icked the inside of the pot. The square was littered with the bodies of clansmen, not dead, but lying on the ground, groaning with the un

l. His face was a complex mixture of gratitude and shame. H

e low but clear for all to hear.

ell silent, watching wit

here is more of it in the forest," she said, pressin

up. The cri

the celebration. Chelsea stepped out of

ot solve a famin

y a herd of horned beasts. Enough meat for a month," she announced, her voice ringing with legalist

ng. Chelsea was right. According to the tribe's sacred and unbe

, this treasure who could find food, but he could not break

staff. "The law is the law," he intoned, seizing the opportunity to restore

u will be confined to the Penitent's Cave for one month.

ve was a cold, damp cavern in the back mountains. A month

on ex

ew a wicked-looking bone knife from his waist, and his killing intent, raw an

ut raised their weapons, preparin

nson

gth. "Stop it!" she hissed in his ear, her voice a fierce, desperate whisper. "If you attack them,

rced through his rage. With a shuddering breath that sounded like

s smugness and Chelsea's triumphant sneer alone. Her mind raced, searching for a loophol

fted. It became serene, mysterious, and deeply

ange, holy cadence. "I possess a sacred art. A secret that can make food grow

the Chieftain stared, dumbfounded.

gh. "She's insane! A liar to the

man. She delivered the killing blow. "And I am

ce dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "the secret dies with me. The tribe will lose its c

e was a professional dealer in miracles. He w

alting the guards who were about to seize he

ed. "Show us this... m