"By the Lord's grace, Lord Eric, the Sultan wishes to receive you now. The just Sultan has accepted the mercy you've shown his nephew, and now extends to you the hand of peace and friendship.
Though one of us comes from the East and the other from the West, though we are so different in language, culture, and religion, I believe we still have something in common..." Turandot was interrupted before he could finish.
"Ever since Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, evil has been mankind's greatest common ground," Hayam interjected at an inopportune moment.
"This is no place for a lowly, nameless poet like you to speak!"
Turandot roared at Hayam.
But Hayam seemed not to hear him, his gaze turning to Eric.
"Wicked men naturally have much to discuss with other wicked men." Eric shrugged and patted Hayam's shoulder.
"My savior, his is not the only hand of friendship you can seek. Besides, I am in your debt, and I hope for an opportunity to repay it," Hayam said, spreading his hands.
