The Demon and the Nightingale

Chapter 18 - Part 2

                It was a clear spring morning when the ship finally docked at the main port of Sagami, in the kingdom of Yashima. Waves splashed softly against the sides of the ship and the gangplank swayed gently as two of its “surprise” passengers stepped off and walked onto the harbor. The cries of a flock of seagulls flying overhead across the pristine blue skies were a contrast to the gentle splashing of the waves against the vessels that were docked there.

                “So this is the kingdom of Yashima,” Lihyal mused, as she slowly gazed around their unfamiliar surroundings. Despite feeling a bit overwhelmed and disconcerted, she had to admit the one of the biggest harbour towns of the Yashima Kingdom can hold its own in terms of size and traffic to such similar places in Northern Valedonia.

                The Port of Sagami was indeed a vast place. The harbour was a rambling structure, with a sturdy wooden platform supported below by waterproof posts constructed out of thick tree trunks crisscrossed by cleverly angled split bamboo that provided additional reinforcement. The harbour was built to accommodate a great number of seagoing vessels of all sizes and shapes, from light, fast skiffs to massive galleons like the one she and the princess sailed in. Beyond the harbour landing was a wide street made of paved stone on which the teeming crowds of passengers, port officials and employees, and ships’ crews entered and exited. It was a very rare day when this street was nearly empty of people, carriages and sedan chairs carried by burly porters. Off to one side, there was a broad, wooden bridge that had a gentle arch which served also served as a highway that enabled people and various forms of transportation to go in and out the harbour.

                “Isn’t this exciting, Lihyal? We’re finally here, in the kingdom of Yashima!” her charge, Princess Ariadne, could barely contain her excitement. A few passersby turned curious glances at the exotic and striking, Western-looking young lady in reaction to her outburst.

                “Milady, please. People are looking,” Lihyal urgently whispered to her.

                “Oh, I’m sorry. I suppose I got a bit carried away,” Ariadne replied with a giggle.

                Like her companion, she also studied her surroundings, but with a lot more interest. She observed the people who, like the two of them, alighting from various ships and making their way onto the landing area. Some looked none he worse for wear, while a few others seemed a bit unsteady in finding their sea legs. It was a very good thing she and Lihyal turned out to be excellent sailors and never became seasick during their long voyage.

                Beside a pile of assorted wooden boxes, round tubs and nets, a group of men were busy weaving rough fibers into ropes. Passing by them were a group of weary-looking female passengers, their robes mussed and wrinkled from their trip, no doubt. On the opposite end, a pompous-looking customs officer strode forth with his chest puffed out. He was accompanied by a few orderlies, one of whom was holding a wide tasseled parasol which shielded him from the sun. A few passersby scooted out of his way.

                But he was nothing compared to the crowd that parted for an old gentleman with a very distinguished bearing, astride a magnificent white horse with rich trappings of brilliantly colored silk cords that decorated its bridle and harness. The old man was accompanied by a retinue of servants and armed bodyguards. One of them bore a standard on which was placed a banner with a family crest. The crest was round in shape with a stylized design, bearing the motif of a crane flying against a backdrop of a group of pine trees.

                I never thought I’d see that crest again … Ariadne’s face broke out into a radiant smile.

                “Lord Takeo Matsuda,” she greeted him in his own language. Ariadne and Lihyal bowed to him at the same time. Not a few of the Yashima citizens reacted in surprise upon hearing a Westerner, and a woman to boot, speak their native tongue quite fluently.

                The aged aristocrat dismounted from his horse and acknowledged the presence of the 2 women with a distinguished bow of his own. “Is it really you, Princess Ariadne? My, my! How much you’ve grown these past several years,” Lord Matsuda replied, his wrinkled face wreathed in smiles of sincere pleasure. “You’ve come a long way since I last saw you last.”

                “I am honored you still remember that memorable occasion even if it happened a long time ago, milord. I was something of a scamp at that time.” She studied his face. Naturally, he has aged quite a bit. There were more facial wrinkles, and his hair has more silvery white strands than grey. But he was still very much recognizable to Ariadne.

                “You were five years old at that time, if memory serves me correctly. All children were scamps at some point in their lives, Your Highness. So no need to apologize for that,” he answered with a fatherly, indulgent grin.

                A hint of sadness fell on Ariadne’s face. “It isn’t necessary to address me that way anymore, Lord Mastuda. I am no longer part of the royal family.”

                “Good heavens! I did not know. Forgive me for this serious oversight, my dear.” A sad and worried look came to the aged aristocrat’s eyes.

                 “No offense taken, milord,” the young lady smiled in reassurance. “You probably had no way of knowing the circumstances surrounding this situation before we finally sailed for Yashima.”

                “Hmm,” Lord Matsuda looked at the two women in a speculative manner. “I must say I’m very curious to know how it came about. Why don’t you and Miss Lihyal join me on my way home to our family manor. It’s not too far from here.”

                “But we wouldn’t dare be such a heavy burden on you, Lord Matsuda. It’s too much!” both women protested.

                “That is utter nonsense. I would more than happy to have the two of you as special members of my household. I have been informed that you are both talented musicians. And I just happen to be an avid connoisseur and supporter of the musical arts. As you can see.” His retinue parted and Lord Matsuda gestured to what revealed before them.

                Four strong bearers stood at the four corners of an elegantly appointed closed palanquin made of black lacquered wood and decorated with elaborate gold leaf designs.

                Ariadne and Lihyal looked at each other, and then looked at Lord Matsuda.

                “Lord Matusda,” Lihyal spoke, also in the Yashima language, “It will be quite a long story that we will have to tell you.”

                “Well now, Miss Lihyal. I happen to be quite fond of long stories as well,” the aged aristocrat replied with a wink.