It appeared that they were in a country where the Tartars had been for some time settled and which had for years been free of the ravages of war.

The folks were hunters and shepherds who took the strangers for immortal beings and offered food on bent knees like oblations to a god.

They knew where the Ilkhan dwelt, and furnished guides for each day's journey.

Aimery, who had been sick of a low fever in the plains, and had stumbled on in a stupor torn by flashes of homesickness, found his spirits reviving.

He had cursed many times the futility of his errand.