Alex felt heat rise to his face, but decided to let it pass. It's just a dream. No need to get all uptight. He smiled at the boy and ruffled his hair lightly. "Don't worry, kiddo, I'll be alright," he said with a bravado not his own.

The kid smiled faintly as he straightened his hair. Then that witch from Majekka was there. He hadn't heard her approach. She gently took the boy's hand. "Sorry about little Leo," she said with a small bow toward Alex. Her voice was much sweeter than he'd expected.

"Oh no," he quickly clarified, "He's been no trouble at all, Miss...?"

A look of doubt, followed by concern, washed over her face. "Naria," she answered tensely,"And you are?"

"Alex," he introduced himself with a smile. She gave another small bow before quickly turning away. She and the boy, Leo, hurried back the way they'd came.

Before Alex could think too long on the interaction, Paul yelled out, "C'mon folks, let's get this show moving! Sometime today!" The small camp bustled with noise as everyone moved to pack their essentials into the cart. Before Alex knew it, they were off, walking alongside the slow-moving cart deeper into the shifting, sandy wastes.

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