Hitomi spent the next several days riding alongside the massive armies, listening to her commanders plot their journey and hearing the endless messages sent by Kitsuki scouts.  One pass was too small, another had snow, a third held a village that could not survive an army marching across its fields.  By the time they reached the foothills of the Dragon lands, Hitomi was exhausted.  The men did not fare much better.

On travel-weary legs, they made a lagging march across the plains of the Lion.  Ahead, the Spine of the World Mountains rose with agonizing slowness.

"So much for fortitude," Sukune said mournfully when they finally neared the mountains.  "The Dragon are not prepared for war.  We have been too long in our mountains - too long...."

"Enough, old man," Hitomi said without malice.  She pointed across the dry plains.  "Look there."

Ahead, in the foothills of the Spine of the World Mountains, lay Toturi's encampment.  Unicorn banners and the banners of several smaller clans fluttered from the tents.  Above them, a wolf mon - unknown to Hitomi - stood out against the breeze.

"The ronin encampment."  Hitomi said thoughtfully.  Lifting her gaze above the banners, she made out Beiden Pass - a narrow cleft in the wall of mountains.  "So, the guide did know what he was talking about."

"Toturi's personal banner is not among the tents.  That means he has already left for battle," the ronin called back as if aware of Hitomi's scrutiny.  "There... there he is."  The ronin pointed toward a hillock where several riders raced over the crest of the hill.  "Those are reserves.  There is a battle.  I'd recommend you send a messenger to the encampment Hitomi-sama.  When they send word of Toturi's position, we can join in the fight."

As the messenger raced toward the encampment, Hitomi turned the rest of the army toward the distant hill.  With luck, they would arrive in an hour, perhaps less.  Soon enough to make a difference, if the Fortunes favored them.

Hitomi paused to look at the stream of Dragon legions as they marched past.  Her commanders saluted, each one showing respect to the mon she bore.  Few showed any more than was necessary, and no salute was accompanied by even a glance of favor to Hitomi herself.

In the ranks of the Agasha, Tamori rode a gentle bay steed beside Mirumoto Yukihera's large palomino.

Yukihera and Tamori, Hitomi thought critically.  What plans are they making now?