The little group rode out right after breakfast. Azuki was back in trousers and jacket for ease of riding. She again rode double with Shota on Blackie, who pranced proudly. Yuta rode Red Wind. She decided she liked Yuta, so she made things easy for him. Except now and then, when she decided he needed a riding lesson.

"We'll go back the way we came," Yuta decreed. "We'll bring gifts to the charcoal burners and to the outcast village, as well as for people at home." The way ...