Lian Hearn, Tales of the Otori

Lian Hearn, Tales of the Otori

Book One : Across the Nightingale Floor Episode 1

The first episode in an epic literary adventure set in medieval Japan.

Sixteen-year-old Tomasu lives in a remote mountain village among the Hidden, a reclusive and spiritual people who have taught him only the ways of peace. But unbeknownst to him, his father was a celebrated assassin and a member of the Tribe, an ancient network of families with extraordinary preternatural skills. When Tomasu's village is pillaged, he is rescued and adopted by the mysterious Lord Otori Shigeru, who gives him a new name: Takeo. Under the tutelage of Shigeru, Takeo learns that he too possess the skills of the Tribe. And, with this knowledge, he embarks on a journey that will lead him to his own unimaginable destiny ... (Publisher cover matter)


    The deer that weds
    The autumn bus clover
    They say
    Sires a single fawn
    And this fawn of min
    This lone boy
    Sets off on a journey
    Grass for his pillow

    Manyoshu Volume 9, No. 1,790


Book One : Across the Nightingale Floor Episode 2

The Adventure Continues

Since his rescue by Lord Otori Shigeru, Takeo has learned that his father - whom he had never met - was past of the Tribe, a secret network of assassins with extraordinary skills. Takeo shares these skills, and he spends days honing them with Shigeru's friend Kenji, also a member of the Tribe. Then the three journey to the stronghold of the power-hungry Lord Iida, where they will meet Kaede, a 15-year-old girl chosen as the future Lady Otori by a group  of political collaborators. Throughout the trip, Takeo is pulled in two by his mixed allegiances to the Otori and the Tribe. And then there is a third bond: when Takeo and Kaede first see eache other, they are drawn together, and without speaking a word, fall in love. But events are doomed to pull them apart, and draw on all of their courage. (Publisher cover matter)



Book Two : Grass For His Pillow Episode 1 : Lord Fujiwara's Treasures

Book Two : Grass For His Pillow Episode 2 : The Way Through The Snow

Book Three : Brilliance of the Moon Episode 1 : Battle for Murayama

The lovers Otori Takeo and Shirkawa Kaede are now husband and wife, and even more determined than ever to strengthen domains. Their hasty marriage has enraged powerful men: Arai Daiichi, the warlord ruling most of the Three Countries, and Lord Fujiwara, who considers Kaede his bride. Because of these threats, Takeo and Kaede make hast to secure Maruyama, Kaede's inherited stronghold, before Arai and his allies can stop them. Even as they battle, another threat looms, because members of the Tribe - Takeo's relatives,skikked assassins - have set their deadly sights on Takeo ... (Publisher cover matter)


Others too, in far-flung villages,
Will no doubt be gazing at this moon
That never asks which watcher claims the night ...
Loud on the unseen mountain wind,
A stag's cry quivers in the heart,
And somwhere a twig lets one leaf fall.
- Zeami, THe Fulling Block (Kinuta)


Book Three : Brilliance of the Moon Episode 2