22/04/2026 20:14

---

He laid her on the lawn, andthe grass felt cool and soft under her back. They rested them another hour, thenfed them all the rations of dhurra that their companions had refused. They rose, made obeisance and backed away to the staircase. Whicheverexplanation be correct, the fact confronts us that these clayeffigies have no place in the cult of the modern Ainu.

We have thegreen-cake to thank for that. He staredafter her. They ate slowly, savouring the meal, and their easy conversationconcerned the affairs that absorbed them both: war, hunting and thepursuit of arms. She hasn't been herefor weeks and today she appears and gives orders as though she was aduchess.