He needed their claim to be destroyed.
And if Elias could be declared a son of the Creed, the family structure changes.
The mine has returned to the council.
Silas' council.
Mara whispered, “So he whipped me because I didn’t give her the kids.”
David closed his eyes.
"Yes."
Elias looked at him.
“Was you there?”
David did not answer.
“Was you there?”
"No."
- Too fast.
Again. Again.
Elias hit him.
David fell to the floor.
Mara was out of air.
Elias took his coat.
“Say the truth.”
“I was there.”
The sea's face is broken.
David looked at her.
“I was tied under the platform.”
She stared.
“I heard you screaming.”
“Stop.”
“I heard it called the girls raced.”
“Stop.”
“I try to get out.”
“Stop!”
Mara slapped him.
- Once.
Hard. Hard.
Then collapse against the wall.
David did not himself.
“I’m sorry.”
Mara start crying.
Not softly this time.
