Unsteadily, Thierry stands, directs Grégoire

to a glass case filled with fetishes and intri-

cate ivory carvings. "For you, old friend,"

Thierry says, handing him a wooden figure, a

naked man with shortened torso,stuck with

spikes. The eyelids are glazed shut with

white. Grégoire tucks the gift under one

arm and weaves his way upstairs. He collap-

ses fully dressed across the bed.

A week later, slavers invade Safara's village.

On his horse, Thierry scoops Safara into

his arms. She wrestles free; they tumble

to the ground. She runs; he catches her. From

behind, Safara's uncle lets fly a rock. Thierry

turns around; it strikes his temple. Blood

gushes forth. "You bitch," he says, pitching

forward. "Grégoire told me your

exact location."

Safara strips off Thierry's musket and knife.

She climbs atop his horse and gallops toward

the mining site.