If my life were a horror movie, Genba castle would be the perfect location to film it.

The closer we got to Genba castle, the more uneasy I became. Generally, I am not a fanciful person, but it felt like we were on the approach to a gothic manor full of vampires or psychopaths. As we ventured into the mountains, the walls of Genba forced us into a labyrinth that spiraled upward. The constricting path, the molting branches that looked like claws hanging over us, reaching down to us, and the stark cliffs looming in the distance only served to increase my paranoia.

It wasn't just the fact that we were riding into this claustrophobic snow covered maze. It was the odd familiarity of this place. I was still getting those flashes of déjà vu. In my mind's eye, there were clear visions of this place in late summer when the fish pond was not frozen over... of accidentally falling into that pond, and an even darker memory of dead guards littering the castle walls.

No. I pushed the visions away. Maybe this place really had been used as a location for a film I had once seen. It was a logical explanation.

It just… didn't ring true.

Though it had been just about midday when we arrived, the surrounding forest partially blocked the sun, making even the exterior courtyard seem grey and gloomy. Only an elderly servant greeted us, apologizing to Yoshimoto for the lack of ceremony. He then informed us that the daimyo of Genba, Kanamori Mozumi, was so ill that he rarely left his room. I wondered who was entertaining Yoshiaki, or if the ex-shogun was basically squatting in this castle while this Mozumi was on his deathbed. But Yoshimoto didn't question the servant, and in my role as page, I could not do so either.

Rather than being shown immediately into the main hall, the servant led us to a nicely decorated guest bedroom where we were told to make ourselves immaculate for 'His Excellency.' Then with a quick bow, the man went to see about our luggage. I wondered if I was supposed to go help with that, but when I started to follow him out, Yoshimoto called me back to his side. "Undress me, Page. I must bathe."

Ah. That must be for the sake of the retreating servant. I returned to Yoshimoto's side, and got to work at de-layering him out of his travel clothes. "It's a nice room." Not just making conversation. By Sengoku standards, this room was downright luxurious. It was fit for royalty, with new tapestries on the walls and freshly built in shelving. The bedding was a thick, rich silk, and it looked like the tatami mats had been recently replaced.

He gave the room a cursory look. I suppose Yoshimoto took this sort of luxury for granted. "There was a rather powerful earthquake in this area six or seven years ago, and though the castle easily withstood it, I believe the Daimyo took the opportunity to… Katsu?"

I'd stopped listening halfway through, my attention caught by a ripple at the edge of the futon.

The futon hissed.

Futons … do not make that sound on their own.

The blanket moved.

Nor do their blankets move on their own volition.

HISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

The grey and brown patterned snake coiled around itself and turned its startled head.

I shrieked and grabbed Yoshimoto's arm.

"What is it?" Yoshimoto instantly unfurled his war fan and took a defensive stance.

Nothing was there.

"Nothing. I'm sorry. My… um, hair fell into my eye, and I thought I saw." I closed my eyes for a moment. "I'm just jumpy." Jumpy and totally not hallucinating.

Even so I eyed the covers of the futon. They were tucked tightly to the floor and lay flat on the cushion, with no room for a snake to slither in between. Nothing rippled.

Yoshimoto smiled at me as he patted me on the shoulder. He paused, letting his hand linger on the back of my neck. "Katsu, don't worry. I vow I will protect you from whatever comes next." Then, at the sound of footsteps in the corridor, he stepped back and resumed an elegant distance from me. As the servant began hauling in our luggage, he returned to the character of an indolent prince. "Page, unpack for me now before it is all hopelessly creased from travel."

All was the operative word. I hadn't realized just how much clothing Yoshimoto owned, but it took most of the afternoon to get it all sorted. While I organized his room, Yoshimoto took the opportunity to visit the castle's bath house, returning a while later with the ends of his hair damp and curling. I was surprised it hadn't frozen on the trip between the bathhouse and his room. Though Genba had relatively thick walls, I could feel the cold seep into the building.

Yoshimoto waited until the castle maid who had assisted his bath left us. "Motonari is here as well."

"As himself? Or is he still disguised as Shojumaru?" Hopefully Yoshimoto had remembered that he was not supposed to know Shojumaru's true identity.

"We didn't speak. We crossed paths in the corridor he was with another man, an elderly vassal who appears to be part of the household in some fashion. He asked if I had everything I needed, but was called away by one of the Shogun's servants before I could respond." While he spoke, Yoshimoto casually discarded the yukata he had been wearing. He definitely had an unselfconscious view on nudity.

Whatever. It was weird, but, I'd gotten used to it as well (although I did have to trick my brain into thinking that I was helping to dress an anatomically correct Ken doll). Once Yoshimoto was attired to his satisfaction, another servant appeared and announced that Yoshiaki was waiting.

