“Who were his father’s people?” she asked.

“I have no idea,” admitted the merchant. “He was unlike any other villager I have ever met, but where he went I know little of. I know he was heading east and talked about crossing the mountains, so that must mean he was from the other side of the Giaming Mountains. I have only taken a trip or two that far into Fakara.”

“Perhaps the Giaming Mountains is where I should look for the Sage of the Mountain then,” smiled Mistake.

“There is life left in you after all,” grinned Brontos. “It has been many years though and you will not find a trace of his parents. Be cautious of raising false hopes within him. If they were alive today I am sure they would have come back.”

“Understood,” agreed the girl, “but we really have nowhere to go anyway. At least it is a goal we can achieve and it will keep his thoughts off of the Jiadin.”

“Make him understand that to seek revenge is to join his ancestors,” warned Brontos. “The Jiadin have long been a ruthless tribe, but the last few years have been worse. The other tribes that used to vie with them for power now run from the Jiadin. There is much talk of evil spirits and death magic. It is not healthy to get close to such forces.”

“We will be fine, old man,” Mistake stated. “There is something about Rejji that tempers my hurt. Perhaps it is his innocence.”

“Perhaps it is your longing to shed your lifestyle for one of honor,” smiled the merchant. “I have watched you move and have no doubt that you are good at thieving, but I find it hard to believe that you wish to do so all your life. With the gold I am giving Rejji you will have a chance at a new life. Try it before you decide to discard it.”

Mistake stared at her feet for a long while, mulling the words of the merchant. He had recognized her for what she was as soon as he laid eyes on her. If he could do so, then others could too.