Chien nodded. ‘A graceful apology, sir. Perhaps you would follow me, and then we can see to the introductions? There is venison and a warm fire in the cave.’
Chien spun on his heel and marched off, followed by Oshi. Beltzer grinned. ‘Plucky little game-cock, isn’t he? I’m damned if I don’t like him.’
‘That is just as well,’ said Chareos softly. ‘Had you attacked him he would have killed you.’ Without another word Chareos stepped into the saddle and touched his heels to the grey.
At the cave the questors finished the venison with a speed that, to Chien at least, was more gorging than dining. Still, they were barbarians after all, and little more could be expected of them.
‘Where is Asta Khan?’ asked Chareos, wiping the fat from his fingers on to the front of his shirt.
‘Sleeping,’ answered Chien. ‘He will join us this evening. Perhaps we could complete the introductions?’
‘Of course. Well, that is Beltzer.’ The giant grinned and thrust out a hand. Chien looked down at it with some distaste. It had all the aesthetic appeal of a shovel: the fingers were thick and short, ingrained with dirt, and there were grease stains on the skin. Chien sighed and gripped the hand briefly. Harokas merely nodded, as did Tanaki, but Kiall also offered his hand. This one at least was clean.
‘So why is an ambassador from the east dressed as a Nadir rider?’ asked Chareos.
Chien told him of the bridal gift, and of the attack upon his party. ‘Unfortunately treachery is a way of life among the Nadir,’ he said.
‘Not only the Nadir,’ put in Tanaki, her face blushing. ‘The Gothir too have a long history of betrayal and broken promises.’
‘I am sorry, Princess,’ said Chareos. ‘You are of course correct; it was a discourteous comment. But tell me, ambassador, what are your plans? Why have you not tried to reach a port for a ship home?’
‘All in its own time, Chareos,’ answered the warrior. ‘But for now I have offered my aid to Asta Khan, and he is willing to help you. That, I believe, makes us companions.’
‘You are more than welcome to travel with us, but I would appreciate knowing your purpose. It does not sit well with me to have a comrade whose plans are a mystery.’
‘That I can understand. But I will follow your lead and even your instructions as leader of the group. You need know no more. When my own plans are more stone than smoke, I will inform you – and we will part company.’
Chien moved to the rear of the cave and settled down alongside a second fire, built for him by Oshi. He was more relaxed now. Chareos was almost civilised, and a thinking man. Beltzer was obviously no great thinker, but he wielded the huge axe as if it was no weight at all. The woman was unusual – great facial beauty, but with a body too stringy and boylike for Chien’s taste. Yet her eyes radiated strength and purpose. Chien could identify no weak point within the group, and that pleased him.
He settled down to sleep.
Chareos wandered to the cave-mouth, looking up at the stars. There were few clouds and the vault of Heaven was enormous, breathtaking in its scale.
‘Welcome to my hearth,’ said a sibilant voice and
Chareos felt the hairs at the nape of his neck stiffen. He turned slowly. Squatting in the shadows was an old man, wearing a thin loin-cloth of skin and a necklace of human teeth.
‘Thank you, Asta Khan,’ replied Chareos, moving to sit opposite the old man. ‘I am glad to see you well.’
‘Your aid was vital. I will not forget it.’
‘Okas is dead,’ said Chareos.
‘I know. Protecting me was a great trial for him and he had little strength left. Now I shall aid you. I know a way into the city – into the bowels of the palace. There you can rescue the woman.’
‘Why would you do this, shaman? And do not tell me about paying a debt: that is not the Nadir way. What do you hope to gain?’