were placed with the other slaves."

"Bring them in, my good Ekbar," murmured Vokal.

* * * * *

The captain saluted stiffly and withdrew. A moment later he was back
again followed by the two captives and a second guard.

For several moments the nobleman let his eyes move slowly over the two
cave people. The man, he saw, was, despite his youth, a remarkable
physical specimen, extraordinarily handsome and evidently intelligent
and keen-witted as so many of the cave dwellers were. With the proper
attitude toward his new master it would not be long before he rose to
the status of a warrior and an end to his position as slave. Judging
from the flashing eyes and his air of insolent contempt, it would take a
few days of iron-fisted discipline, however, to make him amenable. Well,
Ekbar was a past master of that art.

The girl, though, was another matter entirely. Ekbar had not exaggerated
in naming her more beautiful than any of Ammad's women--including those
of noble birth. Despite her travel-worn tunic and the weariness evident
in every line of face and figure, her beauty shone through like Dyta's
brilliant rays. A man could lose his heart in that red-gold wealth of
softly curling hair falling to her shoulders; he could drown in the
depths of those sparkling brown eyes. He smiled a little at these
thoughts. What would Rhoa, dark-haired, olive-skinned, beautiful and
passionate, think if she knew he was having such thoughts about a wild
girl of the caves?

Well, Rhoa need not know. Most noblemen had beautiful slave girls and
most noblemen's wives ignored the fact....

Dylara bore his steady gaze with calm indifference. The enforced
association with the men of Ammad during the past several moons had
taught her a great deal about them; that, plus a native shrewdness, told
her she could expect little sympathy and no help from this
silver-haired, languid-eyed man whose property she now appeared to be.

"Your name, cave girl?"

The soft, almost caressing voice repelled her. There was something ugly
and evil behind it--a reflection of the man's true personality.

She met his gaze unflinching. "I am Dylara."

"What is this wild story you told the captain of my guards--the story
that you were the noble Jotan's mate?"

"I was never his mate. I am no man's mate."

"But he wanted you. Why, then, did he not take you?"

"Because, in spite of his being an Ammadian, Jotan was a true nobleman.