Join Akasuki on her adventure in ancient Japan. Bound by oath and duty to guard the four year old heir of a powerful lord, an honourable daimyo, Miyoshi Nishiki, she must use all her courage, loyalty, and her gritty determination to protect the little boy.

But when the summer palace is attacked can she get a four year old child through enemy lines and far enough up the river to find a salt boat? And will the Salt Boat people want to hide the honourable daimyo, Miyoshi Nishiki's son when there's a chance to make money selling him to the enemy? Akasuki needs all her skills and good fortune to succeed, but if she does she hopes she will no longer be the lowest of the low in her lord's household, but have earned respect and the higher position she desires.