I felt the end of summer approaching, the cycle of life creeping ever closer to its inevitable end, and my heart grew heavier. I sensed more than ever that the days were getting shorter, the evenings stretching out with a chill, as nature's clock wound toward its last tick.
I felt a sadness settling in.
When Takumi appeared in the room, I wondered if he felt the same way. Sometimes, I wondered whether he felt anything at all—especially whether he ever felt tired or sad.
"Elder Takahiro from the village of Kaminara is here, your lordship, requesting permission to speak with you."
I gazed at Takumi. Was it the time to bring up Elder Takahiro or any other elder, when my heart was heavy?
Takumi bowed, responding to my irritated look. "He sent you a letter, if you recall," he added.
"Yes, he did," I replied. "Which doesn't make him any more welcome."
I sighed. The universe is a complicated place, and one shouldn't expect things to go the way they want them to.
"However, given he's here, let him in," I said.
"Yes, master," Takumi replied, disappearing and reappearing soon in the company of two villagers.
"Elder Takahiro and Elder Hiroshi," he introduced them, as the elders eyed me with awe and bowed respectfully.
"Lord Matsuda," Takahiro said, his voice filled with reverence. "We are honored by your time."
I nodded patiently. "What brings you to my door, elders? I know well the weight of your responsibilities."
Takahiro stepped forward, his old eyes gleaming. "It is the matter of the Mountain Festival, Lord Matsuda. Last season was very difficult for the crops, and we seek your aid at this year's festival."
I raised an eyebrow. I had heard of the Yama festival, where villagers honored the mountain deities and prayed for a fruitful harvest. But I didn't know enough about it to understand why they would seek my help. How could a samurai help with the harvest?
"I have heard of the festival, Elder Takahiro," I said. "But why come to me?"
Takahiro exchanged a glance with the other elder before speaking. "We have heard people talk, your lordship, of your extraordinary abilities."
"Extraordinary abilities?" I interrupted, amused. "What extraordinary abilities, elders? I am not a priest or a deity."
"You forgive us, simple villagers, your lordship," Takahiro continued respectfully but insistently. "But where there is no fire, smoke does not rise. Sitting here, I feel that you possess the power to awe people. And villagers are beginning to think that you could also communicate with the spirits of the mountain. With the harvest season drawing near, you could ensure that our crops flourish. Please, do not reject our plea."
Hiroshi nodded. "Our crops have struggled, and the mountain gods have not been kind to us this past season."
I gazed at them for a long moment, thinking it through. Of course, the dumb villagers were obsessed with their outdated superstitions. But, on the other hand, I now carried the sword of Futsunushi, and that meant something. I had special powers, even if I didn't fully understand exactly what they were.
"You ask a lot," I said slowly. "I do not take part in such festivals. My path is not one of ceremony."
Takahiro bowed again, before meeting my gaze, his eyes soft but firm. "We do not hold empty ceremonies, your lordship. The mountain festival is a communal rite. The people of Kaminara believe that with you among us, the mountain will listen."
I sighed, wavering.
"And if I attend this festival?" I asked.
"With favor from the mountain spirits, we will replenish your own coffers, my lord," Hiroshi answered earnestly. "We are all your humble vassals, after all."
My hand brushed the sheath of my sword. Yes, I had to help my vassals. I had no choice. And I could do it, without exposing my secret.
"I will come," I said at last. "I will honor the festival and the spirits. But know this—if I do this, I do it for the people of Kaminara, for their loyalty to me, and to my father before me. Let it never be forgotten."
The elders bowed deeply, gratitude and relief on their faces. "We promise. You have our deepest thanks, Lord Matsuda."
"Rest up, elders," I said, getting up. "And in the evening, you can accompany me back to your village."
*
As we made our way up the winding path toward Kaminara, I heard the distant sound of drums. The village seemed alive with activity, its streets lined with lanterns swaying in the gentle breeze of the early evening. I could see people outside their homes, singing and dancing.
The elders stopped just outside the village, stepping off the path.
"Please follow us to the Sacred Tree first," Takahiro beckoned me.
A large ancient tree reached high above the ground, its bark decorated with sacred red ropes.
Next to the tree, were three women, dressed in festive gowns.
"To start the festival, we beg your lordship to perform the sacred ancient ceremony of regeneration," Hiroshi announced, bowing. "The three women before you represent the beginning of the cycle, or conception, in this virgin; the growth, in this recently married woman; and finally, the harvest, in this new mother."
"To send the message to the mountain spirits, your lordship has to possess them one by one," added Takahiro. "We count on you to share your essence with them." He handed me a little packet. "This mixture will help you in your task."
I sighed to myself, gazing at the elders with a mixture of irritation and resignation. I wished they had told me those details upfront—old tricksters. So many pleasantries, so much flattery, but never any real substance, no details. Still, I couldn't ignore the fact that their crops were my crops. Their fortunes were part of my own.
I gave the grassy mixture a try. It didn't taste as bad as I expected.
"Alright, fathers, where do I start?" I asked, opening my kimono.