You live by different rules, Radetic observed. It was becoming a favorite saying. I have to go think about what youve said. He finished his drink, rose, nodded to Fuad, and departed. He seated himself outside the tent flap, in the position for meditation. He listened while Yousif instructed Fuad how to approach King Aboud with news of this opportunity. Embittered by the foolishness of it, the injustice of it, he sealed them out, contemplated his surroundings.

The Royal Compound occupied five acres bordering the southwest flank of the Mrazkim Shrines, which were the religious heart of Hammad al Nakir. Today, because it was Disharhun, the compound was infested with royal relatives, favor seekers and sycophants. Most of the captains, sheiyeks and wahligs had brought their entire households. Traders and artisans, hoping to achieve some small advantage over their competitors, virtually besieged the Compounds boundaries. Ambassadors and foreign mercantile factors roamed everywhere. The smells were overwhelming. Men, animals, machines, and insects made noises which melded into an overpowering din.

And beyond the mad anthill of the Compound lay vast encampments of ordinary pilgrims. Their tents swept up the sides of the bowl-shaped valley containing the capital and Shrines. Thousands upon thousands more than customary had made the journey this year because El Murids visit had been rumored for months. They had come because they did not want to miss the inevitable collision between dissidence and authority.

Yousif was playing with fire, Radetic reflected as he watched Fuad stride toward Abouds palatial tent. This monarchy, unlike its predecessor in Ilkazar, did not have the power to rule by decree. Today even the most obnoxious rabble-rouser could not be denied his hour in court, his opportunity to speak in his own defense.

A shy Haroun came to sit with his teacher. He put his hand into Radetics.

Sometimes, Haroun, youre too crafty for your own good. There was no rancor in Radetics voice, though. The gesture touched him, genuine or not.

I did wrong, Megelin?

Theres some disagreement. Radetic surveyed the human panorama briefly. You should think, Haroun. You cant simply act. That is your peoples biggest handicap. They yield to impulse without ever considering the consequences.

Im sorry, Megelin.

The hell you are. Youre sorry you got caught. You dont care a whit how much you hurt that man.

Hes our enemy.

How do you know? You never saw him before. Youve never talked to him. Hes never hurt you.

Ali said

Ali is like your uncle Fuad. He says a lot. His mouth is always open. And because of that, someday somebody else who doesnt think is going to shove his fist down Alis throat. How often is he right? How often does pure foolishness come out of that open mouth?

Radetic was letting his frustrations run wild. He had never encountered a student more unyieldingly unteachable than Ali bin Yousif.

Then he isnt our enemy?