Chapter 32

Shota flew high to get an aerial view of the charcoal burners' camp. There were huts to house what looked like a dozen or more workers, and the usual outbuildings, including another community kitchen. He spotted five, no, seven and one more for eight charcoal pits. The pits were built into a bank, with brick fronts and chimneys out the back. They smoked away, partially burning the oak that was all covered up with dirt to make the charcoal.

One oven was almost filled. Men stripped to loincloths shoved logs into the opening. Piles of dirt nearby evidenced their intention to cover the pit to keep out air. Their companions dragged their log to that pit and shoved it inside. Without seeming to notice the visitors, the other workers quickly closed the oven door and began shoveling dirt over the mound. Shinobu went to help. Yuta followed, gesturing for the children to go into the kitchen with the mushrooms.