For a minute I did. Im as subject as anyone else to the wiles of the Evil One. But I found my strength, and the lapse made the outcome sweeter. You see how the Lord moves us to His will? We do His work even when we think were turning our backs on Him.

Nassef stared across the barren hills. Finally, he replied, Its hard to accept a defeat hoping it will yield a greater victory someday. My friend, my prophet, they signed their death warrants today.

Im no prophet, Nassef. Just a disciple of the Lords Way. And I want no deaths that can be avoided. Even King Aboud and the High Priests may someday seek the path of righteousness.

Of course. I was speaking figuratively. Saying that by their actions they have doomed their cause.

It is often thus with the minions of the Evil One. The more they struggle, the more they contribute to the Lords work. What about the raid? Are you sure we can pull it off?

I sent Karim back to Al Rhemish. If our people do what we ask, if they keep the riots going and send us five hundred warriors, we can. Therell be no one to stop us. All the lords came to Al Rhemish to see our humiliation. The riots will occupy them through Mashad. Well have a weeks lead.

I just wish we could have christened the baby.

That was a pity. Well return, Lord. Well see it done, some Mashad. I promise it.

For once Nassefs words burned with total sincerity, with absolute conviction!

The by-ways of the desert were long, lonely and slow, especially for a man apart from other men. There was no one for El Murid to confide in, to dream with, except Meryem. The Invincibles were too much in awe of him, too worshipful. Nassef and his handful of followers remained engrossed in their scheming against tomorrow. The riders who overtook them, coming from Al Rhemish by tens and twenties, were all strangers. The fast friends who had been his first converts, the others who had come with him out of El Aquila, were all dead, sainted.

Nassefs struggles on his behalf took their toll.

The Disciple rode beside the white camel, his child in his lap. Shes such a peaceful, tiny thing, he marveled. A miracle. The Lord has been good to us, Meryem. He winced.

Your ankle?

Yes.

Youd better let me take her back, then.

No. These moments are too rare already. And theyre going to become rarer still. After a minute alone with his thoughts, How long will it be before I can set aside my staff?

What do you mean?

How long before our success is achieved? How long till I can settle down and lead a normal life with you and her? Weve been riding these hidden trails for three years. It seems like thirty.