Preparations began immediately. Madayah was in charge of readying food and water. Everyone would carry a backpack. Zenya needed to speak with Nicolas privately, so he followed her through more rambling turns. They stopped in a large room holding gym equipment.

She turned to face him. "I thought you might want to shift before we start out tomorrow."

"Thank you. It's been months."

"I'll give you privacy."

She turned to walk away, but his chiding words ...