Chapter 5Alonzo’s prediction had been mostly correct. Once the rains stopped and the sun came out, the earth drank in all the water and opened its maw for more, ever thirsty, ever hungry in this forbidding country. When they went out at sunset, most of Ben’s steps remained firmly on the surface, with only the occasional one sinking deeper into spongy dirt.
In spite of Alonzo’s arguments, Ben insisted they leave Angelica behind. “If Cullen does have men waiting for me, we can’t risk her announcing our arrival. I know if I ask you to be quiet, you will. With a donkey? I consider myself lucky if I can get her to move in the direction I want.”
He was grateful when Alonzo conceded. The day had been filled with odd tensions, brought on by the priest’s incessant pressing on Ben’s need for a wif
