Rika finally arrived at the hut and went to her spot, close to Vierra. There was fatigue and evidence of withheld tears in her face. She was an emotional girl, and the day spent with the dying chieftain had not been pleasant. As she lay down to go to sleep, she asked, “Will you tell me now how you used the medicine?”
“It's better that you don't know, so they cannot blame you.”
Normally, Rika, who was naturally curious, would have persisted for a long time. But tiredness and being so close to death had debilitated her thirst for knowledge, and she was content with the answer she got; at least for now.
“Tomorrow, a new chieftain will be chosen.” Rika was silent for a moment. “You would make a great leader for us.”
Vierra laughed, dryly and coldly, as was her style. “You know very well th
