Nassef did not reply immediately. He surveyed the Invincibles. He found no sympathy in their eyes. They were El Murids hounds. They would respond to his will no matter what he commanded. He looked at the dagger. He looked at El Murid. It shall be as you command, my Lord Disciple. Ill send the summons as soon as I leave. He chewed his lower lip.

El Murid was mildly surprised. He had not expected Nassef to yield this easily. Go, then. Im sure you have a lot to do. I want to start as soon as possible.

Indeed, Enlightened One. Moving an army to Al Rhemish will take a great deal of preparation. The desert is no friend to the soldier.

Its a work of the Evil One. Naturally, it serves him. But it can be conquered, even as he can.

Nassef did not respond. He bowed and departed.

El Murid kept tabs. Not all the Invincibles wore white robes and mustered with their companies. A few remained secret members of the fraternity, providing intelligence for their commanders.

Nassef kept his word. He sent his messengers. He gathered his captains. They plunged into the problems inherent in marching a large army across a wasteland.

Satisfied, El Murid almost forgot him.

Then he stole one of his rare evenings with his family.

The Disciples private life would have scandalized the conservative Invincibles. But he had learned from his attempt to have Meryem testify at his trial. He and she kept their abnormal equality concealed behind closed doors.

His New Castle apartments were sumptuous. Though it would serve as a cistern in time of siege, he even had a large pool in which to relax and bathe.

Meryem met him with the excited smile that had come to mean so much to him. I was afraid something would keep you.

Not tonight. Tonight I need you more than they need me. He closed the door and kissed her. Youre a patient woman. A miracle. Youve changed so much since El Aquila.

She smiled up at him. Men change us. Come on. Theres no one but family tonight. Im even doing the cooking myself so the outside cant get in.

He followed her into the next room and stiffened.

Nassef sat with his son Sidi and the still unnamed girl, telling them some outrageous tale of the desert. El Murid pursed his lips unhappily, but settled to his cushion without a word. Nassef was Meryems brother, and the children loved him. Especially the girl. Sometimes she would sneak out and follow her uncle all over the valley. She could not believe that her fathers enemies were capable of attacking him through her.

Itll be a while, Meryem told him. Why dont you relax in the pool? You havent had a chance all week.

Me too! Sidi yelped.