The blows fell steadily. The Invincible became workmanlike, telling him the pain would stop only when he undid whatever he had done.

The minutes felt like hours. The pain got worse and worse. Only stubbornness kept Haroun from yielding.

An Invincible rushed up. Theyre headed this way.

How close?

Right behind me.

The captain dragged Haroun to his feet. Well take him along. Is the Lord safe?

Theyre leaving through the back way now, sir. The General and some of his men are with them.

Help me carry him. Haroun hadnt the strength to support himself. He sagged between the men, his feet trailing in the dirt. He could not see well, now. Everything was out of focus, distorted and fire-tinted.

He was going to die. They would make him break the spell, then they would kill him...

He was not afraid. Despite the pain, he felt only triumph.

There he is! Bragi yelled. The white robes have him. Lets go. He charged, bloody sword overhead.

One of the Invincibles looked back. His eyes widened. He ran. The other turned, assessed the situation, released Haroun and drew a dagger. He grabbed the youths hair, pulled his head back for a throat slash.

Bragi threw his sword. It smacked the white robes shoulder, doing no harm, but did foil the murder attempt.

Bragi went for the Invincibles legs. Haaken roared and wound up for a two-handed swordstroke. The white robe flung Haroun into their path. Bragi smashed into the youth. Haaken leapt over. The Invincible tripped him, flung the next Guildsman down atop him, sprinted into the night. Bragis squadmates charged after him.

Bragi untangled himself. What a mess. Haaken?

Right here.

Look at this. They really worked him over.

He asked for it. Better see if I can make a litter.

Asked for it? You dont have a sympathetic bone in your body.

Not for fools.

Not that big a fool. He broke the siege. The fighting in the camp was slackening. The Disciples men were fleeing. Had the Wahlig been able to mount a controlled pursuit none would have escaped. In the chaos, Hali and el Nadim rallied enough men to shield El Murids withdrawal.

Thats two I owe you, Haroun croaked. Bragi and Haaken stood over him, flexing muscles tightened from carrying the litter.

Yeah, Bragi grumbled. Getting to be a habit.

Here comes the old guy, Haaken whispered.

Radetic came puffing up, features oddly adance in the firelight. He dropped to his knees beside Haroun.

Dont let the blood worry you, Bragi said. They just slapped him around.

Haroun tried to grin. I almost got him, Megelin. Stuck him with a spell, anyway. Hes going to hurt a lot.

Radetic shook his head. Bragi said, Lets get rolling. Hoist him up, Haaken.

Two riders came up, stared down. Father, Haroun croaked.

Haroun. The Wahlig eyed Radetic. He start this, Megelin?

He did.