Secret of the Princess

Chapter 13

Ashitaka sat by San's side as she lay in her bed, relating the story of his family to her.

"My people, the Imishi, were never a huge tribe, but they always got by. They didn't seek to encompass all of Japan in an empire the way the Yamato did. All they wanted was to get by in life, and for years untold, that's just what the Imishi people did. But then about 500 years ago, the armies of the Yamato descended on the Imishi town. The people who weren't killed escaped into the mountains, which is where the village still is today. My parents were both dead just after my mother had given birth to my sister Kaya. Our seer foretold bad events would unfold that would spell the end of the Imishi in my generation."

San nodded, captivated by his story. She already knew something of the Imishi people from Yakkuru. But still, hearing the full tale off Ashitaka was enjoyable. She relaxed under the bed of furs, scratching at her wrist stump from time to time.

"Then one day, two years ago, the boar god Nago attacked our village. I pleaded for him to stop, not drawing a weapon until my sister was threatened. I think you know the rest."

San smiled.

"Wasn't there a part about meeting a forest girl who swore to kill the inhabitants of an iron forge because they were despoiling the land?"

Ashitaka leant over her.

"You don't want to hear about all that surely? It would mean I couldn't kiss you goodnight. Besides, I know not to spoil you."

San smiled a bit more, and then curled up. Ashitaka tucked the fur blankets in around her. He heard a deep growl behind him, and looked to see the larger of San's brothers stood behind him.

"Follow me outside Ashitaka. I want to speak with you in private. And whatever you do, don't tell San about this."

Mystified, Ashitaka nodded. He walked out of the cave and climbed onto the rocky rooftop. The giant white wolf leapt up beside him.

"First things first. Both my brother and I want to thank you for saving San. We know she looks to you more now you've proven your love for her."

Ashitaka nodded and looked out over the wide forest below him. As far as he could see in every direction, all he could see was dark green trees. San's brother continued.

"Also, we want to know something. Don't be afraid to answer."

Ashitaka snapped out of his reverie and looked at the white wolf.

"What is it?"

"Do you plan on starting a family with her?"

Ashitaka flushed red and looked taken aback.

"I really hadn't thought about it. But if the right time came along, and I had your blessing, and if she was willing, then I might do so."

The wolf seemed to smile, but not in a predatory way.

"Our blessing you have, but we need to ask you one favour."

"What's that?"

"Use your talent for solving things without bloodshed. Don't kill the samurai Asano."

Of all the things the wolf could have said, none would have surprised him more.

"Why? I would have thought the samurai lord would just remind you that you aren't her real brothers."

The wolf snarled.

"He does, yes, but San is showing more human emotions as she spends time with you. So do you promise?"

"Yes, I promise. I'll do all I can to stop this war with no more bloodshed."

"Thank you Ashitaka."

Ashitaka nodded and climbed down into the cave. As he entered the cave, he heard a loud howling from above. Although the tigers seemed to jerk in their sleep, San's other brother and the female wolf seemed to relax. Ashitaka lay down on the bare rock floor, feeling he had a huge load put on his shoulders. He stared up at the rocky ceiling, and felt grief seize him. What fate could have befallen Kaya whilst he was here in his new home? For all he knew, she could be dead. By the entrance, Amoy got up and went to the stream not far from the cave. A tear dripped from Ashitaka's eyes as he thought of his little sister. San looked up, sensing there was something wrong.

"Ashitaka?"

When he didn't respond, San sat up. She put her good arm around him and hugged him.

"Come on, tell me what's troubling you. I'll try to help you."

Ashitaka forced a wan smile for her.

"Can we talk about it in the morning?"

"Of course. For now, you should get some sleep."

Ashitaka nodded and got up, but San was still holding his hand. She smiled as he looked down at her.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Ashitaka made to respond when she pulled him on top of her with surprising force. She giggled and rubbed noses with him.

"My my Ashitaka, aren't you the bold one?"

"You're the one who pulled me onto you."

"Oh I see. Heap the blame on the forest princess."

"No, not at all."

"We'd best be quiet if we're going to cuddle up together. Do you get the impression we're doing this a lot lately."

"We are doing it quite a lot. Not that I mind sleeping with you."

Ashitaka and San cuddled down under the fur blankets. Over the forest, silence reigned, broken only by the phantom-like figure of a hunting Barn Owl. A few clouds scurried over the deep blue sky, which was studded with ten thousand stars. San's brothers both woke up and began howling to the sky, their eerie melody carrying all the way to Iron Town.