East

She threw herself into my arms, and I laughed, startled and delighted to see the little girl who had shared in my first adventure. Two Mongol warriors who looked the worse for wear, as if they had traveled quickly and fought their way through an army, stood nearby.

Batu opened the flap of the tent and greeted them, welcoming them inside. The two entered, and I released Flowers from my hug. We walked inside, hand in hand. My curious gaze found Batu.

"I sent for her," he said nonchalantly, as if he didn't know how important Flowers was to me when I knew he did. His attention went to the men who brought her.

Flowers clung to me. I smiled down at her and knelt once more. "You're safe," I told her. "Are you well?"

She nodded.

"You look exhausted." I brushed hair from her face.

"We did not stop traveling for two days."

"Do you want to lay down and rest? Then we can find some food?"

"Will you lay down with me?"

"Sure." I stood. It was a little awkward to take a nap with the three men in the center of the tent, but I was gradually becoming accustomed to the community way everything was done here. Taking her hand, we walked to the bed at the back of the tent. I lifted her onto the edge and tugged off her boots and then unfastened her cloak.

She rolled back into the bed and gave a sigh of contentment. Smiling, I crawled in with her and wrapped her in my arms. Flowers smelled of dust and horses and was soon fast asleep.

I was too hungry to be tired after my day but waited until certain she was out before leaving the bed. Batu and his guests had already left. Sitting by the fire, I watched the dancing flames, poured myself a goblet of milk, and returned to the fire to wait for Batu. Another deficiency to add to my ever growing list: I couldn't find my way around the encampment if I were being chased by bandits who wanted me dead and I had to find him to save me.

Talk about getting lost in the parking lot.

Flowers began to snore. I glanced over with a grin. If nothing else, having her here meant I couldn't have too much alone time with Batu. There'd be space between us to alleviate the tension so I could think.

I still didn't know why Taylor's people wanted Flowers saved. Grateful Batu hadn't taken her away and secretly killed her, I was at a loss to explain the significance of her survival. She was going to be in the same boat I was: learning to adapt to a new culture and society. If nothing else, she was young enough to learn to use a bow, which defied me at this point.