The animals only stopped running after Ashwin collapsed on the ground for the third time. Two times before this, the injured apes had started screaming and pulled him by the hands and legs until the boy gathered enough strength to rise. Each time, he told himself it was the last time. No, he certainly wouldn't move a finger, no matter how annoying their squeals were. Yet, his resolve faded quickly. The apes' persistence was one thing, but the other reason that drove him to run was fear of the pursuers. The riders might catch up to them at any moment. Fortunately, the apes didn't stay long in the open, and at the first opportunity, they dove into the forest, deftly moving through the aerial roots of the banyans, which would surely slow down mounted soldiers.

Ashwin was lying on the ground, ignoring the mud on his face, apes poked him in the ribs, and even the commotion among the animals. He had no strength to lift a finger. At least, he had none at that time. When the boy finally sat up and looked around, the beasts were busy checking the plundered goods. Some of them were tearing the fabric into even pieces. Puzzled by their actions, Ashwin thought maybe they were making bandages for injured animals. He instantly dismissed this crazy idea. Why would animals be so smart, especially cannibalistic animals?

The boy slowly stood up. His feet were aching despite the short rest. He noticed a small stream and, limping, headed towards it. Fortunately, another thing of great importance was also there. The ape that had stolen the guard's sword was scooping up water and drinking it. Ashwin gathered his resolve and sat down beside the beast. Its gaze turned away from the stream towards the human. The boy gestured his request: he pointed to the sword, showing the metal threads, and bowed, then tried it all again. He knew that these animals were not completely stupid, but it was difficult to plead without using words. Even if the beast understood, he could only hope that it would be merciful enough to lend him the sword.

After a few attempts, Ashwin raised his gaze. Red eyes stared at him intensely. Then, the ape picked up the sword and swung it. The blade sliced the air with a slashing sound. Ashwin flinched, but the sword stopped before it hit him. The ape clapped its sides and made laughter-like noise. sound. Exhausted from the long run and all the hardships, Ashwin looked at the beast with disdain. 'What did I even hope for?' He started to get up, but the ape pulled him back to the ground by his arm. He was prepared for another trick, but the animal finally began cutting the ropes. One by one, they loosened up. When it was done, the animal grabbed the sword and walked away from the stream. Ashwin watched as his benefactor approached the animals that had torn the stolen clothes to pieces.

Finally, after a whole year, he was able to remove the accursed hide. Ashwin almost leaped out of the hide and splashed water all over his body. The stream was cold, but the boy still felt as if bugs that lived in the fur were still crawling on him. He cast aside all doubts and dived into the water. His skin itched from bites and tight threads. His teeth chattered crazily, but being able to bathe for the first time since that terrible night when the house of Cheda was overthrown was like bliss. When he returned to the bank, the piece of cloth was lying near the hide, seemingly left by someone from apes. The boy used it as a loincloth, but although the weather was warm, he felt embarrassed. He hoped he could use the leftover fabric and wear it as a cloak, but apes rolled it up and took it with them.

The boy opened the shoulder bag that he had taken from the city, but before he could have a proper look at it, one of the apes grabbed the bag and pushed the boy away. Ashwin lost his balance and fell to the ground. He tried to protest, but the animal growled at him and showed sharp canine teeth, forcing the human to give in. It was humiliating enough to be walking around practically naked, but losing his few possessions, which he already considered his own, made him feel miserable beyond measure. The ape thoroughly investigated the contents of the bag, sniffing at unfamiliar things and returning them. The boy stood up, but his momentary courage faded when the beast glared at him. The animal then threw back a small resin box to Ashwin and returned its attention to the bag. Ashwin picked up the box and looked inside. It appeared to contain an untouched matchbox. A valuable item, though holding it in his hands all the time without the ability to store it in a pocket or bag was inconvenient.

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Ashwin looked around, trying to think about the further plan. Should he try and return to people? Certainly, he should. Going to the capital is dangerous, but a smaller town might be a good place to hide and look for his father's followers. On the other hand, he had nothing. No money, no weapons, and even no clothes. How can he survive?

"Should I stay with the monkeys for now?" – he mumbled absent-mindedly.

"Who are you calling monkeys?"

Ashwin flinched and raised his eyes. One of the apes closest to Scarface was standing in front of him on two legs, glaring at the boy. A piece of cloth wrapped around its thighs as a loincloth. The beast raised its paw and pushed the boy in the chest. Ashwin fell back on his back but didn't even notice the pain. Fear took over him as he stared at the ape.

"Enough."

This time, another animal spoke. Now everyone was silent. Scarface approached them and his aide immediately dropped down on all fours. Ashwin wanted to scream, but he felt as if his chest was being squeezed and left without air. No one had ever taught him that the man-eating apes could talk. It should not have been possible. It was simply impossible - their larynxes were incapable of speech. That's what he had learned from Batsa and books. But then, the memories of all the whispers at night in the pit came back to his mind. It made sense now. It wasn't because he was slowly going crazy in the dungeon. They did speak.

Scarface approached the boy and stood on two legs. He looked down at Ashwin, his dark red eyes full of the sense of superiority. The ape opened its mouth and said:

"I saved you. Your life belongs to me. You will come with us."

The boy bluntly asked a tormenting question:

"How can you speak? Man-eating apes can't talk."

Someone snorted, but Scarface just opened his mouth wide. For a moment, he stood there, gaping at the boy. Suddenly, a subdued but clear sound of an explosion came from the ape's throat. The birds hiding in the leaves and grass flew away, scared by the sudden noise. Scarface stared at the stunned boy.

"My kind possesses sound magic. It can hardly be called valuable, though. And we don't talk with humans like you don't speak with flydeers," - the leader of the apes leaned forward and poked the boy on the forehead. – So, what are you going to be: a member of my troop or my prey?"

Ashwin stared back at the red eyes, instead of averting his gaze. The unreal nature of this conversation and the overall situation made him forget about the animal's principles of submission.

"The answer is obvious – I don't want to be a flydeer."

"That's what I thought."

Scarface straightened up. The apes were looking at the scene, impatiently waiting for the result. Some were disappointed by the outcome, but whether they wanted blood or not wanted the conflict at all remained unknown to Ashwin. Scarface looked around to make sure everyone was gathered and paying attention. Only then did he command:

"Let's go!"