Author's Notes:

Enjoy.

"Dig faster! We only have one day left!"

Tendaji had not been kidding about assigning nearly everyone to digging the canal and now that the labor shortage was solved things were proceeding very quickly. Tools remained a major issue but after raiding the garbage dump where the Wete threw their old broken pots away they had resolved part of the problem. Using the larger pieces of broken pottery as scooping tools for the wet muddy soil those without shovels or picks could at least scrape away at the earth or load the baskets in an easier fashion.

Great care was taken if a pot broke further so that no one stepped on the sharp edges thus causing injury and slowing the operation down. The canal side closest to Wete was beginning to look like an earthen rampart as the dirt was heaped up to ever increasing heights. Baskets broke more often than Verik would have liked but as they formed out into a long chain the impact was lessened. By fanning them out over a larger area they were able to simply dig down and toss the dirt freely without the need for baskets. Other teams then scooped the earth up and began loading the baskets to less than capacity to lengthen their life span thus buying more time for those creating more.

Reeds were being harvested rapidly and the once dense jungle of reeds closest to Wete had been thinned out, ordering the gatherers to go farther to collect the required reeds meant things slowed down from time to time but a rythm had developed. Working in small teams the great mass of equines had become used to the cycle and rotation that occurred every so often. Thanks to this, what had started out as a long string of markers was now a deepening canal that stretched off into the distance.

It was not enough however, the distance they still had to cover was considerable but on the upside the local craftsman had already produced some of the required components to make the canal functional. The first clay pipes were ready and while terribly crude were certainly long enough when fitted together. Being precise the sections fitted together well enough and could be plugged with very crude caps. Leakage would remain a problem but a small leak was preferable to an uncontrolled flood.

"How long till first pipe in?"

Tendaji walked along the steep bank of the canal looking down at the rather lengthy section that had already been completed as Verik joined him in looking at the pipe marker the man shrugged.

"Probably tomorrow morning if this keeps up but we have to reach the first way-point for building a floodgate. Your carpenters only pulled off getting that first gate up and we require at least one more for work to continue while being able to irrigate at the same time. It will also take time to dig down far enough to fit the pipe in and prepare the stopper, time for the clay to dry and seal up the seams..."

"How long till we at least use pipe?"

"Ask your potter because I have no idea. The pipes will not be under a lot of pressure but that does not mean they might not blow out if we do not secure them properly."

"Much go wrong?"

"I dont know and measures are being taken to prevent as many problems as possible but there can be no guarantee."

The chieftain looked into the deep pit and back towards the now cut off road that once allowed wagons to come and go from the village. A bridge plan was still in progress but now that the first floodgate was finished the materials for the bridge had to go towards the second flood gate as such lumber and support beams were not terribly common on the Wete's narrow strip of land.

"Very hard to find tree's that are good for making bridge and support for roofs, how much more timber we need?"

"A great deal more than what you have but I have an idea that might work."

"Already stealing from outside Wete lands."

"So collect from the other side of the river."

"That cause war."

"I am referring to the dead trees."

"We already do that once, dead wood not make for good construction. Very weak."

"Actually I meant for your brick maker, we need a tremendous number of bricks for the buildings and sun drying them is taking far too long. Worse is that the rain ruined a great number of the available bricks so firing them would be wiser."

"That take much wood and bigger kiln but maybe that work..."

They both stopped to watch as a group of four zebra's emerged from the distant underbrush dragging two logs behind them. The logs had been stripped down in advance and were now ready for use but both of them knew there would be another problem due to using green wood: As the logs dried they would shrink, crack and warp under pressure. Wete had already kept a small supply of logs for constructing buildings but the project had sapped the entire supply. By doing so, they had made the construction of new huts impossible as they now lacked the central supports for holding the roof up.

While this was a minor detail to some for others it had angered them as it meant having to sleep in their holes or shelters that much longer. They had been reminded though that it was a trade off: either have a home and starve to death in it or have food, more time to relax and avoid starvation. Whatever arguments that had broken out died rapidly after Tendaji explained this but the quiet grumbling continued.

"Have you ever pulled a tree down?"

"What? Pull tree down?"

Tendaji furrowed his brow in confusion as Verik watched the logging team continue on their way.

"Yes, pull a tree down. It is possible but very hard without the proper tools, also it can not be a large tree... Do you know if a mostly dead tree that is still standing would make for useful building material?"

"If tree not full of bugs yes."

