the dunes are such that even creeping dawn seeps heat into the bones, scorches the tender soles of one's feet. coyote's children have taken recently to traveling these sands— in the evenings, mostly, when temperatures drop and the land is a touch more forgiving. after a night of play and chase (and one hunting lesson gone awry), mother seeks a brief solace from their company, entrusting them to beloved benji.

the herd from weeks prior has long moved on, startled off, no doubt, by the stranger who calls himself mongol. the whole of them must remain alert, so as not to be caught unawares by him or by the peoples across the river.

it is a scent familiar and new which catches her attention this day. earth, amber, smoke, sand— but mixed, too, with hints of herb and patchouli.

hätiya curls her lip and rushes headfirst over the hill, hackles sharpened each to spears and

and she stops short, pupils blown wide with recognition.

narev. her brother. her enemy. her friend.

narev, who teased her first and never let her win.

narev, who slept beside her when the desert winds blew cold.

narev, who held her in his arms and mourned her alone as she died.

she can hardly believe it. the ghost at his side is no matter.

you're here... breathless. disbelief.