. The man’s smile seemed warm enough, but his eyes remained cold and sly.

After the meal was finished, Sadamichi followed Jimmu outside. Above the castle walls, the sky was darkening, and showing a scattering of pale stars.

“Have you heard the latest?” Sadamichi inquired casually. “They say that Lord Ankan’s brat has nagged him into letting her visit some shrine or other.”

Jimmu became defensive.

“I don’t listen to gossip,” he said.

“Are you sure you haven’t heard anything?” said Sadamichi.

“What Lady Takeko does is none of my business, or yours!” Jimmu snapped.

Sadamichi laughed a little too loudly.

“No need to take offense,” he said. “I was just asking. I like to gather information that might be useful.”

“Useful to whom?”

“To whoever might be interested,” said Sadamichi.

“I must go now,” Jimmu said. “Captain Muraki wishes me to report to him.”

“Give the captain my best regards,” Sadamichi said, as Jimmu turned away with a sense of unease and suspicion. Why was Sadamichi suddenly being so friendly?

Three days later at sunup, two bearers carried a covered litter, with sliding doors, into the main courtyard. Here they were joined by Jimmu and three other guards, all armed with spears and swords.

Lady Takeko, dressed in a white silk kimono and a wide-brimmed hat with a veil so thick that it completely obscured her face, came out of the castle, accompanied by Lord Ankan. Before Lady Takeko stepped into the litter, Lord Ankan presented her with a small wooden box.