The Hell Screen by I. J. Parker Page A

“Here, make a list of the items for me.”
     
    Toshikage seized on this task eagerly. “Thank you, my dear Akitada,” he muttered when he was done, passing him the list. “I shall, of course, pay you back if you have to buy the items.” He paused, frowning. “I don’t suppose it would be too expensive? They are all old things.”
     
    Oh, Toshikage, thought Akitada again. Aloud he said, “It all depends on the seller and the dealer. I have been away for a long time. Who might buy such things for resale?”
     
    “If it’s dealers in antiquities you mean, I only know Nichira. His store is near the eastern market. But since I am hardly in a position to squander my money on such baubles, I am not the best person to ask. As for private collectors, well, it could be anybody. All the Fujiwaras have the wealth, and several of them have famous pieces. Kanesuke, for example, and Michitaka, and the chancellor, of course. And then there is Prince Akimoto. But surely you cannot mean to visit any of them?”
     
    Akitada shook his head. “Not the great men, certainly. I might look in on some of the dealers and antiquarians, though. That will do for a start. Meanwhile, I want you to make an initial report that you cannot locate certain items and wish to take an inventory.”
     
    Toshikage looked unhappy but promised.
     
    Before Akitada could change the subject to something more pleasant, Akiko came back. “Mother wants to see you, Akitada.”
     
    His spirits sinking further, Akitada rose and went to his mother’s room. Yoshiko was sitting next to the pile of bedding which covered the frail body. Lady Sugawara fixed her son with a glare from eyes sunken into the hollows of her thin face. Her pale skin flushed unnaturally. She snapped, “Surely you did not report to the controllers looking like that?”
     
    Akitada glanced down at his disreputable gown in dismay. He should have remembered to change before coming to see her. He said apologetically, “I am afraid so. You see, I have not brought any suitable clothes, and you insisted I go immediately.”
     
    Lady Sugawara sucked in her breath sharply and turned her head away. “Oh! You are impossible!” she moaned. “You did this to spite me! No doubt you wish me dead and hope to speed me on my way by shaming me publicly. Go away! I cannot bear to look at you.”
     
    Outside in the corridor, Akitada stopped and took a deep breath to control the sudden sickness which rose in his belly like a live thing. She was an old woman and in pain, he reminded himself. He must not mind so much. Perhaps she did not mean it.
     
    But the logic was in vain. He was both angry and sorry now that he had rushed home, hoping to make his peace with at least one parent before death parted them forever.
     
    Instead of returning to Toshikage and his sister, Akitada went to his own room, where he sat until night fell, staring out at the dark garden until Yoshiko came.
     
    “Toshikage and Akiko have left,” she announced, adding, “You have no light.” She went on silent feet to light a lamp, and brought it over to him. Sitting down near him, she waited. When
     
    Akitada made no move to talk, she asked, “Will you eat something if I join you?”
     
    He looked at her thin, drawn face and felt guilty. “Yes. Of course.” He tried a smile. “Please do join me. I hate to eat alone.”
     
    They shared a simple meal, and when they were done, Yoshiko said hesitantly, “You may have to return to the palace soon. It occurs to me that we have a very nice piece of dark blue silk. Will you let me sew you another gown? I am very handy with my needle.”
     
    He was touched. “Thank you. It is a good idea, but one of the servants can do it.”
     
    “I am much better at it. I made Akiko’s gown.”
     
    He recalled the elegant appearance of his other sister. “Did you? It was quite beautiful. I had no idea you have such talents.” A thought occurred to him. “If I buy some silks tomorrow,