“I was never cut out for handling nyame. They bored me.” The Niyabinghi, especially being stationed on O.E., was the perfect place for him.

“You love the secrecy, discipline, and action of the Niyabinghi, but don’t want the sacrifice of becoming HOVA.”

“I want to defend my community without losing who I am.”

“And, as you said, you have no patience for stories.” Truth be told, Selamault felt the creaks and aches of her bones, and the idea of setting down the work to spend more time here, pursuing peace, had more and more appeal to it. Everyone had their season. “I have a story that I hope will amuse if not entertain you. One my father used to tell me when I was a child. This night, I don’t know, the memory of it struck me suddenly, and I’ve learned to pay attention to the stirrings of my emi.”

“Then I’d love to hear this story.” The wall bulged and extended as Lij Matata fashioned a seat.

“A long time ago, Baboon knew he had to make his way to a new village. He wasn’t certain where he was going, only that the trip could be long, could be dangerous, and could be lonely. So he sought out a companion, Br’er Rabbit. Now, Br’er Rabbit was a crafty one, a good skill to have when on an uncertain path. And with nothing better to do, he joined Baboon on his journey.

“On their way, Br’er Rabbit paused along the side of the road, studying a strange shrub. The leaves were a deep green and succulent, almost waxy in appearance.

“‘Do you know this plant?’ Br’er Rabbit asked.

“‘Yes, I do. You should, too, because it’s a powerful medicine. When your belly aches, you just have to chew on its roots to feel better.’

“‘When we reach a new land, they may have unfamiliar food that may not agree with us. So memorize the location of this bush, and if one of us gets sick, the other can come back for it.’

“And so they agreed.

“At sunset, they reached the outskirts of the new village. They were well met, given lodging for them to rest while a huge meal was prepared for them. The stewed meat, the baking bread, the vegetables roasted over a flame, their bellies rumbled in anticipation. When the food was brought out, Br’er Rabbit wanted it all to himself.

“As they took their first bites, Br’er Rabbit doubled over clutching his belly.

“‘My stomach!’ he cried out. ‘Run and get me the roots we saw. I may not live to see the morning.’

“Loyal Baboon, scared for his friend, ran off into the night.

“Once he was gone, Br’er Rabbit sat back around the table and devoured the entire feast all on his own. When he was done, his gracious host cleared the table of all the dishes.