looks thoughtfully at those who have just arrived. "Samurai", she says. "I have heard of you. Your skill and courage as a warrior are known throughout our lands and beyond. My sword and I are honoured to find myself in such illustrious company".

Then she turns to Shi Rui and bows. "Yours is a skill that leaves me awestruck. To cast in miniature form, all that you see before you — that truly is enchantment of the highest order. And I sense, though I cannot yet see how, that there may come a time when all that stands between our company and despair is your gift.

As for the purpose of our journey, it is to recover the lost lantern. But that is just the first level of the quest that awaits us. Beneath are other levels that will lead us to the purpose of any journey: the Truth within ourselves. Landscape painter, you may yet reach the Truth before any of us.

So, Monkey God, there is one more to add to our company. But I fear you cannot count, for you have overlooked two other members of our group. And since they cannot speak for themselves, I, Yi Han, must speak for them!"

Yi Han looks to where Lo Mu Bai is sitting quietly at the feet of Mei Xia, and jerks her head in the direction of the stables where Popo Khampa is taking a well-earned rest.

"These dear creatures would give their lives for us, if necessary, willingly and without complaint. Let us honour them by naming them among our band."

So, do we begin our quest? And should we leave word for those who might come after? If so, let it be in some form not immediately accessible, for I feel more strongly than ever, that some strange sorcery is abroad in the Lands. Cities known to all for centuries have disappeared to be replaced by new realms. Or are these still the same known places, under deep enchantment?