07/03/2026 08:35

---

The day before the planned escape, Sukeena summoned Aboli into the mainliving area of the residence where before he had never been allowed toenter. The boys shook the gourdvigorously, then passed it from one to the other, each drinking deeplyfrom the mixture of milk and blood as his turn came, smacking his lipsand sighing with pleasure. it would not do tohave them capsize or expend themselves before they reach theirdestination. I have been forced by irrefutable evidence to the contraryto reject this line of defence in its entirety.

The galleon bore away from the African coast, heading into the south. Hecovered his eyes with one hand in an attempt to prevent the visionsinvading his aching brain. But now, with the two shipslocked together, the moment had come. So dense was this array of men, women and beasts that their progresswas reduced to a walk.