Su'li sensed something and touched Mishka's shoulder. The latter turned towards him, forcing a smile.
"I do not need to remind you not to do anything foolish, do I?" Su'li asked, smiling back at Mishka. "The entire future of the tribe depends on your actions. Please the God, and we shall sing your name. Dare sully his name, and his wrath shall burn everything."
Mishka didn't reply, which irked Su'li, but before he could curse the child, his father came rushing to the rescue.
"Mishka understands what he has to do, don't you, son?" he asked, and once again Mishka nodded.
Su'li kept staring at him for a minute before turning away.
"I will be waiting for you in the divine chariot," he said and left.
As soon as he did, Mishka's mother broke into tears and hugged him. His father remained rooted to the spot, sighing as it was the only thing he could do.
"It's all my fault…"
He broke down crying, cursing wildly at anything and everything.
