Hoshiko’s Ghost Tale

Several years ago, when I was still in Geisha training, my onee-san gave me some time off to go and visit my parents. I was out driving my little pony cart when I realized that a storm was coming, so I turned around to head for home. The storm came up much faster than I expected, and a sudden bright flash of lightning accompanied by a crash of thunder frightened my pony and she bolted. I tried to control her, but before I could, she missed a curve in the road and we went into the ditch. The cart over-turned, the pony fell, and I was thrown out. When I regained consciousness I was soaked, and the pony was standing nearby. The cart was a pile of wood, unusable.

I undid the pony from the ruins of the cart, and taking the reins, tried to lead her onto the road. She was reluctant to move, and when I examined her, I saw that she had a bad cut on her left hind leg. I tore a piece of cloth from my tattered kimono, and bandaged it, then led her onto the road. As best I could tell, we were too far from the main road, and from home, to try to make it, especially since the storm was worsening and the wind was almost at gale level. After a bit of thought, I remembered passing a lane leading into a dense patch of woods, and decided that I might find a place where we would be somewhat sheltered. I set out, slowly, because both my pony and I were limping.

We found the lane, and as we were struggling along I saw through a break in the trees, that we were near an overgrown stream. As we moved on, I saw what looked like a small building, and since that would likely be a better shelter than the trees, I looked for a way to it. There was a narrow path leading off the lane, and it led right to the building, and a houseboat. I was very surprised, first, to see a houseboat there at all, and secondly, because both houseboat and building were in excellent shape.

I headed for the building, and found that it was a snug stable, complete with dry, clean straw on the floor, and a good supply of hay. I left the horse there, and went to examine the boat. It was empty, covered in dead leaves, and apparently hadn’t been entered for some time. I tried the main door, but it was locked with a large lock that was beginning to rust. I went on around the deck, and found an almost hidden door that opened when I tried it. I walked through the house, and found it well furnished, and everything covered in a thick layer of dust.

I checked the cupboards and found dried foods that were still good, as well as balms, ointments and bandages. I took a bandage and balm, and went back to my pony. I removed the harness, rubbed her down with handfuls of straw, spread balm on her cut and re-bandaged it. Then I opened a pipe leading to a water trough until it was full, and left her to rest, knowing she would be warm and dry.

I went back to the boat and proceeded to tend my own injuries. I found dry clothing, and changed, even though it was a man’s. Then, dry and warmer, I prepared a hot meal for myself, using a small stove and the fuel that was neatly stored in a wood box. When I was finished, I could no longer stay awake, and found bedding for the bunk. It had been a harrowing experience, and I was exhausted.

I fell asleep quickly, but was wakened by the sound of footsteps crossing the floor, and stopping beside my bed. I could see nothing, but felt a presence. I asked the spirit if there was something I could do for it, and felt its answer enter my mind. It was the spirit of a Lord who had been selfish and greedy all his life. He had overcharged his tenants, thrown them out when they couldn’t pay without a care for their welfare. He had buried his hoarded wealth, and died alone and unmourned.

Now he could not rest until restitution was made to the families of those he had so mistreated. He told me where he had hidden the treasure, and begged me to be the vessel for his restitution and release. ‘Do this, and I will pray to the ancestors for you, through all eternity. Keep it for yourself, and I will haunt you to your dying day, giving you no peace!’ I promised to see that this task was carried out, and heard his ghostly moan of thanks. Then the presence was gone, and soon I was sleeping again.

When I woke the nest time, it was about mid-morning on a bright, sunny day. I got up, made a meal, and while I was eating I remembered the visitation in the night. I thought I heard a faint ‘don’t forget your mission’ as a slight draft drifted past my head, and answered “I won’t. I will do my best to find the families of the people you told me of, and give the treasure to them.

It was not hard to find the treasure, and soon I had placed the bags on the pony’s back and we were on our way. We were both moving better, so it wasn’t long before we were on the main road, and soon after that a neighbour came along and I was riding on his wagon, my bags in the back and the pony tied to the rear post and following contentedly.

When I finally reached home, I told my father about my experience, and with his help found all the families. All of them were awed and excited when they heard my tale. When they received their share of the treasure, each one blessed me, and the Lord who had, at his death, repented, and though me, atoned for his evil ways.

The night after we had given the last of the treasure away, just before I went to sleep, he came to my bedside again. He thanked me, and blessed me. ‘You have released me. Now I can go on to the next life. You have given me peace.’ His whisper faded, and then his presence was gone. I smiled, and slept peacefully that night. It is an experience I shall never forget.