Chapter 46
Sign of Spring
March came like a lion at last, and even though, first few weeks were just as snowy as the previous months, soon few blooms became noticeable. The white frost slowly started to melt as the brighter sun began to shine around the village, bringing hope of Spring in the land. As the days continued to pass peacefully, Nathan kept training and practicing his mind and body. It gave him a new perspective and he was beginning to understand the strange ways of these people. His conversations with the leader of the rebellion was unbelievably deep and meaningful. After their talks, he would always be more and more puzzled with Katsumoto. He was not an ignorant tyrant or a savage barbarian. He was highly educated and very intellectual man, who had his own views about his beloved country. And slowly, Nathan was regarding him not as his enemy, but a friend. The same could be said about Katsumoto.
Katherine continued helping Taka with the housework and spend most of her time indoors with Higen and Magojiro. She read to them and told all kinds of stories, and the boys in turn shared their experiences with her. They were more open, warm and in short, accepted her as family.
Whenever Katherine found time, and noticed that the weather looked somewhat decent, she would slip out of the house to visit the wild horse in the corral. It pained to see how the animal struggled to get away and longed to be free. No one, not even Nathan could gentle the horse. The samurai warriors couldn't care less, except for Ujio who kept a watchful eye on the creature from his vision. However, he too was starting to question if capturing the horse was a good idea after all. Maybe Nobutada had been right when he wanted to release the animal. Nathan had said many times, that the horse was the strangest one he dealt with in his entire life. Just the other day, he finally gave up and told Katherine that it was time to free the poor animal, who wasn't giving up.
But in the end, it was all up to Ujio. Katsumoto entrusted him with that animal and it was the proud samurai's decision, who was still reluctant to make a choice.
As the final weeks of March arrived, Kitty and Taka were outside gathering wood for the fire. The snow had started to melt, but the mountains were still heavily covered with white layers. The two women were feeling giddy and cheerful. Like it or not, Spring was definitely in the air and it was becoming lively. Katherine remembered just how excited she used to be when the Spring arrived in England. She and her father would travel to their country estate and festivities would be announced, especially around Easter time. She let out a small sigh, and caught up to Taka who was ahead.
"Few more days, and the cherry blossoms will start to appear." Taka spoke up gently, pretty smile tucking her lips.
Katherine beamed in response and the two made their way back to the house.
"The passes will open up in few weeks, and then we shall keep our promise and return the two westerners back to their people." Katsumoto was speaking to his men at the meeting room in the temple.
When he said this, he noticed from the corner of his eye, how his young son flinched at these realistic words. Katsumoto fixed his gaze at him, as the young warrior lowered his head in respect. Making decisions didn't seem so easy anymore. But sooner or later, no matter how much he or Nobutada tried to avoid it, they'd have to let go of the prisoners who had become their friends. Once the gathering was over and the samurai were dismissed, Katsumoto ordered his son to stay.
"Father?" Nobutada said questionably, eager to find out why he was left behind.
Katsumoto continued staring at the beautiful sunset, the fresh warm Spring breeze was just what he needed. He inhaled with content and looked back at his son.
"Do you remember when I charged you with guarding the girl?"
Nobutada nodded, his eyes focusing on the ground.
"You weren't happy, you wanted to do something gallant and valiant." Katsumoto reminded his son, in a fatherly fashion.
Nobutada looked up to meet his father's eyes. "It's true, I did not want to be a gaijin girl's shadow. Who by the way, was terribly spoiled and capricious." He recalled Katherine's childish outbursts with a smile. So much had changed since then.
Katsumoto grinned. "And yet, you no longer mind."
Nobutada became silent, slightly feeling uneasy. He had an idea where this dialogue was heading and for some reason, hoped to avoid it.
"My son, don't be ashamed to admit what or who is in your heart." Katsumoto spoke up, sensing the young warrior's uneasiness on the matter. "You must not regard it as weakness. A weak person is afraid to show his true self at all times. But a samurai, my son at that, should be confident with himself even if his choice isn't traditional." Katsumoto finished with a slight smile and walked closer to him.
"I will respect your decision either way." The samurai lord said, his heart swelling with pride that his young son had become his own man.
"Thank you, my father." That's all Nobutada managed to say, and bowed to the warlord, his heart equally proud. After all, this magnificent man was his father!
Katherine strolled in the village with a basket in her hand. She was visiting her beautiful friend in the round pen, and also bringing along few treats. It was morning, and what a wonderful weather indeed! Taka had been right, April was absolutely magnificent. The trees were beginning to bloom again, the snow had completely vanished from the ground and small flower buds were bursting all around her. Everything was so different and gorgeous.
Even people around her seemed to act bit different. Of course, it was still peaceful like in the Winter time and Autumn however, the change of weather brought out more liveliness to all of them.
The villagers were out, enjoying a beautiful morning, some had started to work but others were excited for the arrival of Spring. Young children splashed around in the water, laughing cheerfully. Women giggled away as some of the men tried to court them. Just then, Katherine noticed two young girls who jokingly pushed one man in the water and then ran away, he climbed out of the river and started chasing them all wet. Katherine couldn't help but laugh at the whole situation. It was so fun to watch how these 'strange' people were just normal folk happy that the Spring was coming.
