29th of Marpenoth

Bourdekin prayed.
 
She seldom prayed, at least in the traditional sense. She would ask the Raven Queen for protection, or to care for the souls she sent. She would carry on one-sided conversations with her goddess, sharing news of the mortal realm. But she did not pray.
 
However, this was different. Popobowa - no, Eshowdow - demanded the lives of Mwaxanare and Na in exchange for sparing Chult from further harm. Logically it made sense - two lives to spare tens of thousands was a reasonable trade. Besides, who would miss the princess, with the possible exception of Cousin Beatrix? Certainly not Wakanga's put-upon staff or anyone else who had to deal with her self-absorbed haughtiness.
 
But Prince Na had such potential. Never had Bourdekin worked with a pupil who showed such immense promise, such an affinity for the art of science. He reminded her of, well, her. Would sacrificing his life now really be a fair exchange? Who knew what kind of medical breakthroughs he might discover? Na could potentially save hundreds of thousands, or even millions of lives through his research if given the chance.
 
Bourdekin beseeched her goddess for guidance, to help her see the right path, to determine if Na was worth more lives by living or by dying.
 
Bourdekin prayed....