They lifted him down from the saddle. "Be careful," said Shien when one of them jerked at him. "This is a very valuable Man."

And Shien himself took him by the elbow and brought him toward the door of the tent. "You were not wise," Shien said.

He shook his head, uncertain whether he had rejected a trap that would have killed him or whether he had rejected the only hope he had. It was impossible. A khal would scarcely keep faith with khal. That one would keep faith with a Man was not to be believed.

He blinked, suddenly thrust into the light and warmth within.