Gara's failure only dampened his mood for a moment. Before long, his energy bounced back.
Together with Madha, he headed to the river to collect another water sample and check the condition of the stream.
If the water became contaminated again after purification, then the real problem lay in the source.
The village itself was quiet, but the road to the river was even more desolate. Everyone who once lived nearby had long since abandoned the area. Nobody wanted to stay close to contaminated water.
With a flick of his hand, Gara called the river's flow to rise. The water curled upward and poured neatly into the leather flask hanging at his waist.
Just as they turned to leave, a rustling sound broke from the thickets.
Gara instinctively moved closer. If it was a villager, he'd greet them. If it was a wild beast, well, better to hunt it down before it harmed anyone.
He and Madha pushed through the bushes, following the noise until the source came into view.
Mohan and Kian.
