There were, perhaps, a score of them in
the party and as they galloped away on their tireless mounts they
presented a picture at once savage and beautiful.
"They have the appearance of splendid warriors," said Turan. "I
have a great mind to walk boldly into their city and seek
service."
Tara shook her head. "Wait," she admonished. "What would I do
without you, and if you were captured how could you collect your
reward?"
"I should escape," he said. "At any rate I shall try it," and he
started to rise.
"You shall not," said the girl, her tone all authority.
The man looked at her quickly--questioningly.
"You have entered my service," she said, a trifle haughtily.
"You have entered my service for hire and you shall do as I bid
you."
Turan sank down beside her again with a half smile upon his lips.
"It is yours to command, Princess," he said.
The day passed. Ghek, tiring of the sunlight, had deserted his
rykor and crawled down a hole he had discovered close by. Tara
and Turan reclined beneath the scant shade of a small tree.
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