"'The southwestern shore is held by the Hyrkanians for hundreds of miles. We still have a long way to go before we pass beyond their northern boundaries. I intend to go northwards until I think we have passed them. Then we'll turn westward, and try to land on the shore bordered by the uninhabited steppes.' 'Suppose we meet pirates or a storm?' she asked. 'And we shall starve on the steppes.' 'Well', he reminded her, 'I didn't ask you to come with me.'" '-- Robert E. Howard: "Shadows in the Moonlight"'