A few thousand of Orrick’s underlings had gotten separated in the desert. Moreover, they did not have food or water with them. By the time it was noon, when the sun was at its hottest, they would meet their end.

Orrick felt more crestfallen than anybody else and was shaking inside. It was a great mistake he had made in a moment of weakness. Had he not chased Adrian through the desert, he would be lying in an air-conditioned room and having a good time with a few women right now. However, he wa