The Gypsy chief stalked out of the atrium.
"What have you been doing to the girl?" he growled.
"I wouldn't kiss her," said Nikka with a sudden grin.
Tokalji's bearded face was cracked by a burst of gargoyle laughter.
"You are a wise one! I said so! I know men, I, Beran Tokalji! But hark you," and his tone took on an edge, "be careful with her. She is all I have, and I give her to no man I do not know. You come in out of the street, whoever you are. Prove yourself, and I can make much of you. But until you prove yourself, you and this Frank jackal with you, you walk carefully and jump when you hear the lash."
"Is she your daughter?" asked Nikka.
"Never mind who she is. What are you doing here?"
"She was showing us the fountain."
"That is all right. But the young men stay out of this house. I want no troubles over women in the tribe. Remember that, you two."