The sun’s already well on her way to the highest peak when we mount our horses in the courtyard. Sonam wouldn’t let us leave without what he called “a decent breakfast” and an elaborate toast to good fortune and prosperous trade. Of course, Dendup agreed—as always if there’s chang involved. Since he’s our elder, no one can refuse.
With the men inside, I use the time to burn the weisang and settle my nerves. With all that tension between us, the morning didn’t start off as it should have. Om Mani. We better appease the gods, for we have a long way to go.
By the time we ride out of the gate, the cleansing aroma of smoldering cypress and pine envelops us. Clouds of thick smoke rise in a straight white column to the heavens—an auspicious sign of a blessed journey ahead. Good. My body rela