We were led through chilly corridor, and then down a circular staircase to a large reception area. I only got a brief impression of a dark paneled room with a dais at one end before I was, as instructed, prostrate on the tatami mat. And so my only impression of Yoshiaki was of a pasty face under rich fabric. His voice though, was higher pitched than I expected. And full of impatience. "Imagawa Yoshimoto. What excuse do you have for taking so long to answer my summons?"

He'd been summoned? Yoshimoto had not mentioned that.

"My deepest apologies, Your Excellency. I have been travelling and only recently learned you wished to see me." Yoshimoto's voice sounded like it was now above me. So he'd gotten to his feet.

"Your vassals claim that rather than spend your time working to overthrow that upstart Nobunaga, you wander the country, spending your time on useless pursuits." The voice sounded more whiny than chiding. Like an impatient lover who was worried about being ghosted.

However Yoshimoto planned to respond to that would remain unknown, for two more sets of footsteps echoed in the high ceilinged room, followed by a double set of "Your Excellency."

Two voices.

One clearly was Motonari's, but what made me feel cold all over was that the other belonged to Iekane. And even though I had expected that I would find him here, now that I faced the cold reality of his presence… I didn't feel ready. Not here. Not in a room full of people who would be turned against me (and possibly Yoshimoto) at the first word of accusation.

My face stayed pressed to the mat. My brain tumbled into the oh shit zone. That zone was telling me that I might possibly have gotten into something bigger than I could handle. Yoshimoto had said he would protect me… but could he really? The man didn't even carry a sword.

Into this internal whirlpool of fear I barely heard Yoshiaki introduce Motonari to Yoshimoto.

"Motonari?" Yoshimoto managed to sound puzzled. He was a better actor than I expected. "Not, Shojumaru?"

"Heh. That's only for Sakai." Motonari's voice had taken on that roughness again. "Shojumaru is better accepted with the kaigoshu."

"This brute is not the type of man I prefer to have about me, but I cannot be too choosy when it comes to powerful allies." There was that whiny tone again. And did he just diss Motonari?

Dude.

Did Motonari just stand there and take it?

Again…. Dude.

"And this is my host, Kanamori Iekane."

Host?! My brain needle scratched on that. How the hell did Iekane (who was an orphan; or at least had been when I knew him) acquire a castle? This castle.

Again, Yoshimoto smoothly performed an interrogation disguised as confusion. "Iekane? Has something happened to Mozumi?"

"My father is quite ill, and rarely leaves his private rooms. I have been delegated to act in his behalf." There was a rustle of fabric, which I interpreted as Iekane bowing to Yoshimoto. "You are very welcome here Lord Imagawa. I trust your room is to your liking?"

"It will suffice." Yoshimoto managed to imply that it was one step above a hovel, but that he was prepared to be lenient. I could imagine him doing one of those European hand waves that usually preceded everything from 'bring me another flagon of wine' to 'huzzah' to 'off with her head.'

"I expect your vassals have told you about our current situation." Yoshiaki still had that whine to his voice, but by this time I attributed it to a vocal fry, because it was clear that if his expectations were not fulfilled, he would be most displeased. Displeased in the murdery sense. Yoshimoto didn't respond verbally but I presume he must have nodded or done that regal head tilt, for Yoshiaki continued. "Motonari, what is the news of the Ikko-ikki?"

Could there be news of them without their spiritual leader? Kennyo had gone over a cliff after kidnapping Nobunaga. That information had come directly from Sasuke (who had heard it from Mai, who had nearly fallen to her death as well).

"Kennyo is recovering from his injuries." Motonari laughed again. "He wasn't lookin' so healthy when I fished him out of the river, but he'll be ready to march on Azuchi in the spring."

!

"Sakai." Yoshiaki insisted smoothly. "Lord Iekane has convinced me that Sakai is a more appropriate target."

"Sakai?" This time it was Motonari who sounded confused. "Oda doesn't control Sakai. The Kaigoshu are in charge. What nonsense is this?"

"Do you dare question my divine wisdom?" Yoshiaki's voice raised to a high whiny pitch that was likely causing all the dogs in the area to howl. "Iekane, explain your plan to this imbecile."

I wanted to turn my head to see how Motonari was taking this treatment, but calling attention to myself in any fashion would be bad. Right on the heels of that thought … my nose started to itch from being pressed against the tatami mat.

Oh God. Don't sneeze. I dug my fingernails into my palms, hoping to divert my nerve endings from sneeze mode to pain mode.

"As we speak, the Kaigoshu of Sakai have decided to defy Nobunaga and fortify the city against him. Disguised as Oda forces, Motonari's forces and the Ikko-ikki will march on Sakai, killing all who resist. This should lure the Oda into the battle, at which point the Imagawa, led by Yoshimoto will arrive to rescue Sakai in the name of Yoshiaki." Iekane spoke matter of fact, as if his plan wouldn't result in massive civilian casualties... including, I surmised Hiko's.

