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At first, though, the Ba’aths were courteous. Their commander (or should I say Chief?) said that the detachment needed rest, the mules were shaky, the warriors were hungry and weary from the alien climate. Recently, the «true chosen one of Heaven,» the «future emperor,» Shanar, had come to the North. With a powerful army, of course. Prince Pai accepted the challenge – and the North has turned into an arena of fierce battles. Shanar is a descendant of the Baath chieftain Alligator, and he has many Baath mercenaries in his army. They all need food – and, preferably, drink and lodging. Shanar allowed the mercenaries to get it all for themselves.

The chief promised the villagers that his men would not ravage the village if they were well fed and drunk. «We don’t want to fight. We are very tired. We are not well in your country, the weather is not right. Give us what we ask and we won’t hurt you. If you agree, I’ll give you my brother as a hostage. He’s a shaman. I’m very fond of him. I’ll give him to you while we eat and drink. When we go on our way, I’ll ask you to bring him back. We don’t want to fight. Though we’re not afraid.»