More Delwok/.Natali.

"Merely a formality, paati." He bowed.

Oru returned it, deeply. He then beckoned his men to gather round him. They crowded in on each side of him, shoulder to shoulder, three or four men deep. He raised his hands and closed his eyes. Wordlessly he spoke good favor over them, the soduus, and looked at them.

Though their eyes remained closed, as he finished the soduus, as a body their faces turned to the sky, as if involuntarily.

Oru smiled at each of his young men, and each in return. And then, clasping each others' hands, the turned away from Oru as a group and left him, headed for the capitol's southern gate, and thence home.

It would be many months before Oru could hope to see any of them again.