The next day was choked with rain, though it did little to slow Shichi and Chiyo’s course. The kitsune looked fairly pathetic as she settled down beneath the ledge of rock they had chosen to rest beneath. Her fur was…

“You called for me, Master?” Sagiri asked, sitting on folded knees across from the elder tengu. It was a warm afternoon—the rainy season had just ended, leaving the air thick with humidity. “Yes,” Shima said with a nod. “I have…