The Wahligs light horse followed the heavy cavalry, eager to fall on the scattered, terror-stricken infantry Hawkwinds charge would leave in its wake.

Both waves went to the gallop.

And when they were two thirds of the way across the lakebed they fell into el Nadims trap, the trap suggested by a salt mans son.

It was no manmade trap. Nature herself had placed it there. Out where the old lake had been deepest a bit of water remained trapped beneath a concealing crust of salt and debris. It was seldom more than two feet deep, but that was enough.

The charging horses, already running shakily on the powdery lakebed, reached the water, broke through the crust. Their impetus was broken. Many of the warhorses fell or dumped their riders. Yousif s light horse hit from behind, worsening the confusion.

El Nadim signaled the advance. His men poured missile fire into the uproar. Selected veterans ran ahead to hamstring horses and finish dismounted riders.

El Nadims horsemen circled the confusion and assaulted Yousifs men from their flanks.

The enemy broke. El Nadims horsemen harried them back to their lines, killing scores, then flew back to their stations on their infantrys flanks, howling victoriously.

Dont sing yet, the general muttered. The worst is to come.

The historians would declare the honors even. Casualties were about equal. But the Guildsmen had been hurled back, and rendered incapable of delivering another massed charge.

El Nadim backed away from the brine. Water for everyone, he ordered. Horses too. Officers, get those standards aligned. I want every man in his proper position. See to the javelins. Slave volunteers out front with the shovels. The breeze was stronger. The sun had turned the lakebed into a gleaming mirror over which heat waves shimmered. He doubted the enemy could see him.

Come on, Yousif, el Nadim muttered. Dont stall.

The Wahlig decided to attack before the dust and heat completely debilitated his men. The Guild infantry began its advance.

Now we find out. El Nadim moved up to the edge of the brine. When the enemy came in range, he ordered javelins thrown. The Guildsmen took the missiles on their shields, suffering little harm. But the javelins dropped into the water, where they floated haft up and tangled feet. The Guild line grew increasingly ragged.

The slave volunteers used slings to hurl stones over their comrades heads, further sapping enemy morale.

Now, Hali, el Nadim murmured. Now is your time.

And in the distance white boiled out of the rocks and swept down on the enemys camp and mounts and reserves. The Invincibles were outnumbered, but surprise was with them. They drove off most of the horses and slaughtered hundreds of unprepared warriors before Yousif forced them back into the shelter of the rocks.

El Nadim was pleased. Execution had been perfect, and the rear attack threat remained.