H. A. Lamb

“ A man could pray a thousand times with one word."
"And now?"
"We do not pray."
Pushing a way through the crowd recklessly with his elbows, the Khirghiz gained a place where he and Khlit could see the array of the divan. In the center of a cleared space in one of the larger chambers stood Halen ibn Shaddah, easily marked by his great height and the cloak that shadowed his face. Around him were grouped certain men in heavy turbans and green embroidered coats. These Khlit recognized as Daikebirs, emissaries of the master of Alamut. ”

“ And, obeying her look, he followed Rashideddin, slipping away from the Khirghiz.
So it happened that when the astrologer left the divan, Khlit did likewise. Rashideddin made his way quickly and alone down one of the corridors without waiting for a light. Khlit followed him, keeping as close as he could without being seen. Presently both halted.
A voice called through the corridor clearly, and seemingly very near.
"A man must be crafty and wise," the voice of Berca came to their ears, "when danger is 'round his path, else is his labor vain." ”

“ The woman is the daughter of a hill sheik. She was sent to be the wife of Kiragai Khan. That is a good jest, for Kiragai Khan loves not the Refik. She has said that she was sent without a dowry. So, the painted flower has come to one who tramples on flowers, to ask that the dowry be given her. ”