«That-that is the way in England?» said Tulu. He was not quite able to keep his voice steady.

Blade was tempted to say «Of course»-as unpleasantly as possible. It was fairly obvious that in the Empire slaves no longer able to do their jobs were killed, discarded like worn-out furniture or a broken sword.

Instead, he said only, «Yes, that is the way of the men of England.»

«It is-it is not our way, although one hears of it in the Five Sea Kingdoms,» the duke said quietly. «But I will thank you for it. It is good to know that Tzimon will fight again in my service. As for Dzhai-«He hesitated.

Blade broke in. «As for Dzhai, I have said that I cannot myself be sure of doing anything for him. I am a stranger, and you say the laws of Saram are harsh toward strangers. But is it permitted to do one favor for a stranger?»

The duke nodded.

«Then I ask you to find Dzhai a post where he can continue to serve you as loyally as he has served you until now. That is the greatest favor you could grant me.»

«It is also the strangest favor I have ever heard anyone ask,» said the duke, his face slowly brightening into a smile. «It does you much honor, though. In any case, it will not be the only favor we grant you. Our laws are harsh, true, but not that harsh. You will sleep apart from us, in a tent of your own, and will be guarded day and night. Otherwise you shall eat as we eat, drink as we drink, and receive all else that the laws and customs of hospitality demand of us for a guest who has proven himself honorable.» The duke and Tulu bowed.

The tent they erected for Blade was small and low. Its leather was pierced with holes through which the wind whistled angrily. The furs they spread on the ground for him were dirty and musty smelling. Blade insisted on holding them briefly in the smoke of the campfire to drive out the odors and any vermin that might be infesting them. Then he threw the furs down on the floor of the tent and lay down on top of them. Through the holes in the tent he could see his two guards taking up their positions. Blade rolled himself up snugly in the threadbare blankets.