“No, but the charts are clearly marked. We have but to follow the chain of golden islands to this swampy coastline. Alpèasak lies to the north.”

The rain had blown out to sea and the low coastline was clearly visible now. A sandy shore with forests behind. Elem glanced up at the sun. “We should be there before dark.”

“If there is any doubt, stand out to sea. Remember the ustuzou Enge told us of.”

“Horrible, beyond understanding, deadly.”

“But nevertheless there. Precautions manifold.”

“Perhaps not needed,” Elem said, shielding her eyes against the sun. “Movement near coastline, uruketo, boats.”

Ambalasei muttered and blinked but could not see them clearly at first. Only when they were closer could she make out the details.

“Observations of great interest. The city is obviously Yilanè once again. Docks there, other uruketo. But do not approach it yet. Go close to shore, there, by those beaches. And have the missionaries come up here now. Bring up the meat containers as well.”

When the five Daughters had joined them, Ambalasei indicated the shore and the clump of towering trees beyond. “Note this place and note as well the number ten. The count of two hands. The uruketo will return to this place after that number of days. To pick you up—and those as well to whom you may have shown the way. The surf is light, your swim to the shore an easy one.”

“What of this meat?” Far< asked.

“It will be pushed into the sea, the waves will carry it ashore, you will retrieve it. Be back at this place in ten days.”

“And if we have not finished our work?” Far< said, always finding something to query.

“Conclusions will be reached then. I call you missionaries because you go on a mission to speak to the fargi of those truths which seem to be all you care about. Make them believe and return with them. But, please, see if you can’t return with intelligent and strong ones. There is work that needs doing in Ambalasokei.”

“You do not join us?” Far< asked suspiciously.

“No. I have far more important labors. Ten days.” She waited until the last of them had slid into the ocean and was swimming towards shore before she spoke again. “Take me to the dock. As soon as I step ashore, leave. Talk to no one there. Return to get me in the early morning on the tenth day. Understood?”

“Understood, great Ambalasei. Ten days.”

FIFTEEN

As Ambalasei stepped from the back of the uruketo to the worn wood of the dock she felt a great satisfaction. With one eye she watched the uruketo swim back towards the open sea, to be quickly lost in the bustle of the port. Before her was a vista of wide streets, hurrying fargi carrying fresh fish, pieces of meat, unknown bundles. The air carried a burden of odors, cries of command and issued orders.