"Gela?"
"He who took you from the evil priests. Because of the talisman you wear it is fitting that you should be his bride."
She looked from one to the other, in sudden discomfort.
"Thus will you truly become kin to the Wusun," nodded Timur.
"I?"
"Bassalor Danek, in his wisdom, has decided."
The joy of her brief victory faded swiftly. The reaction weakened her, made this new obstacle disheartening. But she drew strength from a fresh thought.
"Take me to the white man!"
"Nay—it is not fitting. The bond of Gela's love is upon you."
To their bewilderment, the girl laughed. For a brief moment hysteria had claimed her, wearied by the hardships she had undergone. In her sudden stress she clung to the thought that had brought her consolation.