Khada kept a close watch on the six spies Isibuso had sent to keep an eye on his tribe after the young prince realized he could not keep up with them, they were young, fast and eager enough to cause problems but kept to themselves when they were not spying on him. At first it had only been a minor concern but with time they had become a festering tumor that threatened every plan which had been laid forth. The advanced teams which had been used to scare off the locals before their arrival and to avoid general engagements had not gone unnoticed and were a subject which was regularly thrown in his face. None were willing to press the matter too hard so far away from allies and their protests were mild and easily brushed off as "scouting" patrols for the sake of knowing what was worth raiding were indeed important.

While the six had proven to be good at questioning him their ability to see with their minds was lacking heavily but they made up for it in their fervor towards Isibuso. He knew that if Isibuso caught up with them their odds of survival would collapse as everything hinged on bringing whatever hostile forces were in front of them down on those who followed the Sebanwi. Such small numbers were not worth the time or effort but the tribe which followed them with its bloated caravan of petty loot and slaves was becoming a target so rich for the taking few would ignore it. If it was not physically nailed down or bricked over Isibuso was trying to pack it up and haul it away. It was a fault which had created a three day lead for him which was being put to good use and even allowed for plenty of rest.

Eyes looking over the encampment as it stretched along a wide, shallow river Khada waited on his daughter to arrive. Dipping a clay cup into the water he had taken from an abandoned hamlet he drank the cool water while ignoring the annoyed stares of the spies as they sat in the shade farther up the bank. It was only a temporary stop, two days of rest so they could move at speed again and build up their distance once more. However, the leader of the six would not stop harassing him at staying another day so that his prince could catch up with them and review the situation. There was not a chance, they would be off again before that happened and once he was certain Isibuso had stopped to catch his breath they would stop for another day or two before advancing in earnest. A steady pace would win the race and Isibuso was failing horribly so far with his over-burdened caravan.

But they had problems. Scattered villages and hamlets had been all they had seen for their entire journey, he had avoided well trodden roads and tried to hide from any prying eyes as much as was possible less either side get any ideas. A mistake had been made however, a major road had run west to east and there was no way to sneak around it. Fortunately the season meant few merchants were traveling and the advanced guard had scared the tiny convoy away and into hiding. This however, was not the mistake. Content that they had done their job the team had crossed over the road in force and continued north for a few days at full speed believing there were no other roads. It was true, there had been none, not even a hamlet could be found along their hidden route. Unbeknownst to them however, they had camped one evening with fires burning all within eyesight of an outpost farther north and obscured by rough and craggy hills.

Their error had been discovered the following day as they stumbled upon it by accident only to find it completely abandoned and fresh hoof-prints going both west and east. The crude map he had been permitted to see meant messengers had been dispatched to a place called Iuny and some other location in the west. This discovery was kept from his observers for a time and the column had detoured around the abandoned outpost in the hopes of keeping the six quiet. There was now a good chance someone would be waiting on them in the north very soon and if not they would be barricading themselves inside whatever fortifications they had. Thus was the plan however, to draw down upon them their faceless enemies and then skirt around them so Isibuso would walk face first into their defenses and hopefully die while the Sebanwi ran for their lives. Unfortunately this meant making a good show of themselves and actually "attempting" to save Isibuso in some way so Sibusiso would not have them all slain upon their return. As he thought it over again he was lost for how exactly to pull it off.

Running took energy though and energy came from food which was once more becoming quite scarce. The little river had been a godsend as it provided fresh water, a sheltered place to rest away from prying eyes and lush pickings along the bank which had been picked through heavily. It was not enough but something was better than nothing and once the race began they would need their energy. They had stepped over an invisible line that separated a kingdom from the world and were about to heavily trod on the hooves of whomever ruled here. Once the first village was raided there would be no mercy shown and the clock was already ticking.

Glancing at his daughter as Nyah walked up and sat beside him he nodded north while keeping his voice low. "What you think then? We still hide or make very, very angry so they come sooner?"

