King Rasbul was stunned. “What you propose is insanity—”
Jafar bowed his head humbly. “Perhaps Your Majesty is right. It would be foolish to compare the present stock of Tatarriya to their rugged nomadic ancestors. So many years of domestication—”
“The Tatarriya are no less than they ever were,” roared the king.
“I suppose not,” Jafar conceded. “Perhaps they suffer only in comparison to the Badawi, who—”
“The Tatarriya compare to no one,” the king insisted.
“Then your people would not suffer,” Jafar concluded. “Let them leave their homes behind; houses are only buildings. Let them leave their furniture behind; the invader does not care about cupboards and tables. Let them take their horses and flocks and herds. Let them take what treasures they can carry with them. And let them all go
