the fund for all the Eastern Poshani. Radu and Kezia will help me to administer it until I understand the workings of the organization.”
Radu said, “With your background in financial accounting, I have no doubt that you’ll be an asset to all our people.”
“There are needs,” Tatyana said, “especially among the darigan. I believe I can be of some service.”
Kezia rose and held her hand out to Tatyana. “Come. Let’s visit some of the clan leaders while they are still gathered for Vashana. I will introduce you to everyone I know by name, and the old women will take care of the rest.”
“So the same as every community.” Tatyana smiled. “I already feel at home.”
As soon as they were away, Ben said, “You know she was hiding from Oleg.”
“Oleg is powerful,” Radu said. “But now Tatyana is one of the Poshani. She learned our language before she ever joined us. Our people respect that. She acquainted herself with our history and has impressed our people with her humility. I will tell you that already, the Eastern Poshani will defend her to the death. She is their terrin.”
“She won’t travel with the caravan?”
“She is welcome anytime, but Vano’s businesses are extensive and cross into Oleg’s territory. There is no way they will be able to avoid each other, but he knows that she is ours now. He will have to respect that or suffer the consequences.”
Ben sat back in his chair. “You’re a good man, Radu.”
He shrugged. “I have my faults like any other. The two of you…” He nodded and looked between them. “This is good.”
“We’ve really got to stop taking jobs that lead to regime changes though.” Tenzin sighed. “We’re going to stop being invited anywhere good.”
“Agreed.”
Radu said, “Currently, I do not have any more work for you, but I do have a bonus.” He withdrew a small lacquered chest and opened it. A row of gold bars lay nested in the bottom of the velvet-lined box. “The price Ben and I negotiated for the goblet has already been transferred to your account electronically, but this is for both of you, a thank-you for the inconvenience.”
Tenzin’s eyes lit up.
“I confess,” Radu said, “Vano’s gold stores were far less than I expected, based on his business empire and how much he had been withholding from the clan.” Radu snapped the chest shut. “But what is there is yours. With Tatyana’s skills, I have no doubt that the Eastern Poshani will be well provided for in the future.”
Ben opened his mouth, but Tenzin grabbed his hand and squeezed hard. “We will be honored to accept this,” she said, “as an apology for the damage to my trailer and the… unfortunate incident that will never be spoken of again.”
Radu looked relieved. “I do appreciate your discretion.”
“Of course.” Tenzin rose. “We should leave now. We’re heading west tonight.”
Radu and Ben both stood, and Ben held out his hand. “I would be happy to travel with you again.”
“You are welcome anytime.” Radu turned to Tenzin. “It was good to see you, Tenzin.”
“I would say the same.” She lifted the box and held it hugged to her chest. “We didn’t move the trailers, but we did loot them a little.”
“Understood. The darigan will take care of them. Do not even think of it.” Radu reached under the table and lifted a backpack. “I nearly forgot this.”
“Oh my God, my tablet.” Ben hugged the backpack to his chest. “I don’t even want to think about how many emails I’ve missed.”
“Let’s not think about that at all.” Tenzin reached for the backpack and put the lacquered box inside. “Are you ready?”
Ben nodded and slung the backpack over his shoulders. “Radu, give our best to your sisters.”
“My sisters.” He smiled. “I do like the way that sounds. I will tell them. Safe journey, my friends.”
Ben and Tenzin rose into the sky, waving at the Hazar, who flew alongside them until they had left Poshani territory. Then there was nothing in front of them except for scattered clouds and the nighttime sky.
“You realize,” Tenzin said, “that if we hadn’t let René take all the gold, we would have been paid so much more.”
“You realize,” Ben said, “that if René hadn’t helped us get the third goblet, none of this would have worked out the way it did.”
Tenzin huffed. “I suppose so.”
“Leave it.” Ben glanced over his shoulder. René was probably still in the camp, sewing Vano’s gold into the lining of all his brocade coats. “I have a feeling