I granted passage on one desert road this season. If I lingered on the gate tower after seeing it off, it was only because the wind was pleasant.

• NadimYour Highness, the wind died at midnight.
  RashidSince when does the captain of the Guard moonlight as a weather-reader?
• Queen Mother SelimDid you know the price of granting one road, before you granted it?
  RashidI'll bear the cost, Mother. Though the arithmetic was never really my job.