The Vine-Tangled Bridge of Kiso, Volume 4

Mountain strongholds and their rival chiefs draw adventurers into war and deceptive alliances. An idealistic courtier seeks freedom for captive laborers, while Niodori leaves the Kiso residence and discovers a mysterious scroll.

The final portion also follows a betrothed courtier and his followers as they seek a humane alternative to exploitation. Love and loyalty bring familiar warriors back into the closing action.

Hidden mountain societies reveal contrasting visions of beauty, labor, and power. Magical training and unexpected substitutions lead toward revenge and the reunion of brother and sister.