Year of the Crow, First Month, Day 11.

 Haru smacked me "accidentally" with the flat side of her sword when we were training this morning. I gather that Kaede has told her about my plan to go to Purple Lightning and suggested that Haru accompany me. Haru is not at all happy about it. 

She would never say that to Kaede, of course but I can tell she is seething. I have told Haru that she needn't come with me but she says that when The Lady Silent Thunder makes a suggestion, it is not a suggestion. Oh dear. I have apologised until I am blue in the face and told her that it will not be like the last time we were on the road together but Haru will not be mollified. Does she think Kaede has given her to me forever, I wonder? That is not my understanding of the situation; I have assumed that as soon as we reach Purple Lightning, the soldiers and Haru will return to Silent Thunder. Once they are rested, of course. 

I can understand Haru's reluctance to travel again and I have tried to reassure her that even were we to meet another wolf, we will have soldiers to take care of it. We will stay at every inn on the route to Purple Lightning and the only possible danger would be bandits who have strayed far too south for their own good. At least that is what I am telling Haru. The reality of course, is that even with a few soldiers, there are no guarantees about what happens on the open road so to speak... 

I wonder if Haru's reluctance has more to do with fear of her involvement in my network being discovered. Perhaps I will speak to Kaede and see if she will send someone else. It is not as if I need a maid anyway; unless I have to wear court silks, I can dress myself perfectly well and I hardly need someone to dress my hair.