CHAPTER SIX HUNDRED AND TWO – GOOD LUCK

The next morning dawned clear and cold. The village was quiet, most of its inhabitants sleeping off the excesses of the night before. Jasmine woke early, her body stiff and sore but her mind clear and focused. She checked on Sergei, relieved to find him more lucid than he had been in days. The village healer had done good work - his fever was down, and the infection in his leg seemed to be receding. Still, Jasmine knew he needed proper medical attention as soon as possible. Ivan found her as she was helping Sergei eat a light breakfast of porridge and tea. The village leader looked tired but determined. "We leave soon," he said. "Long journey to big town. But first, shaman must bless you." Jasmine wanted to protest, to insist that they leave immediately, but she bit her tongue. These people had saved their lives; she owed them the respect of following their customs. The shaman was an ancient woman, her face a map of wrinkles, her eyes sharp and knowing. She performed a brief cerem