"How much rope do you have?"

"Some but not enough for what you thinking. Say we rope weak tree, it take many, many zebra to pull out and it fall on them. Also, missing tree let everyone know it done on purpose."

"There has to be a better way... A way of bringing the tree down without using axes and thus letting the world know what happened. Yes there is the problem of the missing tree giving it all away but if we did it over a large enough area..."

"Take few trees over all of river bank?" Tendaji shrugged. "Maybe work, no one notice a few missing or care."

"Does that other tribe patrol very often?"

"No, not patrol much if at all now. We understand each other, they own that side, we own this side."

"So they wont expect a handful of Wete to snatch a tree here or there."

"No but still dangerous and problem of felling tree without being crushed."

"Not enough rope to pull it down, obviously no machinery to bring them down... What about Nuru?"

"What she do with this? Nuru old and not able to pull tree down on own."

"I figure that one has a few ways that might just bring a couple of trees down for us to scavenge."

"You want Nuru to-"

Tendaji understood what Verik was hinting at and as Verik looked at him it was clear the chief was uncertain and trying to convey quietly that it might not be wise to ask too many favors judging by the look on his face.

"Asking would not hurt and yes a price would have to be paid, I understand that but we dont exactly have a lot of options left. Over there." Verik pointed towards the far side of the river not obscured by the Wete hill. "Is what we need and we need it fast. Now if Nuru can somehow knock a few down then all the better."

"Paying price not so easy, maybe you think it easy but asking help like that not so simple."

"Tendaji, I look at it this way: on the one hand people have turned their backs on certain powers and so have they. A request like this is not for wealth, power or land but survival. If such a request was granted... It might just rekindle belief and maybe, just maybe humble a few."

"Why you care what they believe?"

"Because maybe they need to start believing in something again in order for things to get better and seeing is believing."

"If Nuru say no?"

"Should they or she refuses such a simple, humble and honest request for help then the rift will probably remain. But, that is their problem. We will have at least tried to dig our way out of this problem by seeking aid and asking an honest question with a noble end."

"You visit Nuru and have talk with her, she show you then."

"Yes I went through the "take the burning object or suffer my wrath" thing if that is what you are referring too."

Tendaji let out a small laugh as they continued walking down the canal bank but did not speak any further. They walked before stopping near the growing pile of rock and boulders that were dredged out during the digging process and stared at it.

"When we move pile to build wall?"

"After we get the two floodgates in and at least three more pipe sections in. That should free up labor from water carrying so they can instead help level out some of the hill, we need a good, solid foundation for the wall to sit on."

"Much rock on side of hill though, see? Make it very hard to level." Verik followed Tendaji's aim and stared but did not see anything, shaking his head at the chief the tall zebra sighed. "Shelters build against rock that stick out, few holes dug there because too much rock."

"Too much rock to move or if they dig very far-"

"Dig maybe this far..." Tendaji held his hands out. "And hit rock, dig no further. Wells all at base of Wete because too hard to dig and chisel through stone."

"So Wete sits on top of a rock?"

"Yes."

"Perfect."

"What you mean perfect? Have to move much dirt up hill and pound to make level area for hut to sit on. Take even more time for this, impossible to dig flat area for wall."

"That is exactly what we want, bedrock."

"Bedrock? What is that?"

"What Wete sits on, we just need to move the dirt away, expose the stone below and then build on top of it. This probably was never a question for your people as you never had enough living here to move down from the top of the hill, so having to deal with the stone foundation never came up because you build brick huts not fortifications nor use stone for construction. If we clear off all that rock and build a wall from the stone level up you will have a wall no one can dig under nor get washed out if we do it right."

Both of them looked at the side of the hill thinking it over carefully for a while before Tendaji pointed again.

"Build wall to support building on top. Okay, but where wall go? Take much stone to build big, tall wall. Far too much time."

"It does not have to level off the entire top of the hill, no... We just need it to form a semi-circle and the building on top will become the next tier of the defensive wall. Do you happen to know how shallow the dirt is up there?"

"Yes. At bottom you dig very far but there between shelters and lone hut you dig very shallow and hit stone. When they first come most dig farther up and not able, have to move down or to south side of hill. There."

As Verik watched Tendaji point out features and trace lines with his hand a new plan formed, gone was the idea of piling up stone and mortaring it with clay. If the bedrock was truly so shallow that it could be exposed with very little effort it could be used to strengthen the foundations of the wall and buildings above. When Tendaji finished Verik grabbed a small stone from the pile and began drawing quickly in the mud.

