East

"Yeah." It was a lot. I didn't see how it tied to survival, but Batu was probably right. Maybe everyone had a unique contribution to the Empire, as he said. Mine wasn't physical or part of the day-to-day but equally important. At least, I hope so. I didn't want him or anyone else getting sick of me and tossing me out to survive on my own. Because I knew I wasn't going to make it long. I didn't have the survivor's instinct.

"Do you feel well enough to travel?" he asked.

I nodded.

"My mother's clan is near here. We will seek refuge with them."

"Is your mother there?"

"She died when I was young," he replied.

"Oh. I'm so sorry, Batu."

"It is the nature of things."

Nothing fazed this guy, for which I was grateful, because I'd been an emotional mess since we met. I started to relax again, assured of my safety and companion in a way that flew out the window every time he drew his sword and started slaughtering people.

I had to stop questioning who he was as well, if I wanted to stay sane. The day-to-day approach was going to be the only way I'd make it here. This was to become my new home; I had to accept that and make it work.

He finished with his chore and tossed the meat into a small pot. Starting the fire once more, we sat while he boiled the meat. We ate a cup of soup before he drained the water and packed up the meat in a bag.

I tried to help get the horses ready, only to end up taxed and dizzy. I sagged against my horse.

"It is good you try," he said and took the saddle from my arms.

"Omigod! That's the worst thing you've said to me yet," I said with a tired sigh.

He smiled and saddled my horse before lifting me on top of it. His strength left me stunned once more, and I wasn't about to think about how much he did for me when I was unconscious or fevered.

"Batu, thank you for taking care of me when I was ill," I said, realizing I hadn't bothered to acknowledge all he'd done.

"Do not thank me for my duty, goddess," he said, uninterested. He mounted his horse. "Though had I sold you to the trader at the post, I might be home by now."

"Sold me?" I repeated, startled. "Were you shopping around?"

He turned his horse away before I could glimpse his face. "I had several offers."

It took a moment for my shock to wear off. Nudging my horse forward, I drew abreast of him and stared at his features. "You weren't considering it, were you?" I questioned.