In the morning, the sun didn't feel so bad, but it beat down hotter by the minute. Shail knew and expected this and yet he didn't realize the consequences until now. He was glad for the outcropping that offered some shade, but he would need water. Why did he have to run so blindly like this? It was stupid, illogical, not the least bit calculating like he was. Didn't he so often in the past plan better than all his friends, but he went along with their plans anyway because he'd rather not voice it. The day they went to confront the djinn was no different.

Shail wrapped his head scarf tighter around his face, glad that he kept the garment on. Someone used to fighting the sand grew into a habit of it. The breeze only felt good now, but he could feel the sands irritating his throat and lungs because of it. He let out a feeble cough and laid down in the patch of shade, coughed again, then sat up. It would be a long day, but his stubbornness wouldn't let him regret it.