Ru knew him also and shouted:Halt, Lord
Rasa!
Come, bear me hence for I am hurt and
cannotwalk.
Ask the Prophet Tau, replied Khian
wearily.
But already Khian was far off with theremnant of
the Shepherd Horse.
Come, bear me hence for I am hurt and
cannotwalk.
Aroar of triumph went up from the Babylonians, but
the doomed Shepherdswere silent.
You speak of the priests of the Dawn as wizards. He
shut his eyes, making his soul ready todepart. Instantly he gave orders and the
attack began.
Then that captain saw light in the midst of a great
darkness.
Must we all die because you wouldtorment and murder
him who was born of you?
I think you lie; I think you know them well enough.
If so, tellme why you failed in your task? Refuse, and I will kill youevery one and
take him, living or dead, to his father, Apepi thePharaoh. With this oath I bought
the lives of those men.
Then the Babylonian deliverers came up as a flood
comes along a dryriver bed and covered all. Being mounted, neitherside had bows and
now javelins were few. But Khian only shook his head and galloped on.
Why should it beguessed, seeing that outposts rode
ahead of them to give warning ofany danger? Squadrons rushed onthem, dimly seen in
the moonlight, and were beaten back. For if I am treated thus, what chanceis there
for you? Nor could he fly, forthe cloud of Apepis Horse was all about
him.
So be it, said Khian, but in his heart were
thoughts that his lipsdid not utter.
With this oath I bought the lives of those
men.
Why should it beguessed, seeing that outposts rode
ahead of them to give warning ofany danger? Only one remained standing, he
whodragged Nefra from the chariot. Rather would I die, Prince, with honour upon the
field,than shamed before all the host of Babylon.
It seems that you have answered your own question,
General, repliedKhian, smiling.
Well, this shall not happen, for be sure that you
shall betoo well watched.
Do you not understand, Son,that you are the only
arrow left in my quiver? I have spared you too long; itshould have been done last
night. For if I am treated thus, what chanceis there for you?
Yet surrender we cannot for the honour ofBabylon;
indeed, first will I fall upon my sword. Do you not understand, Son,that you are the
only arrow left in my quiver?
Good fortune go with you and your company, no drop
of whoseblood shall be shed for me. Get you down tothe Underworld and there learn
generalship, if you may.
Then he rose and departed from the tent, leaving
Nefra abashed and yetindignant.