"That what we build?"

"Each tier will make it very hard for someone to scale the hill but we start at the top and work our way down, less effort is needed to fortify the top and once the first ring of buildings is in-"

"What if wall collapse?"

"Very possible, the stones will have to be fitted with the utmost care and clay mortar to help hold them. It also has to be quite thick since the stones are not cut to fit."

"Have few chisel from long ago, we keep for making new wells."

"That would work... Who has the most experience with smoothing off the stone for digging wells?"

"They down there but we never smooth stone for wall."

"Same concept, you just flatten them off and we use those as the base." Verik patted one of the larger boulders. "One like this, we do not need to spent days forming it we just need to flatten one side to sit on the bedrock which will also be leveled off. Apply the mortar and then use the smaller stones to work our way up."

"How long this take?"

"For all of Wete? Probably years but if we focus on just a few key spots for defense it will not take anywhere near as long. But that also means having enough bricks to construct the buildings."

"Brick makers already very, very busy. Take time to dry in sun and you want them fired but that also take much time."

"Fire the bricks en masse then, the potters probably know how to do that and if you collect all that deadwood from the other side they would have a great abundance of material to work with. Between sun drying and firing them things will at least speed up."

"You forget that it take most of Wete to care for fields, you irrigate one field... Yes, more free to do other things but there are many fields."

"Alright, lets say I get these two fields irrigated. Would that free enough to begin the process and have one team constantly digging here?"

"Maybe, but would need to have one group collect wood one day to keep potters working then switch them to other task next day. Scatter workers and nothing get done, you say focus on task, true. Irrigate two fields and you get many workers for other things but not scatter. Much to do but bricks and moving stone take longer."

"Agreed but first that leaves me with one more day of digging and getting the pipes laid, sealed, refill the channels and pack them down to prevent washout-"

Tendaji largely ignored Verik as he rambled on through his list of task that had to be completed before the irrigation of the fields could begin. Instead he watched his tribe continue to dig and haul dirt or stone, the sudden outburst of rain had allowed things to progress with great speed. He knew Verik had preferred an extra day to push the canal out as far as possible but things would dry quickly and the struggle to keep the plants alive would begin again.

Walking down the line he came to the marker where the second floodgate would be constructed. There was still a considerable distance to go but three quarters of that length had been almost completely dug out in two days. The channels for the pipes were clearly marked and that would also take time to both dig, lay and refill but he had an idea. Giving a yell he waved Verik over and stood firmly on the spot where the second flood gate was due to go.

"If you dig this far and flood gate go in... Can we flood canal to here while you dig beyond gate?"

"Have to bail water as it slowly accumulates from the leaks which are bound to happen unless we pack it shut... Yes... I suppose you could flood the whole canal up to here and pack this one shut with clay till we finish the next section. Why?"

"This field end here, next one start just there. Water carriers come here to get water and not walk as far, get done sooner and do something else."

"Yeesss but that would also collapse this side of the canal. All those hooves climbing in and out would wear it down."

"You put in steps? Allow them to go in and out for water?"

"That could work... We have more than enough stone so we could dig back and layer it in so they can at least stand in the water and then pass it up."

"To work, three stand below and fill pots with water, pass up and then poured into larger pot. Form three lines, that not damage things?"

"No, the problem is walking in and out constantly, steps or standing stones would help them not slip and fall so long as they are not moving around."

"They dig most already and dig to here tomorrow, I have carpenter put flood gate in immediately with new wood that arrive and bridge we make later."

"Alright but I just remembered something, the workers in the field need to make shallow channels for the water to follow so it spreads out evenly."

Tendaji waved the statement off. "Very easy, take little time but this take time. We need make time now."

"Well your idea will work, the canal will fill with no less than three feet of water at this point. Most likely it will have at least four feet of water."

"You not know?"

"I dont exactly have a tape measure, yard stick or-"

"Use measuring stick."

"A what?"

"Measuring stick, we use to make huts and mark areas, sizes... Has notches for length."

"You had one of those and you never told me?"

"You never ask. Think we so primitive we not have measures?"

