Chapter 12“Run, Little One, run as fast as you can!”
The vicious whooping and hollering are close on the child's heels as she and her mother make a breathless attempt to escape. The marauding band of Mongol renegades tear through the village, setting fire to every house, beheading the men, torturing the women, and taking children hostage.
Little One and her Mother are fast on their feet as they sprint out of sight of their predators. With bare feet bleeding, they take refuge in a deserted hut and gasp for air trying to catch their breath.
“I can't go anymore, Mama,” Little One cries. Mother wraps her strong arms around the child and promises to protect her. “We'll rest here for awhile. They won't find us now.”
Fatigued beyond their ability to stay alert, they both fall asleep and dream
