The Tengu's Game of Go by Lian Hearn Read Free Book Online Page A

had given him something he needed, some love or approval. He supposed they were now brothers-in-law. Yet there was still an emptiness within him, some unfulfilled longing that was on the point of hardening into bitterness. Nothing would ever satisfy him, no honors or rewards would ever heal the wound dealt to the heart of a child.
    It was frustrating to know there was so much he could teach Chika, and to recognize at the same time that Chika was unteachable.
    I am thinking like a tengu! The idea surprised and shocked him.
    Ima had walked toward the visitor. Chika dismounted, greeted him briefly, and handed the horses’ reins to him. Then he came close to Mu, standing somewhat defiantly in front of him.
    Mu acknowledged him with a slight inclination of his head. “What are you doing here, Chika?”
    His familiar tone seemed to annoy the other man. Mu could see he had become touchy and proud. Chika glanced around, surveying the clearing and the hut.
    â€œNot much has changed, I see.”
    â€œNot much,” Mu agreed. “And yet, everything.”
    â€œAnd you?” Chika turned his gaze back to Mu. “You seem to have suffered no lasting harm.”
    â€œI did and I did not.”
    â€œIt was I who saved your life, you know. I think I deserve some gratitude. Tsunetomo wanted to kill you.”
    Mu bowed. “You were indeed the instrument of Heaven’s will.”
    â€œSo don’t forget, you are indebted to me,” Chika said.
    â€œIf there is a debt it will be paid,” Mu replied. “But by the same currency, if there is an offense it will be avenged.”
    Chika stared at him blankly.
    â€œWhat can I do for you?” Mu said.
    â€œLet’s sit down and talk,” Chika said. “Perhaps Ima could make us some tea. I’ve brought leaves with me, if you have none. We import them from Shin. I also have presents for you and your daughter. The gray horse is yours. Ima, tether the horses and unpack the baskets. They are all gifts from Kiku, your brother.”
    â€œI know very well who Kiku is,” Ima muttered under his breath as he set a pot of water to boil on the fire. The tea leaves were of the highest quality, fragrant and sharp-flavored. Among the gifts were green ceramic cups, much finer than anything Mu had ever drunk from.
    â€œYour brother is deeply sorry for what happened,” Chika said, after taking a sip. “He asks you to forgive him. He wants to see you.”
    â€œIf he is so sorry, why did he not come himself?” Mu replied. The moment he spoke he regretted his pettiness. He was going to visit Kiku, he knew that: the tengu had said so. There was no need to pretend he needed persuading. On the other hand, it would do no harm to seem reluctant.
    â€œYou don’t know what Master Kikuta has become, or you wouldn’t suggest that,” Chika replied. “His empire is now so great he can’t just leave it to travel to the Darkwood.”
    â€œWhere is this empire?”
    â€œIn Kitakami, on the north sea.”
    â€œFrom whence he summons his subjects into his presence,” Mu said, with a hint of sarcasm.
    â€œHe doesn’t consider you his subject, Mu.”
    â€œThen what does he consider me?”
    â€œHis brother, whom he wronged.”
    â€œThose were his words?”
    â€œExactly as he spoke them,” Chika said, with such sincerity Mu knew he was lying.
    â€œI will come with you,” he said finally. “We should meet again, Kiku and I, and Kuro and Ku as well. What about you, Ima? Will you come, too?”
    â€œSomeone has to look after the animals,” Ima said, “and keep an eye on the hut. I have no desire to leave the Darkwood and go to Kitakami. Besides, Kiku did not send a horse for me.”
    Was he hurt by the oversight? It was impossible to tell. As always, Ima’s calm expression gave no hint of his true feelings. Mu remembered what the tengu had said. Don’t feel