Black Rose

By Milton J. Davis

In 15th century Japan, Swahili merchant Kesi Masanja (Black Rose) takes responsibility of Danuja Tanaka after her family is killed by rival Daimyos. Together they navigate the challenges of their societies while struggling with the legacies of their families.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Milton Davis
• Release date: Aug 5, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201778446

Book preview

Black Rose

Milton J Davis

MVmedia, LLC

Fayetteville, GA

Copyright © 2022 by MVmedia, LLC.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

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Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

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Cover Art by Amber Denise

Cover Design by Uraeus

Ordering Information:

Quantity sales. Special discounts are available on quantity purchases by corporations, associations, and others. For details, contact the Special Sales Department at the address above.

Black Rose/ Milton J. Davis.—1st ed.

Contents

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Glossary

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For you, Sister Moon

-1-

Kuroi Bara watched Daimyo Tanaka’s palace burn from the forest’s edge, the dancing flames pushing back the approaching darkness. Sadness shadowed her heart, for Tanaka had been a good friend and an excellent business partner. He had accepted her overtures when no one else would, and he had introduced her to Edo society despite the protests of his peers. But it was that same independence that led to his death. His honor would not allow him to flee his homeland, even when he knew the other daimyos plotted his demise. Luckily, he did not feel the same way about his daughter.

A rider emerged from the woods on the opposite side of the field, pushing hard until he was only a few feet from Kuroi. He pulled back the reins of his black stallion and it reared before her, its hooves flailing. When the horse settled the rider dismounted. The horseman’s samurai uniform was stained with blood. There was someone else with him; a girl, no more than ten years old.

Gou, where are the others? Kuroi asked.

Gou, one of Yuuma Tanaka’s most trusted samurai, bowed before answering.

They refused to come, he said. They chose to die with Daimyo Tanaka.

I want to die, too! the girl shouted.

Quiet! Gou barked. The girl’s eyes went wide, and she backed away.

Gou closed his eyes then lowered his head. He took a deep breath, reached into his robe then extracted a small leather bag which he handed to Kuroi. She opened the bag; it was filled with gold nuggets.

Your payment, Gou said. Take Princess Danuja to Lord Li Wei in Hangzhou. He will protect her until it is time for her to return, and he will give you the rest of your payment when you arrive.

This is not necessary, Kuroi said. Tanaka is a friend.

It is the honorable thing to do, Gou replied. Please respect the daimyo’s last wishes.

Bara put the bag in her pouch. Gou turned, knelt before the girl then grasped her shoulders.

Princess Danuja now is not your time. Your oto-san has given you a duty, one that only you can fulfill. Lord Li Wei will prepare you to take your rightful place when it is time. There is no one better.

The girl glared at Kuroi, an expression the umber skinned woman was familiar with in this land.

I will not dishonor my oto-san or my family, the princess finally said. She shook free of Gou then stomped by him to Kuroi.

Will you serve me without question? she asked.

Bara laughed despite the graveness of their situation.

I serve no one, but I will see that you reach Li Wei.

Danuja glanced back at Gou, worry in her young eyes.

This is best, Gou said. Remember, do as Kuroi Bara asks. Always. Do not shame your family.

I won’t, she replied. She looked at Kuroi with disdain.

Kuroi winked at the young girl then approached Gou.

What will you do now? she asked.

I will join my master. Will you be my kashkunin?

Kuroi bowed. Of course.

She turned to Danuja.

Stay here. I’ll be back.

Kuroi Bara followed Gou to the field, where he knelt facing the castle. She took out her katana and waited. Gou was quick, jerking his tanto free then plunging it into his stomach. Bara waited until the disembowelment was complete before bringing her katana down and cutting off his head. As she turned to walk away, she saw Danuja staring with glistening eyes, her hands over her mouth. Bara grabbed the reins of Gou’s horse then climbed on its back.

Danuja! she called.

Her voice broke the girl’s trance. Kuroi extended her hand; Danuja took it, and she lifted the girl onto the horse.

Remember what you saw today, Bara said. Remember the sacrifices made for you. It will strengthen you for what is to come.

Bara spurred the horse, and it galloped through the trees. They had to reach the main road before nightfall, because it would be better to confront anyone seeking them in the open rather than the forest. Her plan was to ride all night until they reached the harbor where her crew and her dhow waited. Yuuma Tanaka had given her enough gold and other goods to make her journey to Nihon more than worth it. She would take the girl to Li Wei then her role in this sad drama would be done. She and her crew would sail home to Pemba and bask in their newfound wealth.

A flickering light to her left warned her. She reigned the horse hard, and the arrow whizzed by, nicking her hat. Wrapping her arm around Danuja’s waist she jumped from the stallion then took cover behind the nearest tree. Torchlight surrounded them like fireflies. There was no need hiding; whoever pursued them would eventually root them out. She spotted a nearby clearing then grabbed Danuja’s hand.

Come, she said.

We can’t go out there! Danuja cried. The archers will kill us.

