“Worry not,” said the big man, his voice tight with ash and sand from their long pilgrimage.

Brothers’ gaze kept low, but now, the press of bodies, and wagons, and camels, within Shal al Khatan, City of Splendors and Smoke, had him lifting such lowered gaze, a moment to catch the harem lilting by, all bells and silks.

“and be not tempted by the fugacious pleasures of sin,” continued the big man, and clapped Brother on the back of his hooded head.