THE FIFTH: Chapter Fourteen, Part One

NOTE: This chapter contains sensitive material. 

Map, Glossary

CaretakerPART ONE

I came out of my mind fog at sunset.  The sky blazed red, and I could not remember it ever being such a visceral shade in the land between the rivers.  The grasses glowed gold.  I became aware of my body as well.  The dry air worsened the sting of my parched throat, and I ached.  The back of my head rested on Olaan’s shoulder.  His hold on me had changed so that, instead of squeezi...