A cry suddenly sounded from overhead and both looked up. The eagle began swooping low and gaining speed.

Naji frowned. "What' wrong with your bird?"

"Nothing is wrong with him," Malik said, "He's giving an alert. It means the village is just ahead."

"Oh, thank Allah!" At the curious look Malik gave him, he grinned sheepishly, "No offense, but your horse is killing me."

"Ah, yes. I forgot it is your first time riding." Malik suddenly turned a little more to see him better and made a sound with his tongue, "Your posture needs a lot of work, it is no wonder you are sore."

Naji raised an eyebrow. "My posture? What's wrong with it?"

"You are too tense, for one thing. You are also sitting awkwardly. This will place a lot of string on your back and legs."

"Oh. I thought you just sat on a horse and that was it."

"It is a little more complicated than that. Thank goodness you are simply riding with me and not alone. You may well have killed yourself by now."

Naji looked startled. "What?!"

Malik merely laughed at him.