4 CHAPTER TWO
"Yes, Father had that dream yesterday." Soga no Umako replied.
"What could you certainly mean?" Soga no Katashishime asked
"I didn't know at first and so did Father, certainly a dream such as that had some very great significance behind it. It was this that propelled him to get up immediately and with haste rush to the Temple where upon his arrival he was greeted and warmly received by a Buddhist priest." Soga no Umako replied.
"What was it that the Priest told our father?" Soga no Katashishime asked.
"A Glorious Revelation." Soga no Umako replied.
"How?" Soga no Katashishime asked.
"The priest upon praying and meditating for a while was able to interpret the dream." Soga no Umako replied.
"How was it?" Soga no Katashishime asked.
"A three legged Phoenix emerged from the Chrysanthemum throne bearing in it's possession the Golden crown and taking a swift flight around the palace from one end to another. After a while, the bird made its landing on top of the roof of this particular building and from it emerged a bright light that came so natural like that of the sun while rising from the ground." Soga no Umako replied.
"What could that have implied to excite father that much?" Soga no Katashishime asked?
"The Three legged bird is sacred that represents the Royalty especially the Emperor and his successor, it's emergence from the Chrysanthemum throne is commission of the right to rule, it resting on the roof top of the house of a Soga mother can only imply one thing...." Soga no Umako replied.
"Impossible." Soga no Katashishime said.
"Why must you doubt?" Soga no Umako asked.
"Father is someone that values power in it's nature, it is very much like him to have dreams such as these." Soga no Katashishime said.
"Except now this time it's very much different, this is an indicator that Heaven is on our side and our long and greatly hoped for dream shall soon come to pass, heaven has concurred with our cause and you my sister have played the greatest and most active part in this." Soga no Umako said.
"Father and the Priest's interpretation are things over which we must be cautious, I do not intend to imply that father's envisage has been blinded but it appears as though that he has forgotten about the growing power of the Mononobe Clan. What father has in his possession is nothing but an unfeasible dream, one when recklessly uttered could get as all branded traitors or even worse killed. It is good enough if heaven promises us power and might but this path alone that we are laying out for ourselves could only make us usurpers of the Chrysanthemum throne and nothing less." Soga no Katashishime said.
"You do not comprehend things the way that we do sister, you are only reluctant to admit it as well, the way that you spoke earlier on about becoming the Empress, it is no different from that dream of Father you call unfeasible." Soga no Umako said.
"But I understand my limits." Soga no Katashishime said.
"You only let the rest of the world confine you." Soga no Umako said.
"That's not it." Soga no Katashishime said.
"I am afraid it is." Soga no Umako replied.
"I am rather too cautious." Soga no Katashishime said.
"To live without provoking anyone is the greatest impossibility, even the humblest shall always have foes waiting to snatch whatever little thing they possess.
Even his Majesty knows very well that you might soon win his favour for the dream, yes that unfeasible dream has manifested itself and the Mandate of Heaven has been handed over to us.
We the Sogas have received that same Mandate with faith and we are not turning back because this is an age in which we shall make sure the annals of History remember us." Soga no Umako replied.
"You speak so confidently brother, believe you shall be transformed into men greater and more prosperous than the commons but how do you plan on evading the great aggression that I see arising from every side of the court and being channeled towards you?" Soga no Katashishime asked.
Her brother kept quiet.
"Even you are speechless, look at me as well. I am nothing but the last of the Emperor's consorts and other women that constitute the Royal House have bore him son's as well, they can have things that I do not but there is nothing that I have that they don't.
You tell me now, what more hope is there for my children other than the titles of Imperial Highnesses, Princes and Princesses?" Soga no Katashishime added.
"You have more." Soga no Umako said.
"You overestimate me." Soga no Katashishime added.
"You underestimate yourself." Soga no Umako defended.
"Cling onto this one hope and forfeit it not my dear sister, become proud and fear nothing, rest assured that you are surpassingly blessed, be still that the favour of heaven has coincided with you.
I see a day that is very great and glorious in which a new light shall be bestowed upon our family, for I have seen beyond death a gift of life and beyond war a promise of peace.
