"For one year-and I keep thename?"

      "Yes."

      He thought of the challenge of it, thechance to test his theories in action. "I accept the offer."

      They reached across the table and shookhands gravely. "Tomorrow we begin the empire," Sol said.

      The girl looked up. "I would comewith you," she said. Sol smiled, not looking at her. "She wants yourbracelet again, Sos."

      "No." She was troubled, seeingher hints come to nothing. "Not-without-"

      "Girl," Sol reminded hersternly, "I want no woman. This man fought well; he is stronger than manywho still bear weapons, and a scholar, which I am not. You would not be shamedto wear his emblem."

      She thrust out her lip. "I wouldcome-myself."

      Sol shrugged. "As you wish. You willcook and wash for us, until you take a man. We will not be staying in a cabinalways, though." He paused, thinking of something. "Sos, myadvisor-is this wise?"

      Sos studied the woman, now petulant butstill lovely. He tried, not to be moved by her cleavage. "I do not thinkso. She is excellently proportioned and a talented cook, but headstrong. Shewould be a disruptive influence, unattached."

      She glared at him. "I want a name, asyou do!" she snapped. "An honorable name."

      Sol crashed his first against the table sohard the vinyl surface flexed. "You anger me, girl! Do you claim the nameI give lacks honor?"

      She retreated hastily. "No, man ofall weapons. But you do not offer it to me."

      "Take it, then!" He flung hisgolden bracelet at her. "But I need no woman."

      Baffled but exultant, she picked up theheavy piece am squeezed it together to fit her wrist. Sos looked on, ill atease.

      CHAPTER TWO

      Two weeks later they struck the redmarkers of warning in the open country to the north. The foliage did notchange, but they knew there would be few animals and no men beyond the sinisterline of demarcation. Even those who chose to die preferred the mountain, forthat was a quick, honorable leavetaking, while the badlands were reputed tobring torture and horror.