Chapter One - Richard Lewis

seeing a glow would not be curious. They would think a leyak witch was up to her magic,
procuring water from the dark pond for her terrible rites, and would stay well away.
The three men squatted on the ground by the banyan tree, the oil lantern hanging
from a crook of branch, swaying slightly, throwing their shadows. Later Mantera would
tell Arini that it seemed to be those odd, shifting, contorted shadows that had discussed
what needed to be done.
Mantera's shadow bending and twisting as he explained the danger of Catra's
letter. The military will torture you to reveal Luhde Srikandi's identity, Mantera said. He
did not mention Arini by name. What need was there of that? Catra huddled, his shadow
a quiet and confused darkness.
Dharma's shadow swayed angrily as he told his younger brother that he must
abandon Arini, give her up like he would an unfaithful wife.
Catra straightened, and his shadow grew larger and darker and menacing. I will
kill the man who betrays her, he said. This kind and gentle schoolteacher suddenly
showing the blade. A wind sliced through the graveyard and set the lantern's flame to
trembling, and it was as if the shadows of the other two men quivered to the force of his
words.
Catra said to Dharma, You must promise me, elder brother, you must promise on
the Gods and all our deified ancestors that you will protect my wife Arini.
Dharma growled, he tried to slip and slide away and not be grasped, but Catra
inexorably kept after him until he made his solemn vow.
Then this is what we must do, Dharma said, taking charge once more. If Luhde
Srikandi needs to be found, then by the Gods, she will be found and silenced before
anyone can question her.
But who? Mantera asked. How?
On the night of the new moon we will gather up the Gerwani whores, Dharma
said, and I will pluck one from their midst. I know just the woman. I will hold high her
bloody head and say to the world, this is the witch Luhde Srikandi!
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