Everything Begins

Chapter 22

“Right away, Ga’briyel,” Tero said, nudging Dinton with his elbow. They disappeared quickly into the tall grass.

Frank sighed and turned to Sophyra. “There has to be water around here somewhere.”

She nodded, her eyes wary. “There is a small river over there, sir.” She pointed to the north. “Perhaps half a hundred paces.”

“Lead the way.” As they walked, Frank asked, “Do you have anything else to wear?”

“No, sir,” Sophyra said.

Frank frowned. “You cannot keep wearing that dress. Perhaps one of my shirts will work as a dress for you. I will get one when my men return.”

“That is not necessary, sir. I can wash this one out.”

“Not a chance,” Frank said. “You will not have one trace of that animal’s blood on you any longer.”

They had reached the river, which was a good ten paces across and roughly one and a half deep. Sophyra had lapsed into an uncomfortable silence, and her head was once again hanging. Frank had no idea what had caused her to shut down like that until he opened his mind to