The girl, though, was another matter entirely. Ekbar had not exaggerated in naming her more beautiful than any of Ammad's women--including those of noble birth. Despite her travel-worn tunic and the weariness evident in every line of face and figure, her beauty shone through like Dyta's brilliant rays. A man could lose his heart in that red-gold wealth of softly curling hair falling to her shoulders; he could drown in the depths of those sparkling brown eyes. He smiled a little at these thoughts. What would Rhoa, dark-haired, olive-skinned, beautiful and passionate, think if she knew he was having such thoughts about a wild girl of the caves? Well, Rhoa need not know. Most noblemen had beautiful slave girls and most noblemen's wives ignored the fact.... Dylara bore his steady gaze with calm indifference. The enforced association with the men of Ammad during the past several moons had taught her a great deal about them; that, plus a native shrewdness, told her she could expect little sympathy and no help from this silver-haired, languid-eyed man whose property she now appeared to be. "Your name, cave girl?" The soft, almost caressing voice repelled her. There was something ugly and evil behind it--a reflection of the man's true personality. She met his gaze unflinching. "I am Dylara." "What is this wild story you told the captain of my guards--the story that you were the noble Jotan's mate?" "I was never his mate. I am no man's mate." "But he wanted you. Why, then, did he not take you?" "Because, in spite of his being an Ammadian, Jotan was a true nobleman. He sought to win me with kindness and consideration instead of taking me by force." Deliberately Vokal let his eyes wander over the beautiful lines of her figure. "From your tone I judge that you do not believe all Ammadians would be so considerate. From looking at you I would say he was more stupid than anything else...." "However, that is no longer important. Jotan is dead--and you now belong to me--to do with as I see fit. You may be sure I will not confuse consideration with stupidity!" There was no mistaking his meaning. Dylara felt her cheeks burn, but before she could voice the angry retort trembling on her lips, Vokal turned his eyes to the silent and expressionless Ekbar. "Confine the girl in one of the private rooms in the slave quarters," he said. "As for her companion, put him in with those slaves who work on the palace grounds. Keep me informed as to his general attitude. If he gives you any trouble, have him beaten until he becomes tractable." * * * * * Once past Ammad's walls. Tharn permitted the rest of Ekbar's column to draw gradually away from him until, to the eye of the casual passerby, he was not a part of that body but only a solitary warrior abroad on some affair of his own.