Chapter 9
The PreparationLark looked deep into Berka’s eyes and knew that she had found a friend. Without questioning, she followed the child into the depths of the sprawling, ugly township, Berka’s ragged cloak over her shoulders so that she would not be so easily recognized as one of Maeged’s slaves.
She was led to the broken wreckage of the house in which Gya lay hidden, and the makeshift entrance door was pulled back.
Inside Gya woke with a jerk from his long and restless sleep, to find himself observed by Berka and a stranger. He was on the defensive at once but the smile of the older girl put him at ease. She put her hand to her lips to indicate that he must make no sound and sat down beside him. Berka remained standing, the cramped conditions not affecting her small frame.
Gentl
