“Thank you, Shahzadi. You give us good characters in fact.”
“Quite good. All of you, though Forsyth was really too clever at doing my hair for a little thing that hasn’t grown up.”
“He has several sisters.”
“Sisters!” said Aryenis scornfully. “I wouldn’t like Stephnos to do my hair. He’d pull it out by the roots. But I wouldn’t mind Forsyth doing it every day. Sisters! Other people’s, perhaps!”
“That’s just what I said, and then he got quite annoyed.”
“Which shows that he hasn’t grown up too much yet.”
I came to the conclusion that Aryenis was not a bad judge of character. She is certainly amazingly observant.
After about two hours we overtook and passed the baggage horses, and I think Payindah got the shock of his life when I rode past him complete in mail and steel cap. Temra appeared surprised, but also, I fancied, pleased, and greeted me in the same words that the escort had used, apparently a set phrase for such an occasion.
Presently, up a low hill in front, I saw a long white blur—a largish town—and Aryenis, with her eyes gleaming, pointed it out.
“Miletis, Harilek. In another hour or so we shall be home.” She whispered the last word to herself again.