goddess Bey, and not a young woman. "We did not expect garlands and parades whenwe came here," she explained flatly. "The Set-mur have a saying: 'New fish arebought with blood.' We knew there would be hardship, maybe death, wherever wewent; Beysib themselves are slow to change and slower to accept change they donot want. That is why we have restrained our retribution when our people havebeen slaughtered. We had hoped gold would be enough; but if it must be ourblood, then it will be-and theirs as well."

Hakiem hawked and spat on the polished floor. The Beysa did not threaten often,nor well. "We have a saying too," he retaliated. "'Never pay the asking price-even if you can afford it.' Don't be blind to the first positive sign I've seenwander through this room. Didn't you look at that delegation? Beysib and Ilsigand Rankan, together, proposing a joint action other than slitting each others'throats! Who cares if the boat is necessary-just let them build it!"

The shapely breasts rose and fell in a great sigh. "Ah... we see your point.Yes, the boat shall be built regardless of the cost or need."

"Nonsense," Hakiem said with a grin, "never pay the asking price. Make themsubmit an accounting; question every board and nail on it. They'll cheat youanyway, but there's no sense in letting them think you don't care about money;they care very much about it. But you must discuss the matter with the Prince."

"Why?" She was sincere, and that pained Hakiem even more.

"Wood is scarce in Sanctuary, and the building of a new boat will require thefelling of trees. For generations the Governor has been the protector of ourlittle forests. If you have truly left Kadakithis as governor, then he mustissue die edict about the trees-or you should not pretend that he is governor ofanything."

The Beysa smiled as she nodded her understanding of the situation, and was about