As Kampaku Paddiock Taronga traveled with Skrobichimu he explained why he had been called to the Emperor's Palace. It was the Emperor's wish to unite the clans of the island into a glorious kingdom. The Emperor saw that this simple gardener and inn keeper had a way with making strangers welcome. His chaniwa was to be a model for the way the clans were to all get along and Skrobichimu was to be the Daimyo.
Skrobichimu was unsure if he was ready for the task, "The Emperor is wise. But, what grows in my garden that could help the Miyoshi and the other clans?" "Did you bring your shears", is all Paddiock replied. They were quiet from then on.
The journey was a two nights trek through the hills. Following in the Kampaku's footsteps Skrobichimu pondered those words.
That night Skrobichimu dreamt of his garden, left alone and untended. A great weedy vine choked the bonsai and the flowerless orchids. Skrobichimu found shears in his hands and he began to trim back the weeds. Before his eyes the vine withered, the bonsai greened, and the orchids formed buds. The cat returned to his side with a welcoming brush.
Just as the cat brushed Skrobichimu, he awoke with a jolt. Was that the cat running into the trees? He rubbed his eyes and sat up.
The sun had rose and the cool morning air was refreshing. Paddiock had prepared a light breakfast of rice, dried fish and hot tea.
"I think I know what needs to be done."
Paddiock smiles, "So, are you ready to do some weeding?"
Now that Skrobichimu understood the task at hand he allowed himself to relax. It would be a long time before he could relax like this again, and he knew it. He enjoyed the trek and the conversation. Paddiock explained the ways of the royal court. Skrobichimu explained the ways of the fauna along the way. That night the warm fire was soothing, the new friends enjoyed themselves and an army's ration of sake.
Skrobichimu was unsure if he was ready for the task, "The Emperor is wise. But, what grows in my garden that could help the Miyoshi and the other clans?" "Did you bring your shears", is all Paddiock replied. They were quiet from then on.
The journey was a two nights trek through the hills. Following in the Kampaku's footsteps Skrobichimu pondered those words.
That night Skrobichimu dreamt of his garden, left alone and untended. A great weedy vine choked the bonsai and the flowerless orchids. Skrobichimu found shears in his hands and he began to trim back the weeds. Before his eyes the vine withered, the bonsai greened, and the orchids formed buds. The cat returned to his side with a welcoming brush.
Just as the cat brushed Skrobichimu, he awoke with a jolt. Was that the cat running into the trees? He rubbed his eyes and sat up.
The sun had rose and the cool morning air was refreshing. Paddiock had prepared a light breakfast of rice, dried fish and hot tea.
"I think I know what needs to be done."
Paddiock smiles, "So, are you ready to do some weeding?"
Now that Skrobichimu understood the task at hand he allowed himself to relax. It would be a long time before he could relax like this again, and he knew it. He enjoyed the trek and the conversation. Paddiock explained the ways of the royal court. Skrobichimu explained the ways of the fauna along the way. That night the warm fire was soothing, the new friends enjoyed themselves and an army's ration of sake.
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