The old village chief's voice was as harsh as the wind that whipped across the cove. "State your names. And your business."
Riku offered a calm, disarming smile. "My name is Riku. These are my companions. We are simple travelers, looking for a place to rest and work for a time."
The chief's eyes narrowed. He looked Riku up and down. He looked at the four beautiful women and the silver-haired boy standing behind him. "Work?" he scoffed, the word a disbelieving grunt. "People like you don't 'work'. What do you really want here?"
"We really do not want anything more," Riku said, his voice sincere. "We wish to become a part of your community for a while. We want to learn your ways. We want to live as you do. We want to fish as you do, and earn our keep."
The old chief stared at him. The other fishermen exchanged confused, suspicious glances.
Then, the chief burst out laughing. It was not a friendly sound. It was a harsh, scornful cackle that cut through the wind.
