So it came about that, quite contrary to my intention, after allcircumstances brought me to the Town of the Axe. Even to the last momentI had not meant to go there, but when the tribute was demanded I sawthat it was best to do so, and having once passed my word it couldnot be altered. Indeed, I felt sure that in this event there would betrouble and that my oxen would be stolen, or worse.
So Fate having issued its decree, of which Hans's version was thatZikali, or his Great Medicine, had so arranged things, I shrugged myshoulders and waited.