Baldur's nicker was the first thing that cut through the bloodied shadows, drawing Astrid back to consciousness. She blinked, squinting upward at the sun-streaked sky above them. Though it had been night when she and Baldur set out on their journey, their bones were now warmed by the sun of high noon.
She pushed herself into a straighter sitting position with a groan, surveying their surroundings with a weariness that threatened to consume her. The land around them was desolate and hot, sending beads of sweat dripping from her forehead. The bandages on her arms, though sloppy, seemed to have done their job. The bleeding had stopped and there were no signs of infection.
Baldur nickered again, bumping his head against her back from where he lay behind her. Astrid turned and smiled at him