In Father's dream and the Priest's revelation, certainly, the Child of a Soga mother shall one day sit on the Chrysanthemum throne and in deed become a very great ruler of this our heavenly kingdom.
I have staked everything of mine and devoted my entire life to ensure the fulfilment and realisation of that unfeasible dream, Sister and my Father's child, do you wish to stand with me or part with us all?" Soga no Umako asked.
"Let your will be done, after all mine is to do and not to reason why. If you are confident, for as long as I can ensure the security of my children then I'll devote myself to embracing you all." Soga no Katashishime replied.
********************
"Your Royal Highness." Saio Shinaga said as she sat down beside Empress Ishi Hime.
"You must be laden with something and I do understand your position is not an easy one as well." Empress Ishi Hime replied.
"I carry with me news that is worth your hearing." Saio Shinaga said.
"And what is your concern?" Empress Ishi Hime asked as she continued to read the sheet that was in her possession.
"I am nothing but a staunch Shinto yet even this being my duty to mediate with the heavens on the Empire's behalf I can not come to comprehend this." Saio Shinaga replied.
"Enlighten me then." Empress Ishi Hime requested.
"Even I have come to notice myself that at this very point in time too much war is inevitable in the not so distant future and along with it we might be headed for a divided Kingdom." Saio Shinaga said.
"I'd expect that." Empress Ishi Hime said not being moved at all.
"Your Royal Highness, Heaven itself has been transformed and already the land beneath it is being divided slowly, you are a mother of the nation and are aware that a foreign religion has started to penetrate into our borders.
Our customs have been staked and slowly our people are swayed and they waver, these signs and the child that is in Consort Katashishime's womb are linked." Saio Shinaga said.
Empress Ishi Hime placed the sheet in her hands down and then looked at Saio Shinaga with a ghastly smile on her face.
"Saio." She called," Don't you think that what you are asking for is a little bit too much?" She added.
"Your Royal Highness, please heed my counsel and at least take this seriously, the heavens themselves spar and proclaim this child to be a symbol and holder of immense power." Saio Shinaga replied.
Empress Ishi Hime looked a little bit startled.
"Is this a miracle child I should fear, is this a contender on my part, is this a prince highly praised by the heavens and a boy set ahead of my son?" Empress Ishi Hime asked maintaining her smile on her face.
"Be it divine or political, this child could be a very valuable tool your Highness especially to the both of us, this child could aid our greatest cause." Saio Shinaga replied.
"If heaven itself spars, be assured, there are chances that the being within this child is a double edged sword." Empress Ishi Hime said. "You and I both know that it could not only hurt our enemies but also us as well." Empress Ishi Hime said.
"The survival of that child is inevitable, if it so happens to be a girl, she could consolidate a strong Shinto King on the throne with such an immense degree of power, tell me Milady, would creation not bow to us then?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"The Child of a Soga mother, staunch Buddhists that threaten our existence and Dominion in the land, if you insist then I see there is some light to it." Empress Ishi Hime said as she took the sheet back into her possession.
"How if I may inquire your Royal Highness?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"Division." Empress Ishi Hime replied.
"I'm not getting you very well Your Royal Highness." Saio Shinaga said.
Empress Ishi Hime kept her gaze constant.
"Have you heard what Soga no Iname has been up to lately?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"No your Royal Highness, please tell me." Saio Shinaga replied.
"I have received this message from Hinote." Empress Ishi Hime said.
"What has it got to do with him?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"Soga no Iname, that old hag, apparently he received a dream and according to the interpretation of a Buddhist priest the Sogas have had a glorious revelation in which a child of a Soga mother shall sit on the Chrysanthemum throne and become a very great ruler of this our nation." Empress Ishi Hime replied.
"That old man overestimates himself." Saio Shinaga said.
"A Glorious Revelation."Empress Ishi Hime said as she laughed humorously while Saio Shinaga wondered.
"What is funny about that your Royal Highness?" Saio Shinaga asked.
A serious expression took over the Empress' face as she looked at the High Priestess.
"A child of a Soga mother shall sit on the Chrysanthemum throne and become a very great ruler of this our nation." Empress Ishi Hime said. " I would have gathered troops and marched to the temple to have that man apprehended for passing on false information but I'd only be alerting Soga no Iname that I have already seen what he's up to.