Verik felt like screaming for a moment as everything had been measured by eyeballing it or guessing. Using his boots had even become a means of trying to get things down to the correct length and now the chieftain revealed that they had their own version of yardsticks. Tendaji was right though, this whole time he had assumed they were so technologically backwards that a tool so simple as a yardstick was foreign to them. Thinking back on it he should have known better as they were able to make precise measurements for buildings, bricks and other objects which alluded to such tools. But, being so busy with training or other tasks he was never around to see them used nor had thought of even asking.

"I guess I did believe that."

Tendaji did not smile or smirk he just stared blankly at Verik.

"Wete maybe not have fancy words or know how to make big things but learn fast and know how to do much more."

"I will not make that mistake twice."

"Good, you have much to do. I go tell Nuru what you say."

At the end of the day the whole of the tribe mobbed the river to bathe and remove the thick layers of mud that had built up on their fur. Every tail hung straight down from the sheer weight of mud clinging to them and most had gone from black and white striped to a solid brown from the waist down. Everyone who would have normally been put to working in the fields had been assigned to work digging, reed gathering or lumbering somewhere in the distance.

Verik had been left out from laboring with the masses and instead had spent the day walking up and down the line keeping things moving which had proven to be a task. Telling them to dig was easy but having to explain the slope, depth, width and the rest of it took a little doing as there was no clear line marked. Being without markers meant keeping a close eye on things but lacking measuring tools meant constantly gauging distances. Now that he would have a measuring stick it would go much faster but even so, the constant climbing and moving in and out of the mud slicked canal had taken its toll on him along with the rest.

The ground had become quite dry after a few feet of digging but that first layer of mud had bathed them in it. Asha had been set to hauling dirt out of the long canal pit and seeing her laboring away had bothered him. Part of his mind screamed that she should not have to be doing this but the other part knew she had too as they all had their parts to play in making it possible. Still, knowing that his wife was down in what was essentially a hole hauling dirt did not sit will.

Standing on the bank of the river in his usual secluded spot Verik set about peeling his clothes off one piece at a time with great difficulty. Halfway through he bent over to undo his boots and saw two brown legs standing beside him, looking up he looked at Asha's smiling face.

"We bathe together today yes?"

"You didn't ask me that yesterday or the day before."

"I ask now."

Verik closed his eyes a moment and nodded, when he opened his eyes again Asha was smiling wider at him before quickly shoving something into his hands.

"Good, you help get mud out of fur."

"Ah..."

"Oh, you hoping for something else?"

"Ye-... No."

"You help wash mud then I help you."

"To be honest I am not quite as covered as you are but my clothes are a lost cause."

Waiting till he had strippe down Asha took Verik by the wrist and then led him into water wading out into deeper water as he held the small container of soapy goo up.

"Wash back and tail."

"And here I was a little worried and hoping she would ask about the front."

Standing in the shallow water and struggling not to drop the small container he finally gave up.

"Asha, I cant hold this and wash your back at the same time. Can you hold this for a minute?"

Without turning around she accepted the container back and waited as he began splashing her back with water before rubbing the loosened mud free. Verik worked carefully and avoiding applying too much pressure to her body as he worked quickly but as he freed her body from its muddy carapace his pace gradually slowed. Running his hand over her soft, velvety furred back he took in the three elongated stripes and her muscular but feminine build.

His hands traced over her back carefully, gliding over her three stripes removing any remnants of mud and taking a small dip of soap from the container he began rubbing it into her fur. A thick foamy sheen formed as he worked his fingers along carefully making certain to get everything. He could feel her tense now and then before relaxing and after rubbing the soap in completely began to throw water on her back to wash the foam away.

Content with having completed the task he moved on to her tail. Pulling Asha's tail from the water he could feel the weight of the caked in mud holding it down and after rubbing most of it away began washing it properly. Moving his fangers down her tail before stroking his fingers through her striped tail hair he began tugging any knots free, Verik diligently cleaned its length of mud before applying the soap. Lathering Asha's tail up he began giving it long, gentle, tugging strokes. Her legs twitched and dock twitched back and forth a little as he worked out the last remnants of mud.

"Legs."

"I thought you just wanted me to get your back and tail."

"Legs."

Shrugging Verik worked his way and to the water line before stopping, Asha looked down for only a second before grabbing his hand and leading him back to where the water only reached her knees. Continuing where he left off the mud was removed and soap quickly applied. Verik moved his hands along her shapely legs from the wide hips with her spiraled and sprouting tribal mark all the way down to the cannon and he could feel her muscles relaxing more and more as he worked. From one leg to another the mud was removed and as he did marveled at her legs, every bit of her was as soft and silky as the other despite the musculature from years of hard work in the fields.

