And the moan died helplessly.
Neju stood, head bowed until silence came.
"I cannot talk to the Gods," he said. "I am no Chieftain. I am not worthy to talk to Gods."
"We prayed too," a female said. "We all prayed with you. And still they did not answer."
Neju smiled twistedly. "We do not know how to pray. Or the Gods do not know how to listen."
The female said, "They came long ago. Perhaps they have forgotten us."
Silence fell.
Neju looked toward the dead Chieftain. "How can I lead you, unless They make a sign?"
Morning. A corlieu dropped into the clearing to beg for food. A fire sputtered wetly. The mourners came back from the Chieftain's grave (only they knew its location, and the autumn leaves hid the spot).