Yatagarasu Series
Volume 10:
The Raven's Autumn Full Moon
Author: Abe Chisato
Prologue
A flawless full moon hung in the clear sky. Moonlight washed the world below clean and sharpened the snow-capped ridges of the high mountains.
Musicians in magnificent costumes were playing in an ensemble on a wooden stage that jutted out over the surface of a cold lake. Offerings for the autumn harvest festival cluttered the stage. Bundles of sweet-smelling silver pampas grass lay scattered on the stage. The wind moved through the bundles of grass, making them move like gentle hands beckoning a lover.
The moon’s reflection was broken by ripples caused by boats hauled by water serpents. The water serpents timed their swimming strokes to the music, moving to the rhythm.
Haruma watched the stage from a boat occupied by the Yellow Raven and his attendants. The Yellow Raven, whom Haruma served, toiled day and night for the good of Yamauchi. He hoped that the Yellow Raven was taking some time tonight to enjoy the music and the year’s bountiful harvest.
“No, no; this will not do! The Yellow Raven’s cup is empty!”
Haruma searched for the owner of the boorish voice that had interrupted his thoughts. Unfortunately for him, it was the Yellow Raven’s uncle, Lord Genki of Hokke Territory. A man so highly ranked was beyond Haruma’s ability to reproach, no matter how rudely he acted.
Haruma decided to put some distance between himself and the loud man.
Lord Genki offered the Yellow Raven a full cup of wine. The Yellow Raven accepted it and took a sip. He smiled faintly.
“Well, well. To have this delivered to me by the Lord of Hokke himself—this is far more honor than I deserve,” the Yellow Raven said.
“Not at all! We’re family, aren’t we?” Lord Genki asked with a hearty laugh. He cast a quick glance toward the boy seated in state near the stern of the boat and lowered his voice. “Not long ago, it was formally decided that my granddaughter would be granted a formal audience at court. Hers is a somewhat unusual case, so I have instructed her to follow the Yellow Raven’s guidance in all things.”
“I am grateful for your consideration,” the Yellow Raven said mildly.
The present emperor had ascended the throne at a very young age and had yet to take a wife. The Rite of Ascension would be held this year so that he could choose a bride. The Yellow Raven was responsible for the current emperor’s smooth ascension to the throne, so his opinion on this matter had great weight in the Imperial Court.
The Yellow Raven had been waiting for this Rite of Ascension for a long time. He had been the real power behind the throne for a decade or more, but the coming days would make his control over Yamauchi unshakable.
“This evening is like a reflection of your present circumstances, Yellow Raven,” Lord Genki said with a smile.
The Yellow Raven’s eyebrow twitched. “What do you mean by that?”
“Under your leadership, we are entering a period of prosperity unlike all that have come before. After His Imperial Majesty selects an empress, that prosperity will continue into the future. Behold the autumn full moon, so bright and clear! There is not a single cloud in the sky, just as there is not a single shadow cast upon the future of Yamauchi.”
“Indeed. It is fitting to compare our current circumstances to the full moon,” the Yellow Raven said.
Lord Genki appeared supremely pleased with himself.
The Yellow Raven gave his maternal uncle a cordial smile.
Lord Genki excused himself to go speak to the youth sitting near the stern of the boat.
The Yellow Raven’s smile flashed off. Then he said a single word, almost soundlessly. Haruma would have missed this hushed utterance if he hadn’t read the Yellow Raven’s lips as he spoke.
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