of life on the nineteenth century Silk Road continues. Smith is shocked when, upon arriving in Ankara, he is met by Talas, the solitary herder who welcomed Smith into her home in the early days of his journey. Whatever feelings may have passed between them at that time were soundly dashed by Talas's uncle, whose controlling influence and deceit even landed Smith in prison! But Talas has since resolved to follow her heart and boldly throw in her lot with Smith whatever the risks. When Smith sets out once again from Ankara--new camera in tow--he will be faced with a decision. Will Talas join the party as mere traveling companion, or as something more...? Crafted in painstaking detail, Ms. Mori's pen breathes life into the scenery and architecture of the period in this heartwarming, slice-of-life tale that is at once wholly exotic yet familiar and accessible through the everyday lives of the characters she has created.