4. Motive

The Demon Shiki is discovered sitting on the throne itself, suggesting that the supernatural is at work within the palace walls.

Meanwhile, Shonagon and Yukinari continue to search for some human motive behind the escalating crimes.

Robert Forrest's thriller and love story, inspired by the diary of Sei Shonagon, a court lady to the Empress Sadako in 10th century Japan.

Shonagon ...... Ruth Gemmell
Yukinari ...... Mark Bazeley
Tadanobu ...... Benedict Cumberbatch
Emperor ...... Richard Madden
Narimasa ...... John Rowe

Producer: Lu Kemp

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in August 2008.