Micah! Nassef screamed at him. Get up! Grab hold of my leg!

He found the will and strength. Nassef started away.

Hang on tight. Bounce high.

He did.

Behind him, another hundred Invincibles gave their lives to make sure he got away.

Once into the wadi, Nassef flung himself from his mount, seized El Murids left hand. Come on! Weve got to disappear before they get organized.

The sounds of battle died swiftly as they fled deeper into the grotesque wilderness. El Murid did not know if distance or final defeat were responsible, but he feared the worst.

They kept to terrain no horse could penetrate. Their enemies would have to come for them on foot if they insisted on pressing the pursuit.

It was almost dark when Nassef found the fox den. Two badly wounded warriors crowded it already, but they made room. Nassef did his best to eliminate traces outside.

The first hunters came only a short time later. They were in a hurry, chasing game still on the wing. Other parties passed during the next few hours. Occasional shouts and metallic clashings echoed through the wadi.

During each stillness Nassef did what he could for the two warriors. He did not expect either to live. When it seemed that the pursuit had ended, he worked on El Murids arm.

The fracture was not as bad as it had seemed. The bone had broken cleanly, without being crushed.

It was midnight when the pain subsided enough for El Murid to ask, What do we do now, Nassef? His voice was vague, his mind airy. Nassef had given him an opiate.

We start over. We build it again, from the ground. We dont hurry it. At least we wont have to capture Sebil el Selib again.

Can we do it?

Of course. Weve lost a battle, thats all. Were young. Time and the Lord are on our side. Be quiet!

He was at the mouth of the den, masking the others with his body and dark clothing. He could see the flickering light of torches playing among the rocks.

Men followed the light.

One complained, Im tired. How long do we have to keep this up?

Another replied, Until we get them. Theyre in here and I dont intend to let them out.

Nassef knew that second voice. It belonged to that stubborn brother of the Wahlig, Fuad. Hatred welled within him.

One of the wounded warriors chose that moment to die. His comrade thought quickly enough to smother his death rattle with a corner of his robe.

Why didnt you bring the damned amulet? Nassef demanded testily, after the danger had passed. It would have made the difference.

The Disciple barely heard through his pain. He gritted the truth between clenched teeth. I was a fool, wasnt I? The angel gave it to me for moments like those. Why didnt you say something before we left? You knew I was keeping it safe in the shrine.