Chapter 2Catli breathed in the hot scented air at the great entrance into the cavern above the tree line and relaxed, muscles unwinding one on top of the other in a cascade of relief. The stress of dealing with the villagers was almost too much some days. Any time he was able to remove himself to the volcano was greatly appreciated.
That wasn’t to say he didn’t love his village, or his people. Catli was dedicated to his service, to helping his village stay healthy and safe in the shadow of the First God-Child of the Powers. If asked, however, he would tell anyone without hesitation that he preferred Toa above them all. The volcano had no anger, no malice. It didn’t spit hate and anger at him.
The light of Toa’s heart shifted and flowed along the cavern walls as Catli moved deeper into th
