Chapter 14 Call Master Ozubani Over

As they reached the eastern pond, a tense hush fell over the gathering. The smell of stagnant water and something faintly metallic hung in the air. The surface of the pond shimmered under the afternoon sun, but it was not beautiful; it was unsettling. Dozens of lifeless fish bloated belly-up, some already bloated, others drifting slowly toward the banks. The Minister stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the grim sight. His voice was heavy with disbelief. “These fishes were alive this morning,” he said, scanning the surface. “How could they die like this… so suddenly?”