Kouya Hijiri: CHAPTER ７

I couldn't stand there forever crying for myself. I finally gathered my strength and moved on. I went into the bush, stepping around the dead body of the snake. Even then, even though the snake was dead, I was so shaken with fear I panicked and fell down, hurting my ankle. Though I had twisted my ankle, and it was very painful to walk, I pressed on. If I quit now, the hot humid weather alone would kill me.

The trail became rougher and rougher, and still no sign of the merchant. I stopped walking, sat down on the ground and checked my map. Yes, here was the trail, a thin winding red line. But maps never tell you what you are traveling on, the snakes, worms, bushes and weather you will meet there. I gathered my determination and stood up to leave, and then suddenly there was another huge snake, the largest one of all.

It do not seem like a natural snake could be large, more like a mountain spirit incarnate. I put down my cane, knelt on the ground and bowed deeply to the snake.