Year of the Boar, Twelfth Month, Day 4.

Thankfully, it transpired that Haru was correct about the existence of a hamlet. The horse is resting, as are we. The people here are farmers of a sort, making a living from their small-holding from which they supply the House with wool as well as supplying a few of the larger villages with eggs. I understand from Haru that Kaede particularly favours this wool due its exceptionally high quality hence her knowledge of it although she could not be certain from the extremely rudimentary map we have, that it was the same place. I am very glad it was. 

We were welcomed warmly although offered with a suggestion that more comfort would be found in a larger village a further day's ride south. There was no justification in pushing the horse like that; in fact, I find myself reluctant to push her any further at all and may see if the farmers wish to keep her as recompense for their hospitality since we can offer little else. That would, of course, leave me with yet another problem but I have no desire to have a dead horse on my conscience.

In any case, for now, we shall rest a while, enjoy some proper food and some sleep. Tomorrow is another day and perhaps with it will come fresh inspiration.