that takes the offerings in exchange for shedding his skin, which coated with mineral light left by the hyohlu - the luisha. With that, Kanbal is saved from starvation. Back in the material realm, the herder people, who share a connection to both realms, have all participants sworn to secrecy. For all participants would become hyohlu upon death and guard Kanbal until being surpassed by their own successors. This is due to the spiritual bond formed between the spear dance's participants. Unable to let go of his grudges against Jiguro, Yuguro is left in a catatonic state as his soul was lost in the darkness. It is hoped that the next Dancers would be able to give his soul peace once the ceremony is conducted again. With her business in Kanbal concluded along with Jiguro and Balsa's guilt privately cleared by the king, Balsa decides to return to New Yogo and her friend Tanda. Reception The novel received the Mildred L. Batchelder Award from the American Library Association in 2010. Daniel Baird reviewed this book and its sequel for Mythprint, praising them as enjoyable both by children and adults, calling the second volume "enjoyable, if quick read". References External links 1999 Japanese novels Japanese fantasy novels Novels by Nahoko Uehashi Sequel novels Shinchosha books