"Was that your thought, my son? Or did someone put it into your head?"
Saruji frowned, trying to remember. "We - Lord Kiyama and - and his Lady - we discussed it. And the Father-Visitor. I don't remember. I think I thought of it myself. The Father-Visitor said I was correct, didn't he, Sire?"
"He said the Heir is more important than Lord Toranaga in the realm. Legally. Please answer him directly, Mariko-san."
Mariko said, "If the Heir was a man, of age, Kwampaku, legal ruler of this realm like the Taiko, his father was, then I would obey him over Lord Toranaga in this. But Yaemon's a child, actually and legally, and therefore not capable. Legally. Does that answer you?"
"But - but he's still the Heir, neh? The Regents listen to him - Lord Toranaga honors him. What's ... what's a year, a few years mean, Mother? If you don't apol- Please excuse me, but I'm afraid for you." The youth's mouth was trembling.
Mariko wanted to reach out and embrace him and protect him. But she did not. "I'm not afraid, my son. I fear nothing on this earth. I fear only God's judgment," she said, turning to Kiyama.
"Yes," Kiyama said. "I know that. May the Madonna bless you for it." He paused. "Mariko-san, will you apologize publicly to the Lord General?"
"Yes, gladly, providing he publicly withdraws all troops from my path and gives me, the Lady Kiritsubo, and the Lady Sazuko written permission to leave tomorrow."
"Will you obey an order from the Regents?"
"Please excuse me, Sire, in this matter, no."
"Will you honor a request from them?"
"Please excuse me, in this matter, no."
"Will you agree to a request from the Heir and the Lady Ochiba?"
"Please excuse me, what request?"
"To visit them, to stay with them for a few days, while we resolve this affair."
"Please excuse me, Sire, but what is there to resolve?"
Kiyama's restraint broke and he shouted, "The future and good order of the realm for one thing, the future of the Mother Church for another, and you for another! It's clear your close contact with the barbarian has infected you and addled your brain as I knew it would!"
Mariko said nothing, just stared back at him.
With an effort Kiyama brought himself back into control.
"Please excuse my ... my temper. And my bad manners," he said stiffly. "My only excuse is that I'm gravely concerned." He bowed with dignity. "I apologize."
"It was my fault, Sire. Please excuse me for destroying your harmony and causing you trouble. But I have no alternative."
"Your son's given you one, I've given you several."
She did not answer him.
The air in the room had become stifling for all of them although the night was cool and a breeze fanned the flares.
"You're resolved then?"
"I have no choice, Sire."
"Very well, Mariko-san. There's nothing more to be said. Other than to say again I order you not to force the issue - and I ask it."
She bowed her head.
"Saruji-san, please wait for me outside," Kiyama ordered.
The youth was distraught, barely able to speak. "Yes, Sire." He bowed to Mariko. "Please excuse me, Mother."
"May God keep you in His hands for all eternity."
"And thou."
"Amen to that," Kiyama said.
"Good night, my son."
"Good night, Mother."
When they were alone Kiyama said, "The Father-Visitor's very worried."
"About me, Sire?"
"Yes. And about the Holy Church - and the barbarian. And about the barbarian ship. First tell me about him."
"He's a unique man, very strong and very intelligent. At sea he's ... he belongs there. He seems to become part of a ship and the sea, and, out to sea, there's no man who can approach him in bravery and cunning."
"Even the Rodrigues-san?"
"The Anjin-san overcame him twice. Once here and once on our way to Yedo." She told him about Rodrigues arriving in the night during their stay near Mishima and about the concealed weapons and all that she had overheard. "If their ships were equal, the Anjin-san would win. Even if they were not, I think he'd win."
"Tell me about his ship."
She obeyed.
"Tell me about his vassals."
She told him as it had happened.
"Why would Lord Toranaga give him his ship, money, vassals, and freedom?"
"My Master never told me, Sire."
"Please give me your opinion."
"So that he can loose the Anjin-san against his enemies," Mariko said at once, then added without apology, "Since you ask me, in this case the Anjin-san's particular enemies are the same as my Lord's: the Portuguese, the Holy Fathers prompting the Portuguese, and the Lords Harima, Onoshi, and yourself, Sire."