Chapter 23
A sob rose from Bradamante’s throat. She threw her arms around her teacher. “Manat, Manat!” She nearly collapsed with relief. She’s here—Manat is here. Now I can rest. Now everything will be all right...
“Sshh, sshh, that’s all now.” Manat patted her pupil’s back. “No time for that. Be strong, Bradamante. We have to hurry. This isn’t over yet.”
Bradamante shook her head against Manat’s chest and continued to cry. She had never felt such exhaustion, such relief. Manat would save her. This was all going to end. “I can’t anymore,” Bradamante murmured. “I can’t keep going—”
“You can and you will.” The authority in Manat’s voice melted Bradamante’s resistance. “Come.”
Manat guided her into the house. Jara opened the door and stared in astonishment at the old woman. “Amarasu! How
