We treated with the factors. Perhaps they cheated us. We were but ignorant devils of the sands. Perhaps not. We bore scimitars still stained with the blood of those who had wronged us.

I doubt that they cheated, Mustaf. Its not their way. And, as you say, they would have been frightened.

There is a small amount in gold and silver. And the camels did not interest them.

What were your losses?

One man. And my son Nassef was wounded. That boy! You should have seen him! He was a lion! My pride knows no bounds. That such a son should have sprung from my loins! A lion of the desert, my Nassef. He will be a mighty warrior. If he outlives youths impetuosity. He slew three of them himself. The chieftain glowed in his pride.

And horses? You mentioned horses.

Three. Three of our best. We rode hard and swift. And there was a messenger, that we sent to find your fathers people, that they might know and make claims. He has not yet returned.

He has a long journey. Its yours, Mustaf. All yours. I ask but a horse and a small amount of coin with which to begin my ministry.

Mustaf was surprised. Micah

I am El Murid now. Micah al Rhami is no more. He was a boy who died in the desert. I have returned from the fiery forge as the Disciple.

Youre serious, arent you?

El Murid was surprised that there could be any doubt.

For the sake of the friendship I bore your father, hear me now. Do not pursue this path. It can be naught but a way of tears and sorrow.

I must, Mustaf. The Lord himself has commanded me.

I should restrain you. I will not. May the ghost of your father forgive me. I will choose a horse.

A white horse, if you have one.

I have one.

Next morning El Murid again taught beneath the palms. He spoke with passion, of the scarcely restrained wrath of God losing all patience with his Chosens neglect of their duties. The argument of the empty oasis was hard to refute. The fiery summer could not be discounted. Several of his younger listeners remained for a more scholarly question and answer session.

Three days later Nassef whispered from beyond El Murids tent flap. Micah? May I come in?

Come. Nassef? El Murid?

Sorry. Of course. The youth settled himself opposite El Murid. Father and I have had an argument. About you.

Im sorry to hear that. It isnt a good thing.

He ordered me to stay away from you. Meryem too. The other parents are going to do the same. Theyre getting angry. Youre calling too many ideas into question. They tolerated you when they thought it was the desert madness talking. But now theyre calling you a heretic.