The days merge in a seamless tapestry of riding and resting. Our convoy conquers the mountains at a steady pace, leaving no men or beast behind. Many who’ve traveled this path before us have not been so lucky. Their journey ended where the wind wails and the birds of prey circle, and the rocks retreat to depths unknown to any man.
“Nothing to do with luck, sister.” Lanying grinned when I asked her about it. “We’ve got the gods on our side.”
I heard she prays to all the gods but puts none above the other. I often wonder if she puts her faith in any of them at all.
The gods are favorable to us again today. Broad flag stones pave our way in smooth green and blue, and our horses’ hooves clap in delight. A crisp, fragrant, almost pungent aroma tickles my nostrils. Towering cypress trees l
