It didn't take long trudging through the sand before Bill wore himself out. He was already pushing along on empty to start, hiking up and down the shifting dunes finished the last of him.

He lost his balance topping a dune. His leg gave out and twisted him sideways and he slid down, coming to a halt at the bottom, leaning on his side and breathing hard.

A glance up and he saw the Timebroker. Rather than speak to the man he cut his eyes sideways, ignoring him and wondering if he was going to be able to get back up again.