Chapter 10
At first, Gavi followed at a distance because he knew Aria wanted to be alone and would not appreciate him witnessing her misery. As she grew more weak, though, he had to offer his help. He watched her go a whole day without looking for water. She ignored so much of her training that he was stunned by how much she had lost, how forgetful she had become.
She knows better, he thought, as Aria walked past a spring without refilling her water flask. He stooped and filled two extra flasks. That night, as she was sleeping, he switched her empty flask with a full one. He began to leave roots and desert plants at her campsite for her to find in the morning.
He tried to watch out for her. One night, he shot a predator that came too near, a large, weasel-like animal that he left in a s
