Radetic rubbed sleep from his eyes. Fuad did what? He began to dress, donning desert-style clothing. The last of his own western garb had gone to rags years earlier. Never going to get used to this womens wear, he muttered. Maybe I should have something sent out. Bah. That would make it too easy for assassins to find their target.

Come on! Haroun bubbled. He surprised them. He got through their picket lines and cut them off so nobody knew he was coming. He caught them working in their fields and killed a whole lot. Come on. Father needs to know what you think we should do.

Haroun could not stop jabbering. He revealed most of Yousifs surprise before he and Radetic located the Wahlig in the parapet of the tower on the north wall. Yousif was staring northward, toward Sebil el Selib.

With a mixture of luck, planning and cunning, Fuad had outmaneuvered El Murids patrols and had broken into Sebil el Selib. He had killed or captured hundreds before the survivors could seal up the two fortresses, and had killed and captured hundreds more afterward, because in their panic the gatekeepers had locked them out. Fuad and the survivors were trading stares over the walls of the castles. Fuad did not have the strength to storm either. While he awaited advice from home he was destroying everything he could. He expected Nassef to send help soon. He wanted to leave the enemy nothing when he withdrew.

What do you think we should do, Megelin? Yousif asked.

Send for help. Especially to Prince Farid. Explain the situation. Tell him that if he hurries we have a chance to cut them off on the coast. That might be as good as killing them.

Ive done that. I was thinking in more direct terms. What can we do up there? While were waiting for Farid and Nassef?

Radetic considered. Id have to see the fortresses myself. I might notice a weakness youve overlooked.

The western style of warfare was more given to castles and siegework than that of Hammad al Nakir. The men of the desert were inclined to run away when outnumbered rather than to retreat into a fortress. Most of the extant fortifications were Imperial hand-me-downs weak from long neglect.

You can join me, then. Im leaving in an hour. Taking every man who can hoist himself onto a horse.

Father?

Yousif eyed his son. He knew what the boy wanted, but made him ask anyway. What, Haroun?

Can I go? If Megelin does?

The Wahlig glanced at Radetic, who said, Its all right with me if its all right with you.

Go get your things, son.

Haroun left with the excitement of a small whirlwind. Radetic observed, Its time he got a glimpse of the realities.

Thats why I told him he could go. He accused me of letting Ali have all the fun this morning. I want him to see that Ali isnt enjoying himself.