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tened to their rumbling grow fainter. "What will happen to us now?" |
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"We'll be fine," Abby assured her sister, pulling at the bonnet ribbons that irritated her chin. She nodded toward the wagons that rolled away. "They're the ones who will be in trouble. We can rely on Arlen." |
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"Of course," Lucy said with a shy smile. Then she turned to Abby. "You seem . . . well, quiet today. Are you feeling all right?" |
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"Me? Certainly," Abby replied. She usually told Lucy about her visions, for Lucy was the only person who seemed to understand. But how could she tell her sister that she had had an experience that led her to believe her fate, and that of the man Lucy loved, were joined in some incomprehensible way? "Let's take advantage of the day of rest, shall we? I'm going to gather plants growing around here that Hunwet says have medicinal properties." She had been unable to collect seeds, berries, and stalks as the wagon train pressed forward through the desert. This pause would give her the opportunity she had hoped for. |
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"Plants? Haven't they all died?" |
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"If so, it will be even easier to dry them for use," Abby replied. "Do you want to help?" |
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Lucy shook her head. "No. I have fallen behind in my writing, and I've much to describe. I've nearly completed my third journal." |
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Abby asked, "Have you another to begin?" |
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Lucy nodded. She had loved writing since she was small. Abby marveled at her sister's dedica- |
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