Assa nodded. The guard put her, gently, back on the ground. They returned to the carriage waiting for them.
Everything okay out there? asked Hoyal.
The guard nodded. Assa waited a beat, then nodded as well.
Good, said Hoyal. It won’t be long now. Get some more rest, Assa. I want you fresh for when we get where we’re going.
The guard looked at Assa. Stared at her, then turned her head slowly, like a bear might turn from a person before walking away, and she looked out the carriage window, watching, Assa supposed, the scenery going by. There was no other reason to look out the window, but Assa had long since given up that particular activity. There was no change. Mile after mile of trees with narrow trunks and green leaves. To think, she had once adored the idea of living in the forest.
