“All set?” Lanying tugs at my collar. I nod. The bright morning sun mists my eyes. Stubborn tails swish at buzzing flies, and ardent hooves trample on worn flagstone—our horses are ready to go.
Dendup pours a last round to the men who’ve come to see us off—they’re taking their time to toast a fortunate journey home. All set as far as I can see.
“Don’t forget to pass by Xia.” Lanying presses my arm. “She’ll have the papers drawn up by now.” A satisfied tone eases her tight grip. “We’ll do some decent trade together, sister, no more trampling along the muddy back roads with your kinfolk—if you know what I mean.”
I know what she means by now, about joining the Ortogh, the association that grants permission to do the lucrative long-distance trade. “It’s getting too risky to deal without