Bara dragged Danuja with her.

The arrow was meant for the horse, not us, she said. These are samurai. They will fight honorably. Stay by my side. They won’t harm you because they want you alive.

Their pursuers rode to the edge of the clearing then dismounted their horses. They planted their torches into the grass before approaching. Kuroi took out her katana and her scimitar.

We do not wish to harm you, Kuroi Bara, the lead samurai said. You can go free if you give us the princess.

Kuroi frowned as the samurai came into view. She wasn’t surprised that Haruki Kumamoto led them. He had always questioned Tanaka’s openness to foreigners.

You know I can’t do that, Haruki, Danuja answered. I gave Daimyo Tanaka my word.

You are gaijin, Haruki said. You have no bond to him.

A promise is a promise, Kuroi replied.

Haruki nodded. So be it.

The samurai attacked in unison. Kuroi spun, knocking their blades away. One samurai staggered back with a slashed throat, another grasping the wound to his stomach. Kuroi ignored the slash to her back as she dealt a killing stab to the samurai that delivered the cut. In minutes only she and Haruki still stood. Both bled, but only Haruki struggled to stand.

Walk away, my friend, Bara advised. You fought honorably. There is no need for either of us to die tonight.

Haruki steadied, raised his katana over his head then attacked. Bara met his downward slice with her katana then disemboweled him with her scimitar before slipping to the right. Haruki fell to his knees then collapsed onto his face.

Bara did not look at his body. This situation had her killing her friends, which made her sad and angry. Danuja emerged from behind the trees, her eyes wide.

You are not samurai, nor are you ninja. Yet you killed these men as if they were flies that annoyed you. How is this possible?

Bara grabbed the reins of one of the samurais’ horses then led it to Danuja.

You have your own horse now, she said. We’ll make better time.

She mounted her horse as Danuja rode up to her.

What are you, Kuroi Bara? Danuja asked. Are you a demon?

Bara laughed. I’m just a woman that’s been paid to keep you alive. Now let’s go. If we survive to see tomorrow, I’ll answer your questions. Well, at least some of them.

They traveled the dark highway until they reached the harbor. Kuroi saw the lights of the city in the distance and her mood lightened. They were almost safe.

Kuroi Bara and Danuja galloped through the town directly to the harbor, ignoring the shouts of the constables. Kuroi felt some relief when she saw her modest dhow bobbing against the dock. She pulled the reins of her mount, halting it before the wooden planks; Danuja did the same. Kuroi helped the girl off her horse, grabbed her hand then led her to the dhow.

Hey! she shouted. Drop the gangplank!

A bald brown head rose over the bulwark, revealing the face of a grey-bearded man rubbing his eyes.

Kesi? Is that you?

Yes, Baba, it’s me, Kuroi replied. Drop the gangplank and wake up the mabaharia. We need to set sail tonight.

The gangplank slid over the side of the dhow then clattered on the dock. As they climbed aboard, a dog barked in the distance. They were coming.

Kuroi hurried to the dhow’s warning bell then banged it hard. The mabaharia sleeping on deck struggled to their feet while those below hurried from the hold. Baba rushed to her side; his face scrunched with annoyance.

What is going on, Kesi? he said in Swahili. He pointed at Danuja. And who is this?

I’ll explain everything as soon as we are under way, Kuroi said.

She turned her attention to the crew and began shouting orders.

Get the sails up! You two! Get down there and push us off. Now!

The mabaharia scrambled about fulfilling their orders, and the dhow was underway in minutes. Kesi marched to the bow of the ship. Their timing could not have been better. The dock was crowded with samurai. The archers released their arrows which fell harmlessly into the dark waters. Kesi sat on the deck then let out a sigh.

We’re safe for now, she said.

Her Baba joined her.

Now tell me what’s going on? he asked.

Kesi gestured to Danuja.

Yuuma Tanaka is dead, she said. He was killed by the other daimyos. This is his daughter, Danuja. He asked me to deliver her to a colleague in Hangzhou.

This is terrible news! her Baba said. This will ruin us!

Not quite, Kesi replied. She took Tanaka’s pouch from her bag then tossed it to Baba. He caught it, opened it, and his eyes bulged.

It’s enough gold to pay for the entire safari, Kesi said. Tanaka was generous.

I’d say, Baba replied.

Baba squatted before Danuja then patted her on the head.

I am sorry for your tragedy, he said in her language. We will make sure we get you safely to your people in Hangzhou.

They are not my people, Danuja replied. I’ve never met them before in my life. I don’t know why my oto-san sent me to them.

He must have good reason, Baba said. He looked at Kesi, his brow bunched in disapproval.

I’ll take her below, Kesi said.

They went to Kesi’s cabin. Danuja sat on the chair by Kesi’s bed.

Who was that man, Kuroi? she asked. And what is that language you spoke?

Kesi removed her gear then sat hard on her bed. She twisted around to check her back wound and was relieved it wasn’t serious. She looked at Danuja then patted the bed.

