Tomii had taken her back down the hill where the remaining refugees had gathered. She must have drifted off immediately after laying down, because she awoke, not knowing how long it had been. She looked about for Hiun, but didn’t see him.

She yawned, stretching like a cat, and feeling like an old woman. Her family was gathered around her, watching over her. Yoko smiled and brushed a dried leaf from her hair.

“Sakura, dear,” her mother said. “You’re awake.”

She nodded. “How long have I been asleep?”

“We didn’t want to wake you. You need to rest.”

“Not long, Tomiichi said. “Mother’s right.”

“We should go after them,” she said and leaving the rest unsaid. It was immediately evident that the only person who might be swayed was Tomii. “They could be in danger.”

“And what are you going to do?” Kaiya asked, scratch our enemies to death? They can fight without you.”

“Indeed,” her mother said.

“I’m not talking about fighting. They could be hurt.” She turned, gestured to the five knights from the Winged Blades that Commander Arduani had left behind. “We have plenty of swords here to help them.”

“They’re fine,” Hitomo said. “They can take care of themselves.”

“But you weren’t there when that hurg attacked us,” she said. “I saw him. And his companion.”

“Which is why you aren’t going, Sakura,” her mother said. Her voice was snappy, the way her mother spoke to her ten years ago when she was fourteen.

Kaiya made a sound of exasperation. “You’re lucky to be alive.”

Sakura looked about, saw Yumi there too, though thank the kami she said nothing, but she was afraid. Still, she couldn’t help but feel frustrated. “What, do I have two mothers, now?”

She sighed. She didn’t have the energy to fight her family and friends on this. She gave Yoko a look. Her younger sister smiled. “They will be okay.”

She had been so quiet these past two days. But her sister was fine—hadn’t been hurt. It wasn’t Yoko who needed help right now. It was Lawrence and the others, most notably the princess.

I have to do something, she thought, glancing over at the five knights.

“I agree. We need to help him.”

They all glanced toward the voice. It was Ishi, standing there with one of the spears in his arms.

“He’s done nothing but help all of you.”

“Yes,” Sakura said. At least she had one ally. Perhaps the knights would be willing to help. But to endanger the group—no that was stupid and selfish.

“We are not going to get involved,” her mother commanded. “How I raised such a belligerent daughter as relentless as you, I don’t know.” She looked to father for help, but he said nothing.