23

The landscape is changing rapidly. The trees are spreading and separating even more. The river water that once roared and flowed in abundance has calmed into a harmless, bubbling stream. Even the sun, once pleasant on this cold January day, has now become a nuisance, overwhelming us and forcing us to shed layers of clothing. The desert is coming and it will soon be too late. Once we get to the arena, the horses will be sent back to the governor's castle and exchanged for carriages from Japan, and there will be no more horses which means there will be no more "stable boy" means ...

"Jane are you okay?" If the heat is affecting you we can stop.

"I'm fine, Travis. I am worried because we are running out of time"

"Do you want to talk to Gabriela again?"

"No, with Damian"

He raises his eyebrow at me.

"You have told him what it is to fight for someone, now I need to tell him what it is to be fought."

"Ok, how can I help?"

"Is