People of the Abati, would you be slaughtered, would you see your women slaves, and your ancient name blotted out from the list of peoples ?" Now some of them cried, "No." "Then save yourselves.

You are still many, the strangers here have skill in war, they can lead if you will follow.

Be brave a while, and I swear to you that by harvest the Abati shall sit in the city of Harmac and not the Fung in Mur.

I have spoken, now do what you will," and rising from her chair of state Maqueda left the chamber, motioning to us to do likewise.
The end of all this business was that a peace was made between us and the Council of the Abati.

After their pompous, pedantic fashion they swore solemnly on the roll of the Law that they would aid us in every way to overcome the Fung, and even obey such military orders as we might give them, subject to the confirmation of these orders by a small council of their generals.