Busara was terrified. “Metutu, I must gather my belongings and go. I will take Kima and Asumini far away.”

“Take me with you.”

Busara kissed his cheek. “In my heart, you are always with me. It would not help either of us if you ran away from home right now.”

“Where are you going? You can tell me.”

“I will send Asumini for you when it is safe. They can’t hurt her.” He took Metutu firmly by the shoulders. “I don’t have much time. There is so much I would say to you, my son. For now, you must hide the faith. Not in the way you treat others, but in the way you speak to others. Later it can shine, but something awful is about to happen. You must remember what I have taught you. You are our hope, Metutu. Don't let me down or my sacrifice would have been meaningless.”

He grabs Busara’s hand. “Aiheu give me the strength.”

Metutu put his arms around Busara. “May the gods see between us till we meet again.”

“In case things go wrong, bless me for my death.”

“Oh gods, don’t say that!”

“Bless me, Metutu! I would ask my eldest son, and you are he.”

With trembling fingers, Metutu drew a circle around Busara’s right eye and drew his fingertips under his chin. “May you see God. May you speak with Him.” Tears started down Metutu’s cheeks, and he hugged him again. “Father, friend, and teacher! Don’t you leave me! Don’t you dare die and leave me!”

“I’ll try not to.” Busara dried Metutu’s cheeks. “Go now. Tell no one you were here.”

Metutu hugged him one more time, then headed out by the long, winding path. He didn’t want to be seen.

Kima was gathering up some food, and Asumini--Busara’s daughter that is--was taking some herbs and talismans.