He is quite a smart man and he'd evade my attack easily so I won't resist this charm." Empress Ishi Hime said.
"What of that child is a boy?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"When have I never annihilated my enemies, killing comes natural to me especially if I am willing to get what I want. My son must inherit the throne at any cost and I'll make sure of that myself.
Besides since only a male can sit on the Chrysanthemum throne then that Soga mother's child being a boy he'll be of no use to me and let alone it could herald the inevitable advent of our greatest contender, something I can never permit to happen in my stead." Empress Ishi Hime replied.
"So will you let Soga no Iname have his way Your Royal Highness?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"Certainly not, every war to be waged starts with division." Empress Ishi Hime said.
"How are we going to do that Your Royal Highness?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"You wait yourself and see how the heavens and all the tables turn in our favour." Empress Ishi Hime replied with a ghastly smile.
Emperor Kinmei was seated in his court room when his head Eunuch Sato came into his presence and bowed his head.
"Your Royal Majesty." Sato said.
"What is it?" Emperor Kinmei asked.
"Ōomi Soga no Iname no Sukune, here to see you Your Majesty." Sato replied.
" Sure, let him in." Emperor Kinmei spoke in affirmation as Sato stood up and made his withdrawal from the Emperor's presence returning a while later with a fairly old but handsome man behind him.
"Salutations Your Royal Majesty." Soga no Iname said as he bowed his head.
"Rise my brave and loyal servant, your Master is listening." Emperor Kinmei replied as he waved Sato out leaving only the both of them inside.
"Thank you your Majesty." Soga no Iname said with a smile gracing his face as he stood upright.
"You look so blissful, surely, you must have received some very good news for yourself." Emperor Kinmei said.
"May your Majesty live forever, please pardon my impatience but I am happy if you are and that being the case your Majesty, I bring with me news that could best suit your liking." Soga no Iname replied.
"Please proceed." Emperor Kinmei said.
"There has been a widespread vision on the Royal birth and heaven is on your side. I have consulted with many shamans, priests and monks, your Highness, there is a miracle baby that will be one of your greatest achievements and a part of your everlasting legacy." Soga no Iname continued.
"It seems the birth of Consort Katashishime's child shall in deed be an auspicious one for this Empire." Emperor Kinmei said.
"Of course it shall be your Majesty, I noticed recently that you could barely sleep or eat and I brought this news with the humble expectation of calming you down." Soga no Iname replied.
"You are in deed too considerate and heaven is with me." Emperor Kinmei spoke when suddenly, Sato hurried in and bowed his head before the Emperor.
"Your Majesty." Sato called.
"What is it?" Emperor Kinmei asked." Can you not see that I am in a very important conversation with Soga no Iname?" He added.
"Pardon my insolence Your Majesty but this is urgent news." Sato replied.
"Please let him speak your Majesty." Soga no Iname pleaded.
"What is the matter this time?" Emperor Kinmei asked.
"Your Majesty, unidentified troops have been identified by our scouts from the South and they are said to reach the Capital tomorrow." Sato replied.
Emperor Kinmei stood up.
"What?" He yelled.
"How is that possible?" Soga no Iname asked.
"I do not know as well." Sato replied.
"There is no way that they would have made it that far into the country without us knowing." Emperor Kinmei said.
"Your Majesty, for all that we know they could be insurgents, rebels or perhaps some distant relatives of yours planning an attack." Soga no Iname said.
"How sure could we be?" Emperor Kinmei asked.
"Remember your Majesty, not every one was in favour of you succeeding your brother the late Emperor Senka, not all rebels marching in the name of the late Emperor were vanquished." Soga no Iname replied.
"Why would they choose to attack now?" Emperor Kinmei asked." It's already been a very long time since the restoration was crushed." he added.
"Perhaps they too have received news of the Miracle child and they are on their way to extinguish it, your Majesty, they too could be afraid that they choose to attack now before that child is born." Soga no Iname replied.
Emperor Kinmei looked quite puzzled when all of a sudden, the doors to his court room were opened and Empress Ishi Hime walked in accompanied by her Royal maids.
She halted there in front of the Emperor and Soga no Iname.
