Chapter 26 - The Rite of Kings
The scent of fresh soap lingered in the air, a strange yet welcome addition to Nuri.
Khisa had spent weeks perfecting the process, mixing animal fat, ash, and water to create a substance that would save lives. The first batches had been uneven, some too soft, others too harsh, but after several attempts, he had finally mastered it.
Each household received a bar of soap, and he took it upon himself to teach them how to use it.
At first, many of the villagers had laughed at the idea. "Water has always been enough," they argued.
But Khisa had been prepared for their skepticism.
He turned to the children.
Gathering them near the river, he clapped his hands together and grinned.
"We're going to learn a song," he declared.
At first, they fidgeted, unsure. Then, as he began singing, the rhythm caught their attention:
"Rub your hands, scrub them well!
Clean and fresh, no dirt to tell!