She herself was very excited as well after all, soon she'd reunite with her dear father. Katherine couldn't believe that so much time had passed since her capture. Part of her was sad knowing that she'd forever leave Taka, Higen, Magojiro, Nobutada...and yes, even Ujio. She had come to appreciate them all. If she left, she would never see them again. And strangely enough, that thought hurt her. She stopped and looked at her reflection in the river. Who was this girl who had replaced the old Katherine? She had changed so much over the course of these few months. She never imagined that she'd actually grow so fond of these people... people who she used to think were uncivilized barbarians.
Yes, the old Kitty was long gone without doubt!
She stared at herself in astonishment. She was different. Her hair, clothes, everything about her was slowly changing and while her older self would be horrified at that, this new girl was not. She was actually beginning to like it here. Katherine was suddenly startled when she noticed someone marching in her direction. It was Ujio. He looked rather grim and...was he upset?
Katherine greeted him with a small and respectful bow. "I wanted to give this to the white horse. I hope you won't mind." She said, gazing down at her basket.
Ujio was planning on passing her without notice, but her words stopped him and he was snapped back from his thoughts. "You won't find that animal." He responded sharply, looking up and down Kitty's delicate form.
"How come?" She asked surprised.
"I set it free." Disappointment was echoing in his words. He was foolish to think that catching that horse would actually explain his mysterious vision.
Katherine was surprised. She really wanted to release the poor animal, but without saying goodbye? She had become attached to the horse. "I wish I could've seen her before she was freed."
"Not everything revolves around you!" Ujio snapped, unable to control his temper. He was already frustrated and unsure of the decision he had made.
Katherine was taken aback with his harsh remark. She knew that Ujio was better than that. She had seen his soft side many times. Unable to say anything, Katherine gazed at him silently. Her eyes betraying her.
And Ujio could detect in her innocent looking face, that she was disappointed at him for losing his nerves. He took a deep breath and spoke calmly. "Letting her go was not easy for me. I apologize if I offended you with my manner of speech."
"It's alright." Katherine smiled sweetly. "You have rights to be upset about the whole thing. I'm sorry it didn't turn out the way you wanted." She didn't know what Ujio wanted with that horse however, it was obvious that he had grown fond of the animal as well.
Ujio nodded at her and with a small smile went his way.
Katherine gazed after him for minute or two, and then decided to go back to Taka's house. It was peculiar how the two of them had developed this understanding with one another.
The next afternoon, Katherine found herself involved in a fun game with small Magojiro. The little boy was pretending that they were eagles flying and racing one another. They ran up the hills, their arms outstretched, imagining wings instead. Katherine felt like child again, as she dashed in the fields that were covered with pretty flowers. She was so distracted, that she failed to notice that they had raced up to where the samurai had their kendo practices.
Just then, Katherine recognized Nathan and Nakao in the middle. They were again engrossed in their martial training. Bob, the silent samurai, Higen and Nabutada were watching them closely. Katherine stopped, as did little Magojiro. They too were now staring at the interesting display. Nathan swung his wooden sword at Nakao, only to be taken down by the giant mountain man. In seconds, the American found himself in the dirt again. Growling in frustration, Nathan got up and attacked him, his opponent countered, striking him easily. No matter how many times Nathan tried to charge at Nakao, he was again and again bested out.
Katherine watched with worry. Just how long was he planning on letting these men kick his butt? Wasn't it enough? But she also knew how headstrong her friend was. He wouldn't give up like that!
Furious Nathan, threw himself at the huge man once more, reverting to classic saber technique. In a flurry of movement, Nakao managed to deflect the blows and also knocked Nathan to his knees. It was then, Nobutada decided to approach the breathless American and sank to his knees close to him.
"Algren-san, please forgive. Too many mind." He attempted to explain in English.
"What?" Nathan asked confused, looking over at Katherine for guidance. Kitty shrugged her shoulders, unable to help in that moment. She figured only the samurai would be able to show him the correct technique of this fight.
"Mind sword, mind enemy, mind face, mind people watch." Nobutada continued to prove his point, then he paused and stared at Algren. "No mind." He stated simply.
"No mind?"
"Hai, no mind." He confirmed and stood up.
"Alright." Nodded Algren uncertainly, and turned around to face Nakao once again.
However, soon the kendo training transformed into a wrestling match when Nathan and Nakao started rolling on the ground. Nobutada and Higen burst out into a laughter, as did other samurai watching close by. Katherine couldn't contain herself either and she giggled away at the hilarious scene. So much for 'no mind'.
Katsumoto's son met her eyes, and with a warm smile walked over to her. Katherine bowed in respect. It had been a while since she and Nobutada were so close to each other. He gazed at her bit longer and then spoke. "I would like to speak with you in private."
"Of course." She responded right away, curiosity taking over her. When was the last time they were left alone? He always tried to avoid her these couple of months.
Maybe things were about to change.
