One painful piece of news had sullied a restful winter. El Murid had appointed Nassef commander of the Invincibles for a period of five years. Spies said that the Scourge of God had launched an immediate purge, that Nassef was redesigning the bodyguard to his own specifications.

The Sword apparently mastered the Word completely now.

Nassefs campaign plans became less murky once Haroun and Radetic returned to el Aswad. They were given no chance to recuperate from the hardships of the trail. Guards hustled them directly to the Wahlig.

Well, hes finally made a move, Megelin, Yousif declared as they approached. Hes shown his hand. And it was the last thing anybody expected.

Radetic dropped gingerly to a cushion. What did he do?

All that strength hes been gathering? Thats been piling up so fast our spies figured he was going to take a stab at us this summer? He used it to attack to the east.

The east? But

Souk el Arba has fallen already. Hes besieging Es Souanna. His riders have reached Ras al Jan. Souk el Arba didnt resist. They sent a committee to welcome him. Our agents say our cousins on the coast are tripping over each other theyre so eager to join him. Hes promising everybody the loot of Al Rhemish and the Inner Provinces.

In other words, the east has decided its future lies with El Murid.

Theyve had a lot of time to preach there. And to make deals. Aboud hasnt done much to hold their loyalties. In fact, I expect Throyes to cut us off completely now.

The only way Al Rhemish could reach its eastern supporters was by using the same narrow, northern pass which gave desert merchants access to Throyes. The Throyens were racially and linguistically akin to the Children of Hammad al Nakir, but had not recognized an external suzerainty since the Fall. The city had been founded as a naval and mercantile port by Ilkazar.

There had been no fighting for years, but the city still claimed territories on the northern shores of the east coast. Since Sebil el Selib Throyes had been nibbling away at the lands Aboud had reconquered in his youth. The Royal lines of communication now had to pass through areas patrolled by unfriendly troops.

I imagine theyll occupy in earnest as soon as they hear whats happened, Radetic agreed. How strong a garrison did Nassef leave? Did El Murid go with him?

Fuads checking it now.

Fuad was doing more than checking. He was conducting el Aswads first assault on the pass in years. His initial progress report arrived early next day.

Haroun came to drag Radetic out of his quarters. Come on, Megelin! Uncle Fuad took them by surprise. Get up! Father needs you.