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‘No, I would be grateful for Sayidti Aziza’s thoughts as well You are right, it isus here Or rather my brother’s’

When Edge finished recounting his quest al-Walid beckoned to one of the men beside him and after a feords the man departed and with him al-Walid’s solemn mood

‘By darkness toh our desert Now go rest and tonight we shall hold a feast to celebrate old friends and new’

‘Good Lord, I shall need a caroaned as he rose and helped Janet to her feet from the low cushioned stools beside the campfire outside al-Walid’s tent

‘You are retiring for the night so soon?’ al-Walid asked

‘You must excuse our old bones, my friend’

‘Of course, but the young must at least remain until I fulfil my promise to tell them about Geb and Nuut, yes?’

‘That excusesto rise

‘Sit down, Geb’ al-Walid waved hih life’

Edge grimaced

‘That is a depressing thought’

Janet touched his arm as she passed

‘The second half shall be better, Edge’

Sae’s expression to reflect his disdain of such a very Janet-like coh he shook his head he smiled at her

‘From your mouth to Allah’s ear, Aunt’

Al-Walid leaned back, staring at the darkened sky Sa she was brave enough to stretch out like al-Walid In her previous life she would not have thought twice about doing just that Behind the winds pu to escape, but beyond the vain flapping the only sound was the shushing of the wind in the palms

‘This is a good wind,’ al-Walid said ‘It will be cool tonight and some dew tomorrow Shu is hard at work’

‘Shu?’ Sam asked