43 Hidekazu Hidekazu leaned forward, clutching Kiyo’s reins as he urged the stallion through the winding market streets. He guided Kiyo around shoppers and merchants bellowing for a sale from their canvassed stalls. Feathered talismans, amber jewelry, and intricate granite carvings from Tajida were displayed on every corner. Exotic spices lingered in the air, mingling with fried fish and fresh citrus. “I’m going to beat you, Hide!” Masanori shouted above the clamour of commerce. His lead grew when a group of shoppers plodded along in front of Hidekazu. He wove around them, practiced in the art of not hitting pedestrians. “Not a chance,” Hidekazu murmured. He’d won under worse circumstances before. He had his twin right where he needed him. Nagasou was the Seiryan capital, built on th

