"I see our friend has returned," Polla San said. "Yes," Marik said. "Yesterday morning he departed without taking leave and lost his way again on the way to Corolla. After a night in the desert he found his way back to us and is once again looking for sanctuary. This is true, isn't it?" Marik said, looking down at the Earthman cradled in his arms. The Earthman angrily spat out some sand. "Carthule in His mercy has brought our wanderer back," Polla San said. "I'll take him below," Marik said. "His night in the desert has left him weak and sore, and he needs rest. But he will always find sanctuary here with Carthule. Carthule shows His generosity to the lowest of creatures." Kenra Sarg appeared at the door. "I see our guest has returned," he said. "Yes. He has come back to us." Marik handed the Earthman over to Kenra Sarg, despite an impotent look of rage from the huddled, battered little thief. "Take him to the room he had, and let him rest. He has traveled, and he is weary. I will go to the room of prayer, and offer up the Guest Rite for him, for he is our guest again. For as long as he cares to stay." Kenra Sarg nodded and carried the Earthman inside. Marik turned to Polla San. "Carthule has treated us well. I always feel happy when we have a guest." Polla San smiled. "He still has the eye, I hope." "He still does. I don't think he got too far last night. I've never seen anyone quite so angry." "He will never find his way to Corolla alone," Polla San said. "Not without this." He thoughtfully fondled the compass in his hand. "If my acolytes were not all so busy, I would allow one to guide him," Marik said, smiling. "But I can spare none, and I enjoy offering our hospitality. He is our guest, and we must do all in our power to make his stay enjoyable. Perhaps he will never want to leave." "No," Polla San said, standing up and flexing his legs. "He will leave often, and silently. Perhaps he will take your statue's eye as well, to put in the pouch by his side. But he will return, as he did
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