El Murid conquered his anger. Nassef was following the rules. He could do no less. I dont understand why not. I look and I listen. I see hosts pass through Sebil el Selib. I hear that we can summon a horde to our banner. Im told that much of the desert is with us.

Perfectly true. Though I cant say how much of the desert is on our side. More with us than with our enemies, I think. But its a big desert. Most people dont care one way or the other. What they really want is for us and the Royalists both to leave them alone.

Why, then, do you urge me to delay? Thats the argument you want to present, isnt it? And I remind you of your own observation that were alone. You can be as frank as you like.

All right. Stated simply, twenty thousand warriors dont make an army just by gathering in the same place. My forces are only now beginning to coalesce. My men arent used to operating in large groups. Neither are the Invincibles. And the men from areas that weve controlled a long time have lost their battle edge. Moreover, there isnt a man among us, myself included, who has the experience to manage a large force.

Are you claiming well be defeated?

No. Im telling you that wed be risking it, and that the risk will go down every day that we put off fighting them on their own terms. Which we would be. They would know we were coming. They have their spies. And they have men who do know how armies work.

El Murid said nothing for a minute. First he tried to assess Nassefs sincerity. He could not fault it. Nor could he challenge his brother-in-laws arguments. His frustration at being trapped in Sebil el Selib returned.

He could stand his containment no more. He would tolerate it not one minute longer than it would take to assemble the host.

My heart tells me to go ahead.

Thats your decision? Its final?

It is.

Nassef sighed. Then Ill do everything I can. Maybe well be lucky. I do have one suggestion. When the time comes, take command yourself.

El Murid scrutinized his brother-in-law narrowly.

Not because I want to shirk responsibility for any defeat. Because the warriors will fight harder for the Disciple than they will for the Scourge of God. That might be the margin between victory and defeat.

Again El Murid had the feeling that Nassef was being sincere. So be it. Lets go see if Meryem is ready for dinner.

It was a quiet family meal, with few words spoken. El Murid spent much of it examining his ambivalent feelings toward Nassef. As always, Nassef was hard to pin down.

Nassef had argued no harder than a man of conscience should have. Had El Murid misjudged his brother-in-law? Was the news reaching him becoming distorted by the Invincible minds through which it passed?