"Your Majesty." Empress Ishi Hime said as she bowed her head.
"Your Highness." Soga no Iname said as he bowed at the Empress Consort Ishi Hime and she bowed to him in return.
"What is the matter Empress?" Emperor Kinmei asked.
"Shikishima is in preparation for the glorious reception and so does the High Priestess, the time for Consort Katashishime to give birth is drawing close." Empress Ishi Hime replied.
"I see." Emperor Kinmei said.
"Pardon me your Majesty for interrupting your conversation with Soga no Iname but I must certainly inform you that I need your permission to escort Consort Katashishime out of Shikishima no Kanazashi palace to Ise Grand Shrine for her delivery and I've organized for prayers early in the morning before we leave." Empress Ishi Hime replied.
"An urgent matter has come up and it concerns the country's National security." Emperor Kinmei said.
"Pardon me your Majesty but this prayer shall need your presence for it's proper conduct, the gods have blessed us can we not give thanks to them?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"An Enemy threatens the country's stability." Emperor Kinmei said.
"Have you not the bravest Generals like Mononobe no Moriya, the wisest men like Soga no Iname, I am confident in the talents of these two to be a strong enough a force to repel your enemies." Empress Ishi Hime said with a smile on her face.
The Emperor Kinmei seemed convinced enough as he smiled there and then.
"You are right Empress." Emperor Kinmei said as Empress Ishi Hime looked at Soga no Iname with a ghastly smile on her face.
"You are talented Soga no Iname and as you know I must be at the ceremony, could you not repel such an attack with your vast wisdom?" Emperor Kinmei asked with a smile.
Soga no Iname was silent for a while but smiling he later agreed.
"Yes Your Majesty." Soga no Iname replied as he bowed his head.
"Very well then, prepare some of our most elite men and along with Mononobe no Moriya, I grant you the right to march out and vanquish Yamato's foes." Emperor Kinmei said.
"Yes Your Majesty." Soga no Iname replied.
"Very well then, I need to take my leave." Emperor Kinmei said as he walked past the two while they bowed their heads.
Walking out of his court room, Soga no Iname had only taken a single step when Empress Ishi Hime called him.
"Iname." She said that he was forced to halt and turn to face her.
The Empress walked closer as she waved her maids out leaving the two of them.
"How may I help you Your Highness?" Soga no Iname asked as he bowed his head.
"You mustn't have seen this coming your way I suppose." Empress Ishi Hime said.
"Please, enlighten me your Highness." Soga no Iname said.
"Your Daughter is going to give birth soon, shall the ceremony in deed be an indicator of an auspicious omen or not?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"You also tell me what shall happen if Moriya subdued those mysterious rebels and should he fail what then would everyone think of the wise Soga no Iname." Empress Ishi Hime added.
"Your Highness." Soga no Iname replied. "all I have ever wished for our Emperor is truimph over our foes, prevalence over terrorism, he shall be truimphant at any cost." Soga no Iname added.
"Even at the blood of your own people, how shall they like you then?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"I do not know what your Highness is talking about, heaven is merciful and I concede defeat for having tried to stand up against you, don't speak a little too soon your Highness after all victory is bound to be His Majesty's and his alone, not Moriya's and not mine." Soga no Iname replied.
"Very well then, I'll keep that in mind." Empress Ishi Hime said as she bowed her head and then made her exit as Soga no Iname walked out shortly after her.
***********************
"What's with this ceremony Your Highness?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"Should we not appreciate the heavens for Consort Katashishime's miracle baby?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"Have you not heard that there are mysterious troops headed for the Capital?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"Why do you have to care, do not be afraid." Empress Ishi Hime replied.
"Why, the prophecy is falling into phase." Saio Shinaga said.
"This lion should choose to either bite off it's leg or let the hunter kill it, meanwhile as it is away, no one can protect the rest of it's pride from us." Empress Ishi Hime replied with a ghastly smile.
Soga no Iname was standing at a distance as he gazed at the City below and then looked up at the sky.
"How far shall I fall?" He asked himself when a shooting star passed by.
"Of course, it's almost time." He added as he smiled while the firmament started to get darkened.
