Invisible pulses, sounding in the distance, like heartbeats. Welcome, a far-off, masculine voice said, my son. “Patji!” Dusk said, springing to his feet. “What has happened to me?” It is the final step of your training. “All along,” he said. “If we’d eaten the worms… If anyone eats the worms…” Anyone? The voice laughed. Do I bless anyone? “No,” Dusk whispered. “Only those who are tested.” And who survive, Patji said.
