Asha went to Rashida after the warriors left for Vrika’s shrine. She found Rashida at her loom, weaving. Asha sat and plaited a mat as Rashida worked on her cloth, her movements unhurried and deft. She was one of the best weavers, her cloth was sought by traders from far away.
“I know whom he seeks, this Angulimaal” Asha said, presently.

“Oh? And who does he seek, in your opinion?”

“He seeks Vayu”

Rashida’s hands stopped working for a brief moment
“And how do you know that?” she asked.

“Because I know who Angulimaal is” Asha said, quietly.

Rashida stopped her work, and motioned to Asha to continue. Asha spoke her thoughts, explaining how she had arrived at her conclusion.

The man who is both young and old – Vayu, because he is a young man, yet his hair is grey, like that of an old man.

The man who is neither of the living nor among the dead…Vayu, because he was on his way to Catal Huyuk when the flood came, having been accused of a crime of murder, he had been sent to the Holy City to be judged.

He was neither counted among the living nor among the dead, because for those of his village who had judged him, he was forbidden to join in the daily life of his people, and no one was to associate with him.

Rashida listened and nodded. “That much, I had guessed at. But the identity of Angulimaal?”

“It can only be Iral. Tarik explained to us earlier how Iral’s mind had become tainted, affected by his hatred of Vayu. He had come to believe in the story he had spread about Vayu, until he had wiped out his own guilt from his memory. He had also become convinced of his own God-given mission towards the end, with all those sacrifices to the Gods.
Tarik left the flooded village in his boat, with other survivors. But yet, none of them saw Iral die. From the descriptions of Iral I have from the others, I know that he is a powerfully built man. The actions of Angulimaal so far, his senseless cruelty and violence, point to a mind that is not healthy.
But, he also has the gift of speech, because he can convince so many people of things they would never believe otherwise. That would show why he now has many more warriors at his side than he did before.
Besides, he seeks for Vayu among the refugees. He knows, somehow, that Vayu did not head to Catal Huyuk, that he is still in this area.” Asha finished talking and looked earnestly at Rashida.

“Well reasoned!” said Rashida, “You will make a good Elder someday. It was my conclusion, also. I spoke about it to Vayu before they left, and he knew, too. I do not believe Vayu is guilty of what he was accused. I have heard out all of his companions on this issue, and I have spoken with him as well, at length.”

When Asha looked surprised, Rashida smiled, and said, “My dear, I must have knowledge of those that I would grant refuge in our territory. I am responsible for the well-being of this village. I had your version of the events, too, if you remember.”

“Our men are not fighters, Rashida. I am worried for our people. I am worried for Vayu, and for his people, too. I have been speaking with the traders that pass through, and they said that there are raiding parties roaming the area, carrying away people to sell as slaves in the cities to the south. They have never bothered us, so far in the north, and in the hills. But now they are ranging farther north than usual. The floods have made for easy pickings for them up here.

“We must do the best we can, my dear. Life cannot stop out of fear. Now I must go to the temple, and see to the Goddess’ rites. It is time to light the evening lamps. If I judge correctly, the men will be back soon from the Wolf-headed one’s cave. Don’t worry about Angulimaal and his men. I have sent posted sentries around the periphery of the village, and luckily we are on a height, we can see them approach if they come.

Vayu’s people will stay at our village until this menace is past. They are waiting at the temple. Hush, girl, enough questions today. Come.” Rashida had put away her work neatly as she spoke, and now she picked up her long wrap, lit a bird shaped clay lamp, and walked out.