Chapter 49

The young man came down the mountain, his wide straw hat flapping as he walked. He stopped as he breasted the rise and stood for a moment entranced by the view. Below him the valley dropped away until it was lost to sight, then rose again towards the coastal range, standing out hard against the pale blue sky. The sea, deeper blue, stood cupped in the valleys between the mountains. The young man gave a deep breath, then looked back to the valley.