"I'm sorry," Ninsianna wiped her brow, wishing fervently she'd stopped at the well to draw a bucket of fresh water. "I didn't sleep well last night. Everything has gotten behind itself today."
"You must pace yourself to accommodate the strain your child places upon your body," Papa's cross look disappeared. "Have you asked your Mama for a tea?"
"The last time I asked Mama for help settling my stomach," Ninsianna said, "she scolded Mikhail for letting me train the archers. I need him to train the villagers, Papa! Not wait on me hand and foot!"
Papa laughed.
"You should let him do more for you," Papa said. "He wants to do more for you. I wouldn't let your mother lift a pinky finger when she was carrying you."
Remnants of last night's vision shuddered through her brain, a rude reminder t
