And they breed, the Akindra. Like rabbits. They arm their pups as soon as they’re able to walk, and the pups fight us like savages, driving their little knives behind our greaves and between the chain links in our leggings. I do not understand how their crude weapons manage it, but I have seen it with my own eyes.

And that was how we came to wait for these Akindra by the bend in the creek. This one was a—what was their word, “Duke”. Some barbaric title indicating it was the headman of a clan, I think. It had agreed to sell his clan out, however, bringing us a plan of their fortifications, and we’d promised it safe passage and gold. As if you’d keep a promise to an animal.

I took short breaths, trying to keep its stink out of my nose; I admit this was my mistake. Did the Prophetess not tell us to absorb the world, for even foulness may speak truth? I thought I understood Her 235th verse; I understand better now, to my regret.