So long as the wicked do not rest, neither may we. Spoken by the Disciple on the occasion of his return from the Movements greatest disaster. Dont yield now.

El Nadim approached the Malachite Throne. He bowed, glanced at the Invincibles attending the Disciple. His face remained blank. I have assembled every possible man, Lord.

How many?

Thirty-eight hundred. We could raise another two thousand if we waited for the arrival of the garrisons of the nearest coastal towns, which I have ordered here. But by the time they joined us it would be too late. The Wahlig wont await the completion of our preparations. He will use his new strength soon.

El Murid glanced at Mowaffak Hali. Hali nodded. He could find no fault with el Nadims preparations. Mowaffak was a master at finding fault.

El Nadim endured the moment without wincing, without acknowledging his awareness that his every move was closely scrutinized.

What of my suggestions? El Murid asked.

Entirely workable, Lord. El Nadim could not conceal a certain surprise at his masters having seen a military potential missed by his captains.

Hali said, The question becomes how quickly the Wahlig will move, Lord.

What about the men? Weve dug deep and taken the dregs. Will they stand up to a fight?

El Nadim shrugged. That can be answered only in battle. I fear the answer, though.

Mowaffak?

Youre demanding a lot. They have faith but no confidence. Only a quick, clear success at the outset will hold them together.

El Murid left the throne, limped to the shrine where his angels amulet lay. He grasped it in both hands, raised it above his head. The jewels flare filled the hall. This time, gentlemen, the fist of heaven will strike with us. There will be no Wadi el Kuf.

He saw doubt. He saw unhappiness. Neither el Nadim nor Hali wanted him along. They feared he would become more burden than help. Nor had they witnessed the drama at the el Habib oasis. For them the amulet was more symbol than reality, without proved efficacy.

There will be no Wadi el Kuf, he declared. And I wont be a burden. Ill neither overrule your commands nor interfere with your operations. Ill be just another soldier. Just a weapon.

As you will, Lord, el Nadim replied, without enthusiasm.

Shall we attempt it? El Murid asked.

El Nadim responded, Its face them here or face them there, Lord. There well have the advantage of having done the unexpected.

Then lets stop talking and start doing.

The country was wild. Chaos had frolicked there, leaving the hills strewn with perilous tumbles of boulders. El Nadim halted at the eastern end of a white plain which was the only memory of an ancient salt lake. The road to Sebil el Selib crawled along its southern flank. The general ordered camp made.