Bedknobs and Beanstalks, page 7
Kintaro glanced at the man to Lord Raiko's left, who looked close to Sadamitsu's age. His crown shaven in samurai tradition, the man's face had a rugged appearance; each line spoke of the many travails and battles he'd seen. Kintaro noticed, as this man and Sadamitsu's gaze met, an unmistakable fondness in their expressions. He pondered what such a gaze meant as he looked to the third man.
Kintaro came to an instant halt, his eyes unwavering from the other man's ebony gaze. Only a few years older than himself, the other's features balanced between delicate and masculine to create a vision of beauty unlike anything Kintaro had ever seen. He did not have his crown shaven, though he did wear his hair bound in a topknot. His dark green kimono hung open to the waist, and Kintaro admired the finely shaped collarbone, the muscles knitted in the center of his smooth chest, and the curves of his pectorals.
"Kintaro."
Kintaro blinked and snapped his head toward Sadamitsu, who stood in front of him grinning with an amused smirk. He moved to his side as Sadamitsu went to one knee before his lord and bowed his head. Sadamitsu grabbed the hem of Kintaro's short kimono and gave it a hard tug. Realizing what he should do, Kintaro fell to one knee and lowered his head.
"My lord,” Sadamitsu said, “I humbly and gratefully return to your honorable presence after completing the errands you sent me on. At your leisure, I will give you full details of all I experienced and encountered."
"At the moment, nothing would please me more than hearing the story behind this lovely creature you've brought to me. I sense a wildness about him. If I didn't know better, I'd think you plucked from a forest."
"Your insight astounds me, Lord Raiko, for I found him running wild with beasts for companions on Mount Ashigara. His name is Kintaro.” Sadamitsu shifted on his knees to take his position next to the older samurai and sat back on his heels. He gave Kintaro a look telling him to remain before Lord Raiko, and Kintaro copied his sitting position. “It would bring me great pleasure to tell you the full tale, but may I first give the names of all present to him?"
Lord Raiko nodded his consent. “You may."
Sadamitsu looked to Kintaro. “Kintaro, as you may have assumed, before you sits the honorable Minamoto no Raiko, about whom I told you so much during our journey here."
Kintaro bowed at the waist to Lord Raiko. “My lord, I thank you for the kindness you have bestowed upon an unworthy creature such as myself in allowing me into your home."
Lord Raiko laughed. “Sadamitsu, you've done a beautiful job teaching him the proper and pretty things to say, but his tone is all wrong. I can hear arrogance in his every word, not humility."
Sadamitsu sighed. “Forgive me, my lord. I did my best in the short time he's been in my company, but I see I failed. He's like a beast who can speak."
Kintaro gnashed his teeth, though he kept his gaze focused on the ground to hide his anger. Sadamitsu had told him not to speak unless spoken to, and he'd given his word to conduct himself properly, but to remain silent while being belittled so took all his control. The conversation called for his attention.
Lord Raiko waved Sadamitsu's words away. “It's of little concern at the moment."
"Thank you, my lord.” Sadamitsu turned his gaze once again to Kintaro. “The man beside me is Watanabe no Tsuna. Across from us is Urabe no Suetake. Together, the three of us have the most honored position of all Lord Raiko's retainers. He has bestowed upon us the unworthy title of shitenno, his Four Guardian Kings."
Kintaro lifted his eyes to Sadamitsu's. “But there are only three of you."
Sadamitsu's gaze fell downward.
Kintaro sensed the shift in the atmosphere around them from light and cordial, to weighted and strained.
Lord Raiko gave Kintaro a sad smile. “They are only three because my fourth brave warrior left this world a little more than a year ago. He had been a man without equal in combat, but here in this very garden his end came to him by nothing more than a hornet's sting. His body reacted violently to the insect's poison and nothing could stop its spread. It was not a fitting death. He should have died in battle, like a true samurai. It is ironic no weapon of man could defeat him, yet the tiny sword of an insect stole his life."
Lord Raiko's gaze flicked to Suetake, then back to Kintaro. “His death has left a horrible void because what makes my shitenno so powerful is each man is paired as lovers with his partner.” Seeing Kintaro's stunned expression, he said, “You do understand what that means, don't you?"
"Um, yes, my lord,” Kintaro said, though he wished he understood it better.
