A few days later Tariq announced that he was going out on a run. "I would take you, but for this you are of more use here. Keep an eye on things around here - here and in the city. See to the guards and their postings, and make sure the servants are not slacking. You know what to do if any strangers come around. You can have a quarter of my share when I return for this - as long as the place isn't burned to the ground or anything," Tariq laughed. "If you went with me, you'd get a third share of it all, but I know you're distracted right now with your wife. I'll see you in maybe two weeks. I am depending on you, Altayr!" With that, Tariq and his crew departed. Altayr hadn't even known Tariq was planning to go out, but that was alright with him. He'd sooner not go out and run the risk of being caught. The only part he didn't like was being expected to 'dispose' of any nosy people who came around. Intruders were one thing, but that was quite another. It seemed Tariq had also found a way to cut him out of a bigger share...but that was alright too. Tariq had only been gone a few hours when Rafiq the smith appeared before Altayr carrying a bundle wrapped in linen-cloth. "I have done as you asked, Master Altayr. I think you will find these to your liking. They are a style of blade I learn that is from Nepal. Very effective for cutting and chopping. The soldiers there carry them. These have a full tang and are hollow blade for light-weight. The handles are acacia. I also make little knives to go with - karda and chamak blades for you - but I give them later." Altayr took the bundle to the table and unwrapped it carefully. Inside were two matching kukri blades of exquisite craftsmanship. "I know these blades - si. Ahhhhh, Rafiq! Muy fantastico!! I congratulate you on your skill." Altayr picked one up, balancing it on his finger. It sat perfectly there. They were both beautifully balanced and truly not as heavy as they looked. Their cutting edges were deadly sharp. "You are going to waste here, making and sharpening common swords, my friend." Rafiq salaamed to Altayr. "I thank you for this praise, Master Altayr and for the opportunity to do this. I rarely hear such words around here. Shall we go to the armory? I would like to watch you practise with them. You 'do' know how to use them - na'am?" Altayr laughed. "Na'am Rafiq. I know how to use many blades." "I hear a rumor once you are trained in the court of the Nasridim by several different blade-masters. You are a blade-master. I have not seen a master of blades since old Khidr buys me from my master in Damasc. It would give me great pleasure." Altayr bundled the kukri up again and threw his arm around the older man. "Come then, my friend and let us try these out. I think that I have more work for you while Tariq is gone. All my personal blades need cleaning and sharpening. After seeing these, I would trust you with them. Maybe even one or two I let you reforge." Rafiq saw for himself watching from the balcony that what Tariq's father Khidr had told him about Altayr was true. He watched Master Altayr whirl across the floor brandishing both blades expertly, their edges cutting through the thick afternoon air, making sounds that were like music to his ears. Like a deadly dervish Master Altayr was. No doubt he could make mince-meat out of anything or anyone who got in the way of those kukri. It was no wonder Master Tariq feared him. Rafiq liked Master Altayr. Master Tariq never praised him, never treated him as anything but a slave - and never let him practise his true craft. Altayr didn't know it, but he'd just made a new ally in the household. See below...