The tribes were spreading out across the vast Nasilam Steppes. He could still make out the various columns of people and animals, opening up like fingers on a giant's hand. The tribes would not have an easy time of it. The plain was a lot different than anything the mountain people had ever known. It would be a drier place, with rain falling only during a few months of the year. Grazing and herding might not work out, though Akkra had to believe that the Steppes were better suited to grazing animals than the limited pastures of the Zepores.

The Steppes, in ancient times, had been more densely populated, with vast cities strung along a mighty river. The river was now an ever-deepening ravine that cut through the steppes. The cities were rubble and dust. The vast populations had been replaced by small nomadic tribes that probably would be assimilated by the mountain tribes. How peacefully that process would take place, only the gods could predict.

As Akkra watched one tribe after another break camp and head out, he felt a strong feeling of envy. He had thought about sending one last message back to Mazidar, to tell his father that he was going to set up a tent with Aurie and raise goats and cattle on the vast plain. But Aurie, attractive though she might be, was no longer of his world. He would leave her to the likes of Wati-dar, who would one day be man enough to approach her father and make known his desire for her companionship.

It would be another day before the last of the tribes set out. Akkra had little to do but watch them leave and to make promises to seek them out sometime in the future. Both sides knew that it was unlikely Akkra would ever return, but who would have thought that Taja Dak, exciled from the Tolkars so long ago, would have come back to help the tribes in their moment of need?

Akkra dispassionately watched the remaining tribes making their preparations for departure. He felt he should be busy, but he had nothing to do. He was about to give the order to his own entourage to pack up their meager belongings when one of his warriors tapped him on the shoulder.

"Prince Akkra, someone is coming from the south," the warrior said, pointing towards the rolling hills south of them. Beyond the hills, the Steppes dropped down nearly two thousand feet. Anyone who had come from that direction must have come from Tandaria.

Akkra watched curiously as the band of riders came closer and closer. He began to discern the colors of their clothes and was surprised to see the turquoise blue of the Peacock Lakari -- the Lodaran Imperial Guard. He quietly gave the order to his own men to be prepared for anything.

When the Lodaran party was still a few hundred yards away, Akkra emitted a low whistle of surprise. At the front of the band, no more than twenty riders, was Balder Khan. Akkra's interest picked up. This was no idle visit if the Conqueror was heading it.

When the Lodarans had reached Prince Akkra's campsite, Balder Khan signalled for his party to stop. He dismounted, brushing the dust off his uniform. He smiled broadly at the Mazidaran.

"I'll be damned if I expected to see you so soon," he said cheerfully.

"I am equally surprised, Bal." Akkra shook his head in confusion. "Just why are you here? Do you still not believe that this was our intent?" he asked, waving his arm across the breadth of the Nasilam Steppes.

"Oh, I believe you, alright, Prince Akkra. I'm not here to check up on you. I'm here to deliver something that you forgot in Lodar." Seeing Akkra's puzzled look, he added, "When you escaped from the palace, surely you must realize that you left something behind."

Akkra shook his head and sighed in exasperation. "I have no idea what you are talking about," he insisted.

Balder Khan gestured to several of the Imperial Guards, who separated to allow someone behind them to walk forward. Akkra stared in disbelief. Nest-kor walked over to him and looked up into his eyes. "Hello, Prince Akkra," she said. "You left without saying goodbye."

Dak laughed. "You didn't leave me a lot of choices, Your Highness. I got the distinct impression that I had displeased you."

Nest-kor smiled. "Once in a while you can be rather bothersome, but I think I can live with that. You know, Prince Akkra, I have had some time to think about the proposition your father made. It has some merit, but there is one major detail that seems to be lacking."

Akkra cocked his head inquisitively. "And what is that, Your Highness?"

"It would be a lot better if the proposal came from you instead of your father."

Akkra smiled as he stared into Nest-kor's eyes. "With all my heart," he said. He pulled her close to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed, long and passionately, oblivious to the several score of on-lookers who watched with bemusement.

"Congratulations," exlaimed Balder Khan, slapping the Prince on the back.

Akkra winced when the Lodaran hit the healing wound in his back. "Thanks, Conqueror," he said.

Balder Khan barked out his loud, short laugh. "Oh, no," he said. "I think I am going to have to relinquish that title. My boy, you are truly the Conqueror of Lodar!"