Claire Youmans first went to Japan in 1992 and was immediately captivated.  After years of travel and study, she continues to be charmed and amazed by a fascinating history and a culture that's both endearingly quirky and entirely unique. She is a retired lawyer who now lives in Tokyo. Her family, including her daughter and two grandsons, live in Seattle, USA.

In 2014, she started Tales of the Meiji Era with The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy's unparalleled blend of historical fantasy in the first book of the series, Coming Home.  She continues exploring the combination of history and folklore to share her love and fascination with a very different country and culture. 

Exciting adventures continue to unfold in this delightful fantastical yet historical world as social and political changes expand, technology explodes, and two very unusual children grow up.  



The Toki-Girl and the Sparrow-Boy

Rizantona landed on the shore of the lake where Irtysh had fallen, dropping Yuta and Noriko off and instantly retreating to the other side of the lake, several cho away.


"Thank you, your majesty," Yuta said with a bow.


"Are you all right, your majesty?" Noriko asked, bowing herself.


"Yes," she said. "I believe I am out of range. I did feel it when I dropped you off. I was looking for it and expecting it, but it is powerful. I am surprised Irtysh was not more seriously injured."


"Look," Noriko said, pointing out the wide track Irtysh left after his fall. "I think his royal highness fell over there."


"And was trying to get out of range of the magnetic field when his majesty found him."


Noriko nodded once, sharply. "I agree," she said.


Without another word between them, Yuta and Noriko began to trace Irtysh's path.


Their Wishing Rocks sounded at the same time.


"Come meet me in my daughter's field, both of you," said the deep voice of the Dragon King.


Chapter 176