The dust of the trail coated them, even though they were only a stone's throw from the river. It reminded Paul of the tang of the dust on the first day of their quest. His heart ached at how eager and foolish he'd been then.

He looked at Daniel. at least his friend found something to treasure on this last part of their trip. He seemed younger, or older, maybe wiser. Paul couldn't put his finger on it. Something happened, something to do with the game that Daniel kept trying to teach ...