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 “I realized my obligations,” replied Tuhar Wolf. “Only in one way have I disobeyed your customs. I brought my daughter to the encampment.”

“Daughter?” queried the astonished Peta. “Were you not aware that our military rules forbid the presence of women in the encampment of warriors?”

“Yes, I know that. But what could I do with her? I have no home, no relatives, no wife! Aside from me and the great Jinghis Khan, she has no other protector! My king was very eager to be rid of me from his city and those execrable louts, my slaves, have rebelled against me.”

“Nonetheless, she cannot remain here.”

“I beg the grandsons of the great Jinghis Khan to allow her to stay here at least tonight and tomorrow, until I can find some safe place to leave her.”

“Our friends shall be welcome guests here,” replied Peta graciously then. Turning towards Peace-Renown, he said in his unfamiliar Ukrainian, “Come hither, girl!”

Peace-Renown was alarmed at these words addressed to herself by the fearful Mongol chieftain. Eyes filled with loathing and disdain, she gazed at the wrecker of Rus without making the slightest move to obey him.

“Draw nearer, Peace-Renown,” her father ordered. “The great chieftain of the Mongolian armies has received us very kindly.”

“I don’t want his kindness!” returned Peace-Renown.

“Come here, I command you!” the boyar ordered threateningly. Peace-Renown advanced unwillingly.

Peta surveyed her with his bright, beady eyes. “Beautiful girl! Too bad you cannot stay here! Take example from your father, girl, be true to the great Jinghis Khan. Great fortune will smile upon you. Here girl, let me give you this ring from your king Mesteslav, signifying safety from all harm. Show