2
The vast expanse of the Silversands stood between Baradir and the wide, swift-flowing Ahvadannar, and the Kemasar Wilds beyond, for he had traversed but three days’ worth of the bleak desert to reach the night market. Many days of privation and danger lay before him; too many to brave alone?
Early in the morning, when the fiery sun had not long since soared above the horizon, Baradir set the saddle upon Talee’s back, draped her heavy blue blankets over, and mounted: the better to see, from such a height, and to save his feet from the pale, burning sand besides. But before he set his little caravan in motion, Fasee and Hanee falling into their accustomed places beside their strongest sister, he drew forth from inside his cloak a prize possession: a jewel.
It was not a thing that would
