Maksut could fault himself on many things, but cowardice was never one of these. As his Raj bestowed numerous hits upon his person, he withstood the abuse silently, not even lifting his hand to wipe the blood that trickled freely down his cut brow, knowing that he has failed in his sole duty.

"How dare you" the Raj hissed through clenched teeth "give her to that beast! That foul mongrel that knows little about our ways and respects them even less!"

Maksut raised his sleeve to spit the rapidly collecting blood out of his mouth into it, not wanting to tarnish the floor of his Lord's chamber and yet unable to speak with the liquid gathered in his mouth.

"Forgive this lowly one, master. I am not wise enough for I would have come for you then."

The Raj's hand pausing on its way to Maksut's head, the man sighed tiredly, his voice and expression betraying his true age.

"I cannot refuse the dog, the consequences would be too dire. Far too dire. Pray that he has honour enough not to defile her, Maksut, for your death will not be swift, nor will be the deaths of those dear to you."