VIII: Return
Akshara woke up in the sand near the entrance to Aransia. Her insides had been quieted, and she looked all around and confirmed that this was truly Aransia, and not just a trick of her mind. At least she didn’t think it was. The sand against her palms felt hot, and real.
Akshara grabbed a fistful of it and laughed as she spread it across her face. Aransia! That meant she was so close to Fari now. She scrambled to her feet and ran into the bustling city.
She pushed her way through anyone who got in her way, but then she stopped in the market and spotted Heko behind one of the tables, selling spices. She felt like she had to say hello to him.
“Hey, stranger,” she said as she approached Heko. He looked up and jolted when he realized who she was.
“Akshara?” He looked her over
