He bowed to Carse and Ywain with grandiloquent politeness.
“I have been to Valkis,” he said. “It’s a free city again—and because of my unparalleled heroism in helping to destroy Caer Dhu I have been chosen king.”
He beamed, then added with a confidential grin, “I always did dream of looting a royal treasury!”
“But,” Carse reminded him, “it’s your treasury now.”
Boghaz started. “By the gods, it is so!” He drew himself up, waxing suddenly stern. “I see that I shall have to be severe with thieves in Valkis. There will be heavy punishment for any crime against property—especially royal property!”
“And fortunately,” said Carse gravely, “you are acquainted with all the knavish tricks of thieves.”
“That is true,” said Boghaz sententiously. “I have always said that knowledge is a valuable thing. Behold now, how my purely academic studies of the lawless elements will help me to keep my people safe!”
He accompanied them through Jekkara, until they reached the open country beyond, and then he bade them farewell, plucking off a ring which he thrust into Carse’s hand. Tears ran down his fat cheeks.
“Wear this, old friend, that you may remember Boghaz, who guided your steps wisely through a strange world.”
He turned and stumbled away and Carse watched his fat figure vanish into the streets of the city, where they had first met.