“Don’t fall for it.” Her guard needed to stay up if she was going to protect herself and Esau. The world was a hard place for the weak. Only the strong survived. And she’d always been a survivor.
Still, her hand slid out and touched the wall. Was he asleep or awake? She closed her eyes and heaved out a breath. She needed all the rest she could get to face the days ahead.
Chapter Seven
The desert sun beat down, a relentless heat that was stifling and burning. They’d left Badwa just before sunrise, setting out on foot until they reached the docking station. She’d looked around, searching for any unfamiliar vessels, curious about Zaxe’s ship. Was it new or old? Big or small? He hadn’t pointed it out or given her any indication which one was his.
She’d swallowed her disappointment while he’d made a fast job of acquiring sand sleds—sleek, lightweight, solar-powered vehicles that skimmed easily across the desert surface. At least for the two of them. Baraj and Reman’s other men, who had remained this morning, had been forced to procure their own. They hadn’t been pleased, but they’d done it.
Had Zaxe done it on purpose to piss them off? Or was he simply driving home the point that she was his guide and they were unwanted baggage? He wasn’t pleased to now have Baraj and four others shadowing them. Either way, the result was the same. They were skimming across the desert surrounded by Reman’s men.
Neither she nor Zaxe mentioned their kiss from the night before. They hadn’t said much of anything since he’d tapped on her door this morning. She’d taken a quick turn in the gel cleanser and donned clean clothing, along with the headscarf and goggles she used on desert trips to block the sun and sand. They’d eaten a quick breakfast before she’d packed a bag with supplies. Water and food were a necessity in the desert. You couldn’t depend on it to be anything but hostile.
At least their armed guards would warn away any human scavengers lying in wait for unsuspecting travelers. She usually stuck to the main trade routes, hooking up with other caravans for her trips. This time, she was purposely leading them into danger.
There was a small oasis ahead. Not much more than a handful of stunted trees and some desert grass, but it was a place to stop and get their bearings before they made the final push of their journey.
She veered toward it, and the rest of the party followed. After parking in the slight shade offered, she pulled her goggles down so they hung around her neck and pushed back her headscarf. The sun was in the western sky. It was well past noon.
“Why have we stopped?” Baraj’s frown was hotter than the sun. She refused to acknowledge him, instead turning toward Zaxe, who’d parked his sled alongside hers.
“This is the point of no return. From here on, we’re in outcast territory. There will be ambushes and traps everywhere. I figured we could grab a bite and hydrate so we’ll be at our best.”
“No stopping.” Baraj dismounted from his vehicle and stalked toward them. “We need to keep moving.”
“We need to be smart,” Zaxe interjected. “Jamaeh is right. We need to be refreshed and ready for anything.”
Baraj sneered. “If you try to cheat Reman—”
“No one is cheating anyone.” Time to be the voice of reason. “We all want to succeed. And being cautious is better than barging in and getting killed before we get near their settlement. If the outcasts don’t get you, the desert will.”
Baraj rolled his shoulders, his frown deepening. “Take twenty,” he yelled to his men. “Spread out. Stay aware.”
Only one of the men set up his watch in the shade. These were city dwellers. Had any of them spent time in the desert besides her? Not her problem. Her only concern was staying alive and getting her brother away from their father. Assuming he would come with her.
Her stomach clenched, and not from hunger. Anxiety ate at her. It was just as likely Esau would refuse. And considering he was now eighteen and Helldrick was his father, she really didn’t have any leverage.
“Here.” A flask of water appeared in front of her face. Zaxe stared out across the golden sand, his eyes narrowed against the glare.
She took the water and drank deeply. “What do you think?” She pitched her voice low and angled her head slightly toward Baraj.