Jaleh leads the Magyar and the Frank intot he heart of the sprawling new city where a huge market has grown...one that rivals even those in Byzantium.

Sellars peddle their wares under small canopies and tents...just about everything from opium to slaves can be purchased here. Unfortunately for Jean there are no Chruches in sight.

A'kos smells the press of human flesh (and some not so human...) and grimaces.

"Certainly not the smell of freedom and the wind over the plains," he says wryly.  "Bah, civilization and all it's poxes."

Jean rides to the rear of the others taking in the sights sounds and smells of the settlement. "For once you and I are in agreement. If this was a proper city though, with walls and churches, I might find myself at home but I have no taste for this style of living."

"What difference the pretty buildings and fortifications if the smell is the same," shrugs A'kos.  "Rather I die outside with a sword in my hand than cower inside a fortress."

Jean shrugs his wide shoulders at the Magyars comment. "Why can you just not acept that we have for the first time agreed on something, barbarian? Does your heathen upbringing tarnish even your common sense?"

A'kos glances at the Frank with raised eyebrow, then snorts.

"You qualified your agreement with something I disagree with.  Perhaps you prefer I lie?"

Jean shakes his head in disgust"It seems there can be no middle ground between you and I heathen! Just make sure you are never in need of my help!

The Frankish knight wheels his horse around as if he is offering up a dare or even a challenge to the Magyar.

Jaleh gently lays a a hand on A'kos' arm and whispers in shakes her head.

A'kos grins at Jaleh as the Frank rides away.

"Let's see what mischief we can find in this town," he says.  "Me thinks the Frank is allergic to such - vows of chastity and all that..."

"So, Jaleh, what do you know of this place?" asked A'kos as he studies his surroundings.

Jaleh watch as Jean rides off and says"Just so you know...I had your back if that had gotten any uglier. or perhaps I should say, I had his back eh?"

She whirls her fine Arabian around and says "I know as much about this city as you do. perhaps we should find the others and see how their meeting with Sviatoslav went?"

"I don't think it will come to blows with the frenchman," A'kos posits.  "He is all pride and armor...take away his toys and symbols and he is bereft."

With a shrug A'kos forgets the knight.

"You are right...no point getting lost in unfamiliar territory."

Jaleh says nothing, just nods he head slightly as she astride her Arabian follows A'kos back to the others.