Chapter Nineteen:
From Maa’s vantage point, the fires that consumed the city had burned out. Black and gray stains covered every surface in view. Thick clouds muted the sunlight.
“At least I’m alive.” Her words sounded hollow, lifeless.
All pretense gone, Maa answered herself. “For now… if we don’t find water soon—”
“Shut up!” Maa cut the words short.”
Surveying the scene below the tower, Maa sensed she slept through a huge battle. Death hung on the air. The closer she looked over the colorless stones, the more surprised she became. There were no bodies of intruders or defenders. Enough time had passed. Something had carried the dead away before she climbed the steps.
She lifted her nose to the air and took a deep breath. The stench of rotting flesh was missing. More disconcerting
