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The old woman dropped her hand to cover Annja's. "You're changing, child.
Growing new eyes and seeing new things. You'll be more than you ever thought
you could be, but you can't go back to being what you once were. That isn't
what being a champion is about."
"How do you know all this?"
Jaineba smiled. "Because I've known champions before, and I know how they
live." Her face saddened. "I know how they die, too. So you be careful out
there, Annja Creed, while you're finding your way through your new life. Given
the chance, I'd like to meet you again when you get back this way."
The sound of children's laughter invaded the hut and brought a smile to the
old woman's face. Then she turned back to Annja.
"Your life is going to be hard at times," the old woman said. "Filled with
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some hard choices to make and hard things to see."
"I kind of get that, but I don't know what I'm supposed to do about it," Annja
said.
"Well, child, what you should do is take time to wash the elephants."
Puzzled, Annja smiled and shook her head. "Take time to wash the elephants?"
"That's right."
Bashir parted the cloth covering the door and stuck his head into the room.
"Hey, Annja."
"Hey, Bashir," Annja replied.
"Want to help wash the baby elephant?"
Annja looked at the old woman in surprise.
Jaineba nodded solemnly and shooed her away with one hand.
"Sure," Annja said.
"Great!" Bashir trotted over and extended his hand.
Annja let the boy help her up. Then she held Bashir's hand, enjoying the boy's
excitement, and went out into the bright sunlight to wash the elephant.
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