“Of course,” the captain said. They went back the way she had come while she described to him the characteristics of the local breeds and the wet season problems with foot rot.

“If I know something, it is about sheep. I was meant to marry into a sheepherders’ clan.”

“Where you would have been wasted.”

“They were wealthy.”

“I assure you,” said Anji with a smile that made Avisha blush even though it was not directed at her, “they did not have as many sheep as my Qin clansmen. That our estate will have, if we acquire the core of a strong herd.”

“I am interested in this herd.” Mai indicated an extensive pen mostly emptied by sales. They entered into a protracted discussion with a clan that herded extensive flocks near Old Fort.

Avisha sidled up next to Keshad. She glanced toward Chaji, to see if he was watching her, but like the other soldiers he was scrutinizing the passersby, the farmers deep in conversation, a pair of laughing laborers carrying axes on their shoulders, the skulking dirty children.

“That was well done of you to spot those spies that merchant wanted to place in the house,” she said to Keshad.

He flicked a glance at her, as if surprised she could talk. “Eh. Yes.”

“Eh, do you know, if you and your sister hadn’t helped us over the river, I don’t think we would have survived.”

“Probably not,” he said without looking at her.

“Have I made a proper thanks?”

“A hundred times over.”

“Oh. Ah. Have you news of your sister?”

He made a brushing motion with his hand, as at a pesky fly. Abruptly, he stiffened, and she took a step back, afraid he was going to say something cutting, but he was looking past the soldiers into the crowd.

“Avisha.” Mai touched Avisha’s arm. “It’s best if you return to the compound.” The company had re-formed, ready to move on. “We’re going now to take afternoon cakes and tea with the Ri Amarah in their compound. They’ll tell me today their decision, if Miravia can visit me in my own house. But since you’re not allowed in the compound, you would just have to wait outside, so you might prefer to go back home.”

Avisha wondered if this was what Sheyshi felt like, pushed to one side. “Are you sure you want to go? The Silvers cover their heads to conceal their horns!” When Mai laughed, Avisha went on determinedly. “That’s what everyone says.”

“The women don’t have horns.”

“That doesn’t mean the men don’t have them. Everyone knows they do!”

“Every ignorant villager,” said Keshad over his shoulder.

Captain Anji had waited throughout, standing patiently behind his wife. “Have you seen their uncovered heads, Keshad?”

“No.”

“Then you are only speculating. If you will, Keshad, return to the office with Avisha and have one of the clerks ink a contract, something I can take with me when I ride out to examine the herds. Come, Mai, I’ll escort you personally. The Ri Amarah are honorable and trustworthy friends.”