«It was said even in England that Kul-Nam made it hard for his enemies to come at him,» said Blade. «I see that what was said was true.»

«Indeed it was,» said the duke. «But here we are, coming to the gate. We would do well to talk of this at another time and place, if we have the chance.»

The preliminary formalities for a visit to the Emperor took several hours. There were horses to be stabled, the fighters and servants to be assigned quarters, scented baths to be taken, and ceremonial clothes to be unpacked and put on.

When Blade disarmed, he asked Dzhai to take charge of the belt and commando knife. This was intended to honor the man; it was also intended to put the knife in the care of someone who would have some reason to take care of it. It was as much as Blade could do to keep the knife safe.

The house master did not seem to care where Blade was from or what he might or might not be. Duke Boros of the noble House of Kudai had taken the stranger under his protection and wished to bring him before the Emperor. So be it. That placed the matter in the hands of His Magnificence, and none below him might now presume to decide upon it.

«The will of the Emperor shall be done,» said the house master, bowing his head. Duke Boros and Tulu also bowed their heads. All the non-nobles within earshot knelt, eyes on the floor, and thumped the floor three times with their clenched right fists. After a moment's hesitation, Blade imitated the duke and his son.

«However, that is not the end of my duties in this matter,» the house master went on, with a severe look at Blade's clothes. They were dirty, travel-stained, and generally disreputable. «If he is a prince of England, he must appear before His Magnificence in something more suitable to his rank!»