Chapter 59

Summary

• Blackthorne is roused from sleep by a doctor who confirms that his hearing has returned, albeit painfully.
• The Lady Ochiba and her companion Kiritsubo check on Blackthorne's condition and inform him of Mariko-sama's funeral.
• After an agonizing struggle with severe head pain, Blackthorne manages to get dressed, and learns he has been moved to the donjon by Lord General's orders.
• Blackthorne attends Mariko's funeral, fighting back nausea and pain, while observing the solemn rituals.
• Blackthorne experiences complex emotions during the ceremony, having remembered conversations with Mariko about funeral traditions.
• After the pyre is lit and the ceremony concludes, Saruji, Mariko's son, thanks Blackthorne for his efforts.
• Blackthorne falls asleep again and, upon waking, feels better after a day and a half of rest.
• The doctor instructs Blackthorne on how to continue his recovery, and shortly afterward, Blackthorne converse with a Japanese Jesuit who reveals that he was sent by Lord Kiyama.
• Blackthorne learns that his guards have been dismissed by either Lord Ishido's or Lady Ochiba's orders, making him feel vulnerable and exposed.
• He is told to return to his ship and depart, being provided a guide and a pass but barred from seeing Ishido or Ochiba first.
• As they proceed to leave the castle surrounded by Grays, Blackthorne senses a foreboding atmosphere and prepares for potential conflict.
• On the way to the ship, Blackthorne has an interaction with the Japanese Jesuit about the stark differences between Japanese and European culture.
• Upon reaching the city, he realizes he is being steered towards the Jesuit Mission and the Portuguese lorcha, which worries him.
• At the lorcha, Blackthorne is berated by Captain-General Ferriera, who mocks him for his failed attempt to destroy the Black Ship.
• As an altercation ensues, Father dell'Aqua intervenes, threatening Ferriera with excommunication if he harms Blackthorne.
• A scuffle breaks out and a crew member attempts to shoot Blackthorne, but the assailant is killed by samurai archers summoned by Michael, the Jesuit guide.
• Blackthorne is informed by dell'Aqua that he is being released because of Mariko's request and taken to his galley against his expectations.
• Ferriera reveals that Blackthorne's ship, Erasmus, has been destroyed by fire after it being heeled over by a tidal wave caused by an earthquake.
• Blackthorne, in a state of shock and disbelief, insists on sailing to Yokohama to verify the fate of his ship.
• Despite Yabu's plans to sail to Nagasaki to gather men, Blackthorne demands to go to Yokohama.
• As they leave the harbor, Blackthorne remains in a state of devastation and hope that the news about his ship may be a lie.