Recall the night attack.

The lightning. A sorcerer that knocked a mountain down. But El Murid hates sorcery.

True. Yet one sorcery is entwined in his legend. It hasnt been seen since shortly after he stumbled out of the desert.

The amulet that he claims his angel gave him? I thought that was all made up.

It happened. Apparently hes decided to use it again. Id guess our walls will be his next target.

El Murid is out there?

He is.

Then Father ought to sortie. If we killed him...

Nothing would please them more than to have him try.

But

I discussed this with your father and General Hawkwind. Theyve decided to let el Aswad take its punishment. Let them break the wall. The amulet will be useless in close fighting.

Haroun did not like the strategy. It depended too much on the enemy doing the expected, too much on his not receiving reinforcements. But he protested no more. He had a glimmering of a scheme, and did not want to make Megelin suspicious.

Did you ask Father about those Guildsmen?

I mentioned it. Hell do something when he gets time.

Haroun was pleased. Bragi and Haaken had saved his life. They deserved a reward. Thank you.

Have you completed those geometry exercises? Radetic had no mercy. There was no break in the studies, even for convalescence.

Ive been busy...

Busy malingering. Go to your quarters. Dont come out till you have solutions youre prepared to defend.

Theres the old guy, Haaken said.

Bragi turned, watched Megelin Radetic make his way along the battlements. Radetic paused to talk to each soldier. He remind you a little of Grandfather?

Keep an eye on those fools out there, Haaken said. Or Sanguinet will eat you alive.

Little had been said about the recruit companys failure in battle. No fatigues or punishments had been enforced. Rumor said Hawkwind believed the recruits had done well, considering the terrain and concentrated resistance they had faced.

The veterans were less understanding. Their Generals record had been sullied. Hundreds of comrades were dead. They didnt care that the briny water had been thigh deep, nor that the recruits had borne the brunt of the fury of El Murids army. They saw more recruits surviving than members of any other company, and they were not pleased.

Radetic reached the youths. He paused between them, leaned on a merlon. Below, el Nadims men were hard at work. Confident as ants, arent they?

Maybe they got reasons, Haaken grumbled.

Bragi did not respond. He did not know how to take the older man. Radetic was important here, yet seldom acted it. He did ask, Hows Haroun?

Mending. The Wahlig sends his regards. Hell thank you personally when he has a free moment.

Okay.

So enthusiastic! Hes a generous man. Haroun is his favorite son.

The only thing I could get enthusiastic about is getting out of here.

Radetic made a thoughtful Hmm? sound.