"Fellow men and warriors of our heavenly kingdom, today we face a threat from our enemies coming from the South.
I commission you all brave warriors defending the honour of this our strong and great nation, under the orders of Soga no Iname and Mononobe no Moriya to vanquish those against us.
Prevail and history shall remember your names for on this very day we march out, we'll return victorious." Emperor Kinmei said.
"Hoorah, Hoorah, Hoorah, Hoorah." The soldiers cheered raising their Spears and swords high in the sky.
On the orders of Emperor Kinmei, a group of two thousand troops marched out of Takaichi with Soga no Iname and Mononobe no Moriya at the front.
Empress Ishi Hime, Saio Shinaga, and other consorts of the Emperor stood there as they bid the troops farewell with Soga no Umako watching from a nearby pavilion with Soga no Katashishime.
"I am worried." Soga no Katashishime said.
"So am I sister." Soga no Umako replied.
"Did father tell you anything?" Soga no Katashishime asked.
"No, he only told me to reserve my peace." Soga no Umako replied.
"What could he be up to?" Soga no Katashishime asked.
"I'm unaware and even Empress Ishi Hime is quite unpredictable, at this rate, it is very difficult to determine who is thinking ahead of the other." Soga no Iname replied.
"But it is clear that the Empress is up to no good at all." Soga no Katashishime said.
"I am all the more worried about tomorrow." Soga no Umako said.
"I won't lie to you brother, me too." Soga no Katashishime added as they watched the troops finally going out and vanishing slowly from sight.
"How far are those men willing to go?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"Your Highness." Saio Shinaga called. "At this rate, Soga no Iname has already been defeated." Saio Shinaga said.
"It's a win win situation for me and I've had this trap perfectly planned for him, I am already victorious that is over him." Empress Ishi Hime whispered with a ghastly smile.
Dawn was starting to break when a messenger descended from Kagu hill while quickly riding his horse.
"Make way, make way, make way, make way." He shouted as he made it through the streets of the capital until he eventually stopped at Shikishima no Kanazashi palace.
The Messenger unmounted the horse and then saluted the Royal guards outside.
"I need to speak to His Majesty." The Messenger said, "I carry a message for him." the messenger added as he handed over a scroll to the Royal guards outside.
Sato rushed with the Scroll and then entered into Emperor Kinmei's private quarters.
"What is it Sato?" Emperor Kinmei asked.
"It is a message for his Majesty." Sato said as he handed over the scroll to the Emperor who took it into his possession and opened it.
Judging by the Expression on Emperor Kinmei's face, Sato knew whatever was in the scroll wasn't really good news.
"Your Majesty." Sato called out of concern.
"Summon all the court officials, now." The Emperor Kinmei shouted.
"Yes Your Majesty." Sato replied as he withdrew from the Emperor's quarters.
"What?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"Yes, a message has returned from the troops that were sent out of the capital yesterday." Saio Shinaga replied.
"What could have happened that fast?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"I don't know your Highness but the Emperor has summoned all the court officials as fast as possible, it is a matter of national security." Saio Shinaga replied.
Empress Ishi Hime's expression evolved to that of extreme curiosity.
"What could that old man have done, what could Iname be up to?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"I don't know your Highness." Saio Shinaga replied. "What should we do?" She asked.
"Let's proceed with our preparations and change nothing, for all that we know it could be a ploy to distract and threaten us.
We'll think like Iname, he is rigid in all his plans and he plans on making us very versatile, since he has faked all this trouble, we'll only use it to our own advantage.
He's not realising that he is already cutting off both his arms." Empress Ishi Hime replied with a ghastly smile.
"Are you sure?" Saio Shinaga asked.
"There is only one thing that is left for us to confirm." Empress Ishi Hime replied.
The court officials had gathered at the court when Emperor Kinmei walked in accompanied by Empress Ishi Hime while the officials bowed their heads as he made his way to the Chrysanthemum throne.
Upon arriving there, he sat down and Empress Ishi Hime sat down beside him.
"Your Majesty." The Court Officials said in unison.
"I understand that you were all caught up today but this is a matter of national urgency." Emperor Kinmei said. "Two thousand troops were sent out of the capital yesterday to subdue a mysterious group of troops that were said to be attacking from the South but upon arrival the troops had vanished." Emperor Kinmei added.
