Bragi kept his men close together, unbroken by the human stampede. Two score bodies lay around them. The enemy was easy in this state.

A rabble from the fortress arrived, as disorganized as the foe, but with blood in their eyes. The area became a slaughter yard. Bragi urged his men toward the gateway.

Entering was easy. The enemy simply ran away or piled over the stockade. Guildsmen and the Wahligs warriors followed Bragis squad.

What now? Where to look? Haroun wanted the Disciple. El Murids quarters should be near the center of camp. This way. On the double. Haaken kept the men together while Bragi ran off to the right, skirting the fires. His squad left a trail of enemy injured. Wild-eyed horses proved a greater danger than enemy weapons.

Bragi found an aisle of encampment unthreatened by flames. He turned toward the camps heart.

Haroun stifled a cry when the Invincibles slammed him to the earth at El Murids feet. He spat at their chieftain. The man cuffed him.

The Wahligs brat, Lord.

Youre sure, Mowaffak?

The very one who attacked you in Al Rhemish.

He was just a boy.

That was a long time ago, Lord. Hes learned more shaghûn tricks, it seems.

Haroun watched the Disciples face darken. He compared it with the face he recalled. The man had aged beyond his years. He looked old. Youd damn me when you use a fouler sorcery yourself?

The Invincible hit him again. Blood filled his mouth. He bit down on the pain, spat scarlet on the mans robe. Pig eater.

You delude yourself. I use no sorcery. El Murid puffed up with offended dignity. I call upon the might of the Lord, as vested in me by his angel.

Somebody is deluding himself.

El Nadim arrived. Lord, the camp is total chaos. The fires cant be contained. Guild soldiers are inside the stockade. Wed best get out.

The Disciples face darkened further. No.

Lord! Mowaffak snapped. Be reasonable. This scum panicked the men. The enemy are upon us. We cant make a fight of it. Its get out or be destroyed. Now, before the panic infects the Invincibles.

El Nadim agreed. We can rally the survivors on the road, then return. He exchanged a look with the Invincible.

Haroun caught it. Both knew there would be no second attempt on the fortress. This night would see their strength leeched. None of you will escape, he gurgled. Youre dead men. Big talk. But maybe they would be destroyed. He heard the fighting now.

Agony lanced across the Disciples features. Bodyguards rushed to support him. The Invincible captain snarled, Get him onto a horse. Get everybody you can mounted. Riding double if you have to. He faced Haroun. What did you do to him?

Haroun said nothing.

The Invincible hit him. What did you do?

Haroun gritted his teeth and willed the pain away.