Stormdragons

Chapter 27

As Spud lay awake worrying about Mac, the camp rang with the sounds of preparation for battle. Swords were sharpened over open fires. The straps of armour greased, saddles and shields were polished bright. Noise erupted from the city too as, one by one, the Sheik's patrols were spotted: the loud patter of running feet, the bark of orders, a low thumming noise as bow-strings were released and arrows flew.

Meanwhile, small shadowy groups of horsemen or camel riders arrived at the camp. These were the desert hunters, thin, fierce men, armed to the teeth. They had seen the red ribbon tied to the hawks' feet and had come to join the fight. Sheik Suleiman greeted them warmly and made sure they were given coffee and sherbert.

Finally, when the sun appeared on the horizon and all the patrols had returned, the whole force gathered around their commander. Sheik Suleiman flicked out his robes with his huge hands and rose to his feet. On either side of him sat the leaders of the desert tribes, their cloaks heavy with dew. In front, ranks of officers and men sat or squatted on the ground. Many were tired. One or two were already wounded. But they all had their eyes fixed on the wolfish features of the Sheik. Suleiman spread his arms wide and made a brief speech.

'Welcome one and all: to my kinsmen from the west, and to my desert brothers who have left their tents, their hunting grounds and their watering holes. You are most welcome.'

He paused.

'Now, as you can see, we are a small force up against the defences of a mighty city. We could wait for reinforcements. There are rumours that people are approaching Bandar-e-Abbar from all directions; people determined to see the orphan Mehmed on the throne where he belongs. But a mass of untrained, ill-equipped villagers is not an army. It is a well-intentioned mob. No, it is up to us to weaken the enemy. It is up to us to spread fear and confusion, so that when the people arrive the Caliph's soldiers will lay down their weapons and surrender.'

There was a low murmur of assent. The Sheik folded his arms.

'And, besides, the smaller army, the greater the reward for every soldier.'

This remark was received with knowing smiles and greedy chuckles.

'So, here is what we will do. The Captain of the Guard will attack the Western Gate with fifty men. He will attack bravely making a great deal of noise. Our mounted archers will support him. The air will be thick with their arrows. But this will be a diversion. When the defending troops move to cover his attack, we shall charge the main gate.'

Several listeners glanced uneasily at each other. The Sheik smiled.

'Don't worry. The main gate is large and well guarded, I know, but our patrols have found cracked wood and weak bolts on its right hand side. And I have brought some black powder with me.'

A ripple of excitement spread across the crowd. The Sheik held up a large earthenware pot.

'Those of you who have never seen black powder cannot imagine its effect. It is like having a wizard or a genie on your side. If used correctly, no gate, however high or thick, can resist its force. Once the main gate is destroyed we will have the advantage. We will be able to ride our horses through the wide streets and head straight for the palace itself.'

The soldiers cheered and began to gather themselves into their fighting units. Mac put his mouth close to Spud' ear.

'What's he on about?' he whispered.

'Gunpowder. He's got gunpowder,' replied Spud.

'Cool. It'll be like Guy Fawkes' Night, only better,' said Mac.