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The next day was hot and humid, the thick heat bellowing up from the dew-damp grass as the suns climbed higher. Yuila and Mina awoke first, both close despite the heat, the youngest girl peering closely at Edvard still sleeping until Mina told her to give him some space.
Yuila sat back, her eyes going over the blanket draped over him, rising and falling with his breathing. "Is he going to be all right, Sapo?"
"Yes." Mina hoped she was right, more worried than she cared to admit.
"How do you know?"
Mina straightened the corner of the blanket over him. "Because he's strong." She looked around at the horse and mule still tethered nearby. "Stake out Neito and Makka to each other. They won't wander far like that. Then come right back, Yuila, and we'll eat."
The girl nodded and hopped to her feet.
When she was gone, Edvard stirred, opening his eyes as Yuila called a greeting to the animals. His attention went in that direction immediately, sitting up straighter, the blanket falling as he put one hand to his chest.
Mina settled closer, pulling the blanket higher over him. "She's okay, Edvard. Just rest."
He looked from Yuila working at the animals to Mina, his eyes going over her carefully. "We've got to get going." He pushed back the blanket, grimacing at the movement.
"No. We're staying here today, Edvard." Her hand was firm on his arm.
He looked down at her hold. "We can't spare a day."
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