Let me briefly explain where a Manitou falls on the spirit scale, as it's more than just a power thing. Yes, Manitou are usually force four or above (the average of their statistics by your System, usually). My reticule told me that the spirit of that hill was a seven, but I can count on one hand the level of faith I have in my System's numbers. It can't even...
Ah, but I'm letting myself get distracted. Manitou are powerful spirits, but it is more than that. There is a matter of an injustice, usually by mortals, that turns the spirit hostile. Not a passing anger, but an ongoing rage that can last for generations.
And this one seemed angry at me, in particular.
<I can sense your anger.> I sent. <Have I in some way offended?>
<As if you don't know.> it huffed.
<I am a Truthspeaker.> I said. <I literally cannot lie to you.>
<So you say now. But your actions betray you.>
<Which actions?> I asked.
<You must already know!>
I had originally scheduled a discussion between Rhishisikk and the Manitou, with Rhishi denying he'd done anything wrong. And... Truthspeaker.
Not just Truthspeaker, but an oath that literally keeps him from lying. And so, a re-write was in order. Hope it meets with your approval.
As for the hobgoblin, he'll be back on his feet in eight days, given the medical care he has access to. We'll see him later, and I'm kind of sorry for not giving his name this chapter.
But regrets aside, it is your continued readership that keeps me writing; I cannot find the words to properly thank you.