Summary

Yael and the others were saved from the death at Masada because they immersed themselves in the cistern. Now she lives in Alexandria. A white ibis watches over Yael and her family. Yael believes it embodies the spirit of Shirah. She and Revka still have nightmares about their time in Masada when their lives were ruled by war. Women come to her wanting charms and amulets. Although she is surrounded by water, Yael longs for the desert. The birds still come to her when she sits in darkness. It was the doves that saved her.

They had been waiting in Shirah’s house, hoping she would come soon. It was then that they saw the doves flying. Yael believed it was a message that they were supposed to survive. Revka was surprised when Yael told her they had no time for death. Although...