Sindhu took the other with a strip of scarlet cloth.

Now I knew what peeked from their loincloths. Their weapons.

They rearranged their victims so they looked like they were sleeping with their tongues out, all the while whispering cant that sounded ritualistic. I said, Sindhu, stay and keep watch. Warn us if they discover the bodies. Narayan. Come with me.

I hurried as much as darkness allowed. Once we reached camp I told Narayan, That was neatly done. I want to learn that trick with the cloth.

The notion surprised him. He didnt say anything.

Collect the ten best squads. Arm them. Also the twenty men you think best able to handle horses. Ram!

Ram arrived as I began readying my armor. He grew troubled. Whats the matter now? Then I saw what hed done to my helmet. What the hell is this? I told you clean it, not destroy it.

He was like a shy boy as he said, This apes one aspect of the goddess Kina, Mistress. One of her names is Lifetaker. You see? In that avatar her aspect is very like this armor.

Next time, ask. Help me into this.

Ten minutes later I stood at the center of the group Id had Narayan assemble. Were going to attack them. The point isnt glory or victory. We just want to discourage them from attacking us. Were going in, were doing a little damage, then were getting out.

I described the encampment, gave assignments, drawing in the dirt beside a fire. In and out. Dont waste time trying to kill them. Just hurt somebody. A dead man can be left where he falls but a wounded man becomes a burden to his comrades. Whatever happens, dont go beyond the far edge of their camp. Well retreat when they start getting organized. Grab any weapon you can. Ram, capture every horse you can. Everybody. If you cant grab weapons grab food or tools. Nobody risk anybodys life trying to grab just one more thing. And, lastly, be quiet. Were all dead if they hear us coming.

Narayan reported the dead sentries still undiscovered. I sent him forward to eliminate as many more as he and Sindhu could manage. I had the main party cover the last two hundred yards in driblets. A hundred twenty men moving at once, no matter how they try, make noise.

I looked into the camp. Men were stirring. Looked like it was near time to change the guard.

Rams bunch joined us. I donned my helmet, turned my back on my men, walked toward the only shelter in the camp. It would belong to the commander. I set the witchfires playing over me, unsheathed my sword.

Fires ran out its blade.

It was coming back.

The few southerners awake gawked.