Another pause. Then Veer let out a rough laugh. "You really are insane. But fine. We go north."
"I'm coming too," Ryn said, struggling to sit up. "I can travel—"
"No," Kaya said firmly. "You're still recovering. You'd slow us down and probably reopen your wound." She softened her tone slightly. "Vayu, can he go with you? Will your people look after him until he's well enough to travel on his own?"
Vayu was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "Yes. We'll take him. Though I'm still not happy about any of this."
"I'm not asking you to be happy," Kaya said. "I'm asking you to survive. All of us."
---
## The Preparation
They worked in near-total darkness, moving by touch and whispered instructions. Vayu and his scholars gathered their most precious records, packing them into waterproof containers that could be carried or buried if necessary.
Kaya, Veer, and Cutie assembled their supplies—what little food they had, water skins, basic tools, warm clothing from Vayu's stores.