"My Four Guardian Kings fight so gallantly in order to protect the one who is dearest to them, who is also fighting at their side. And, of course, to protect me.” Lord Raiko laughed at his last statement.
Kintaro managed a weak smile, his mind reeling at the information. Men loving other men. If it took place openly here in the court of Lord Raiko, then it couldn't be wrong. The desires he'd carried in silence for so long were nothing to be ashamed of. He cast a sidelong glance at Suetake.
Sadamitsu cleared his throat. “My lord, if I may, I'd like to tell you how I happened upon Kintaro to better explain his presence here."
With Lord Raiko's consent, Sadamitsu launched into his tale of how he discovered Kintaro.
Kintaro thought he embellished a bit, though the long story gave him plenty of opportunities to steal glances at Suetake. Suetake, however, didn't bother to spare him a second look.
Lord Raiko stroked his pointed beard, his thoughtful gaze on Kintaro as Sadamitsu finished the tale. “I have to admit, even though I found your story greatly entertaining, I also found it highly fanciful. I must ask, how much sake had you imbibed when you thought you saw Kintaro doing these things?"
Tsuna chuckled under his breath. Suetake sat stoic.
"I can understand your doubt, my lord,” Sadamitsu said. “If you would allow it, perhaps a demonstration by Kintaro would be helpful."
"I should find it very much so."
Sadamitsu scanned the garden, his gaze settled on a boulder near the pond as large as two men. He pointed to it. “Kintaro, go and lift that boulder above your head."
Kintaro sprang up from his kneeling position and marched toward the boulder. He stretched his arms around it and hefted it up with the ease of lifting a pebble. He raised it above his head and turned in triumph to the men, who stared at him with eyes rounded in amazement. All save Suetake, who looked unimpressed.
"Impossible,” Lord Raiko whispered.
"You may put the boulder down, Kintaro,” Sadamitsu said.
Kintaro carefully placed the boulder back on the ground and returned to the other men, sitting before Lord Raiko again.
Lord Raiko glowed at him with an enthusiastic smile. “With such strength, it would please me greatly to have you enter my service as one of my samurai, Kintaro."
Kintaro bowed so low his forehead touched the ground. “Lord Raiko, a thousand thanks for your kindness and generosity!"
Lord Raiko laughed. “So you can speak in a sincere tone."
"If I may make a suggestion, my lord,” Sadamitsu said. “I think with training, Kintaro would be a great Guardian."
The humor fell from Lord Raiko's face. “Such a decision is not my mine to make.” He gaze turned pointedly to Suetake.
Suetake sat silent, his own gaze focused on the ground, and made no indication he had heard any of the conversation.
Kintaro saw such profound grief in Suetake's eyes and he wanted to go to him, to wrap his arms around him and comfort him.
"Suetake,” Lord Raiko said. “What do you think of Sadamitsu's suggestion?"
Suetake raised his gaze to Lord Raiko. “Though you say the decision is not yours, my lord, I believe it is. I live only to serve you. If it is your wish this person becomes your new Guardian, then I will abide by your will. But if I may speak plainly, I think he is unworthy of such an honor. He's uncouth, unkempt, uneducated, and untrained. So he has great strength and can speak with animals. What good is his strength when any skilled swordsman could lop off his head? What good is his ability to communicate with beasts unless we're going to war against an army of monkeys?” He shook his head. “I'm sorry, my lord, but I see little value in him."
Kintaro's breath rushed from him in a hard exhale. He nearly put a hand to his chest at the deep ache Suetake's words caused.
Lord Raiko nodded slowly. “I understand your views. However, I'd also like to give Kintaro a chance to prove himself. Would you duel with him?"
"I will and gladly if you bid me, my lord. Though I fear it will be a short duel since he doesn't know how to use a sword."
"I'm sure he'll find a way to defend himself.” Lord Raiko stood. “To the practice yard, then."
The other men fell in around Lord Raiko. Kintaro hastened to be near Suetake, walking slightly behind him. He wanted to tell Suetake he would work to earn his respect, but the words stopped in his throat. He needed to speak to Suetake alone if he could get the chance.
They reached the practice yard near the barracks. Lord Raiko flicked his hand toward the center of the yard. “You'll begin at my command. There are no rules other than you may not kill or maim one another. I'd also like to avoid broken bones—major ones, at least. And Suetake, keep your sword sheathed or use a wooden one."
