“Hunkapa like.” The largest member of their party grunted approvingly. “Pretty place.”
“Too many people.” When Ehomba glanced warningly at the big cat, Ahlitah growled irritably. “I know, I know: I can’t eat anyone. At least not until after we’ve recovered this waylaid female.”
“We are conspicuous,” the herdsman reminded them unnecessarily, thinking out loud, “but this is another large and cosmopolitan city. A seaport as well. With luck our presence will go unremarked upon by the authorities until we have accomplished what we came for. Time is therefore most important.”
“Hoy, since when wasn’t it?” Simna commented dryly. “Myself, I’d like to take the time to linger and sample the delights a grand city like this surely has on offer, but after we’ve taken the treasure—and the lady, of course—I know how vital it’ll be for us to depart posthaste.” He winked at his lanky companion. “It was clever of you, bruther, to engage two such big and strong associates as the carpet and the cat. Either of them can haul more gold and jewels than the two of us put together.”
“I am certain they have that capability.” Ehomba’s reply was devoid of sarcasm.
“And after we’ve made our escape, we’ll head back through these same mountains.” The swordsman was well satisfied with his imagined plan of action. “Outraged as they’ll be, the authorities might pursue us for a while, if they manage to pick up our trail, but I’ve yet to meet the soldier who’d challenge all the country we’ve recently traversed, even on pain of lashing.” He grinned at the herdsman. “Besides, they’ll have no sorcerer along to help them deal with hypnotic, swallowing salts and the eager denizens of places like Skawpane.”