"Hearn,.Lian.-.Otori.02.-.Grass.For.His.Pillow.v1.1" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hearn Lian)

“I feel no guilt or remorse,” Kaede said. “I never did a less
shameful deed. Not only did I protect myself but the deaths of
many were avenged: Lord Shigeru; my kinswoman, Lady
Maruyama, and her daughter; and all the other innocent people
whom Iida tortured and murdered.”

“Nevertheless, if this became generally known, you would be
punished for it. Men would think the world turned upside down if
women start taking up arms and seeking revenge.”

“My world is already turned upside down,” Kaede said. “Still, I must
go and see Lord Arai. Bring me…” She broke off and laughed. “I
was going to say, ‘bring me some clothes,’ but I have none. I have
nothing!”

“You have a horse,” Shizuka replied. “Takeo left the gray for you.”

“He left me Raku?” Kaede smiled, a true smile that illuminated her
face. She stared into the distance, her eyes dark and thoughtful.

“Lady?” Shizuka touched her on the shoulder.

“Comb out my hair and send a message to Lord Arai to say I will
visit him directly.”

IT was almost completely dark by the time they left the women’s
rooms and went toward the main guest rooms where Arai and his
men were staying. Lights gleamed from the temple, and farther up
slope, beneath the trees, men stood with flaring torches around
Lord Shigeru’s grave. Even at this hour people came to visit it,
bringing incense and offerings, placing lamps and candles on the
ground around the stone, seeking the help of the dead man who
every day became more of a god to them.

He sleeps beneath a covering of jtame, Kaede thought, herself
praying silently to Shigeru’s spirit for guidance, while she pondered
what she should say to Arai. She was the heir to both Shirakawa
and Maru-yama; she knew Arai would be seeking some strong
alliance with her, probably some marriage that would bind her into
the power he was amassing. They had spoken a few times during
her stay at Inuyama, and again on the journey, but Arai’s attention
had been taken up with securing the countryside and his strategies
for the future. He had not shared these with her, beyond
expressing his desire for the Otori marriage to take place.
Once—a lifetime ago, it seemed now—she had wanted to be more
than a pawn in the hands of the warriors who commanded her fate.
Now, with the newfound strength that the icy sleep had given her,
she resolved again to take control of her life. I need time, she
thought. I must do nothing rashly. I must go home before I make
any decisions.