On a beautiful afternoon in Ikachary, the streets were bathed in a golden, peaceful light, almost detached from what was happening in the northern tribes.

  Inside the palace, people moved about, talking, living in peace, unaware of what was approaching.

  Through the gardens filled with children and mothers living freely, without veils or ancient laws, stood Achiry, the silver-haired youth known as Mhai.

  Achiry frowned, unconsciously adjusting her glove.

  “So… the Ushia you sent to spy has not returned. She escaped. She is never coming back.”

  “Well… it seems you have never traveled. The distance from the Golden Roads to the northern tribes is immense, almost two days of walking without rest.”

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  Amid the murmur of conversation and the voices of children and people enjoying the calm, quick footsteps approached Achiry.

  It was Thymmie. With hands full of dirt, the child hugged Achiry’s legs, staining her tunic.

  She did not get angry. Instead, she looked surprised and knelt down to Thymmie’s height.

  “Hello, little one. What happened?”

  Thymmie stepped back a few paces and wiped their mouth, as if preparing to speak. In doing so, they smeared more dirt across their face without noticing and spoke anyway.

  “Several days have already passed… and I miss Nahumi. She promised me my chocolate. I wait every day to taste it and to see her again.”

  “Little one,” Achiry said as she stood up and brushed off her tunic. “You know Nahumi went very far away. She will still take some time, but it is alright. And of course she will bring you your chocolate.”

  “But… but the other adults say that non-believers are killed. What if that happens to her?” Thymmie asked, eyes glassy and cheeks flushed.

  “Little one, Nahumi is very intelligent and clever. Of course she is alive.” Achiry looked around and noticed several children gesturing for Thymmie to join them. “Look, your friends are waiting for you. Go. If anything happens to Nahumi, I will let you know.”

  Thymmie nodded and ran off to play.

  Meanwhile, Mhai leaned against a column, waiting for Achiry to finish speaking with the child.

  “Mhai, you see what is at stake. Perhaps you are right that I did not make the correct decision. But at least I hold onto the hope that she will protect my people.”

  Mhai nodded, thoughtful. “I will inform Nsima when the other leaders are ready to speak with you about the loan of the ships.”