"Well, he has shown wisdom in avoiding me.

In front of me, a desert; behind me, verdant hills and many sheep and cattle, well guarded.

I am too far away for them to bother.

Sometimes the desert thieves cause a flurry, but that is nothing.

It keeps the tulwar from growing rusty," patting the great knife at his side.
Bala Khan was muscular; his lean hands denoted work; his clear eyes, the sun and the wind.