"I'll let you keep your precious charm," said the Raydower. "I like my questions answered by people, or things, I can see."
Although the mountains thrust far out into the grasslands at that point, it took the better part of the day to pass through the foothills. Yorgh soon found out why the band was in a hurry when Ueln admitted to him that the long strings of wollies led at the rear had been "found" on the plain.
"But what could we do?" asked the Raydower. "Jayn sent us out to see what you had worth trading or stealing."
"Jayn?"
"She is our chief, since her father died and she will not marry lest she lose the title to her husband."
"Couldn't you persuade her? You look like a man."
"I am her cousin," said Ueln stiffly.
"Oh," said Yorgh, and rode on in silence.
They rode out of a narrow pass to see cultivated fields in a long valley. Yorgh's eyes was caught by the village nearby. It was built of rock and had the most permanent look he had ever seen.
He dismounted stiffly when ordered, before one of the houses. Bruises unnoticed after the kromp had tossed him had made themselves felt during the ride. Two of Ueln's riders pushed Yorgh through the open doorway on the heels of their leader.