The women fled to the huts--the men ran like rats to shelter.

But the executioner of Bekwando, who was a fetish man and holy, stood his ground and pointed his knife at Trent.

Two others, seeing him firm, also remained.

The moment was critical.
"Cut those bonds!" Trent ordered, pointing to the boy.
The fetish man waved his hands and drew a step nearer to Trent, his knife outstretched.

The other two backed him up.