The whole court went into upheaval but Empress Ishi Hime didn't appear to be moved at all.
When the officials quietened down the Emperor was asked by one of his officials.
"Where are those rebels your Majesty?" The Official asked.
"The enemy was spotted in the North and as we speak, Mononobe no Moriya and Soga no Iname are turning around but I'm afraid that they'll not make it in time to stop the rebels as they might be here by sundown." Emperor Kinmei replied.
"What are we going to do Your Majesty?" Soga no Umako asked.
"I'll personally join the campaign with a thousand more soldiers later in the afternoon." Emperor Kinmei said.
"You can not put your life at stake your Majesty." Empress Ishi Hime suddenly spoke.
"Yes Your Majesty." Other officials started to agree with her.
"You are the pillar of the country and in turbulent times as these it is important that you stay strong, leaving the capital to go to war might be a misinterpreted sign of abandoning my people." Empress Ishi Hime added.
"Her Highness is true your Majesty." Ōmuraji Otomo Kanamura Maro. said.
"I can not abandon my soldiers fighting out there as well, they fight best with their Emperor as they'll be motivated all the more." Emperor Kinmei said.
"Please set aside your feelings your Majesty, your life is worth more than a hundred thousand more." Empress Ishi Hime said.
"Should the capital fall, how would I face my ancestors?" Emperor Kinmei asked.
"Perhaps it is a test of the gods and your Majesty must decide, either leave the gods' will and go to war and provoke their anger later or reserve your faith and believe Iname and Moriya shall stand alone." Empress Ishi Hime suddenly spoke up as Soga no Umako looked at her.
"Yes Your Majesty." All other officials affirmed in unison as well.
"Choose wisely your Majesty, we are about to receive a miracle child, shouldn't we proceed with the religious rituals first and war shall come later." Empress Ishi Hime said.
"The gods could sympathize with us and Grant us victory if you concurred with them in prayer your Majesty." Ōmuraji Monotobe Okashi added.
Emperor Kinmei looked confused but the pressure of his court had amounted up and Soga no Umako could not speak to provoke the anger of the rest of the court.
"Very well then, we'll proceed with the prayer ceremony for Consort Katashishime's child." Emperor Kinmei eventually surrendered to the request of his court.
Empress Ishi Hime ghastly smiled.
"I have faith your Majesty, today, all truth shall be brought before us and victory over our real foe shall be guaranteed." Empress Ishi Hime gracefully said.
Soga no Umako was curious.
"What is it brother?" Soga no Katashishime asked.
"The Empress, she convinced the Emperor not to leave the capital and news has returned that the enemy is coming from the North." Soga no Umako replied.
"What, that suddenly?" Soga no Katashishime asked.
"Yes." Soga no Umako replied. " I am afraid that it is now very clear that The Empress Consort is trying to keep father from meeting with the Emperor." Soga no Umako replied.
"We have lost brother." Consort Katashishime said.
"It seems so, the Empress Consort has already discovered what Father's plan is." Soga no Umako replied.
"Your Highness." Saio Shinaga said.
"We have completely cut off Soga no Iname's support, I noticed earlier on that he instigated those mysterious troops and now by force he has to vanquish them.
Iname is considered the smartest so there is no way that he possibly can not counter such an attack, if the Emperor doesn't go then he must give an account of victory and use his own brain to beat his charade.
Initially, there must be captives in the war and imagine if they are caught and the attack is traced back to Iname, he can try to evade it but he can not stop us from doing what we want until the child is born in his absentia.
Should he still fail to defeat the rebels on this day of the Consort's birth then in deed shall the miraculous baby be miraculous at all?" Empress Ishi Hime asked.
"Wait, so if Iname wins, he'd shed the blood of his own people which shall cause a rift between him and some of them thus the Sogas division and should he lose then the Emperor could lose faith in this miraculous baby of Consort Katashishime, either way, you win." Saio Shinaga said.
"Yes, that is it, that is my golden plan and trap for Soga no Iname, I am afraid that I have already vanquished him in every way and he has something to lose while I have nothing." Empress Ishi Hime added with a ghastly smile on her face.