Suetake pulled his katana, still sheathed, from his obi. “I'll not draw my blade, my lord."
Kintaro faced Suetake. Lord Raiko had given Suetake the right to decide whether he wanted to fight or not, but no one had bothered to ask him. He didn't want to duel with Suetake. His attraction toward the samurai repelled the very idea. He wanted to hold him, caress him, explore him. Such thoughts surprised him, but for the first time in his life, he accepted them. Lost in his thoughts, he didn't hear Lord Raiko call the start of the duel until Suetake charged him. Kintaro dodged at the last instant. Suetake rushed past, but as he did, he spun and cracked Kintaro on the arm with his sheathed sword.
Kintaro stumbled, wincing in pain and gripping his arm. Never before had he been struck by anyone or anything, He hadn't even seen the blow coming. He whirled around, only to find Suetake nearly on top of him in a second attack. Kintaro realized he'd have to fight. It could well be the only way to gain Suetake's respect., At the minimum, he had to prove himself to remain in Lord Raiko's service so he could continue trying to earn Suetake's respect.
Suetake lunged.
His reflexes honed from years of playing with his animal companions, Kintaro snatched Suetake's sword arm. He pulled Suetake forward, caught him under the ribcage with his other hand, and flipped him. Suetake grabbed a fistful of Kintaro's kimono as he flew toward the ground. He crashed onto his back, a grunt of pain forced from him with Kintaro on top of him. Lying chest to chest, Kintaro quickly snapped up on his arms. He looked down at Suetake's beautiful face contorted in pain.
"Urabe-dono, are you hurt? Please tell me I didn't hurt you. I won't forgive myself if I have."
"Quit wailing like an old woman and get off me.” Suetake shoved Kintaro off.
Despite Suetake's abrasiveness, Kintaro smiled wide and scrambled to his feet.
"The victory goes to Kintaro,” Lord Raiko said.
Suetake pushed himself to his feet, ignoring Kintaro's offered hand, and slapped dirt from his kimono. “Yes, I agree. Though were it a real fight, his maneuver would've been impossible with only one arm."
"True, but training will correct those flaws in his defense. Since you've humored me this far, Suetake, I'll ask one more thing of you. Tonight, it would please me if you would take your evening meal with Kintaro and inform him of what's expected in my service. I also think it'd be best for you to take your meal in your chambers tonight, to avoid interruptions from the curious seeking to learn about Kintaro."
Suetake stood silent for so long, Kintaro wondered if he was going to reply.
Finally, Suetake gave a single nod. “If that's your will, my lord."
"It is.” With a smirk, Lord Raiko turned and walked away, his hands clasped loosely behind his back. “I'm returning to the garden. Sadamitsu, you, and Tsuna show Kintaro around and let him bathe. Suetake, join me."
Suetake trailed after Lord Raiko without a deigning to give Kintaro another glance.
Kintaro took a step forward as if to follow Suetake, then halted as a hand fell on his shoulder.
"You'll get your time with him soon enough, Kintaro,” Sadamitsu said. “For now, let's show you around."
Kintaro nodded and followed Sadamitsu and Tsuna.
* * * *
Dressed in a pale green kimono of fine silk, his skin still tingling from the hot bath he'd taken, Kintaro stood outside the door to Suetake's rooms. His heart thumped in unfamiliar nervous flutters, and he didn't understand why his palms were so damp. He cleared his throat to announce his arrival, since his voice had fled him.
"Come in, Kintaro."
Kintaro's heart galloped faster. Suetake's voice sounded deeper, smoother, than he remembered from the afternoon. Kintaro inhaled, exhaled slowly, and slid the door open.
In the center of the large room sat Suetake wrapped in a dark blue kimono, his hair free from the topknot and falling past his shoulders in an ebony cascade. Before him, a low table of black lacquered wood held an assortment of foods. Kintaro picked out the scents of grilled fish, roast duck, steamed rice, and vegetable soup. He noticed bowls of various nuts, a plate of peaches, and a decanter of sake. He stepped inside, closed the door behind him, and saw out the corner of his eye an open door to Suetake's bedchamber, the futon already laid out for the evening.
Kintaro walked to the opposite side of the table from Suetake and bowed deeply to him. “Thank you for sharing your evening meal with me, Urabe-dono."
