Benediction

Hesht answered, "I am h- happy and thankful that I am alive, and am not a- alone. As for the g- g- good thing that I did, I brought a b- basket of good th- things to Kh- khanom Shir- Shirini, back in Golabi."

The amuzgar smiled, and nodded his head. Astra knew better than to fill in the details. How much of a favour Shirini may have considered this would be in question. [46947] Still, Hesht managed to reveal little, which was a relief to Astra.

After another brief call and refrain, and a prayer from the amuzgar for the health and safety of all present, the service ended. Astra had hoped to slip out of the room among the farmers, unnoticed by the amuzgar, but he had sought her out, as she had feared. She wanted to appear friendly, but not too friendly.

"So, Khanomam, I have never seen you before. I hope that you liked my poor homily. I am not much of a speaker, I shall admit."

"False modesty is not one of your vices," Astra was tempted to say. However, discretion won out, and she said, "I think that you are very sincere. I have had a tough journey through the Tenge, and I am not at my best. I am just a little tired. So please do not be offended if I do not speak much."

"Well, that does bring up the subject of what you are going to do with the rest of the day."

1. "After going out of doors and getting a bit of exercise, we would like to invite you to listen to Eriki Agha. The topic will be a bit different - new methods of farming."
2. "Boomer has requested your presence elsewhere. I am sorry that you will not be able to join us."

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