I found the temple with ease and met Aoki with no difficulty at all. Unbeknown to me, he had actually managed to contact my agents in Golden Harvest and Silent Thunder so that their birds could be taught to recognise me. It was risky but I was glad of the opportunity to see them all and we enjoyed a pleasant afternoon. Apparently, I was not aware of just how intelligent these birds are; they can be trained to recognise an intended recipient by associating the type of band one uses around their leg so if Aoki wishes Haru's bird to find me, it will carry a lightweight leather band containing the message and if he wishes it to return to Haru, it will wear its current, metal band.
This is extremely fascinating and I must admit that when they explained it me to me, although I understood the concept, I had no idea how this could be effected. I did not believe it at all in fact. However, now that I have seen him in action, I am amazed to discover that it is completely true. We will need to do more in the morning but this afternoon, the birds have found the correct recipient most times even when we have been hiding in trees and under piles of grass! It is astonishing and really, it does not matter overly if a message goes to the wrong recipient since it can easily be returned. Tomorrow, Aoki will work on the birds becoming used to carrying the extra weight of the band one has to return to the sender - he assures me it will not cause them any harm but the balance will be slightly different for them. I did point out that a supply of bands could be given to my network but as he said, if I start my travels again, at some point I will run out of bands and be unable to replace so it is better if the birds can transport them. He makes a good point. He is a much better spy than I am...!
It was also delightful to catch up with Keita; I have not seen him for a long while. He is well and believes that his position is secure which is a relief. I had not met Haru before as she was recruited by Aoki and I reiterated my previous warning that she is not to put herself at any risk on my behalf. I have ascertained that somehow, my network is still being paid so mother clearly has not bothered to carry out any sort of audit although even if she did, I like to think that my trail is buried so deep it really would take an expert financier to spot it... that said... it is never wise to sit on one's laurels. I had a long talk with all of them about what is happening about the Kingdom and Haru tells me that when Kaede is not seeing to House duties, she sees no one but Sasanuma so I am now convinced that Kaede is indeed involved with her war advisor although nothing has been declared publically.
The news from Golden Harvest is inconsequential. Despite his difficult start in life, Suzuyo's baby is healthy as is his mother and he is doted upon by his grandparents. The House is beginning to prepare for Rani's visit but other than that, there is little to report. I suppose that is a good thing.
The fire dies down and with that, I suppose it would be sensible for me to retire; trying to write by the light of a few candles is not a terribly good idea...
