New tribes were always entering the city. Azazel said he meant it as a haven for any human seeking protection from earthly dangers.

In the summer, a woman who had only recently entered the city was arrested for stealing. She stood with one of her people by her side and cried earnestly in front of Azazel's lounge.

I have so little, and the people here have so much, she said.

To Semyaza, always a believer in law and order, what to do with a thief was obvious; had the humans themselves not inscribed it in stone that thieves were to have their hands cut off as penance for the sin?

" Whatever you were lacking, let us provide it for you," Azazel said, standing up. He had servants bring her baskets of bread and fruit, of dresses and jewelry. " I could not live if the people of our city were unhappy!"

The woman buried her face into a dress and sobbed.

Semyaza could not understand it at all.

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