Contrary to his initial plan, he didn't let the fire die down at all. She didn't see him feed it, necessarily, but she knew he must have off and on through the night because every so often it would blaze brightly. Twice, she realized she'd fallen asleep and felt herself jerk awake. Each time, she peered beneath Barruch's legs at the fire and the slumped form beside it, waiting to see if it moved or stayed still. Both times, within moments an arm reached out toward the flame seeking warmth. So he wasn't going to let her creep away after all. She got up and quietly packed her things plus the provisions she'd tied into her basket before they'd had left the oasis: a comb of honey wrapped in leaves and tucked into a pouch, a few peaches, and the last of the frog legs they'd roasted. She tucked her fur beneath Barruch's saddle and clucked at him to move. She planned to lead him out of camp then climb on and ride as fast as she could. With any luck, she could be far enough they'd only catch up when she was out of range of harming Aedus.