"All they know fathah is small company cross, if they do anything they send too few and that do nothing. We need... Smack hornet nest, make very angry. Find way to do that, sooner they come, sooner we go home, Isibuso also maybe die with his precious stolen things."

"Iuny."

"That big, big place on river you see on map yes?"

"Yes, threaten that they come fast, very fast. But no threaten like this..."

"Maybe make Isibuso want to attack?"

"He not attack place with big walls, he not that crazy."

"We not know what it look like... Maybe we see first? Big place mean much farm, we burn they mad, make them attack."

"Yes, might work. But keep thinking, Isibuso want us to not stop till we reach little place far north. We suppose burn it and only then we go home." Khada nodded north. "When we go again, send scouts out as planned, cover big area, kick many nests, make very angry. Maybe we make Isibuso stall at city, buy time, drag him north, away from city so they come from behind. We no touch place around Iuny, leave for Isibuso. He spend time looting while we disappear again."

"Wonder..." Nyah flicked a stone into the water and watched the ripples fade quickly. "How they get angry if they no get message out of city? One group run west, one run east to city. Isibuso destroying around city they no get message out."

"Sits on river."

Nyah crooked her head. "Make difference how?

"They have wooden thing that float on water with big sail and rowed with poles, send messages that way." Khada sighed as she raised an eyebrow. "You not raised near Seban River and only cross once, not get to see boat that time because only bridge to cross and wrong time. No boat stop there then."

"Yes, bad bridge, very shaky."

Khada shrugged. "Was gift to Sibusiso, not think they cared. This place though, it sit on river, that mean boat because they not like us, they like Halim I think, but we find out soon."

"Maybe we send some west to see what there?"

"Yes, not to close though. We need keep enough to make Isibuso think we serious. Think those six not just spy."

"You think those six able to kill you?" Nyah looked them over before looking at her father doubtfully.

Khada shook his head. "They not threat to me, I kill them easy enough... But, they also leaving things for Isibuso, little marks at night for him to find. They not leave mark, he know."

"We make mark."

"Marks not same. That why they want us wait so much, need to know new marks."

"Isibuso not smart enough for that."

"No, but the others are, he fool, his advisors not so foolish."

"When we leave?"

"Think you take Sebanwi away like planned but I stay, talk with Isibuso, then while he rest here I come to you maybe... That way he think all okay and not cause problems, you keep going two day then stop two day. I come on third, you scout area, learn all can and when I come you tell. If I no come then you keep going and no stop, maybe I make him do very foolish thing and stay with Isibuso for time to... Encourage."

Nyah nodded. "And them?"

"Think they go with you but one will stay, no fear, it work. Only once, but it work."

"Yes fathah."

The rope was run around the post as a team pulled on it gently guiding the yacht into harbor, the rowers held their oars upright for a moment and stood before setting them over their seats in a pile and a second rope was quickly thrown to secure the stern. Nawra watched with a mild degree of annoyance as Jubril and an entourage of guards waited on the pier, she looked at J'Lail who shrugged and finally to Pijasiros who grimaced at her brothers distance visage.

"Welcome home? Sorry you did not drown? Oh what a pity, did you live up to the family standard at being a perfectly civilized little princess or did you make a mess of things so I can use it again you?"

Nawra glared at Pijasiros. "That is enough from you."

"As you wish, but I am only voicing what he is thinking."

"He will do that for you soon enough in his own way. Keep Jaji out of sight, I do not want him-" Nawra frowned as her brother began walking down the pier as a plank was being prepared for her to cross over. "Just try and keep him from looking too inconspicuous."

"Your brother has the eyes of a hawk but all the same I shall endevour to do so."

Walking from the ship and onto the pier Nawra waited as her entourage filed off after her. Pijasiros came last with the young thief in tow, he was able to walk on his own now and though still somewhat shaky at times he was dressed somewhat appropriately though quite crudely, as an apprentice to Pijasiros and knew to remain in the stallions shadow. It was not hard either, starvation had stunted his growth and the colt was monstrously thin but thankfully it made him all the more unremarkable and easily forgotten, a trait that allowed him to snatch a circlet from her in the first place.

