Chapter 3
Second Encounter on the MountainWhile Thyloss was at the palace Ierii made her way back to the mountain. This time she consulted all the signs, and impatient as she was, she really believed that she would not have gone had the omens been against it.
But luckily all was well. The tree her father had told her to use as wind guide scarcely stirred. The birds were flying high and singing freely.
She intended to spend the whole day, for she realized that it might not be easy to find the mysterious and beautiful Lady she had glimpsed so fleetingly. She carried a pouch with bread and fruit. The grapes and oranges would provide liquid if she found no water.
All morning she climbed and at noon she was on a high ridge. She could see the town of Ma-ii lying snugly on the sea plain far b
