Nian draped a cloak over my shoulders. “I brought this for you.” I had not even noticed the chill as evening fell around me. “It will be night soon. You should come and rest.”
He led me into the village and to a hut that was in good repair. My mind could not recall whom it had belonged to. “I’ve started a fire within that should keep us warm through the night.”
I nodded and followed him into the dwelling. He’d made mattresses out of leaves covered by blankets on either side of the fire. As I lay down upon the surprisingly comfortable bed, I smelled the sweet herbs he’d mixed with the leaves. Despite my intentions to think throughout the night, I fell into a deep sleep. In the darkness, I dreamed.
Nian
The master had allowed him one more day to reach her. She was close to surrendering.
