power are a beginning, but the world’s energy demands are growing faster than they can be met. We need more, and it must be non-polluting, or we shall all choke. If earth energy can be harnessed, it could be the key to the future of humanity.’
‘It could be dangerous, though.’
‘All energy sources are dangerous, if used wrongly. That is why they must be kept in the right hands.’
The obvious question was somewhat rude, but had to be asked. ‘Yours?’
‘Not mine alone. But those who are seeking global stability and security.’ He set off again. ‘This way.’
He led them into a large, softly lit gallery, the walls of which were home to numerous paintings and woodcuts. Nina didn’t recognise any, but from their style and condition took them to be the work of Japanese artists dating back at least two centuries, some of them clearly much older. At the room’s far side was another set of double doors. Takashi signalled to Kojima, and the secretary pushed a button on the wall. The doors were panelled in dark oak, but the hum of powerful machinery as they slowly swung open suggested that there were heavier and more secure materials behind the façades.
‘My strongroom,’ said Takashi. ‘After the statue was stolen from me, I had the rest of my collection made as secure as possible. It is why I live here now, at the top of my own skyscraper. No intruder can reach this place without being caught. My guards see to that.’
Nina was dubious. ‘What, the two guys all the way downstairs?’
A knowing smile. ‘They are not my only guards. But come, come.’ He beckoned her through the doorway. Lights came on as they entered.
Her eyes went wide at the sight within. The industrialist had an incredible collection of antiquities. Most were Japanese, which was not her area of expertise, but she recognised other items as being from China, India, Tibet and more. Scrolls bearing gorgeous calligraphy; exquisite carved statues of ivory and jade; a full set of ornate samurai armour; jewellery in gold and silver, precious stones glinting from the settings. The value of the room’s contents was easily tens of millions of dollars, perhaps even hundreds.
Kojima’s phone trilled. He spoke briefly to the caller, then bowed to Takashi and Nina. ‘My apologies, but there is a matter I must see to. I will be back soon.’
Takashi nodded, then continued into the room as his secretary departed. He paused as he reached one item. ‘Do you recognise this, Dr Wilde?’
Nina examined it: a sword, the white blade long and notched in places with the scars of battle. ‘I’m afraid not. What is it?’
He looked disappointed, apparently expecting her to be more impressed. ‘This is Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, the sacred sword of the great warrior Yamato Takeru. It is one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan.’
The sword’s name dredged up a vague memory from her childhood, when her parents had taught her the legends of other countries. ‘Kusanagi . . . that’s the Japanese equivalent of Excalibur, isn’t it? I thought it was kept in a temple.’
‘The Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, yes. That is what the priests there claim. It is good for business.’ A brief, grunting laugh. ‘But I have owned it for more than thirty years.’
‘If it’s part of the Imperial Regalia, doesn’t it really belong to the emperor?’
Takashi struggled to conceal his irritation. ‘A few politicians have suggested that. But they are now former politicians.’ He moved on, keen to change the subject. ‘Here, Dr Wilde,’ he said, standing before one particular display case. ‘Here is what you have come to see.’
Nina gazed at the objects within. They seemed unremarkable: crude figures, primitive carvings made from an unusual purple stone. One had been bisected vertically, the left and right halves put back together and held in place by thin elastic bands. Compared to the treasures around them, they appeared all but worthless.
She knew that was far from the case, however. They were conductors of earth energy, which in certain hands – her hands – produced extraordinary effects. When separated, each statue glowed, brighter bands of light pointing in the direction of its two companions. When all three were brought together . . .
That was the main reason she had come to Japan. To find out. She had never had the chance to complete the set before they were stolen by Stikes.
Now, that chance had come.
7
Dressed in a cheap suit from Hong Kong, Eddie entered the Takashi building.
Scarber had provided the