“Furthermore, all the other kings of Indi are my firm allies, as are many of the kings in Sinjin. I shall apprise them of your message and exhort them to rally to our cause as well. When you come to that battlefield next spring, the east will be well represented, that I swear to you.
“But enough of solemn talk for now,” he said as his mood brightened. “You and your honorable companions must be weary after so many days of travel on the road. You must relax and enjoy the civilized pleasures again—good food, wine, music. Stay with me a week and accept my hospitality, and then be on your way with the blessings of Oromasd.”
“A week we cannot spare,” the prince said, “much though your invitation tempts me. Each day we delay gives the forces of Rimahn that much longer to gather their strength,
