I couldn't stay. How could I? Instead, I wander from village to village, trying desperately to find my place amongst the dunes, which is no easy task for a girl in these parts. Out of water, my rations gone yesterday and half dead from the searing sun, I stagger into the village of Amondo. A boy stands tending his goats. He gets me water and leaves me food. Mason. A friend and cheese, all in one place. Can I stay and make this place home? All I have to do is ignore the restlessness gnawing at my gut.

When Imani wanders in from the dunes, she is like a mirage. Her timing is perfect. My parents are hell-bent on making my life a living misery, and I could really use a friend. A real one, not just the goats I tend every damn day. Someone like Harm is to Arlo, not that I want to spend any time thinking about Harmen Travesci, the spoilt brat.

Arlo's tries to keep me entertained with his witty banter as we hunt for his weekly game haul between the granite boulders in the rocky outcrops. But all I can think about is how I’m going to make enough to sell to the traders and worry for my little sister. Amaya is getting sicker. And if we don't find a way to get a healer here, and soon, I am terrified we will lose her to the breathing sickness. Life seems to be one impossible choice after another.

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