Pages 191- 243 Summary

Tanus and Taita traveled inland to where the squadron awaited them. They brought six donkeys, each loaded with varying baggage. The men were dismayed to learn that Taita's plan include that they parade through the desert dressed as Assyrian women. Tanus played the role of slave master and merchant. He hoped to attract the attention of the Shrikes. Being so secluded and presumably vulnerable, Taita fully expected the pirates to demand payment for safe passage or outright attack. On the second day of their journey a Shrike baron by the name of Shufti appeared and demanded payment in exchange for safe passage. Tanus refused to pay and captured Shufti. Rather than murdering him, he tortured him with a whip and then sent him back to his people. Tanus' caravan continued on and made camp at night. Meanwhile, Shufti was busy gathering...