and so they traveled, mile after weary mile. Taryn hurt so badly,even with the golem that she had involuntary tears streaming from her eyes even though she tried to present herself with a smile and brave face. Lily interceded once when her ankles had swollen to twice their normal size. Every day she thought she would die during the night. She dreamed or day dreamed about her labor and how she would die with the babies never seeing the light of day. She had nightmares about the reception of the priestess and Raschen's people. Her screams had disturbed the camp when she woke in a cold sweat from dreaming that Raschen turned his back on her after seeing their children.<br/><br/>Taryn had black circles under her eyes and despite the bulk of her stomach, was reduced to fragility. The only appearance of weight was when her body retained fluid. Her hair took on a dull brittleness.<br/><br/>"Raschen, I don't mean to complain," she whispered as they laid inside their tent. "How much longer until we are back? Will we even be able to stay safely?" Her voice broke on that question. He gathered her to him, rubbing her back.<br/><br/>"What if the babies are deformed and what if the priestess puts them out to die? Where will we go if they put us out? Raschen, I can't bear much more. What if I die? Who will care for our children?" She curled into his body and sobbed.