Lady of the Star Wind by Veronica Scott

maps for the terrain—who knows when another likely group might come along? I say we throw our lot in with them, see where it takes us.”
    “From what you’ve translated for me so far, it could take us deep into trouble. I guess I’m not as eager to leave this refuge as you are.” Sandy dusted off her turquoise silk skirt, pausing to examine a couple of small rips and stains. “But what you say makes sense. If we’re going to be on this planet for the rest of our lives, we can’t hide from the people who live here. And I don’t think we can be neutral either, do you?”
    “Rothan said the Star Wind always showed favor to the side he’s on. These people are so sure you’re this legendary Lady returned to them. They view it as a positive omen, which is a point in our favor.”
    “I’d hate to disappoint them.” Her laugh sounded forced, which Mark decided to ignore, pleased not to have to argue with her further about leaving the oasis.
    There was a hail from the direction of the dwelling. Djed beckoned, while Rothan stood in the doorframe, leaning on Tia.
    Mark waved a hand at the others. “Your patient’s ambulatory whether you like it or not. Shall we go back?”
    “Please remember this isn’t another mission you’re on,” Sandy said. “This is the rest of our lives you’re talking about.” She walked past him without another word.
    Over breakfast, the discussion dealt with strategy. Rothan expressed his gratitude for Mark’s plans to accompany them to the Lost City.
    “You’ve a house there as well,” he informed Sandy. “The Lady of the Star Wind attended the court of King Khunarum from time to time, or so it says in the oldest scrolls.”
    Amused disbelief seemed to be Sandy’s reaction as this was translated. “I’m inheriting things right and left, aren’t I? Excellent news, I suppose, to have yet another place of our own on this planet. I may be reduced to one dress, but at least I have real estate.”
    Mark picked bones from the fish on his plate. “I hope the Traveler keys work there.”
    Eyebrows raised high in disbelief, she said, “Surely whatever kind of a dwelling or building they’re talking about must have fallen down a long time ago. You said this city we’re going to was abandoned over three thousand of their years ago.”
    Mark waved his hand at the oasis beyond the patio where they sat. “This place must be the same age or much older, and it’s all functioning, once you found the keys. Why should the dwelling in the city be any different? I’ve seen Ancient Observer installations guesstimated at over a million standard years old, humming away, doing whatever AO technology does. In no way does this place resemble an AO installation, but similar idea. I’d like to get my hands on some high tech, even the alien kind. My blaster’s only going to last so long. The civilian popgun I took off Kliin’s merc will be exhausted even sooner. Your medical supplies are limited. Maybe at the house in the city, the Travelers left the pots and pans behind, unlike here.”
    “And the weapons and the medicines?”  
    “Right. A man can dream, can’t he?”

    After breakfast, Mark led the soldiers to the garage to check on the horses. While the men were busy with their tasks, he and Rothan strolled across the pass to examine the chariots.
    Rothan tipped one to the upright position. “We can’t all fit into two chariots, my friend.”
    Mark helped him with the second. “You probably noticed I rustled a few of the Maiskhan horses. The animals appear to be a sturdy breed. Sandy and I’ll ride them.”
    Frowning, Rothan tried out the unfamiliar syllables. “Rustle? Ride?”
    “Rustle as in steal. And ride as in on the horse, rather than standing in a bouncing chariot being pulled by a team of them. You’ll see,” Mark said, full of confidence in the bright morning and happy to be facing action. “These horses aren’t used to riders, but we can manage.”
    Rothan knelt to