“The man who would steal the urn of Aeshma must be either a total fool or a mighty wizard,” he mused aloud when Cari had finished speaking. “I’ve never heard of this Jafar al-Sharif before, and it’s unlikely any powerful wizard could have kept himself so pure he could have passed through Ravan’s gates. On the other hand from the wit of his replies he cannot be such a fool as I would imagine. An interesting dilemma.”
Akar was silent for long minutes as he contemplated the puzzle. At last he said, “Cari, I have another task for thee.”
“Always at your will, O master.”
“Return to Ravan and find out whether this Jafar al-Sharif really is the thief who took Aeshma’s urn. If he is, bring him and the urn, unopened, to me. If he isn’t, find the true thief and do likewise.”
“Hearkening and obedi
