At Leda, Kram and Eporhtwol went to the cave where Kram had left Nala.
As they approached, they saw stained bandages drying in the starlight, along with a leaf stuffed mattress and a crude wooden cup.
“Go in and pretend that you hate me,” Kram instructed Eporhtwol. “Say that I deprived you of Ekim’s ship.”
“I will not lie,” Eporhtwol protested.
“It is necessary, it will bring you honour and glory in the long run.”
“Okay,” Eporhtlow reluctantly agrees.
To his astonishment, Nala was still alive and emerged from the cave.
“Are you from the Republic?” he asked Eporhtlow. “Do not be afraid, I am from the Republic but I must appear savage after my long solitude on this planet.”
“I am from the Republic, yes.”
“What are you doing here on Leda?”
“I am the offspring of Ekim. Who are you?”
