"No forgiveness needed, Master Yazid," smiled Cyrus. "We were all young, once."

"Thank you, Great King," bowed Yazid.

"How can I be of service to the tribe of Tamim?"

Yazid straightened up, taking the numerous packs and carefully laying them before Cyrus. "Our tribe has always owed sovereignty to the Great King of Persia, going back generations. We come here today to offer our allegiance to the new Great King, and demonstrate the loyalty of our tribe."

"That is quite n.o.ble of the tribe of Tamim," stated Cyrus, giving a magnanimous smile to two merchants. "And, yet, still dangerous as well. As of this morning, there are still two Great Kings of Persia."

Yazid gulped, swallowing his fear, "Indeed, sire, yet the members of our tribe believe that you shall be the only Great King still standing come nightfall."

Cyrus nodded, yet could not prevent a small smile from forming on his face, "Your tribe is very wise. Let all men know that the great tribe of Tamim is composed of honorable men and virtuous women."

"Thank you, sire," replied Yazid, taking a bow. "It is to that end that we have brought several gifts to demonstrate our loyalty and joy at your accession to the throne."

"Very well, Master Yazid, I will see these gifts you have come to bestow."

Yazid looked over at Amit, and with a quick snap of his fingers, the portly boy went to the several packs lying on the ground and began rummaging through. Amit produced several bags, handing them one at a time to Yazid for presentation.

"Great King, I present to you, the finest frankincense that comes from the lands of Arabia. Procured not far from our ancestral lands, you'll find the incense quite potent," began Yazid, carefully handling the bag of frankincense to Papak, who in turn, presented it to Cyrus.

The Great King of Persia received the bag with both hands, and carefully lowered his nose to the opening, and taking a gentle sniff. "Indeed, Yazid, that is incredibly pleasant. I haven't had this fine of frankincense since I was a boy."

Yazid smiled, bowing to the Great King before retrieving another bag from Amit, "We are glad you are pleased, sire. As you know, frankincense does not come cheaply. Much wealth was poured into procuring that bag for your royal highness, in hopes of showing the loyalty of the tribe of Tamim."

"Your loyalty is an inspiration to us all," grinned Cyrus.

"There is more, sire," said Yazid, opening up the next bag to show a rack of several drawers within a large case. Yazid opened up one of the drawers, to demonstrate the contents inside, "The finest of spices, procured from the lands of the Saba at the farthest reaches of Arabia."

Papak collected the rack, and took it to present to Cyrus. "Spices are n.o.ble gift, especially spices procured from so far away. Most men have not looked upon a single face of those we call the Saba."

"We have contacts with their merchants," proclaimed Yazid rather proudly. "It was of little trouble to find such a great array of spices for your royal highness."

"Excellent, and much appreciated," stated Cyrus, turning to set the rack on a nearby table. "What is next?"

"An offering of gold, Great King," said Yazid, pulling several yellow coins from the next bag, heavily weighted down with many more. "For use as you see fit, and as a thank you from the tribe of Tamim."

"The gold is very well received, Master Yazid," replied Cyrus, his eyes looking covetously at the heavy bag. "Papak, will you take the bag to my treasury chest?"

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"At once, Great King," answered Papak immediately, before absconding with the bag out to the closest exit.

"You have brought me several thoughtful and impressive gifts, Master Yazid. If only others could brag of being the allies of the tribe of Tamim, as I can now," smiled Cyrus.

"You humble us, Great King," smiled Yazid, thankful that the wares were appreciated by as great a man as Cyrus. "I have two more gifts for your royal highness."