Washing the mud from the four big black bands that circled her thighs and the smaller stripes on her calves, he could feel how Asha twitched now and then as his fingers worked the mud out. Verik heard a small sigh above him but did not hear her breath catch as he rubbed the soap into her hips and legs. Revealing Asha's striped calves from their muddy embrace Verik stopped marveled a moment before looking up. Uncertainty set in over if he was supposed to wash the other area he had stayed clear of but instead finished with her legs and rinsed her off before waiting quietly.

Asha did not move at first but finally passed the soap to him and in a blur of motion scrubbed her heavily striped arms down before turning around and smiling.

"Your turn."

-

The mud was so thick and heavy it would take forever to remove, Sibi was not available as she was assigned elsewhere today and that meant no help with getting the mud free. Walking with Verik to the river Asha held her little soap container and wondered how this would work, having to balance the container in one hand while being forced to use just one hand to get clean with. Watching her husband remove his boots and clothing an idea came to mind and after a brief conversation she had him convinced.

Standing in the river she waited as he tried to work and eventually accepted the soap dish as he was having the same problem now. With at least one of them using both hands it would go faster but it meant being unable to wash her front. Giving in she held the jar and waited as he worked quickly, knocking the mud free with water while using his hands to work the rest out. At first his pace was quick and steady however it began to slow down.

Opening her mouth to ask but having an idea as to why Asha snapped her mouth shut quickly, eyes growing in size. His fingers began working their way through her thin fur from the shoulders to the dock of her tail. She had never felt anything like this before and she was enjoying it. Inch by inch he worked his way down removing the muck and grime making her muscles relax and a pleasant feeling spread in place of a dull ache.

Soaping her back made it even better as his hands now glided freely over her sore muscles and with fingers weaving the soap into her fur her head tilted back a little, a sigh escaping as Verik continued. But when he reached her tail and began tugging gently her breath caught constantly from his slight, constant tugging. Closing her eyes Asha quietly waited and hoped he would clear the dock itself but his hands always avoided that certain part of her body.

Stopping abruptly her eyes snapped open waiting for him to continue but he did not, realizing he had finished she smiled to herself.

"Legs."

"I thought you just wanted me to get your back and tail."

"Legs."

His attempts proved futile as the water was too deep and grabbing him quickly she led him to shallower water so he could continue. Unwilling to wait she turned quickly so he could not see the expression on her face and waited. Dutifully, his motions began again and Asha quivered as Verik's hands moved up and down her legs and hips. This was no longer a bath but she did not know what it was, and she liked it. Every time his hands graced her hips Asha held her breath a moment as her eyes rolled a little before letting her breath out slowly, tail twitching slightly and other parts warmed. Eyes rolling into her head she waited for more but it did not come, his motions had stopped.

Relaxing herself Asha turned and smiled at Verik.

"Your turn."

He opened his mouth to say something but instead stared as she shoved the jar into his hands and with a flurry of motion finished washing off. Spinning him around quickly Asha froze realizing that he had no fur to rub but smiled anyway and taking some of the soap began rubbing it into his back and shoulders. Verik remained frozen for a moment but she could feel his muscles giving way beneath the motions of her hands.

While she had not asked him to wash her arms Asha took the liberty and began stroking her hands up and down his arms. The scars suffered from his first fight with the bandits were clear as he lacked any fur to hide them, each scar had been suffered because of a desire to protect her. Even back then he had taken to her and each mark on his body was proof to her that he was willing to kill and die for her, something no one else was willing to do.

Smiling, Asha continued and she could see his face beginning to change color a little. While he lacked fur, ears and other normal means of displaying ones mood there were other ways and this was one she had learned. Moving down from the arms and shoulders she moved her hands down and around his hips, she felt him twitch for a moment causing her to stop for a brief moment. Satisfied that her actions were working Asha began rubbing down his legs in the same way before moving back up again.

Verik looked like a ball of greenish foam with arms from behind and stifling a laugh she had an idea.

"Done? I need to wash my-"

His voice died instantly when she moved her hands around his chest and began rubbing again, moving around him till they were facing Asha locked eyes with Verik. Staring at each other quietly as she rubbed the soap into his chest and gazing into each others eyes they stood there before his own look shifted to see if anyone was watching. Satisfied that no one was he stood still and waited until Asha smiled wider.

"Not know what kind of bath that was but you give again?"

