text: They walked until noon the following day, following ridge lines whenever possible. The air was balmy and warm. Satsuki was tired from the previous day's efforts, though the walking was easier. Apparently there was less need for haste now. Tsuneyoshi walked beside her. He remained silent, except when giving orders to his men.
  
  In the early afternoon they heard a trio of loud bangs in the distance, followed by two more. The yamabushi's face brightened. One of them rushed ahead up the path and returned several minutes later.
  
  "A festival!" he called while still running. "In the village before us. The local shrine is having a festival!"
  
  Their pace quickened, and they headed for the distant sounds of the drum that Satsuki now realized had been beating in her ears for some time.
  
  "Well," Tsuneyoshi said sardonically, "you will have plenty of opportunity to exercise your talents."
  
  "Pardon me?" she replied, nonplussed.
  
  "Lots of people at the festival," he answered. "We will sell your services. Usually there are several women with us. This time, until we meet out friends, you will be the only one to serve."
  
  "I'm not quite sure I understand—" She broke off at the look of unbelief in his face, covered her mouth, and giggled while looking at his expression of incredulity.
  
  "Oh, the professional part is no problem. I'm afraid I still don't know who and what you are..."
  
  He looked at her and threw his head back proudly.
  
  "We are yamabushi!" he said in a deep voice.
  
  She bowed gratefully.
  
  He looked at her for a moment and explained. "We study the Way. The true way of the Buddhas and Gods. We fast in the mountains, do pilgrimages, cure the sick, reach for immortality. We are the followers of the sage En-no-Gyoja, who first taught the way. It is a narrow path, not for everyone. We travel from holy place to holy place, seeking for translation into the realms of the World Peak. When our rituals are performed correctly, any one of us is more powerful than an army, more pure than mountain waters. We walk on fire, to show our faith and to cure the afflicted. You will see. In a few days' time we will be in Yoshino, where you, a mere woman, may not go. There we assemble for the Summer Peak and meet with our leader, the great ascetic Daisangyoja, who will lead us in austerities and pilgrimage." His eyes blazed at this last, and those of the group who were within hearing echoed his call.
  
  She bowed humbly at his glory.