The Killer

Inder's father stood before the boat and pushed it into the water completely. He took a step back and Alder handed him the bow and an arrow. He signalled Edwina to come forward. She hesitated but a nudge from Aaron and she came forward.

"Light it up!" commanded Alder.

"Me? You want me to light up the arrow?" asked Edwina.

"It is because of you that my son is getting a proper funeral. Please bless him with this act," said Inder's father.

"You told him?" asked Edwina to Alder.

"Were we going to hide that?" smiled Alder.

"I don't mean that way."

"Don't think just act! Do the honours," said Alder. Edwina nodded and brought up a torch near the arrow and lit it up. Within a second the arrow's head caught on fire. A tear dropped from Inder's father's eyes. He sniffled and shot the arrow. The pyre was silent for a while and then the crackling of fire was audible all the way to the riverbank.