VALERIA

"No, no, please don’t kneel," I stop her just as she’s about to kneel before me.

"I will speak to everyone. I was the wife of the former village chief—they listen to my opinion."

"I’ll also speak on your behalf, don’t worry," the guide chimes in with a smile, the same man I gave a few coins to when we arrived, so he could lead me to the deceiving witch’s house.

I thank them, and although this small village may seem insignificant, it’s the first step toward changing the hearts of the peo