“Because I definitely don’t have what you and Sasha have in common,” she said ruefully. She took a step closer. “But when I met you, that didn’t matter, either, did it?” She gave her a warm hug and then stepped back. “Okay, I’ll admit to a little wailing. It was only a temporary failing and I’m over it now. Korgan just doesn’t know Sasha as we do. Tonight Gilroy gave her the means to help those students escape, and she won’t wait. I’ll make a bet that she’ll dive in right away and start working on how to do it.”

“Which means you’ll start worrying right away,” Margaret said. “But when have you ever stopped since all this began?”

“I haven’t,” Alisa said. “But now I have to stop worrying and force myself to trust Sasha to know what she’s doing when I can’t be there for her. That’s going to be a hell of lot harder than trusting Korgan.” She shook her head and gave Juno a final pat. “It will be fine. Go on back to bed. I’m sorry I woke you.” She gave her a little push. “Good night, Margaret. See you in the morning.”

Margaret gave her a long look and then nodded. “Try to sleep.” The next moment she was walking in the direction of her own tent with Juno at her heels.

She would sleep, Alisa thought as she lay down on her blankets. She mustn’t think of the danger to Sasha right now. She would trust Sasha to be as smart as she knew her to be. She would close her eyes and let herself go back to that time in the circus tent when she’d first spoken to the magical little girl riding her white horse. Then she would sleep, and when she woke, she’d get busy with Korgan on finding a way to do her part to keep those students alive.

Remember the little girl who had been able to shape her world to suit herself. Just don’t think of what Sasha might decide to do tomorrow.

*  *  *

Prisoner Tent
Next Day

“It’s going to be better, Jeanne,” Sasha whispered. “I know you don’t think it will, but I promise you that we’ll get you home and back to your mother and father.”

Jeanne Palsan didn’t answer. She hadn’t spoken to Sasha or anyone else since that first day she’d been brought back to the prisoner tent after the assault. She just stared straight ahead into nothingness except when one of the guards came near, and then the shaking began again. Sasha had tried to stay close and keep between her and the mocking cruelty of those guards, but sometimes it hadn’t been possible. Then that shaking could go on for hours.

“It’s not going to be better. Why are you lying to her?”