Chapter 32
Although it took an extra sleep, Sartin’s strength grew as the small party made its way back to Winter Cove. The party traveled most of the morning, stopped to eat and rest, then traveled until the sun went down. The extra night helped catch up on sleep after sentry duty as well.
As they drew closer to Winter Beach, songs of the people filled Sartin’s head. His mother’s and grandmother Quibbell’s sounded in his head. When they reached the patrol on the outer right, a messenger made a beeline for the shore to find Ballard.
The crowd followed the band of rescuers and rescued. Ballard, flanked by Sartin’s aunts, met Sartin in the shallow water.
Ballard hugged Sartin and laid her head on his shoulder. “I could hardly believe the song in my head. I thought you were gone,” she sai
