‘We’ll know soon enough,’ said Druss. ‘If they do what you surmise, how will you combat it?’
Talisman smiled wearily. ‘Our options are limited, Druss. We just hold as best we can.’
Druss shook his head. ‘You’ve got to assume some of their soldiers will get through to the ramparts, and perhaps down into the compound itself. Our reaction to that will be crucial. Gut instinct tells a man to tackle the nearest enemy, but in that situation such instincts are liable to prove fatal. If a wall is breached the first option must be to seal the breach. The men already inside are a secondary consideration.’
‘What do you suggest?’
‘You already have a small reserve force ready to fill in the gaps. Draw more men to it, and split them into two groups. If the enemy take a section of wall, one group must join the defenders to win it back. The second group can attack those who have penetrated inside. We only have one outer perimeter. There is nowhere to fall back to, so these ramparts must be held. No defender must leave his post on them, no matter what he sees in the compound below. The walls, Talisman! Nothing else matters.’
The young Nadir nodded. ‘I take your point, axeman. It will be relayed to the men. Did you know that the tribes have been drawing lots to see which group should have the privilege of standing beside you today?’
Druss chuckled. ‘So that’s what they were doing? Who did I get?’
‘The Sky Riders. They are greatly pleased. It is rare for a gajin to be so popular.’
‘You think so?’ Druss hefted his axe. ‘I’m usually popular at times like this. Could be the song of the soldier, could it not? When war and the fear of war comes upon people, they revere the warrior. Once it has passed he is forgotten, or reviled. It never changes.’
‘You don’t sound bitter about it,’ Talisman pointed out.
‘I don’t get bitter at the falling of the sun, or the cold north wind. They are facts of life. I once took part in a raid that rescued a score of rich farmers from Sathuli tribesmen. Oh, they waxed eloquent about how heroic we were, how they would honour us always. There was a young soldier with us who lost an arm that day. He was from their town. Within six months he and his family had almost starved to death. Facts of life.’
‘And did they die?’
‘No. I went back to the Sentran Plain and spoke to the leader of the farmers. Reminded him of his obligations.’
‘I am not surprised that he listened,’ said Talisman, looking into Druss’s cold blue eyes. ‘But you will not find that with us. Nadir memories are long. You are the Deathwalker; your legend will live on with us.’
‘Legends. Pah! I have enough of legends. If I had half the courage of a farmer I would be at home with my wife, looking after my lands.’
‘You have no sons?’
‘None. Nor will have,’ said Druss coldly. ‘No. All I will leave behind are those damned legends.’
‘Some men would die for your fame.’
‘A lot of men have,’ observed Druss.
The two warriors stood in silence for a while watching the Gothir surrounding the water wagons. ‘You regret being here?’ Talisman asked.
‘I try not to regret anything,’ replied Druss. ‘There’s no point in it.’ Twenty Sky Rider tribesmen trooped up to the ramparts, standing by quietly as the two men spoke. Druss glanced at the first, a hawk-faced young man with brown eyes. ‘Were you one of those who leapt the chasm?’ he asked him.
The man gave a wide grin and nodded.
‘I would like to hear about that,’ said Druss. ‘Later, when we’ve seen off the Gothir, you can tell me of it.’
‘I shall, Deathwalker.’
‘Good. Now gather round, my boys, and I’ll give you a few tips about siege warfare.’
Talisman left the ramparts. As he reached the compound below he could hear laughter coming from the men around Druss. Lin-tse joined him. ‘I should be there, Talisman. With my men on the wall.’