As soon as the caravan came to a halt, Addison jumped down from the front of the cart and stretched her stiff body. By now, she had already sorted through her thoughts.
The confusion from the night before had settled, replaced by focus as she scanned the area and mentally reviewed their route. Just as her feet hit the ground, Maxwell approached and handed her his water flask, made from animal hide.
Without pretense, Addison accepted it and took a grateful sip of the cool water. Nearby, a shallow, gently flowing river offered the others a place to replenish their supplies and wash away the dust from the long journey.
Maxwell left Addison for a moment, and when he returned, he was carrying a massive boulder. The muscles in his arms flexed with the effort, veins standing out across his arms, neck, and forehead.
Addison had no idea what he planned to do with such a heavy rock until he set it down near the campfire and motioned for her to sit. He was worried she might catch a cold.