Come. Sit here.

Danuja hesitated before joining her.

My name is Kesi Masanja, she said to Danuja, and that man is my oto-san, Zahoor Masanja. We own this dhow. The language we speak is Kiswahili.

I thought your name was Kuroi Bara, Danuja said.

Kesi smirked. Black Rose. That was the name your father gave me. It was a compliment, he said. He thought it appropriate for me to use when dealing with him and the other daimyos.

Danuja’s stoic façade finally caved in. She covered her face and sobbed.

Why is this happening? What did I do?

Kesi put her arm around Danuja’s shoulders and pulled her closer.

Terrible things happen sometimes that we cannot control. All we can do is live through them. Your oto-san gave you the chance to do so.

But I don’t want to go to Li Wei in Hangzhou!

I’m sure it will only be temporary, Danuja said. Once things settle you will be able to return to your relatives in Nihon.

Kesi stood. Get some rest. I must help the others on deck.

Danuja laid down, then sat up.

Can you stay with me? At least until I fall asleep.

For all her bravado, Danuja was still a little girl.

Only until you fall asleep, she said.

Kesi laid down with Danuja and they both closed their eyes. The stress of the night overcame them, and they slept.

-2-

Hangzhou, The Paradise on Earth as its inhabitants called it, greeted Kesi and her crew with its magnificence. Baba and Danuja stood with Kesi at the bow, taking in the amazing metropolis. Hangzhou awed Kesi no matter how many times she sailed into its harbor, just from the sheer size alone. The knowledge that its harbor was the terminus of a manufactured canal stretching all the way to Beijing added to its wonder. But she was not there to gawk; she had come to fulfill her promise to Daimyo Tanaka.

Are you sure you’ve never been here? she asked Danuja.

Yes, the princess replied. Kesi heard the fear in the girl’s voice, but there was nothing she could do about it.

I have never been anywhere but Nihon, she continued.

I’m sure Li Wei will provide well for you, Baba said. I assume he and your oto-san were good friends?

I don’t know, Danuja replied. Oto-san never talked to me about such things.

Kesi glanced at her Baba and they both walked away.

I don’t feel good about this, Kesi said.

It’s what you were paid to do, Baba replied. Deliver the girl to Li Wei and we’re done with the situation. If we’re lucky we can trade the ivory we brought for Tanaka. I’d love to pick up silk and porcelain to take back to Pemba. Your Mama would be pleased. Imagine how much she could sell it for at the markets!

Baba’s mind was already on other things. The girl meant nothing to him and shouldn’t have meant any more to Kesi, but she couldn’t help feeling sorry for her.

I’ll set out for Li Wei’s home as soon as we land, she finally said. I’ll take Amri and Tukufu with me.

The dhow was allowed to dock. Kesi, Danuja, Amri and Tukufu disembarked then set out for Li Wei’s home. It didn’t take them long to find a guide to his compound; Li Wei was wealthy and well known. His grounds were close to port, a huge bastion that reminded Kesi of the residences of the more successful Swahili merchants. It was her family’s dream to own such a home one day, the reason they were on this safari.

Li Wei’s servants met them at the entrance. Kesi handed them the scroll Gou had given her. The servants asked them to wait outside the gate as they took the parchment to Li Wei. Half an hour later the servants returned, opened the gate, and led them to an open veranda. The servants served them tea and cakes while they waited for the master of the grand abode. Another half an hour passed before Li Wei appeared, a small, stout bald man dressed in expensive silks. He nodded at Kesi, but his eyes fixed on Danuja.

It this Tanaka’s daughter? he asked.

Yes, Kesi replied. I am Kuroi Bara. Daimyo Tanaka asked me to bring her to you. He said you would keep her safe.

Yes, Li Wei replied. Tanaka and I are old friends. His family is my family.

Will you? Kesi asked.

Will I what? Li Wei replied.

Keep her safe.

Li Wei noted Kesi’s stern expression and he chuckled.

Danuja has nothing to fear. I’m one of the most powerful merchants in Hangzhou. I consider the emperor a friend. No harm will come to her. That I assure you.

Two women servants approached Danuja. They shared reassuring smiles with the girl. Danuja eyes found Kesi’s.

Go with them, Kesi said. My task is done.

Danuja hugged Kesi, catching her by surprise.

Thank you, the girl said. My family will be forever in your debt.

Danuja took the women’s hands then walked away with them. Kesi and Li Wei watched them enter his home. The merchant turned to Kesi.

You are my guest as long as you are in Hangzhou, he said.

He handed Kesi a golden coin with the image of a dragon.

Show this to anyone in the market and they will charge your expenses to my account.

Kesi took the coin then put it in her pouch.

Thank you, she said.

Li Wei’s servants led them back to the compound gate. As they made their way back to the dhow, Kesi looked back from time to time. She’d done her duty; her obligation to Tanaka was complete. It was best to get her mind back on the situation at hand.

Baba waited for them