Aboud could be pardoned his dissipations. He hadnt many years left, and was terrified of the Dark Lady. He was trying to recapture the ghost of his youth. But Ahmed, Ahmed had no excuse.

Yousif had polled the more hardheaded Royalist nobility.

His brother wahligs agreed that Ahmed was a disaster in the making. He had assumed a dangerous influence over his father since Farids death. His suggestions had resulted in several minor defeats by guerrillas operating near Al Rhemish. But those same hardheads would do nothing when Yousif suggested they take the initiative...

Kingdom and Crown were decomposing while yet alive. The stench of corruption filled the land. And no one would lift a hand to halt the process. The pity of it all was that Aboud was so much stronger than El Murid. A determined, decisive leader could destroy the Disciple easily.

His anger stirred his adrenaline. He swore. He can be put down!

His neighbors looked at him askance. They did that a lot. Hed earned a reputation as a singleminded boor of a country cousin already.

Really, Yousif, Aboud admonished softly. Not while Lalla is dancing.

Yousifs glance flicked from the King to his heir. Ahmed wore a wicked smile. A moment later he slipped quietly away.

Yousif wondered no more than a moment. Ringing zils and shimmering veils and flashes of satiny skin at last captured his undivided attention. Lalla was dancing just for him.

Would you quit that? Reskird snapped. Youre driving me crazy.

Quit what? Bragi asked, halting.

Pacing. Back and forth, back and forth. Think you were ready to have a kid.

Haaken grunted agreement. Whats the matter?

Bragi hadnt been conscious of his pacing. I dont know. Nervous energy. This place gives me the creeps.

The mercenaries had pitched camp on the western wall of the bowl, separate from the rest of Al Rhemish, but not separate enough to suit the men. There were strong tensions between native and outsider. The Guildsmen mainly stayed to themselves and radiated contempt for the barbarism of Al Rhemish and its people.

Reskird said, I heard we wont be here much longer. That theyre going to pay us off and let us go.

Cant be too soon for me, Haaken said.

Bragi sat down, but didnt stay seated long. In moments he was circling the fire again.

There you go again, Reskird snarled.

Youre making me nervous, Haaken said. Go for a walk or something.

Bragi paused. Yeah. Maybe I will. Maybe I can find Haroun, see how hes doing. Havent seen him since we got here.

Good idea. Look out you dont have to save his ass again. Reskird and Haaken laughed.

Bragi scanned the star-limned hills, uncertain what he was seeking. The air had an odd feel, as though a storm were in the offing. Yeah. Thats what Ill do.

Dont take too long, Haaken admonished. Weve got midnight guard.