Ambalasei sighed dramatically. “Not totally unexpected. State the problem.”

“It is Far< and those who listen and follow her way.”

“Also not unexpected. What has the repulsive creature done now?”

“She has taken her companions and they have gone to join the Sorogetso.”

“They have done what?”

Every pigmented area of Ambalasei’s body flared scarlet, throbbing with color like a pulsating heart about to burst. Enge stepped back in alarm, weakly signing danger-to-health. Ambalasei snapped her jaws shut with a loud crack.

“My instructions given, strongest orders issued. Sorogetso to leave this city and not to return. And not to be contacted by anyone. Promise of my instant withdrawal from city and destruction of same if not obeyed. And now this!”

Enge swayed before the storm of emotion, fought to speak, finally was signed permission by Ambalasei who was so enraged she could no longer talk coherently.

“This we all understood and appreciated and obeyed. But Far< refused to accept your orders, said that since we had rejected the rule of eistaa we must reject you as well. If having the city was the price of obedience, she said, then the city must be abandoned. She took her followers with her. They have gone to the Sorogetso. They intended to live with them, live like them, and convert them to the true belief in Ugunenapsa and to build the true city of Ugunenapsa in the jungle there.”

“And has this happened?” Ambalasei asked, regaining some of her control, positive that she knew the answer in advance.

“No. Far< has been injured, but will not return. Some stay with her, the rest have come back.”

“Put these disobedient creatures to work at once butchering/cleaning/preserving eel until I give permission for their labors to end. Which, if I have my way, they never will. I go to the Sorogetso.”

“There is danger now.”

“I fear nothing!”

“But I wish to tell you of our successes.”

“Only when this appalling matter is concluded. Order Setèssei to join me, bringing the healing-container with her. Instantly.”