Zaihi, a slave, is in tears. It is her fate to be ordered to do this without recompense, but Almah tells her that should she get her freedom as originally agreed - by helping to liberate Kelmarane for Katapesh - then she will need that money to start her new life.

Onyebuchi is a simple man and readily agrees, as do Trevorn and Alahazra.

Sir Alain, on the other hand, is not so easily swayed, and demands more money than a slave, a houseplant, a peasant, a beggarly fortune-teller, and a would-be cleric. If nothing else, his gear and his horse care is exceptionally expensive. They have a fair repartee. In the end, Sir Alain is unable to get any higher wage, but it is to his credit that he knows how to relent gracefully enough that he at least impresses Lady Almah with his attempted haggle rather than annoy her outright (which he was dangerously close to doing).

Khair, anything else before you bed down for the night?