East

"Would you trade?"

I glanced up and saw the envious way one of Khulutei's wives was eyeing the silk. She settled beside me and quickly wrapped my bleeding thumb.

"Yes," I said without hesitation. "Um … do you like this dress?"

She nodded with a smile. "Come with me to my ger. You can choose what you wish."

I stood and trailed her to a neighboring tent. In this one were two children under the age of five who appeared to be sharpening knives and arrowheads. It was definitely a different world, if children this young were comfortable with weapons.

I changed out of the ruined white silks into a sturdier, more comfortable linen tunic, loose pants and wool over-tunic that reached mid-thigh. She took the white layers and carefully folded them before we returned to the other tent.

Batu was on his feet when we entered, testing his body. The wine goblet was empty. He wore a tunic and had replaced his weapons. His face was beginning to swell, giving his features a lumpy appearance.

"You are prepared to leave, goddess?" he asked.

I nodded. "Are you?" I looked at his broken arm.

"I have traveled with far worse," he assured me.

"Okay then."

He clasped arms with his cousin, spoke a few quiet words and then strode out of the tent.

"Thank you for your hospitality," I said to the women.

They both smiled.

I trailed Batu into the morning. Six horses awaited us, two with saddles, two with supplies and two bareback.

"Can you ride, goddess?" he asked, pausing beside a grey horse.

"Yes." I stopped beside him, admiring the pretty creature. I rubbed its forehead.

He took the reins. "Then let us ride."

I mounted the horse. The wooden saddle was less comfortable than I imagined though it felt sturdy. He adjusted the stirrups with no sign his arm was bothering him before mounting his horse.

Wheeling his to face the east, he wove his way through the encampment and the herds of ponies between it and the river.

We headed upstream, to the north, after reaching the river. I glanced back towards the burning city several times, plagued by fear and doubt. My last known location was the city. I had assumed if Taylor's people found me where Carter originally dropped me off, then someone could find me again, no matter where I was.

I hope.