"You're fit enough, I think," Lady Noriko said. "Why don't you give it a try? Don't fly right away," she cautioned. "Give me a chance to check that wing when it's a wing." She smiled and nodded at the Eagle-boy. "I think it will be all right."

Akira nodded. He was quaking with nerves. They were all in Renko's field, off to the side of the house and well outside the compound. Lady Noriko and Yuta-sensei, Shota, Azuki, Tsuruko and Renko joined Akira for what was to be his first flight. ...