Clara dragged the dead donkey the remaining distance. It was the least she could do for a creature who had given its life to save Ran.

She left the animal outside of the rustic trading post, and there she approached the mute Eskiman tradesman who ran the place. Furs hung on several of the walls and a warm fire burned in the fireplace. She purchased more food and drink, her own supply now gone. Then she delivered his monthly supply of peyote grown in Rancher. The Eskiman’s eyes lit up, and he gladly handed over thirty animal pelts in exchange.