Moving her hand down his leg and leaning into him she continued to smile as her fingers roamed closer and closer to something. His face was a portrait of complete relaxation but also showed signs of a burning desire that continued to well up.

"Yes."

"You not worry now?"

Her hand dipped lower making his jaw clench, putting his arms around her he shook his head. Holding each other so tightly they could feel their hearts pounding while their eyes showed both a little concern and a great deal of anticipation.

"Hut. Now."

"Not wait till we married hmm?"

"We are married and damn anyone who says otherwise."

Asha let out a happy little squeal and eyes brightening she grabbed him and tried to all but drag him.

"Rinse first, then hut Asha."

"Oh... I get clothes."

"I need those clothes."

"That make things hard I think."

"No-... At least give me the cloak and boots."

Sifting through the pile while he rinsed off quickly Asha gathered the rest and waited as he hurriedly dressed. Walking as quickly as they could without running they nearly raced to the hut, once inside Asha pulled his cloak off and blocked the door with it by hanging it over the wooden bar he had put up. Grabbing Asha around the waist he pulled her close and after giving her a fiery kiss pulled away for a moment and put a hand on her chest.

"I talked with Nuru and asked if she knew anything about it being possible for us to have children and gods knows I want them. But-"

"No?"

"She doesn't know and I just wanted you to know that."

"Not know not mean no but maybe it mean yes."

"Hah! Very true and with everything I have seen who knows what is possible, but I want to find out if its possible. With you."

Asha beamed and embraced him in a tight, smothering hug.

"I want family with you too."

Pulling her away they both sat on their mats and Verik pulled Asha down and into his lap while holding her hips close. Their noses touched, eyes locked and wrapping her legs around his back Asha settled in and then put her arms around his neck while smiling widely.

"Lets see if we can make a family then."

There was a slight rustle at the door as Altayih popped his head into the hut, mouth open to speak before the words died in his throat.

"Altayih, do you know what a ritual killing is?"

Verik never moved his eyes from Asha's burning gaze, they did not move a muscle but waited as he removed his head from the hut.

"Captain, a thousand pardons but I think you will want to see this."

Asha turned towards the doorway and glared as Verik rocked his head back and growled.

"Explain."

"Its Nuru, she is doing... Something."

Looking at each other curiously a moment Asha gave a disgruntled moan before moving out of Verik's lap when he gently pushed. Pulling her back he gave her a kiss before standing and wrapping himself up enough to be presentable. They both left the hut and followed Altayih quickly as he hurried them along, eager for them to see what was going on.

Nuru and Subira were standing on the the hill and as they arrived they could hear the elderly shamaness speaking with her arms held up and out. The village had gathered to watch and most kept a great distance between themselves and the two others, even Tendaji and his brother Sefu were standing well and clear of them. Slowing their pace Verik listened to the calling sound of Nuru's voice as it sounded out in a strange language that was not translating, leaning to Altayih to ask what had happened but having a small idea his words never formed but died at the sight and sound of the first strike.

Across the river a streak of lightning burrowed into the earth before heaving the ground upwards tree and all, a deafening crack of the blast echoed across the river making many lay their ears down or cover them as they watched. A distance away another strike lifted a large tree from the ground tossing it into the air followed by one after another. Everyone watched in stunned silence as one bolt after another connected with absolute precision, never harming the tree but perfectly uprooting them.

When each tree fell back to earth it half landed in the river before coming to rest and after the last flash of lightning on a perfectly clear day the echoes held in the air a moment before fading away. No one dared to speak as Nuru lowered her arms and turned to walk away, Tendaji simply nodded and faded into the crowd with his brother close behind. Nuru however walked straight towards Verik, her face solemn but a gleam burned in her purple eyes. The crowd parted like water against an immovable boulder but Asha, Shahid and Altayih stood their ground with Verik while Asha held his arm gripping it tightly at her approach. Nuru stopped only when she was quite close and never blinking she stared at Verik carefully.

"You first in very long time to ask for help, help that mean avoiding fighting and death but help others. But help come with price, this you knew and this you will pay."

"I knew and asked anyway but I am not doing any blood sacrifices nor giving anyone up."

Nuru shook her head, "whatever price they ask for in exchange never be that. They not those ones, but it also mean you now help them in return."

Watching her walk away from them with Subira in tow Asha tugged on Verik's arm and gave him a worried look.

"What that mean?"

"It means I owe the spirits one Hail Mary."