Suetake let out a soft snort. “Formality doesn't suit you, Kintaro, so don't bother attempting it with me."
Kintaro sat on the floor at the table, meeting Suetake's eyes. “That's true. I'm the ruler of Mount Ashigara, so coming here to learn all these rules of propriety is difficult for me."
"You'll adapt soon enough.” Suetake waved a hand over the food. “Take as much as you like."
Kintaro stared down at the table. “Are all meals so extravagant here?"
"Lord Raiko had his cooks prepare this especially for us—or you, more likely—to welcome you into his service."
"I'll have to remember to thank him.” Kintaro laughed as he placed a portion of fish onto his platter. “I can be sincere enough when thanking someone for food."
Suetake chuckled. “I have no doubt."
Kintaro looked up at the sound of Suetake's soft laugh. The smile still on his lips transformed him into a breathtaking and heavenly being. Suetake's gaze met his. Kintaro's cheeks flushed. He dropped his gaze and put his attention on picking out food. His voice hushed, he asked, “Urabe-dono, if we're going to be casual, then may I call you by your given name?"
Suetake remained silent for a long moment, then gave a single nod. “I'd like that. I'm curious about your name. Is Kintaro the name you've had since boyhood? Didn't you change it when you came of age? Have you no family name? If you're to be a samurai, you'll need a family name."
Kintaro couldn't restrain the smile that broke out over Suetake's interest in him. “Kintaro is the only name I've ever known. I didn't have a coming-of-age ceremony, so I never changed it. My mother told me my father had been a samurai and his clan name was Sakata. For an adult name"—Kintaro paused in thought, then snapped his fingers—"I like Kintoki. Does that have a good sound?"
"Sakata no Kintoki,” Suetake said slowly, testing it on his tongue. “I like it. Though, I'll still call you Kintaro until you've decided on it fully."
"If you see me as a friend, you can call me whatever you like."
A smirk touched Suetake's lips. “That's appealing. What if I see you as a lover?"
Kintaro coughed on the rice he'd just put into his mouth.
Suetake laughed. “I see you're not used to people being so bold. I tend to be outspoken, even demanding, when it comes to my desires. My previous lover used to chastise me for it, though always with good humor."
Kintaro saw Suetake's brief moment of lightness fall from him, how the playfulness in his voice weighted with grief on his last words. He knew then he had glimpsed the true Suetake, the man who existed beneath the sorrow.
"I'm sorry for the loss you've endured,” Kintaro said softly.
Suetake acknowledged his words with a small incline of his head and reached for the sake decanter.
"May I ask his name?"
"Hosokawa no Masahide.” As soon as the name left his lips, Suetake placed his sake cup there and drained it. He set it down on the table and sighed. “After his passing, despair claimed me to the point where I neglected my duties to Lord Raiko, I forgot what it meant to be a samurai. I fell into the bed of any man who would have me. My body ached in grief, so I sought to soothe it with pleasure. But the acts were never pleasurable, and each one made my heart cry. I turned to drink and it worked better, numbing me, so days passed and I had no recollection.
"Lord Raiko had been patient with me through my mourning, but I pushed him too far when I disappeared for days in a drunken stupor. Before, I had always returned to his compound, but when I didn't this time, he sent the other shitenno to find me and they did, lying in a pen with hogs in a small village not far from here. Sadamitsu stepped into muck himself, lifted me from the filth, and tossed me over his saddle as he brought me back. Lord Raiko ordered me bathed, dressed, and locked in a room. He allowed me nothing to eat or drink but water and rice for fourteen days. When he released me, I begged him to return my swords, to allow me to commit seppuku so I could preserve what little dignity I had left. He did return my swords, but told me my life belonged to him to do with as he pleased and forbade me to kill myself.
"What could I do? My lord had given me a direct order and I still had enough honor left in me to obey, and so I've remained alive with no other purpose than to serve him with all the loyalty and skill I possess. For his part, Lord Raiko does have an uncanny way of knowing what is best for me more than I do.” Suetake reclined on one arm. He lifted the other hand to comb his fingers through his hair. His dark blue kimono opened in a wide V, exposing his chest down to the obi around his waist. “When he and I returned to the garden this afternoon, he hinted, suggested, cajoled, everything to tell me I should bring you into my bed short of ordering me to allow you to mount me."
