She went to the bathhouse next. It had been built around a series of natural mineral pools, allowing the residents of the valley one luxury in the harsh life they led. Unfortunately, it was a small luxury—bath time was metered with tokens, and the running water automatically shut off after two minutes. Keriya locked herself in a private shower stall and scrubbed every inch of her body. She barely had time to work on her hair before the shower stopped with a metallic clunk.
The benefit of the short shower was that she beat the rush of sweaty, filthy apprentices who washed after dinner. She changed into a set of clean robes and walked to the clothier as the last sliver of ruby-gold sun slid behind the western hills.
“I’m off to bed,” she announced as soon as she entered. Without giving Ran
