WIP by M Bae

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But they dare not go after the real bandits, because they fear the forest! So the caravans and supply carts are raided just as before, and now hardly anyone travels by road. And, by gods, as soon as the Qah'rap closes his coin purse, they will turn outlaws themselves. Everyone knows it!"

Upon hearing this, much cursing came from Knotos, who boasted that had Qah'rap hired his own kind, such a thing would never have happened: the Red Men were as honorable as they are strong, even those who fought for money.

"No doubt," said the innkeep, "that it is as you say. But your kind wars for countries and battles for princes, and will not be employed for a petty sum to keep bandits off the roads." Knotos laughed and said it was just so, and ordered more beer. After we ate Knotos went to see to his horses, and the prince to his room.

The prince has his own room, and Knotos and I share another. The beds are of linen stuffed with hay, and I fear I might get lice. Perhaps if I am unlucky I will have to shave my head and wear headcloth, like Knotos. Aheba once told me that my people did not even trim hair on the head, not to mention shave.

Our charioteer sleeps noisily, mumbling much in his native tongue and snoring when he is not mumbling. His snoring is so deep and loud that it shakes the walls. It reminds me of the elephants I saw once during a triumph, long time ago.

Unable to fall asleep, I have decided to come downstairs and write some more for practice. The prince was there before me. I told him that I thought him asleep. He smiled and said that he could not, and told me to call him by his name since he is no longer a prince.

"I have made Knotos my brother-by-oath so that he will treat me as a friend and brother, not as master and prince. Must I do the same with you?" I said I would not contradict his wish. "Then," he said, "it is my wish that you call me by the name given to me by my father."

Adonis (the prince) wished to hear what I have written so far, and bade me to read it to him so he can advise me to write anything of importance I might have failed to notice. I thought it well, and did so as he asked, though not without difficulty. The letters written on the chariot were hard to read. The prince—Adonis—showed me a different way to hold my brush so it would not shake as much. I will try that tomorrow. He has also told me that no birds soar as high as eagles, and those that die on the road are subject to the mercy of Vorum, the god without footprints.

Adonis has urged me to write how we three came to be on the road, where we are going, our purpose, et cetera. I told him that the priests know all these things already, but he smiled and said it would be good practice. I oblige him now, lest I offend him; it is hard to forget that he is the Great King's son and treat him as a friend, which he says I must do, and soon.

* * * * * *

I have already written how Aheba gave her sight as an offering to her god, so that he may make her his holy listener. He accepted her offering, and she has been his listener ever since.