"How kind of you to engineer this plan and my role in it without my knowledge." The sarcasm dripped to the floor and paddled around Yoshimoto's feet.

Even the Shogun, as deaf to nuance as he was, still caught Yoshimoto's subtext. "Are you not loyal to us? Do you not want to restore the glory of the Imagawa clan?"

"Forgive me, Your Excellency. It is simply that my vassals broke precedence in agreeing to this plan without my knowledge." Yoshimoto managed to strike a tone mimicking the slighted chain of authority that Yoshiaki would likely understand.

There was a rustle of outraged fabric from the front of the room. "Your clan will march on Sakai by the time the snow melts."

"Of course." Yoshimoto agreed smoothly, sounding for more calm than I felt.

"We shall, of course, discuss this more later. I am tired of this." I heard the sound of hands clapping. "Leave us."

A chorus of 'of course, Your Excellency' from all the occupants of the room followed that pronouncement.

When Yoshimoto tapped my shoulder, I rose, kept my face pointed down, and, as Yoshimoto had instructed earlier, backed out of the room.

In the corridor, Motonari and Iekane were having a low voiced argument. "You wanted to see the world burn. Does it matter where the fire begins?" Iekane was saying.

As we passed them, Iekane hailed Yoshimoto. Yoshimoto stopped and opened his fan, holding it so it shielded my face from the other two men. "Lord Yoshimoto, my apologies for not being at the gate to personally greet you when you arrived. My father's days are numbered and I wish to spend time at his side."

"I remember your father well," Yoshimoto sounded all kindness. "Would his health support a visit from me? I would like to pay my respects in person."

"I'm afraid not. He barely recognizes even me when I'm there." Iekane did at least seem regretful. And this would likely be one of the few circumstances where he put away his otherwise ever-present fake smile. But of course I could not look at him to see for myself, to see if I could figure out what was going on underneath that façade. Not without undoing all of Yoshimoto's work to hide my face with the fan.

Was Iekane poisoning Mozumi? Or simply taking advantage of a frail old man? I was sure he was capable of the former, but it was possible that Mozumi's age made it unnecessary.

"That must be painful-"

"Are the two of you going to keep yakking all day?" Motonari's voice came from beyond Iekane. "Oda wouldn't rush to defend Sakai. He'll simply wait for the initial carnage to cease, then swoop in like a vulture over carrion. If we ain't attacking Azuchi, then Osaka is the best strategic target."

Oof. Trouble in paradise between Iekane and Motonari.

Good.

Useful?

Although… I suspected that Motonari was mistaken. Nobunaga would actually defend Sakai; and then use that defense as an excuse to stay there. My guess was that Iekane had reasons of his own for wanting to crush Sakai, and they were likely connected to whatever reason he had for wanting Hiko dead.

"The Shogun has made his preferences known." Iekane smoothly ended the debate. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must return to my father."

I watched Iekane's feet slither down the hall (not literally, but I still had snakes on the brain).

Yoshimoto bowed slightly to Motonari and started to turn toward his own quarters, when Motonari's voice stopped him. "Imagawa."

I froze. Had Motonari seen my face?

"Yes …Lord Motonari." Yoshimoto gave Motonari's name an ironic inflection as if to remind him that they had previously met when he as using the name Shojumaru.

"This plan. The Imagawa are committed to it?" I couldn't tell from Motonari's voice if he was considering abandoning the alliance, or just testing Yoshimoto's loyalty.

Apparently Yoshimoto wasn't either. "I will do as my vassals wish."

"Most would have it the opposite." Without another word, Motonari stalked away, his heavy footsteps echoing in the cavernous hallway. When they doepplered out completely, Yoshimoto finally closed his fan, and looked at me.

"Iekane might be poi-"

With one finger to my lips, Yoshimoto shushed me. "Not here."

Right. Who knew was listening? In fact, just as soon as Yoshimoto shushed me, I thought I saw a shadowy figure whisk itself out of view.

It was possible that even Yoshimoto's quarters there would be people in the next room able to listen in. Genba's castle's walls seemed thick enough on the outside, but the interior ones were not even close to being soundproof. Yoshimoto's thoughts must have picked up on my own, for when we returned to his quarters Yoshimoto proclaimed he was ready for a winter stroll in the garden.

Which, ok it had been less than half a day since we had arrived here after a ride through the forest, but on the surface, the explanation was as good as any other. And since I preferred being outside, even in this weather, to the claustrophobic air inside the castle, I changed back into my warmest clothing and grabbed the fur cloak on my way out the door.

