“My army, under the leadership of my daughter, Princess Rida, has been preparing for the struggle as best it can—but we have barely three hundred men to counter Kharouf’s unknown horde. I fear many of us may not live to see the sun set another time.”
Prince Ahmad, finally recovering his tongue, stepped forward and addressed the king. “Your Majesty, in our battle today a bond of chivalry was formed between your daughter and me, as between any two honorable warriors. I’d be honored to fight at her side tomorrow against the wizard’s army.”
“We have a mission of our own, Your Highness,” Umar whispered to caution the young man against his excessive enthusiasm.
But King Brundiyam’s words drowned out the whisper. “That’s a noble gesture,” he said, “but I doubt one more sword—even one as good a
