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A Deadly Drink
"Who would like a drink?" Gandr, disguised as Nurlan, passed out the water. His hand almost wouldn't let go of the water-skin as he gave it to Aurora. She had to wrench it out of his grip. She eyed him quizzically but said nothing.
Gandr reclined on the ground and waited for the Empress to take a drink. At present she was too busy munching on dried meat. "How much longer to the ice barrier?" She asked between bites.
"At least three weeks," Gandr answered without thinking.
Junayd was surprised. "I didn't realize you spent time up north, Nurlan."
Gandr laughed awkwardly, which only increased the confusion of the others. "I haven't. I just studied maps before we left."
"Really?" Junayd was unconvinced. "I thought you said that this whole trip was a waste of time. Sorry, Empress."
Aurora was not offended. The whole mission did sound crazy. And she, too, was growi
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