Asha stood at the cave's mouth, the evening sky ablowing with hues of orange and indigo. The wind's song hummed louder, like a thread pulling her northeast. She glanced at the coordinates: 4.7833° S, 38.5167° E – deep into the Shagayu Highlands, a place where mist clung to pines like ghosts.
Kambi appeared beside her, eyes gleaming. "The wind's song is clear. The highlands hold the next clue."
Asha nodded, shouldering her bag. "What about the shadows Malkia warned about?"
"They move with the wind," Kambi whispered. "But the whindi protect those who listen." She pressed a small vial into Asha's hand. "Sage and quartz – to ward off darkness."
Asha tucked the vial away, a plan forming. She'd need supplies for the trek – food, a warmer jacket, maybe a guide.
Back in Mtae, Mama Kiti waited by the fire, face etched with knowing. "The whindi are loud, Asha. Be careful."
Asha showed her the coordinates. "I'll find a guide in Langa. Maybe Omari – he knows the highlands."
Mama Kiti nodded. "He's at the Langa market. Take this." She handed Asha a bundle of dried fish and cassava. "For the road."
Langa village bustled with evening traders. Asha found Omari by the livestock pens, laughing with a goat seller. His eyes lit up when he saw her.
"Asha! What's the trek?"
Asha showed him the coordinates. Omari's face turned serious. "Shagayu? That's Wind Queen territory. I'll come."
Night fell as they set off, stars blinking like lanterns. Asha told Omari about Malkia's message. He nodded, eyes scanning the shadows.
"Sounds like we're hunting treasure _na hatari_ – with danger. But we'll manage."
The path narrowed, pines closing in. Asha felt eyes on her – whindi whispers or something else?
Suddenly, Omari grabbed her arm. "Wait."
A shadow detached from a tree, tall and silent. A figure in a black cloak.
"You're on the wrong path," it said, voice like dry leaves.
Asha's hand went to the vial. The figure chuckled.