J’An Nasrim was on his way back to the women when Jebel spoke quickly. “Sir, I need help. I wouldn’t ask except…” He trailed off into silence.

“Except there’s nobody else around!” J’An laughed. He cast a curious eye over Jebel, then clapped his hands. “Away, wenches. This young um Wadi requires my advice. I’ll track you down later if I can find my way back.”

The women grumbled, but J’An tossed some swagah their way and that calmed their tempers. Wrapping an arm around Jebel, he led him to a quieter square, where they could sit on a warped bench and talk without having to shout.

“So,” J’An said when they were settled, “how can I be of help?”

Jebel wasn’t sure how to start. After a short silence, he blurted out, “I’m going on a quest.”

J’An squinted. “You’re a little on the young side but old enough, I guess. You want me to share a few travel tips with you?”

“No. The quest is… it’s not straightforward…. I mean… oh, I’m going to Tubaygat!” Jebel cried. “I want to petition Sabbah Eid.”

J’An Nasrim blinked. A few seconds later, he blinked again. “Well,” he said, scratching the tattoo of a woman on his left arm. “Tubaygat… I can’t help you with that. Never been farther north than Disi, and that was by boat. Dangerous country, Abu Saga.”

“I know,” Jebel said. “But that’s not what I wanted to ask you about. I’m stuck already. I need a slave, but I’ve no idea how to get one.”

J’An frowned. “Can’t your father help?”

“He doesn’t know,” Jebel whispered.

J’An’s frown deepened, then cleared. “Of course. I heard about Rashed’s announcement. Early retirement so his sons might compete for the honor of replacing him. But the way I heard it, he only spoke of his eldest boys.”

“Word of my humiliation has even made it to Fruth,” Jebel snarled.

“Never underestimate those who serve,” J’An said. “Slaves here often know of city intrigues hours before anybody else.”