Runa was awoken, her heart hammering at being ripped from unconsciousness, by a hand gripping her.

The hammering of her heart did not abate when she saw people in flowing robes made to stave off the desert environment. Their faces were uncovered, though their heads were draped in thin cloth like their bodies. Some held spears pointed at her and Antyza.

Antyza, who seemed to be the one to rouse her, was pressing herself deeper into the wall the two girls were ...