IN THE MORNING I awaken with a dry mouth and gnawing hunger.
The sky is clear. Above is Enshi Rock, and next to it—much smaller—is the daytime three-quarter moon.
I wonder if Olus is still undergoing his trial. It comes to me that his trial must be, or must have been, his worst fear. He would be shut in somewhere.
Could he be trapped eternally?
If he is being brave, I must be too. I approach the tunnel, then back away. First, food and water. If I mustn’t eat or drink in Wadir, I shouldn’t leave this world hungry.
Twenty minutes later I find a brook. I drink and drink. Tiny fish abound in the sparkling water but slip between my fingers. After half an hour I see a big carp swimming lazily my way.
Out of habit I pray, Thank you, Admat!
I catch it with my hands. It struggles, but I hang on. On the ground, it flops about as I drink again, more than I want.
While I’m with the warkis, I’ll search for Admat. The holy text says he is visible in Wadir. If I find him, I’ll beg him to let Pado break his oath and to send a sign that my family and Nia will understand. Only Admat can grant me an ordinary long life in Hyte with Olus.
I carry the fish to the tunnel and use the glowing branch to light a fire. When the fish is cooked, I tear into it. The morning is almost over.
Holding the branch high, I enter the tunnel. As soon as I descend a step, the scent of roses is replaced by a smell of mold. Olus’s stalwart wind has wafted away.