I know. Its the only way I can get him to learn anything. He doesnt want his students thinking theyre smarter than he is.

Would that I had had such an opportunity when I was young.

Ah. Radetic smiled gently. Yousifs subterfuge was working. Before children could be educated their elders had to be convinced that there was some point to education. How is he?

Quite well, considering. But hes tough. This is a tough family. The desert has never been kind here.

I can see that. Megelin had heard the same remark so often, even where the desert had been kind, that he suspected it was a homily.

Yousif was sitting up, arguing with a physician who wanted him to lie down. Ah. Megelin. Here at last. Save me from the mercies of this old woman.

The old woman probably knows more about what your body needs than you do, Wahlig.

You all stick together, dont you? Well, no matter. Come here. Take one of these cushions. I cant use them all.

Radetic sat. He could not conceal his discomfort. He was too old to adapt to the desert custom of sitting cross-legged on cushions.

Yousif ignored his discomfort. Ive been away from this world a long time. It makes a man take stock. You know what I mean?

I think so, Wahlig.

My first job in this second life is to get you to stop acting like a servant. We have things to talk about, Megelin. I think the first should be friendship.

Wahlig?

You brought my caravan through.

Nonsense.

Ive spoken with Muamar. We wont argue it. Im grateful. It hadnt occurred to me that I might be leaving enemies behind me.

My life was in danger, too.

Thats one way of looking at it. Whichever view you choose, my wives and children came through safely. I consider your effort an act of friendship. I do as Im done by, Megelin.

Radetic could not stifle a wry smile. Thank you. The gratitude of princes was notoriously short-lived.

Megelin, you show expertise in surprising directions. I value a man who has skills beyond those demanded by his profession.

Score a point for education.

Indeed. Tell me. What do you think of Fuads expedition?

I havent been over the ground, except on the chicken tracks you call maps. He had a thousand men. Maybe hell get lucky.

He outnumbers them three or four to one.

The numbers might be enough to make his hammer blows more convincing than Nassefs finesse. Your brother isnt a thinker.

How well I know. Tell me, why are you so impressed with Nassef?

He has the subtle touch of genius. In a western context his threat to send an assassin to el Aswad would have been brilliant. Here its a waste of inspiration.

I dont see it. That was just talk by somebody who got spit on.

Thats the flaw in his subtlety.

What?