Daine rode into town on Cloud. Immediately, she went to the stables.

"You're Onua the Horse Mistress, right? "

"Yes I am, do you need something? "

" Well, I was just wonderin' if you was hiring help. "

"I am but. . . I was looking for someone a little older. Well, go ahead, show me your stuff. "




******************************************************************************************





Numair mopped Daine's burning forehead with a wet cloth.

"Shhhh. Go back to sleep. "

"No, I can't. " Daine sobbed.

"Shhh. Everything will be alright. " A milky white Starling rapped softly at the window. Numair let it in. It perched next to Daine. That seemed to sooth her.

You've given so much to us, now it's our turn to give to you.

A slight smile appeared on Daine's face.

Go to sleep.

The Starling began to sing an enchanting song. Daine closed her eyes.