“My understanding is that any man can visit a temple, or other such establishment,” said Anji, “but that is not how a man would propose to conduct his entire life. Is that what you would want for your own sons, censor?”

“I have no sons. I’ve never married. I’m dedicated to the Thunderer.” He chuckled as he looked Anji up and down. “I’m not fashioned in the same way you are. I like the same flesh Volla does.”

She slapped him on the chest, in a jesting way. Joss smiled. These two trusted each other, which meant they could probably work together effectively in dire times.

Anji had a way of marginally tightening his eyes that revealed, to Joss, that the captain, however clever he undoubtedly was, had not worked out the meaning behind the exchange.

“Dedication to the gods is a worthy service,” the captain said finally, “but nevertheless, my men want to get married. The temple is not part of the custom of the land we come from. No man of my people will feel himself complete without marriage. That’s just how it is.”

“Did none of these men leave behind wives in your old country?” Volla asked.

“Some did, but since we are exiles and can never return, those women may as well be dead to them.”

She pressed him. “How can we be sure they will not mistreat a woman here? No offense intended, I’m meaning, just we hear stories about how badly the Southerners treat women.”

“We are Qin, not Sirni,” said Anji. “However, it’s true not every mating is a happy one. It is dishonorable for one party to leave another without proper negotiations. If there is trouble, you may bring the matter to the attention of my wife, in Olossi. I can assure you she will not allow any woman to be mistreated. If any of my men does so, I will whip him myself.”

This coolly delivered promise satisfied Volla. “I suppose a woman who marries one of your men will be assured a decent house and furnishings, utensils, clothing.”

“The opportunity to set up a workshop of her own, if she has a trade, which is a condition my wife insisted on. I only insist that you deal fairly with my men in this issue, that only hardworking and healthy women come forward, not leavings that no other clan would take. If you would prefer negotiations on these matters to go through my wife, you will find her better prepared to answer your questions and deal wisely with your concerns.”

Volla examined the captain, then gave a swift and rather admiring once-over in Joss’s direction, enough to sweeten his grin. “I’ll see what I can do. Guri, what do you think?”

“I think he’s not your type,” said the censor, tilting his chin toward Joss. “I don’t trust them when they’re that handsome and they know it.”

She chuckled as Joss felt himself redden. Then she sighed. “It isn’t only rumor that discontented lads have walked north looking for adventure and never come home. That debt slaves in greater numbers than usual have vanished up country as runaways. Villages have been burned. The roads aren’t safe. Trade is hurting. We must be prepared. I just don’t know why we need outlanders to raise and train companies. What’s wrong with the likes of Censor Guri, here, and Kotaru’s ordinands, and the local militias? No offense meant, Captain Anji.”