Dragon Sword and Wind Child by Noriko Ogiwara Page A

well.”
    There was something in his offhand manner that sent shivers up Saya’s spine. The woman closed her mouth sharply and, hurrying off, was swallowed by the twilight.
    Saya finally brushed the hair from her face. “She’ll be blind in one eye for the rest of her life,” she said accusingly.
    â€œWhat difference does it make if you’re about to die anyway,” Torihiko said, unconcerned. “She obviously came to the river with the intention of killing herself. But, judging by the amount of energy she had just now, she may be so angry that she’ll change her mind.”
    He spoke as casually as if talking about the weather. Gazing at him, Saya wondered if this was a characteristic of the people of Darkness or just a quirk of his personality.
    She sighed. “I thought you had already gone. What about the others?”
    â€œThey left. Only I stayed. Because I was a little worried, you know.”
    He grasped a wooden box that dangled on a cord from his belt. The crows immediately flew to him, landing on his shoulders and cocking their heads in anticipation. Opening the lid he took out some finely cut shreds of dried meat and fed the crows by turns.
    â€œAnd I was right, wasn’t I? I hear you’re going to Mahoroba?”
    â€œThat’s right,” Saya murmured, feeling somewhat uncomfortable. “Why do you never learn? You always drive yourself into a corner. You’re going to tag along after Prince Tsukishiro just for the sake of his pretty face.”
    â€œLeave me alone! It’s none of your business!” Saya spoke sharply, blushing deeply. “That–that isn’t it at all. I love the Light. I want to live under the sun. That’s why I accepted the chance to be his handmaiden. But someone like you would never understand!”
    Torihiko folded his arms across his chest, the two solemn-faced crows perched one on either shoulder. “Now, take Princess Teruhi; she’s got that same pretty face. But she’s dreaded by everyone. She’ll be more than you can handle. She may look young, but she’s older than your great-great-grandmother. And that’s not all. There are bound to be at least fifty thousand or so ladies like the woman who was just here. Are you sure you still want to go? Saya, you’re throwing yourself into the midst of your enemies, where there’ll be no one to help you, no one to comfort you.”
    Without replying, Saya stood up and brushed the dirt from her clothes. Blood was oozing from a scrape on her knee. Her mother would surely scold her. Well, no matter. It would not show. From tomorrow, she would be wearing a long skirt.
    â€œI can’t turn back now,” she said simply. “No matter what happens, I have to find out who I am. I couldn’t stay here in the village any longer without knowing the answer. I’ll go to Mahoroba and see what happens. If I suffer for it, it will have been my own choice. You can do whatever you like; I won’t interfere. So let me do as I please.”
    â€œStu-pid . . .”
    â€œSa-ya . . .” The crows croaked as if mocking her.
    She looked at them indignantly. “Get rid of those birds, will you.”
    â€œBut they’re clever,” Torihiko said, laughter in his voice. “They’re trying to remember your name.”
    After a slight pause, Saya said, “Thank you for rescuing me. From here on, I’ll take care of myself.”
    â€œStubborn old mule,” Torihiko murmured and shrugged his shoulders.
    â€œWhat did you say?”
    â€œNothing.” He looked up at her affectionately, but he spoke like an adult. “I see that I can’t change your mind, so there’s no point in saying anything more. Just remember: it was your own choice. Because you’re sure to start doubting once you reach Mahoroba.”

chapter
two

T HE
P ALACE
OF L IGHT
    At eventide, I gaze beyond the clouds,
    lost in