We rejoiced with the Kinnaras over the birth of the child.
The next day, we resumed our journey, seeing the Kinnaras off. Our destination was another town, information about which we had received yesterday. It seemed to be located a long way from here. The vagueness of distances might be because the people here don’t use precise maps and live by rough estimations. It also might be because there are no properly maintained roads, and the wilderness simply spreads out in a chaotic manner.
In short, it was vast. As we advanced, the greenery diminished, and the heat became intense. I wanted to take off my clothes, but that would mean getting burned by the direct sunlight. Engaged in this dilemma, I moved my feet forward in silence.
After a while, I became concerned about Philiana, who was pulling the cart, and called out to her.
“Hey, Philiana, are you alright? Is your leg okay?”
“Yes, I’m managing. I’m glad I had the horseshoes fitted. It seems like we’ll be walking on hard ground for a long time.”
The cart she was pulling occasionally got caught on small rocks, creaking as if in distress. While everyone else was quiet, Piyo suddenly exclaimed, “Ah!”
In the direction of its gaze, a small pond-like puddle had formed. Many birds were flocking to this precious water. Piyo dashed towards it without a second thought.
The birds, resembling cranes, raised their heads and entered a state of alert upon confirming the intruder’s presence. Then, they spread their neck feathers wide and began to move in a peculiar, swaying manner. Piyo, surprised by this unexpected behavior, also stopped and observed the situation.
The feathers around their necks were vivid red and orange, much like a cobra threatening its prey. They even mimicked the “hiss” sound of a snake.
“Oh, what strange birds. Piyo-chan, be careful,” Philiana called out from a distance. I decided to go and check if the water was drinkable.
The pond water looked old and murky, and not at all drinkable. The birds were likely defecating in it.
“It might be dangerous, so don’t get too close,” I warned.
I retrieved Piyo, who was having a staring contest with the birds, and we began to walk again under the blazing sun.
