Shortly after meeting Oré, the day’s work had to begin. Enkerai had no idea what to do with himself and was relieved when Oré said that he could accompany him on his duties.

Enkerai immediately liked Oré. He was the same age as Enkerai but seemed a lot smarter and mature. He spoke matter-of-factly and always used the right words to explain things, sometimes words that Enkerai did not understand, but Enkerai listened attentively anyway as they worked.

The duties themselves were relatively tame because of the season: a bit of feeding the labour animals here and a little checking on the smaller gardens there. Rather than quizzing him, Oré simply used the time to explain to Enkerai how far along certain crops were, or where they would be shipped once they were harvested. It was when they were taking a short break after checking on the small tea plantation that Oré decided to test the waters.

“We saw smoke coming from Manyatta a few days ago, we’ve heard reports of merchant convoys being attacked recently as well,” Oré spoke slowly, picking his words carefully, “What exactly happened out there, Enkerai?”

Enkerai paused for a minute then sat on the floor.

“Bandits,” he answered simply.

“Bandits? Here? In the west?” Oré replied in disbelief, “In this quiet part of the country? There’s nothing here!”

“But it’s true,” Enkerai lamented, “they took us by surprise, attacked as the sun was setting.” Enkerai hung his head, “I think I may have been the only one to get out. My brother held them off… he told me to get a message to the army, but I don’t know if he’s okay, I don’t know if my sister’s okay, or my mum and dad. I don’t know anything!” Enkerai smacked the ground with his fist, and pulled his feet up, indifferent to the pain in his hand or the dust falling into the folds of his skirt.

“I’m sorry,” Oré whispered and sat down next to Enkerai silently.

They stayed like that for a few minutes and then Enkerai stood up suddenly.

“What am I doing wasting time here?” Enkerai shouted to no one in particular, “I need to get to the nearest Communication Tower. I need to get help!”

“Hold up, you sure you’re in any state to be going anywhere?”

“It doesn’t matter what state I’m in,” Enkerai said slapping his right fist into his left palm, “This is something I have to do. Where is the nearest tower?”

“Communication Tower? The nearest one’s in Bitpos, a few days journey from here,” Oré said rising to his feet to join his newly energised companion.

“Then there isn’t a moment to waste!” Enkerai proclaimed running back towards the house.

Irokun sat slouched on a small cream sofa in his veranda, taking a break from mending the ploughs when the boys suddenly stumbled up the steps.

“Uncle Irokun!” Enkerai called, “I need to go!”

“Huh?” Irokun sat up and stared at the boy with concern, “You haven’t even been here a day yet. Whatever’s the matter?”

“His village was attacked by bandits!” Oré explained, with more specificity than his new friend, “He was sent to ask for help at the nearest Communication Tower.”

“Bandits?! In West Oorunell?” Irokun’s surprise mirrored that of his sons a few minutes ago.

“Yes! Yes! They attacked at night during our Gauntlet!” Enkerai said, “I’ve wasted so much time already, it’s already been almost a week! My family is back there!”

“Then we best get you moving fast, young Enkerai!”

Irokun and Oré helped pack Enkerai a bag of supplies, tools and spare clothes for the journey, they also gave him some shoes to wear on his feet and a black wool jacket to cover his bare torso. The roads would be rough - even for someone who loved the outdoors.

In a matter of minutes Enkerai was by the door and all set to depart.

“I think that’s everything,” Enkerai said tightening the bag straps. You didn’t have to lend me all this stuff, you know?”

“It’s not a big deal,” Ore said, “We are Oorun, we help each other out.”

“That’s right, in fact - Oh I almost forgot!” Irokun cut of whatever he was going to say and bounded up the narrow stairs and disappeared into a room.

“Enkerai I know that this is a serious mission that you’re on,” Oré said, “But I must say that I’m envious of the fact that you’ll get to travel so much on your own. You’re going to see the world through your own eyes, even if it is just a couple dozen miles east.”

Enkerai smiled, “I’ll be passing back by here soon. Who knows, once this is over and my village is safe, us two may be able to go on an adventure.”

“You think so?” Oré asked, smiling from ear to ear at the idea.

“Yeah! Of course!” Enkerai assured him.

“I think that’d be great!” Oré smiled, and handed Enkerai a map. It was frayed at the edges and light pencil markings could be seen where previous routes had been plotted. “Go along the mountain trail and then take this road to the south here. Then follow it west to Bitpos. Okay?”

“Okay,” Enkerai confirmed and tucked the map into his backpack.

“Wait! Wait, young Enkerai!” Irokun rushed down the stairs holding a long, pale brown piece of wood, the carvings on it seemed to dance along its length.

“My staff!” Enkerai gasped, “I almost forgot it!”

“You overlooked it in the excitement,” Irokun stated panting a bit after his small exertion, “Look after it. It’s a gift from your family, right?”

“Yes, my Mum carved it for me when I turned 15, it’s one of the traditions of Manyatta,” Enkerai replied taking it with both hands.

“Then look after it, it’s all you’ve got of them at the moment,” Irokun reminded him, “Never forget where you came from.”

Enkerai turned to Oré who nodded and smiled.

“Now, of you go, young Enkerai,” Irokun said and threw the front door open with a big sweeping gesture. “Deliver your message and save your people.”