In the outlying sub-fortress Hawkwind launched a counterattack. He overwhelmed the enemy there, rushed into the main fortress, attacked the enemy entering through the west wall. The fighting there was among buildings and sheds, with little room for maneuver. It was confused and savage.

Hawkwind cordoned the breeched area, then pushed forward, slowly compressing the invaders. The last were evicted before sunset. The days combat produced roughly equal losses for each side.

The defenders began clearing rubble and erecting a secondary barrier behind the gap in the west wall. The sub-fortress they decided to abandon.

The hour was late but Bragi was still at his post. There were no reliefs. Haaken was napping. So it went all around the wall. Every other man sleeping. The night was still but for the sounds of construction work.

Haroun strolled out of the night. He said, Tomorrow theyll be rested and well be exhausted. My father thinks tomorrow may be the end.

Bragi grunted. El Nadim was thinking. Just wear the defense down. Morale was at a low ebb anyway, with the Wahligs men convinced that the struggle was hopeless.

We need help, Haroun said. But help isnt going to come. The tribal leaders are deserting us.

Again Bragi grunted.

They will join el Nadim. The desert will fill with men eager for the plunder of el Aswad. Something has to be done.

Your father is doing what he can.

Not everything. I have talents he wont use. Hes afraid Id get hurt. I could turn it around if hed let me.

How?

I came to thank you. For what you did out there.

No thanks needed. Anyway, you already did.

Theres a debt now. My family always pays its debts.

Bragi didnt argue. He had a low opinion of human gratitude, though. Look at his father and the Thane. No two men ever owed one another more.

Haroun ambled off, seemingly distracted. The whole encounter was puzzling. Bragi decided Haroun needed a keeper.

Haroun was back within the hour. He carried a rope and small black bag. What are you up to? Bragi demanded when Haroun tied the rope to a merlon.

Going to give the Disciple some of his own back.

Who told you to? I didnt get any orders about you going out.

I told me. Haroun pitched the rope into the darkness. Ill be back before anybody misses me.

The hell. I cant let you...

Haroun was gone.

Bragi leaned forward. You dont know what youre doing. Look at you. You dont even know how to rappel.

Haaken woke up. Whatre you making all that racket for? he grumbled. They coming?

No. Its that Haroun. He just went over the wall.

Call the sergeant of the guard. Dont stand there squawking like an old hen.

Then hed get in trouble.

So? Whats it to you?

I like him.

Hes deserting, aint he?

No. Hes going after El Murid.