In the Palace of Lazar (16 page)

“Keep your eyes closed!” he yelled above the howling wind.

She tightened her eyes more and burrowed her face even deeper against his chest. The wind shook her body so hard that if it weren’t for Malachi holding her firm, she thought she might blow away. She remembered being told a story as a child of nomads being torn to shreds by the desert wind. The gory tale was told often to children to deter them from leaving to explore for something better. But sitting here, huddled against Malachi, she couldn’t help but wonder if the gruesome stories were indeed true.

Malachi positioned his body so his covered lips were against her ear. “It is passing! Hold on just a little longer!” He rubbed her back reassuringly.

He held her like that until the worst of the storm had passed. When it finally subsided enough, he pulled away to examine her. “Are you all right?”

She removed the fabric from her face and nodded.

He stood up and surveyed the entire group. After seeing that everyone had weathered the storm, he gave his commands. “Let us continue on. Casen is near!”

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