To see the previous installments, click on the following links: #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13
The chief judge, a grey-haired man with an imposing posture, holds out his hand pointing to the religious tablets. His voice, restrained but full of authority, echoes through the courtroom:
“Rodrigo Tanaka, you are ordered to prove that you do not profess the Christian faith. Stepping on these symbols will not only prove your loyalty to the shogunate and the Date clan, but also reaffirm your honour as a samurai. What do you decide?”
Rodrigo feels the steady gaze of the judges, the samurai present and the guards flanking the hall. His breathing becomes slow and heavy as he stares at the tablets. The images of Jesus and Mary engraved on them, simple and austere, are not just a religious symbol; they are an emblem that, though alien to his current beliefs, evokes in him a deep respect. An inner voice, that of his ancestors, seems to whisper to him from deep within: “Our honour is above all else. Never desecrate the sacred, even if you don't understand it.”
He takes a deep breath and steps forward, standing in front of the tablets. He bows his head slightly, showing respect, and speaks in a firm voice:
“Gentlemen, I am no longer a follower of Christianity. My allegiance belongs only to the Date clan and my life has been redefined by the honour of bushido (武士道). However, these symbols, although I do not venerate them at the moment, represent the faith of my elders in Spain. To step on these tablets would be, for me, like betraying the spirit of my ancestors, who taught me to respect the sacred, whatever its form.”
The murmur of those present suddenly rises. There is a mixture of surprise, disapproval and veiled admiration. One of the judges, the oldest, looking intently at Rodrigo, asks him with a certain sternness:
“So, Rodrigo Tanaka, you refuse the court's order? You defy our authority?”
Rodrigo kneels slowly in front of the tablets, bowing his body in deep reverence and with his head still lowered, replies:
“I do not challenge your authority, but my honour as a samurai prevents me from executing this action. I am willing to face the consequences of my decision. My loyalty to the Date clan is not in doubt and my life is in your hands.”
To be continued
Header Image:
Samurai warrior textile patch. Source: etsy.com
Oh my goodness, Rodrigo!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why you don't follow??? While reading your post, I almost wanted to say that! Awesome!!
@NevermoreLenore @SEQ77 @Zobayda @T-Newfields @Coral @yumiyumayume @Tia
In gratitude for your time and dedication to reading my writings, I am sending you John Sebastian Bach's Suite No. 1 for cello in G major. Thank you very much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_LxqwzJHR0
I forgot to dedicate it also to Uly @CocoPop , a virtual companion who always accompanies us with his wise corrections and advice.
Appreciate you, druida!
Thank you, @druida! That’s very kind of you. I enjoy reading your posts and offering suggestions or corrections.
Thank you! It’s always a pleasure 😉
Thank you, @druida! The music is the best!!!
Again, I really enjoy the historical present in these stories — you feel like you're in the courtroom with the accused. Great work!
Gracias, @druida. Breve pero preciosa. Yo, en mi ignorancia, he pensado al leer el título: Qué tendrá que ver BMW en esto? Será el sponsor? 😂 Y resulta que BWV (Bach-Werke-Verzeichnis) es el catálogo de las obras de Bach.
En estos momentos, @Coral , soy un aprendiz desastroso de música y en cada trimestre musical, me encuentro con alguna partitura de Bach. Esta que os he enviado es para mí la más sublime, íntima y sanadora. Además fue descubierta por Casals, otro músico genial, cuando tenía 13 años.