When the dawn rose on the fourteenth day, Andron was already awake and packed. He was ready to set out and already had the fire out with the extra wood cleaned up. Starlyn arose a half an hour after dawn and saw Andron ready and staring toward the north. She quickly packed her provisions and clasped her hand on his shoulder.
“Are you all right?” she asked.
“I just hope they’re all right.”
“I know.”
“Part of me wishes to see them there, yet the other part hopes they’re safe in Wesiet. It is still a day’s march past Guerettos. I still dread showing up to our home. What will I find?”
“Then let’s head forth and find out, shall we?” She smiled.
He nodded but didn’t turn back to her. With a long, deep breath, he finally began walking at a swift pace north. She trailed next to him and appea