Giving Jaji a quick glance and a stern look to remain quiet Nawra stepped forward to put more distance between herself and the colt before coming to a stop as Jubril approached before coming to a halt and bowed.

"Sister, it is most wonderful to see you have returned home safely! Mother and father will be most interested to know how your trip went but I must say we did not expect you back so soon..." Jubril looked over her shoulder and eyed down her entourage along with the yatche as it was being unloaded. "Is all well?"

"All is quite well brother, I concluded my business in Alzamard early and even got a small concession from Fareed for my efforts." Nawra smiled at him sweetly. "I hope nothing has happened while I was away, no false rumors spread, plots hatched against the crown..."

"I do not know what you mean." Jubril ignored her comment and nodded at the crates. "They are marked as property of Alzamard... Gifts?"

"Yes, there was a... Situation, in Alzamard and Fareed offered an apology. I shall be explaining to our parents, have they been informed of my return?"

"Yes, yes... Food crates? What a paltry gift."

"One among other "gifts" I wrested from him... Shall we-"

"Who is that?"

"Damn." Nawra turned and stared. "Who? That is Captain J'Lail, Pijasiros..."

"No, that short little thing hiding behind him. I had heard from our dear mother that Fareed gifted his guests with slaves so this is what you chose hmm?" Jubril walked past her and glaring at Pijasros motioned with a hand. "Move."

Pijasiros looked at Nawra who closed her eyes and nodded. "As you command prince."

Jaji tried to move with him and did quite well but Jubril followed the movement. "Quit hiding! Step out so I can see you... This... Cripple? Was what Fareed gifted to you?" Jubril looked Jaji over as the colt stared back at him as the prince glared. "Poorly trained, does not know his place nor how to behave. I shall warn you only once slave that you do not dare to look your betters in the eye nor to even look upon their person. If you so much as look at me again you will be whipped."

"He is mine, you will keep your hands off of him." Nawra motioned quietly for Jaji to back down and was relieved when the colt looked away but the anger and disdain on his face was clear, worse was Jubril had caught it. "And since when did we adopt the practices of these other less civilized kingdoms? I would dare to say, brother, that you might give our family a bad name by behaving as Fareed and his "nobility" does."

Jubril scowled a moment before ignoring her comment. "I see... Far be it from me to play the fool, but this is no gift from Fareed. Is he? Where and how did you come by this... Wretch?"

"Speaking so poorly of the downcast? Or is that normal now... You have so adopted other customs these days. Most unlike you brother, I imagined you would show some pity towards the colt who has suffered so."

Jubril smiled at Nawra. "Where is your gift then?"

J'Lail stepped forward and shook his head. "There were certain... Complications. Unfortunately the slave did not make it most regrettably."

"Ah... So he speaks for you now." Jubril watched his sisters trained expression and then looked back at Jaji. "You, colt, answer me this: why did you lose that hand?" When Jaji did not answer Jubril's smile became a mischievous smirk. "So you leave with precious gold and gems only to return with food, vague promises and a thief? Oh dear sister... This does not bode well for you."

"That is none of your concern but if you wish to know you may join me in the throne room as I give my report to our parents."

"Tch... Did you take pity on him and drag him off the street?" Jubril walked closer to Jaji who looked away. "Find him just after he was punished for picking a pocket and decided to take him under your wing?" Eyes tracing down Jubril looked at the fresh bandage and stopped before looking at Nawra somewhat confused. "Exactly whom did he steal from and why did you deign it necessary to bring him here?"

"That is none of your concern but if you must know he tried to steal from Pijasiros as we were touring the city, Fareed would not commute the sentence due to it being a crime against one of his guests and took the poor colts hand as punishment. I decided to take him with me and-"

"We do not make a habit of bringing home those who try to steal from us, even if it be our servants."

"He is but a colt and has already proven himself as being capable of greater things than petty theft."

"That "complication" with the slave involved this thief I assume?"

"Yes, and when mother and father hear of this they shall be most grateful to him."

