Page 15 of A Shard of Ice

He shakes his head. “No, I insist that you ride. I’m fine.”

“Why can’t we both ride the beast? She seemed to carry us just fine before.”

“I will, but only if it’s really necessary.” He looks me in the eye. “If we’re being chased. I’d rather save her strength in case of an emergency.”

“I would be fine taking turns,” I try again. I don’t want him doing me any favors.

“I’m stronger than you. I have far more stamina. I will walk.”

My eyes track the way his wide shoulders fill his tunic. The way the sleeves strain against his biceps. He is stronger and has far more stamina than I will ever process.

I shrug. “Suit yourself.” I mount the camel, and we head out. My eyes are drawn to the wide expanse of his back. His tunic strains over raw muscle. Then my gaze moves back to the endless desert.

6

Kyrie

My bedroll is thin against the hard rock. After a few hours of sleep, my back aches, so I stretch, trying to ease my muscles. It doesn’t help much.

“Good morning,” the fae says as I sit up.

I nod as I stand and stretch again; my shoulders ache, especially my right one. Thankfully, it isn’t as bad as it was. It’s my lower back that’s giving me the most trouble. I’m not used to all the hours in the saddle. My eyes feel scratchy from the broken sleep that is necessary in order to take turns keeping watch. I hope Taylor…the fae, isn’t mistaken about the oasis.

The thought of a proper bath makes everything seem more bearable again. I haven’t bathed since being brought to the salt mine. We got a tiny bit of water every day for drinking and washing. On our day off, we’d get a full bucket. It’s been hell.

Bringing me out of my reverie, the fae hands me a skin. It’s plump full of water, but it’s also all we have left. I nod in thanks, taking it from him, once again praying that the oasis isn’t too far away. By all accounts, we should reach it tomorrow.

Then he hands me a piece of jerky and a salted biscuit. Not much, but it will have to do. I sit on a nearby rock, forcing myself to eat slowly. To chew slowly before I swallow, sure to make the most of the small ration since it will have to last until this evening.

Then, I take a drink from the skin, corking it carefully once I am done.

The fae looks well-rested; his eyes are clear. I look down at my crumpled chemise and then at his clothing. I’m not sure how he looks so together. Even his hair looks brushed and gleams in the morning light like he just washed it, which isn’t possible. Maybe it is a fae thing. I’m not sure why, but it irritates me.

Once again, we had an uneventful night. So far, we haven’t seen anything untoward. I know that could change at any moment and that we can’t get lulled into becoming complacent.

We can’t.

“Is the camel okay?” I ask. “Doesn’t she need food or water?” I haven’t seen the creature get either since we left.

The fae shakes his head. “Camels can go long periods without food or water. She can replenish her reserves when we get to the oasis. You don’t need to worry.”

I rub the beast’s neck. She swishes her tail in agitation and bellows. Camels can be quite grumpy. I must say, I don’t blame her. I feel the same way. It’s already hot, and sweat is forming on my brow. It’s going to be a long day.

“We should head out,” he says, taking her reins.

I don’t even try to offer to walk. I know he won’t let me.

He doesn’t offer to help me mount because he knows I won’t accept it. We’re learning to navigate our new normal.

I have no idea what I will do once I am truly free. Just like when I was in the salt mines, I plan on taking it one day at a time. For now, that means making it to our next water break when the sun is directly above us in the sky.

My body rocks in time with the camel. Taylor…the fae takes long strides, moving quickly and quietly. I note how his eyes continually scan the path ahead, lifting every so often to check the skies above as well.

I try to stay vigilant, too.

It takes an age. Every ten steps feels like one. It’s like we aren’t getting anywhere. It’s probably an illusion with very few reference points.

I would be lost out here. I might even end up going around and around in circles. It makes me wonder how the others are doing.

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