"Oh, how lovely is a winter garden. The world frozen underneath a blanket of white, patiently waiting for the thaw of spring. I should commission someone to paint this." Yoshimoto gazed intently a shrub whose branches were encased in icy. His voice was overly loud. He probably was trying to bore any eavesdroppers into leaving us alone, but well, Yoshimoto was capable of sincerely appreciating snow. Right on the heels of that thought, Yoshimoto added at a more normal volume. "Do you not find this lovely? Look how the snow reflects the setting sun."

"I do in fact I prefer snow because I grew up in the mountains, so yes, you're right. It's beautiful." Sometimes I take it for granted, but the memory of swishing down a mountain, cutting a new path with my board, is precious, and for a moment, I could call to mind that delicious combo of sun, sparkling white uncleared trail, and the crisp wind. But though we were trying to distract any listeners with nothings, this really was the wrong time for nostalgia.

Once we were further out into the garden and I was certain of not being overheard, I apologized to Yoshimoto for dragging him into this mess. Because it was a mess, and it looked like he was going to be forced to attack Nobunaga against his will. Or I assumed against his will. His allies, Kenshin and Shingen, both had mounted attacks against Oda in the past, but this particular plan to use the citizens of Sakai as bait (and the Ikko-ikki as cannon fodder) did not seem like either man's style.

"It seems I was to be dragged into this no matter what, for my vassals had already joined with Yoshiaki without my permission." He looked at a frozen pond, where underneath the top layer of ice, there seemed to be living fish, sluggishly moving around. "Indeed, perhaps I should be thanking you, for now that I am aware of the situation, I shall be forced to do something about it."

"You don't want to attack Sakai." Just clarifying.

"No. Not if I can avoid it. I sense that Motonari has similar reservations." Yoshimoto glanced back at the tenshu of Genba castle. "Without him, there is likely no Kennyo." Once again he paused, and when he finally continued, it only revealed his continued indecisiveness. "It's a long time until spring. Perhaps the situation will alter."

Perhaps.

Meanwhile, I was trapped in a complicated political situation, without any way to get to Iekane. I had a feeling that he never went anywhere without being surrounded by an entourage. Indeed, as I glanced upward to the castle walls, the Kanamori guardsmen were patrolling along the perimeter of the top. I waited until they passed out of sight. True, they had been too far away to overhear us, but the sight of Yoshimoto having an intense conversation with his page was bound to raise a few eyebrows. "Do you think Iekane is poisoning Mozumi?"

"You know him better than I... but from what know, Mozumi is not a young man. Iekane may simply be taking advantage of his frailty." Yoshimoto was quiet a moment longer. "I do not have a good feeling about any of this."

"If we could prove Iekane is poisoning Mozumi, would that at least take the Kanamori vassals out of the equation? At least long enough to buy some time?" Iekane had a lot of moving parts in this… whatever he was doing. Remove one, and maybe everything would grind to a halt.

Yoshimoto hesitated. For a moment a hopeful smile crossed his face, then faded away. "Time for what? For the situation to alter?"

"The thing is… I'm pretty sure that one of Mitsuhide's men followed me, at least up through to the crossroads before the castle walls." I hadn't caught sight of the muscular spy since then, but at that point, it would have been obvious where we were headed. "I'm sure I could get a message to him. At the very least, Nobunaga can take steps to protect Sakai." With six months warning, they would have time to come up with a plan.

Yoshimoto rubbed his forehead. "I agree in principal, and I imagine that were he not with Sasuke in the future, Shingen would as well. As little love for Nobunaga as he has," Serious Understatement. Takeda Shingen's hatred for Nobunaga was fairly legendary, "he has no patience for anyone who uses civilians as a shield. But," He put his hands on my shoulders. "I said I would protect you. Sneaking out of this castle has risks. Sneaking around this castle carries even more."

"Yoshimoto. This is what I do. I'm a messenger and a scout." Granted, sneaking around castles hasn't been a feature on my resume, but what's a little on-the-job training in a crisis? "I don't even need to sneak. I could simply stroll down a corridor and tell anyone who asks that I'm looking for the kitchen because I have been tasked with making you a cup of tea and you refuse to drink anyone's tea but mine."

Ok. Yes. I'm going to have to sneak.

"Perhaps I should go with you?"

"I'm pretty sure sneaking is not in your DNA." When he frowned at the unfamiliar term, I added, "in your make-up. Diplomacy. Dissembling. You sneak with words."

Since it was clear that Yoshimoto could potentially dither about this for the rest of the day, I decided that I was going to do it anyway, so I just put my hands on top of his and squeezed them. "I'll wait until the next time Yoshiaki holds court. Everyone will be too busy guarding him to keep track of where I am. I'll be fine."

And yet, as the late afternoon shadows began plunging the garden into darkness, I couldn't suppress an internal shiver, and the sensation that already, already someone was watching.