Mashuwa paused, with the last strand of rope in his hand, looking away into the distance.

“And you’re a coward,” Nathaniel said.

He charged, drawing the dagger backwards and aiming for Mashuwa’s neck. Mashuwa stepped deftly aside and sent him sprawling to the dusty ground.

He forced himself over onto his back and brought the dagger out above him, but Mashuwa just stood over him with an impassive expression.

“If you are determined to fight,” he said, “then you must first regain your strength. I have water and food.”

“We don’t need your help,” Nathaniel snarled, dragging himself back to his feet. “We don’t need anything from you.”

“However,” Mashuwa said, &ldquo...

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