twenty-four
“Up here.” Sonam guides us off the path. “There’s the track into the mountains.” I crane my neck. No way, that murky, narrow trail?
“Is there a reason we don’t stay on the main path?” I shift to the back of the saddle. Surely there’s an easier way of going up to Rongdrak? There must be.
“It’s kind of a short-cut.” He sounds nonchalant. “Besides, it’s much more interesting taking the path less travelled, don’t you think?” He laughs. Not funny.
“Follow me.” He waves. “You’ll be fine.” His horse tramples the low hanging shrubs and takes the lead on the trail.
“I’ll close the row.” Sangmo halts her horse for me to pass. That cheerful, encouraging smile—he’s in her element here. I’m not.
Hand raw, I swipe the sweat from my face—with the day only half gone, I’m already a right
