I watched from the hill above the temple as Helemoira made her way deeper into Adhmad Dé. I could tell by the pack at her back that it wouldn't be a short trip and I prayed to Geien that she would be safe.

I smoothed a frantic hand through my rich brown curls and sighed as I watched her disappear into the trees.

She would be fine, she had to be. The alternative was not an option.

"Where does she go with a week's provisions," Valindra asked from ...