*
Dawn broke out over the desert so slowly that it seemed the sun would never rise. From a distance, four dust clouds could be seen rising steadily as the four riders galloped on, straight through the plains like streaking arrows hurtling to their destination.
Noor was aching and sore all over, but she could not stop yet. Fareed had insisted that they keep at it until the sun was just about to rise, when they would stop to pray.
She glanced up at him now, sitting as stiff as ever on his saddle with his knees pressed tightly to the horses side. With every gallop the horse made, Fareed barely even moved, while she was bouncing up and down each time, on the back of a horse who felt like he was carved from steel.
Mr Evans rode beside her at more or less the same pace, though he seemed m
