It was early, but the valley was full of activity. The entire Zunite village was awake, packing food, water, and other supplies on the wertals and pack horses. Josef was given one of the Moribundian stallions to ride, receiving a crash course on horsemanship. His experience with wertals helped him, however, and with Kaira’s ability to communicate with the horse, the two worked together.

Mysteria supervised the loading of the medicines, salves, wraps, and linens. In the last few days, her face had grown softer. The Zunites welcomed her knowledge of herbs and plants, and gladly shared theirs with her. Their gentle manner eased away her normal fear of people. She smiled and talked with them while she tied her bundles on Straithin. The chestnut stallion and she were now good friends, and he stood complacently swishing his...

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