[ He blinks a few times, then looks down into the hole, thoughtful. ]

I never thought about it that way - but no, I don't think so. The scripture shows the first Rifter in the form of a womann, but others have been reborn as men. [ Hence the statue here. ] The Payshmura's fight against witches started with a kingdom to the east. It was said to be ruled by sorceresses who spoke a devil tongue.

[ He frowns deeply. ]

The Payshmura used the Rifter the destroy them. They're long gone, and nothing grows in that place anymore.

[ That is how strong the Rifter's power is, how dangerous it can be to the land itself - and why even though the Rifter is not evil, the name brings fear to the people.

At the final question, he nods slowly, meeting her gaze again. Like this story, it's not something he has shared with many people here. It is dangerous to admit, he believes. ]

Before I came here, I knew of two worlds. My own, and Nayeshi. A version of your Earth, I think. My people consider it to be Paradise, but they know very little about it besides what the scripture says. I lived there for ten years.

[ A beat, his features grow tense. ] I promised Rousma that when I became the Kahlil, I would find a way to free her and bring her there.

[ That was why it was so important to him to be chosen. So that they could both be free one day. But then John had found the key... ]