"Instead of living with the loss, knowing they would bare great loneliness, they decided to die rather than carry on by themselves." Several hours after the sun rose high in the sky, the two continued south on their journey back to Pomperaque. The next five days were relaxing and uneventful, in comparison to their trek through the forest. Many animals were seen along this path but none seemed hostile -- to the men's relief. They only had the one weapon left between them. Physically, they were becoming weaker with each meter that they travelled, but regardless of their discomfort, they relentlessly carried-on. On their eleventh day of travel they came across a God-sent farming community where they replenished their food and water supplies. There they spent the evening listening to tales of a once great nation before the great scourge of man. They already knew all the truth, but they didn't anticipate the stories events, and they both kept their knowledge to themselves. They knew that Manguino's spies and his influence were already reaching into the hearts of little towns, such as this one. A small skirmish broke-out in the town that night. It was all about the tales of the old ways, but Lloyd and Boyce laughed at the fisticuff like it was part of the story being told, and later graciously accepted an offer by an older man to spent the evening on his farm. "The loft in my stable is dry and very warm." promised the old man. Refreshed, with a new supply of food and water, they continued south until two days later they saw the Sedarin capital on the horizon of the Sedarin Plateau. They spent the evening on a small mesa several kilometres from Sedara and the next morning they made their way into the heart of the city. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE Entering the city, Lloyd refreshed for Boyce the details and customs that were peculiar to the Sedash. "They're hermaphrodites, but some exhibit qualities that are more inclined to one, or other, sex to which we are accustomed." "How can you tell which is which?" "You will be able to tell." Lloyd grinned. "They wear obvious clothing, and the two distinct types do carry themselves in a noticeable manner. Plus their title will be the give-away. Those hailed as 'Mas', in their name are the more masculine type. Those that are the more feminine are addressed as 'Dam'." Lloyd recounted the basic formalities of custom for Boyce and explained that these people were not known to be very hostile. Yet, just as they neared the city centre they were surrounded by a dozen of the city's Eminent - the palatial security force. "You are not of our people!" accused one of the guards, pressing the tip of their lance up against Lloyd's throat. The others did the same to Boyce. Surprised by this, the two men stared at the main guard, and expressed their displeasure at the aggressive halt of their path to the palace.