*Jibril is called aside by Suhayb and Omran. Though he has heard something of Kadar, it is apparent by the furrowed brow on Suhayb's face that he may know a bit more. Jibril knows that Kadar is a very prosperous trader, what one would call a merchant prince, and it often supped at the homes of nobles. He is welcome at the courts of several sultans, and often supplies women for their harems, or the harems of lesser nobles.*
"Jibril, I know a thing of Kadar. Though he is a shrewd businessman, he is also known for his hospitality. He would be banned from the courts and noble houses if he was thought to be an inconsiderate or boorish host. His reputation is very important to him, and he will try to maintain it as he maintains his wealth, which is to say, with ferocity. I believe we have made a strong enough impression that he will no offer us any harm... directly," the flamekissed begins.
*One of the rules of hospitatility is that of the sharing of salt. Once a guest has eaten a host's salt, it is a symbol, a pledge, that he will be an honorable person in the home. Obviously, if the group eats with Kadar, they will be bound to do no harm to him, and Kadar will be honor-bound to do no harm to them.*
"But he is shrewd, shrewd as a hundred lawyers. He may make us a gift of some sort, sending some of his pleasure slaves to our tents, and then later we would be honor-bound to give a gift of equal proportion. And since the services of his slaves can be worth thousands of gold... we only have one kind of 'gift' he might accept," Suhayb murmurs, his eyes sliding over to Samira and Shalah. Omran grunts and shakes his head.
"We should have a show of strength. We three are to guard the Heirs. There can be no dishonor in having sworn guards allowed to retain their weapons," the gemchild points out, looking stubborn and belligerant, his face hard. "And if they demand a repayment for a gift we could not possibly afford, we can call him a cheat and a liar, and take our satisfaction out in blood."
*The two look to Jibril to make a descion, one counseling caution, the other, violence.*
"Jibril, I know a thing of Kadar. Though he is a shrewd businessman, he is also known for his hospitality. He would be banned from the courts and noble houses if he was thought to be an inconsiderate or boorish host. His reputation is very important to him, and he will try to maintain it as he maintains his wealth, which is to say, with ferocity. I believe we have made a strong enough impression that he will no offer us any harm... directly," the flamekissed begins.
*One of the rules of hospitatility is that of the sharing of salt. Once a guest has eaten a host's salt, it is a symbol, a pledge, that he will be an honorable person in the home. Obviously, if the group eats with Kadar, they will be bound to do no harm to him, and Kadar will be honor-bound to do no harm to them.*
"But he is shrewd, shrewd as a hundred lawyers. He may make us a gift of some sort, sending some of his pleasure slaves to our tents, and then later we would be honor-bound to give a gift of equal proportion. And since the services of his slaves can be worth thousands of gold... we only have one kind of 'gift' he might accept," Suhayb murmurs, his eyes sliding over to Samira and Shalah. Omran grunts and shakes his head.
"We should have a show of strength. We three are to guard the Heirs. There can be no dishonor in having sworn guards allowed to retain their weapons," the gemchild points out, looking stubborn and belligerant, his face hard. "And if they demand a repayment for a gift we could not possibly afford, we can call him a cheat and a liar, and take our satisfaction out in blood."
*The two look to Jibril to make a descion, one counseling caution, the other, violence.*
