"Trakor," said the youth, his voice emotionless.
"Trakor, eh? Where lie the caves of your tribe?"
"I belong to no tribe."
Without warning, Ekbar brought up a calloused hand and struck the young Cro-Magnard across the face, staggering him. "Another of your lies," he snarled, "and I turn you over to my men as a spear target. Where are your caves?"
Trakor made no attempt to reply. An angry red welt marked his cheek where Ekbar's hand had landed. His eyes were gleaming like sun against ice, but nothing else in his face betrayed the fury and hatred boiling within him. Truly, Trakor had come a long way since that day when Tharn had saved him from Sadu.
"How many came here with you?" Ekbar demanded.
"I came alone."
"Is this girl your mate?"
"No. I have never seen her before."
"Do you expect us to believe you risked certain capture to steal from us a girl you never saw before?"