"I can hardly wait." Jubril looked at Jaji again not entirely buying it but gave a small shrug and walked off. "At least he was wise enough not to lay a hand upon you my beloved sister. Had he done so our father would have him flayed alive and crucified before the city gates, he does favor and adore you so. This thief should consider himself to be so lucky that is, had it happened..."

"Yes, but he is not yours and is one of mine now for so long as I choose. Shall we be on our way? I would very much like to get out of this sweltering heat and return home. I shall have a servant inform father that I will give my report in a few days after I have had a chance to rest." Nawra smiled. "And more time to settle Jaji into things and make him at least presentable."

Jubril gave her a somewhat mocking bow. "Of course, I even had your carriage brought for you, devoid of any... Darts or sharp objects. Shall we?"

Nawra held back a snarl as Jubril beamed at her and with arm outstretched guided them down the pier and towards the waiting servants who had hidden behind the guards. Two carriages were ready and waiting for them and part of her wanted to go over it with a fine toothed comb before getting inside, but knew to do so would be blatantly insulting to her brother and would also cause a scene which he was probably hoping for. From the look in his eyes he could see the journey had worn her thin and it would not take much to push her over but there was nothing she could do, he held the upper hand for the moment but that would change again once she had a chance to rest and prepare.

Unfortunately, a great deal hinged on just how fast Jaji could catch on and make himself so small to her parents that they would lose any interest in the affair and dismiss it.

Sweat burned his eyes horribly while Tasid heaved back on the oar as his inflamed muscles screamed, and with vision swimming again as the heat threatened to make him pass out he leaned forward robotically and loosely in time with the rower ahead of him and drew back again. It was a never ending nightmare, all day he rowed and when he was not rowing he was passed out, beaten or sleeping.

"I just want to get home... Please, make it end."

Throat parched he gagged as he made another feeble stroke with the oar and almost jumped from his seat when a cane tapped him on the shoulder.

"Alright, that's enough for now #13." The overseer undid his shackle and attached him to a new chain which ran to the mast. "At least make yourself useful and empty out those buckets, your scrubbing things down and dont puke on the deck again or I will whip your flank till the fur is gone."

"Understood."

"Get going."

Tasid could not walk as the exhaustion made it impossible and crawling to the buckets retched into one after the smell hit him. Forcing himself up and into a loping gate he staggered to the back and dumped the contents over the side before returning them to their place. A bucket of water was already waiting, the crew having learned that the very prospect of him pulling up water without collapsing an event worthy of placing bets. Dipping a rag into the bucket and slapping it on the deck he began his task of cleaning the dust off, dust that would be replaced once the wind blew. It was busy work and his overseers way of allowing him to make himself useful while also "resting." But, after a time scrubbing he would be put back on the oar and the process would repeat over and over again all day long.

From the corner of his eyes he could see the overseer give him a glance before shaking his head and muttering to himself, it was utterly degrading.

"When I get back to my fiefdom I must pack all the gold I can and-" Tasid shook his head. "No, the assassins would find me, it is better if I stay and try to placate Fareed. No, run, he is going to kill me anyway! I am dead either way..."

Scrubbing furiously a moment before his muscles screamed at him Tasid slowed to a more manageable pace. "I need to prove I am irreplaceable. How! Running will not prove anything, he will have me killed for certain..."

"Scrub harder!"

"Understood!" Working a little faster Tasid desperately tried to find a solution to his problem. "What would make Fareed see me as valuable? Maybe I could blame a tribe for... No, I already did that once... Maybe I can foment a rebellion, anger a tribe into rebelling and put them down to show my loyalty and usefulness. Send the spoils to Fareed and give him three quarters of their crops. Which tribe? Town? No, has to be a tribe. There are few towns and I do not control any of them... He would not believe it either. They have never caused him any trouble so why now? He would blame me instead. Damn! I need some way to prove I am not worth replacing! No one wants Iuny anyway so that gives me a little time... Ah! The mercenaries! Maybe they have... No, they would never mess things up that badly, they have probably enough reports to show they are doing as ordered."

Tasid continued scrubbing and arguing with himself until the familiar cane tapped on the deck. "Alright, back to your oar, that's enough rest."

"Understood."