Something within him answered No.

He was sure that the Asika would not allow him to depart in peace without making some desperate effort to recapture him.

Far as he was away, it seemed to him that he could feel her fury hanging over him like a cloud, a cloud that would burst in a rain of blood.

Doubtless it would have burst already had it not been for the accident that he and his companions were still supposed to be hiding in the woods.

But that error must be discovered, and then would come the pursuit.
He looked at the full moon shining upon him and reflected that at this very hour he should have been seated upon the chair of state, wedding, or rather being wedded by the Asika in the presence of Big and Little Bonsa and all the people.