Some of those eaters of camel droppings have gone over to the bandits. Fuad had come out. He scowled at the assembling host. Cowardice is spreading like the pox.

Radetic replied, I wouldnt think them that fickle.

They are, fishwife. And those that havent deserted are hiding in their tents like old women, afraid to take a stand. Their excuse to my brother will be that he didnt issue the call himself. I ought to ride out and punish them. Bloody crones.

Maybe you ought to wait a few days, Radetic suggested. Send another round of messengers and have them talk tough.

What good will that do? They want to hide behind their womens skirts, let them. Ill mock them when I return with El Murids head on my lance. Beloul! Assemble the sheiyeks.

The captain Beloul inclined his head and descended the slope. He passed among the contingents. Chieftains started uphill by twos and threes. Fuad did not greet any of them warmly, though he knew them all and had been riding with them for years. His black scowl compelled them to hold their tongues and keep their distance.

When the last arrived, joining the circle surrounding Fuad, Radetic, Haroun and Fuads officiers, Fuad turned slowly. So this is it. Only you have the guts to face these boy bandits. Taha. Rifaa. Qaboos. All of you. I promise you my brother will remember this. And hell not forget the faces we dont see here today.

Someone suggested, Maybe we ought to give the others more time.

More time, Feras? Will the Disciple give us more time? No! We strike. No game. No subtleties. We hit them like a hammer. And we bring their heads back to decorate the walls. Every motherlorn one.

Radetic muttered, Fierce this morning, arent we?

Fuad rewarded him with an ugly look. Youll find out fierce, teacher. Keep nagging. Beloul. Order the column according to plan. Just drop the places of the cowards who didnt show.

Fuad, Radetic whispered, I really think you ought to reconsider this.

We ride when the column is in order, Fuad countered. There will be no more discussion. We will be victorious or we will fail. I wouldnt want to be in the sandals of those cowards if we fail and I survive. Get away from me, teacher. You dont have anything to tell me.

Hours later Megelin watched the column pass out of sight. I did what I could, Haroun. But hes too damned stubborn to hear reason.

You dont think hell win?

Radetic shrugged. Anything is possible. Maybe hell get lucky.

A messenger located Megelin in his classroom two days after Fuads departure. The Lord Yousif has awakened. He asks your attendance.

Radetic was irritated by the interruption, but could not ignore the summons. Ali. Im leaving you in charge while I see your father. Keep on with the lesson.

Outside, the messenger chuckled. You set them a grim taskmaster.