An Unforgettable Renepet

Three months later, on the nineteenth day of the month of Djehouty — the Renepet.

The entire continent was abuzz. This day marked the new year, and everyone celebrated it with family, carrying out the rituals to their tutelary gods.

Everyone… except in Dalo, in Kong.

Cries of distress, weeping and lamentation could be heard from certain households. Patrols moved back and forth, asking questions, trying to understand what was happening.

Bala paid Echuranmi a visit to take stock of the situation.

**Echuranmi, relaxed:** "Good morning, my friend. Have a seat. Here — I was given this just this morning."

He held out a glass of fresh bandji. Bala took it, drank a long sip, and set the glass down for a moment.

**Bala:** "Thank you. Ah, that hits the spot."

He settled in, sipping his drink.

**Bala:** "Tell me… are you aware of what's been going on lately?"

**Echuranmi, serious:** "Yes, of course. Far too many children have gone missing these past few weeks."

**Bala:** "It's been going on for a while now, and yet we have no leads. No intrusion, no exfiltration, no intruder spotted. We don't know which way to turn."

**Echuranmi, doubtful:** "I've been thinking about it for some time. It's possible that the angle of investigation isn't the right one."

**Bala, confused:** "What do you mean by that?"

**Echuranmi:** "Let's say that what's happening might be part of a coordinated attack."

**Bala, lost:** "What! You mean one of the other kingdoms is attacking us?"

**Echuranmi:** "It's only a hypothesis. But it's possible that an old event is connected to all of this."

**Bala:** "What event are you referring to?"

**Echuranmi:** "Do you remember the battle of Djinbokro, between Kano and Tanetier, in 710?"

**Bala:** "Yes, of course. That was the last battle of that scale before this era of stability."

**Echuranmi:** "Well, it's possible that these two matters are linked."

**Bala, surprised:** "How so?"

**Echuranmi:** "After the battle, there were many orphans. Among them, only sixteen were mentally stable. The others would harm themselves, take their own lives, or attack the adults around them. If you ask me… it was some form of mind control. One way or another, it must have been a full-scale test. For what purpose, I don't know — and that's precisely why it remains a hypothesis."

**Bala:** "Sixteen… did you count Badie in that number?"

**Echuranmi:** "Yes, I included your servant."

He paused.

**Echuranmi:** "However, if what I believe is true, it would mean that Kano is involved. And by extension… that it is Kanda who drew these children to her."

**Bala, horrified:** "Good God… Even though it remains a hypothesis, I can't overlook this. I'll steer the investigations in that direction."

**Echuranmi:** "Do so. And good luck."

**Bala:** "Thank you. And thank you for the good dji."

He drained what was left in his glass in one go and took his leave.

Echuranmi remained seated for a moment, still. Then he rose slowly, his eyes fixed on the horizon.

**Echuranmi, to himself:** "What did I miss…"