My sailboat was packed and ready to go. In addition to the supplies needed for the trip, I also had a small collection of iron tools I made for myself, seeds for the herbs used in the bonding ritual and for flavoring food which I would try to cultivate back among the Uli, and a small collection of my Sheowon-made possessions that I couldn’t bear to part with. I also had a small, newly carved statuette of the All-Bonded to bring with me on my journey.I had already spoken with the admin about the route. The thing about directions was that it needed a destination. I considered going back to the tar pits, or the tribe that had settled where I grew up, but there was only one real option. I was headed back to my own tribe, to finish what I had started.The admin’s guidance would help me avoid any storms like the one which brought me to the Sheowon; without a compass or any navigation knowledge, her directions were based largely on sunrise, sunset, and various landmarks. It was completely insufficient to get a comprehensive, reliable route back, but she assured me she would be watching my progress the entire way, and that I should pray regularly to get updates, to ensure I stayed on course. So long as her attention was on me, my boat would act like a location of worship for the goddess, just for her blessed missionary.My sending-off was more of an event than I expected. Ibriya, Shappi, and Mowala were there, of course, but so were Weomik and the other smithy apprentices. The elders Yishola, Owawu, Nupeal, and Brumesh had all gathered, as had my former captors-turned-guardians, Ushem, Pliwa, Keo, and Lowar.Several other Sheowon I had grown to know over the years, helping out with digging turf and harvesting livestock and building new structures, were also gathered to see me on my way.“Thank you all for accepting me as part of your village these past years,” I said to the group.Ibriya, Shappi, and Mowala gave me another hug, then (...)