13

The Goddess teaches us that we, her Daughters, are sacred.

But what about this man? And the other men?

Shouldn't I try to save him like I would anyone who needed my help? His cuts are deep, but even before I think about it consciously, my mind knows what steps I should take to tend to his wounds.

I go to the entrance of the hideout and sit looking out as the angry waves come in and wash my legs.

The storm is devouring the world.

The Goddess brought the stranger to me, so that I could see him.

Is it a test?

I heard the thunder all day. None of my Sisters heard it, not even Arina, who sees everything. Not even Irvina, who knows all the secrets of time. None of them saw it. Just me.

I look over my shoulder at the unconscious foreigner.

Your life is in my hands.

If I were with my Sisters, sleeping, he would die on the beach. When he went hunting I would find his body. Some of the Mothers would see his body when they went out on their walks before sunrise. Or else he would be swallowed by