Island of Exiles

Kumo and Okisada may have formed allies there.” Akitada nodded. “Tell me about Kumo.”

“He is thirty-eight years old. His great-grandfather was sent here on trumped-up charges. The family has been cleared, but since the descendants had become wealthy on Sadoshima, they stayed here. Kumo now controls one-third of the rice land in the province. He also owns two silver mines. Kumo’s father was appointed high constable, either because of his wealth and influence on the island, or because of the emperor’s guilty conscience. His son inherited the office.”

“What sort of man is he?”

Mutobe made a face. “Handsome, arrogant, and fiercely possessive of the island. He regards imperial appointees as a form of harassment for the natives and claims that the non-political prisoners are responsible for all the crime. Hence his support for Wada.”

Akitada thought about this. “Who really controls Sado?” Mutobe flinched. “There is no need to be so blunt,” he said stiffly. “I am fully aware that you were dispatched here because it is thought that I have failed in my duties.”

“No, that was not the reason,” Akitada said quickly. “You are in no position to investigate this murder. But let’s not waste time. I cannot remain in conference with you indefinitely before someone will take notice.”

Mutobe took a deep breath. “Yes. Sorry. It is just that I have not slept much since . . . the murder. Briefly, then: nominally, I have administrative authority over the whole province; however, the special nature of Sado as a prison for exiles of different types gives extraordinary powers to the kebiishicho, that is Wada, and the high constable, namely, Kumo.” The provincial kebiishicho was the police department run by an officer from the capital. Their original purpose had been to assist the governors in curbing the power of provincial strongmen.

In Sadoshima, this seemed to have backfired. Evidently Lieutenant Wada had allied himself with Kumo and ignored Mutobe’s wishes.

Mutobe explained, “Political exiles are generally well-behaved, but men who are sent here for piracy, robbery, and other violent crimes are another matter. There is a small garri-son to protect provincial headquarters, but the soldiers are all local men and the commandant is an elderly captain for whom the assignment was tantamount to retirement. And, of course, Kumo controls the landowners and most of the farmers.”

“Farmers are generally a peaceable lot.”

“Yes, but large landowners like Kumo are not, properly speaking, farmers. They own most of the land and therefore the wealth of Sado. Since we must maintain ourselves and the

prisoners and exiles with their families, we need their rice, and the emperor needs their silver.”

“I see. Where is your son?”

Again Mutobe’s hands twisted. “My son is in jail,” he said bitterly.

Akitada sat up. “In jail? You mean here in the provincial jail?

Is that not somewhat unusual?”

“Yes. Well, there was some thought of putting him in the stockade, but I managed to avert that. He could have given his word and been put under house arrest, but they insisted on jail-ing him like a common criminal.” Mutobe buried his face in his hands. “Every day I fear for his life. In a jail cell it is so simple to fake a suicide.”

Akitada softened toward the man. No wonder he lived in fear of upsetting his enemies. “Would it be possible for me to speak with him without causing comment?” Mutobe lowered his hands. “Yes. I think I can arrange that.”

“Tell me about the people who were present when the prince died.”

“Okisada died after a dinner at the home of Professor Sakamoto. Sakamoto used to teach at the Imperial University in the capital, but after a visit here he decided to stay and write a history of Sado Island. He is a well- respected man, but I have wondered if he was sent to spy on the prince. If he was, Okisada made it easy. He and his companion, Lord Taira, were regular visitors at his house. Okisada enjoyed boating and seafood, both of which are excellent on Lake Kamo.” Mutobe paused.

When he continued, his voice was curiously flat. “On this occasion, there were two other guests, a young monk called Shunsei, and my son. Originally I had been invited, but I begged off. My son represented me.” Passing a weary hand over his face, he sighed. “Forgive me. This is a painful matter for me. Besides being my son, Toshito has been my official assistant.”

Akitada was startled. “Your assistant?”

“Sadoshima is not like other provinces. I came here almost twenty years ago and married a local woman. She died when Toshito was only a baby. I could have returned to the capital, but a man of my background has no future there. I decided to stay and raise my son, and the government was happy with the arrangement. Few capable officials are willing to serve on the island of exiles. When Toshito showed promise, I sent him to the capital to study law, and after he returned he became so useful to me that I requested official status for him. My request was granted last year.”

Akitada thought of his own young family. He had not yet achieved Mutobe’s status. Would he, too, be condemned to spend the rest of his career in Echigo, far from the capital and with no chance at promotion? What if he lost Tamako and found himself raising his son alone? He suddenly felt great sympathy for the pale, elderly man across from him. He said, “I see.

Please continue.”

“The witnesses were all in agreement about what happened . . . well, Taira, of course, cannot be trusted, but the others had no reason to lie. Sakamoto lives quietly, except for visits by the prince. Apparently the prince took an interest in the history Sakamoto is writing. And Shunsei is just a young monk the prince has befriended. Kumo, of course, did not attend because I was to be there. Anyway, they all claim that after dinner Toshito was left alone with the prince in the lake pavilion.

They were walking back to the house when they heard Okisada shout for help. Toshito was bent over the seated prince with both hands at his throat. They ran back and found the prince dead. Toshito denied having attacked Okisada, but he was not believed.”

“Strange. What did the coroner say?”

“His report shows that Okisada died of poison.”

Akitada stared at him. “Poison? I do not understand. Why is your son in jail?”

“Unfortunately, Toshito had taken a favorite dish to the prince. There was not enough for the others, so Okisada alone ate it. The prince complained about the taste and a pain in his belly before he died. Later, when someone let a dog lick the bowl which had contained the stew, the animal died in convulsions.” Akitada shook his head. “I can hardly believe it. I assume, of course, that your son also denies poisoning the dish.”

“Of course.”

“Why was the monk there? Was the prince religious?”

“I have been told that he had become so lately. I’m afraid the prince led a very private life. I don’t know anything about the monk.”

“Do you have any idea how and why this murder happened?” The governor compressed his lips. “I am convinced Kumo had a hand in it. My son was set up. I would be in his place if I had accepted the invitation.”

Akitada thought about this. He still did not like it. “Have you made any public threats against Okisada?” Mutobe flushed. “Yes. Okisada made outrageous public comments charging me with dishonest practices. A month ago I sent him a letter warning him that I would take steps to stop his libelous attacks on me and my administration. When he apologized, I put the matter from my mind.”

“I see. It seems an incredible story. If you can arrange it, I’d like to meet your son first, but then I must try to see Kumo and the men who attended the dinner. Do you send inspectors to outlying districts?”

“Yes. One is to leave soon.” Mutobe clapped his hands together. “Of course. That’s it. You can go along as a scribe. Both Kumo’s manor and Shunsei’s monastery are on his regular circuit.”

“Perfect.” Akitada rose and smiled. “I pride myself on my calligraphy.”

Mutobe also stood. “In that case,” he said eagerly, “you might start by working in the archives. I will have a pass prepared for you. It gives you a limited amount of freedom. While you are in this compound, you won’t be locked up, but you cannot leave it alone. I’m afraid I can only offer you quarters with the prison superintendent.”