When the list of questions presented itself, Ren picked one that seemed to matter most.
"Why do you defend this clan so much," he asked, "if they go against what you believe? Is it part of your calling—to bring stray clans back to the faith of the Gods?"
Zukulum's eyes softened. For a moment, she didn't speak. The wrinkles around her face deepened as a sad smile slowly formed on her lips. "Sharina's mother was my long-time friend. We go back far—long before Sharina was even born."
Her voice was low and weary, carrying the weight of memory. "One day, we got separated. I was lost in the forest, hungry, and afraid. I thought that was the end for me. When I was ready to die, a God saved me."
