Time [V]

We're getting closer," Chang Chang said without prompting, startling Ju Feng next to her as he held the crodlu reins.

They had been in the wastes for two days without incident, which was nothing short of miraculous. Ju Feng just knew that meant something horrible would happen that day, so he was completely on edge. Just then, they were trudging slowly up a rise. Fa and Fu Ma were asleep in the back—they were taking more and more midday naps.

From behind him in the front part of t chittered something in Chachik, then: "We know we're getting closer, that's kind of the point of going through the wastes to Urik—to get closer."

Shaking her head, Chang Chang said, "No, I mean we're closer to where Gan is. I can feel him now."