“Wh-who’s there?” The voice is worn, crackled with age. It’s him. We crumble the pieces of the wall until the hole is big enough for us to step through. Bati’s coiled up in a corner, his white robe stained yellow on its end. Ammonia wafts under my nose. How could they leave him in here, treat him like this?

“Jelani,” he groans as we move him, eyes darting to the door. “You must go. If Shaun finds you here…” His hands are dry with ash. “I cannot let anything happen to you on account of me. I promised your father.”

I want to ask why he’s locked up, but does it even matter at this point? Shaun can be rash. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.

“And I promised him things too. You’re coming with us. And besides, I found a way to summon the Ancestors. I need your help.”

“There is a way, you say?” He gasps, hands cupped over his mouth, as Julius helps him up. Fortunately, Bati can walk just fine. He’s just stiff from being in one position for so long.

“There is a spell, but I need a hair from an Elder. Do you think yours would work?”

“Oh, Jelani, I am not sure. But take whatever you need.” He uncoils his white locks.

Julius takes out his knife. “May I?”

“Go ahead.”

He cuts at the root and I tuck it in my pocket. “Let’s get out of here.”

“What else did it call for?”

“Jpango sap and a hair from the enemy.”

His eyes widen.

“I’m going to get one from Shaun.”

“It is sad it has come to this, but yes, I fear you are right. A hair from Shaun will likely satisfy that ingredient. How will you do it?”

“I’m not going to kill him. He’s my brother, still. Whether he sees me that way or not.”

“Your Yakanna blood shines through. But Beerchi do not always think this same way. You are his direct opposition to rule.”

I want to unify us, arm us, not don a crown. How can he not see that? I think of Jhamal, the only other Beerchi I know. Loyal, fierce, determined, kind, and very prideful about his heritage. But I could see glimmers of stubbornness, him forcing his way on others. Still, he’s nothing like Shaun.

“We need to get Bati to the others,” I say. “I’ll come back to the City to get the hair from Shaun myself.” I can’t let anything else happen to him.

Bati takes my hands. “The Ancestors’ magic from the gods was bestowed on us to bring light into this dark world. But you have a duty to protect yourself, your people, and that is never wrong. Do what you need to do.” His grip is ironclad on my wrist. “Understand, he could kill you, child.”