On board the Nohbakim sand trireme, Kazhir attempts to convince Zoltan to bear him back to Rephidim. Zoltan, upon reading the letter from Azhtar, decides to investigate for himself, and goes to speak with Jarik. Zoltan is angered after checking with Jarik, and decides to bring bodily harm to Kazhir, at last prompting Jarik to see the poodle as a threat, but Kazhir leaps off the side of the craft as it enters the desert trading camp – and seeks sanctuary with Trade Master Hajeem. At the camp, Jarik and Zoltan arrive as guests as well, and Jarik comes to the conclusion that he has the right to eliminate Achimed and Kazhir because of their crimes … but cannot yet act while under the hospitality of Hajeem. Zoltan departs, heading for Rephidim