LIST OF CHARACTERS

BALSA an itinerant female bodyguard and skilled spear-wielder from Kanbal

CHAGUM the Second Prince of New Yogo

GAKAI a Star Reader

JIGURO MUSA Balsa’s foster father, the strongest spear-wielder in Kanbal

JIN a Hunter; the name means “Two”

KAINAN NANAI the first Master Star Reader

KARUNA YONSA Balsa’s father, the physician to the king of Kanbal

THE MASTER STAR READER the Mikado’s closest advisor, who functions as the prime minister; the real name of the current Master Star Reader is Hibi Tonan

THE MIKADO the ruler of New Yogo; Chagum’s father

MON the leader of the Hunters; the name means “One”

NAGURU onetime king of Kanbal

NINA a little girl of Yakoo descent

NOYA a man of Yakoo descent; Nina’s grandfather

ROGSAM onetime king of Kanbal

SAGUM the Crown Prince of New Yogo

SAYA a young girl who was once saved by Balsa; lives with Toya in Ogi no Shimo

THE SECOND QUEEN Chagum’s mother

SHUGA a Star Reader

SIGURU a Yakoo boy who once served as the Guardian of the Spirit

SUNE a Hunter; the name means “Eight”

TAGA a Hunter; the name means “Seven”

TANDA a healer and apprentice magic weaver; Balsa’s childhood friend

TOROGAI one of the greatest magic weavers of that time

TORUGARU the first Mikado and founder of New Yogo

TOYA an errand runner in Kosenkyo, who was once saved by Balsa; lives with Saya in Ogi no Shimo

YUGA a man of Yakoo descent who lives in the village of Yashiro; Nina’s father

YUN a Hunter; the name means “Four”

ZEN a Hunter; the name means “Three”