Read L5r - scroll 04 - The Phoenix for Free Online Page B

resumed their song; Tomo resumed his walk.
    His path emerged from the woods a short distance upstream. Normally, a small bridge—a few boards on a bracing frame— crossed the river at this point, but summer rains had washed down one of the supports. The bridge was missing.
    An old woman stood at the end of the path, gazing at the river. Sunlight glinted off her wizened face. Tomo realized she was crying.
    Walking forward, he asked, "What's the matter, Grandmother?"
    The woman lifted her tearstained face to the Master of Water and tried to force a smile. "I... I was going to visit my daughter-in-law," she said. "It's the anniversary of my son's death, and I wanted to be with her and the children. I even wore my best kimono." She held out her arms to display the garment.
    Tomo looked at it. It was red and white with delicate floral patterns. The kimono had been well cared for, but was starting to fray around the edges. Obviously it held great sentimental value for the woman.
    "You see why I can't cross the river in this," she said. Tomo nodded. Clearly she didn't recognize him any more than the fisherman had.
    The old woman continued, "By the time I walk downstream to the bridge and then back to my daughter-in-law's house, it will be dark. I'll have missed the ceremonies." Tears formed in her eyes again.
    "I can solve your problem, Grandmother," Tomo said.
    "How?" she asked, wiping away the tears.
    "I'll carry you across the river."
    She looked at him appraisingly. "I hope you won't take offense," she said, "but you hardly look strong enough. There's not much meat on your bones, young man."
    "I'm stronger than I look," he said.
    The old woman looked at him skeptically and sighed. "Well," she said, "Shinsei teaches us never to judge by appearances. So if you want to help, I'll let you try. Please try not to ruin my kimono."
    "I won't let a drop of water touch it," Tomo said, smiling at her. "Climb on my back."
    He set aside his parasol and knelt down to give the old woman a ride. She climbed onto his back and hooked her legs under his arms. "Not too heavy, am I?" she asked.
    "As light as a feather," he replied. He carried her toward the edge of the river, and then stopped.
    "What's wrong, young man?" the old woman asked.
    "Just seeking the best route, Grandmother." He stepped in. The waters parted slightly in front of him, and he found a firm stone to set his foot on, then another, and another.
    "That's funny," the old woman said from his back, "I didn't see these stepping stones from the riverbank."
    "Tears had clouded your eyes," Tomo said. "Don't worry, now, we'll soon reach the other side." Another dozen steps and the Master of Water's promise came true. He set the old woman down. "See? Not even a drop on your kimono."
    The old woman adjusted the fabric, looked up at him, and smiled. "Why, you're right. Thank you, young man. Domo ari-gato gozaimasu. What is your name? You must stop for tea sometime."
    "Tomo," he said humbly.
    "Why, the same name as one of our lords," she said, rubbing her stubbly chin.
    "The very same."
    She nodded. "That must be a good omen for you—though I daresay you might want to change your name before the lord finds out. I hear some of them can be very jealous."
    "I doubt he'll mind," said Tomo.
    "Well, you know your own business best," the old woman said. She waved good-bye and shambled down the path.
    Tomo smiled. After she had gone, he skipped quickly back across the surface of the river. His feet touched neither the river bottom nor the stones he'd found earlier.
    He fetched his parasol and was about to open it again when a small bird fluttered down and landed on the paper umbrella.
    "Hello," Tomo said to the bird.
    The red and orange animal looked at him and tweeted a
    happy reply. Attached to its golden leg was a small scroll. Tomo frowned, unfastened the scroll, and read it.
    xxxxxxxx
    Hot, clinging darkness surrounded the Phoenix Master of Fire. The air was dry and suffused with the odors of