Eslan was holding two medium bags in his hand; his gaze blazed in the half light. "The other night I said you were a friend, and you ruffled up my hair not just a little", he said, sinking his hand in the sparkling sand. "But you were wrong: I had known Quilen for years before you showed up, and now I've grown fond of you too. You've always treated me with sympathy, and a Nomad never forgets such approach. I'll stay, until Quilen is reduced to ashes."
"Will you travel alone?"
"You are joking ... with such a fortune in the wagon? No, I'll have a dozen c***k archers; and I'll keep Oksana. You may need her too. But I have to ask you a favor."
"Whatever I can ..."
"Listen," said Eslan, lowering his voice. "Four archers will travel on the gold carriage, four will flank it on horseback, and
