"Provision is not taken to the houses of the generous," Retief said. "May the creatures dine well ere they move on."
"Hah! The goats of the Aga Kaga graze on the lands of the Aga Kaga." The leader edged his horse close, eyed Retief fiercely. "We welcome no intruders on our lands."
"To praise a man for what he does not possess is to make him appear foolish," Retief said. "These are the lands of the Boyars. But enough of these pleasantries. We seek audience with your ruler."
"You may address me as 'Exalted One'," the leader said. "Now dismount from that steed of Shaitan."
"It is written, if you need anything from a dog, call him 'sir'," Retief said. "I must decline to impute canine ancestry to a guest. Now you may conduct us to your headquarters."
"Enough of your insolence!" The bearded man cocked his rifle. "I could blow your heads off!"
"The hen has feathers, but it does not fly," Retief said. "We have asked for escort. A slave must be beaten with a stick; for a free man, a hint is enough."
"You mock me, pale one. I warn you—"
"Only love makes me weep," Retief said. "I laugh at hatred."
"Get out of the car!"