To their limited intelligence two things were plain. The girl's talisman had not been in Sungan before she came. So it was clearly hers. Also, she wore it as by right.
They recalled her pride, and her angry words. Verily, she wore the sign of rank by right. Timur stepped back and bent his head.
"O, Queen," he said, "I was blind. Will you pardon the dog who was blind?"
Bassalor Danek had been frowning, somewhat jealously. But as he stared into the woman's open face, his brow cleared.
"It is well, Kha Rakcha," he observed slowly. "This is truly the token that witnesses the truth of your coming. None but a woman royal-born can wear such a talisman as this. It is well."
He touched the cross curiously, comparing it with his own. Timur bent over his hand, watching. The girl was silent, holding her breath in suspense.
The minds of the Wusun were wise in their way, but their wisdom was that of simplicity.
"None but a queen may carry this on her breast," they assured each other. "So in very truth this is a woman royal-born."
She seized swiftly upon her advantage.
"Then you know that I am one who commands."