"If she does not agree—what then?"
"It will make no difference. Bassalor Danek has said that she will be a worthy wife to his grandson. Does she not wear the talisman at her throat? That is a good omen for the Wusun. Did she not come here to seek the Wusun? Moreover, if Gela marries her, then Wu Fang Chien cannot take her."
"What if I forbid?" asked Gray dryly.
"No one will heed you," explained Garluk frankly.
Gray considered the matter, frowning.
"Take me to the Kha Rakcha," he ordered.
Garluk made a gesture of denial.
"It is forbidden. To-morrow night the maiden is to be married. There will be a feast, and a great chant. We will drink wine of mare's milk."
"Then send Timur to me."
"It is night, and he is lame. After sunrise, perhaps he will come."