“I loved him too. And I promise you that I always will. I want to help any way I can if you’ll only let me.”

“You mustn’t come here often. It might harm you if word leaks out. There are spies out there.” Without mentioning Kinara’s name, she said, “You know that HE knows everything that goes on. We must be careful.”

“It does not matter if I am in danger. When I am struck down, I will be lifted up like Busara in triumph over death!” He went back into the cave and held a lamp next to the paintings. He saw a picture that represented himself together with the family group. Metutu fell to his knees and wept. “That must be the last thing he painted!” He touched the painting carefully with his fingertips. “Oh gods, I still can’t believe he’s gone. I will see that he did not die in vain, Kima. I will carry on his work, so help me gods!”

“See this line that connects you to Asumini? It was his hope that you should one day be joined in marriage. It was my hope too that one day you would enjoy a love rooted in truth and beauty.”

Metutu, understandably, did not want to betray his own father to the council. Not that much would come of it, with suspicions about Busara’s religion having being confirmed. But he could not condone what his father did.

“Kima, I am going to continue with my studies with Makedde. I will be a shaman as I had promised.”

Kima smiled, but her eyes were sad. “Aiheu will bless you. I only wish Busara could have been here to finish your training. He was looking so forward to it.”

“I didn’t know him for long, but I will never forget his gentle wisdom. He told me to follow my dream. I will.”

“You must be careful. Don’t let the ignorant put out your light.”

“I am willing to spill my blood for the love of Aiheu. Without his love, life is not worth living.”

“Still don’t count your life worthless. Don’t discard it lightly. Remember that some of us love you.”