A company of Invincibles appeared, hunting Yousifs family. They were determined. Radetic fought like a demon, revealing tricks of the sword seldom seen outside Rebsamen practice halls. His stubbornness inspired the men he had assembled. Haroun fought beside him, trying to win a minutes respite so he could employ his shaghûns skills. The Invincibles gave him no chance. His companions began to falter.

Haroun tried to dig into his kit anyway. A swordtip buzzed past his ear. He fumbled the kit, lost it.

The Invincibles couldnt be stopped. He was going to die...

An unholy bellow slammed the belly of the night. Swinging his sword with both hands, Bragi Ragnarson hit the Invincibles from behind. In seconds half a dozen went down. Some scrambled away from his insanity. The northerner attacked those who remained, pounding through their sabers with his heavy sword.

They broke too. Haroun laughed hysterically. Three times, he gasped to Megelin. Three times! He staggered toward Bragi. The northerner waved his sword and called the Invincibles cowards, daring them to come back. Haroun threw his arms around the big man. I dont believe it, he gasped. Not again.

Bragi stood there panting, watching the white robes. I found you, eh? Ive been hunting since sundown.

Just in time. Just in time.

Bragi shuddered. I didnt think that could happen to me. My father could go crazy when he wanted, but...whats going on? How did they get here? I better get back to camp. He was confused. His voice was plaintive.

Radetic said, You cant get there from here, lad. There was heavy fighting on the slope below the mercenary encampment. Stay here. Gamel. Find a Royal standard. Lets give our people a rallying point.

Radetic did his utmost, parlaying the Royal name, but the collapse continued. Al Rhemish was doomed. Even with the mercenaries making vigorous sallies from their encampment, the inertia of the rout could not be turned.

Haroun almost whined as he asked, Megelin, how could Al Rhemish be overrun so easily? There are too many loyal men here.

Most of whom ran for it right away, Radetic replied.

A group of youngsters came in led by a wounded officer.

Nobles sons, sire, he said. Take care... And he collapsed.

Haroun stared down, bewildered. Sire? he whispered. He called me sire.

The word is spreading, Megelin said. Look. The mercenaries are pulling out. Time we did too. You men. Round up whatever animals and provisions you can.

Megelin

No room to argue anymore, Haroun. Radetic told Bragi, Watch him. Dont let him do anything silly. He spoke Trolledyngjan.

I have to get back to my outfit, Ragnarson protested.

Too late, son. Way too late. Radetic resumed arguing with Haroun.

Haroun gradually accepted Megelins truth. Al Rhemish was lost and with it his entire family. He had no one but Megelin and this strange northern youth. Angry, with hatred knotting his guts, he allowed Radetic to lead him into the night.