“As soon as I had done this I rode on in all haste from Azim Balda， fearing no pursuit and expecting that my father， having received such a letter， would send messages to Ahoshta or go to him himself， and that before the matter was discovered I should be beyond Tashbaan. And that is the pith of my story until this very night when I was chased by lions and met you at the swimming of the salt water.”
“And what happened to the girl.the one you drugged？” asked Shasta.
“Doubtless she was beaten for sleeping late，” said Aravis coolly. “But she was a tool and spy of my stepmother‘s. I am very glad they should beat her.”
“I say， that was hardly fair，” said Shasta.
“I did not do any of these things for the sake of pleasingyou，” said Aravis.
“And there’s another thing I don‘t understand about that story，” said Shasta. “You’re not grown up， I don‘t believe you’re any older than I am. I don‘t believe you’re as old. How could you be getting married at your age？”
Aravis said nothing， but Bree at once said， “Shasta， don‘t display your ignorance. They’re always married at that age in the great Tarkaan families.”
