There arose a little murmur of approval. Reist’s defection was amazing, but this was the man who alone could save Theos. Ughtred felt a glow of pride and gratitude as he shook hands with his chief officers.
“And now, General,” he said, “I must ask you to transfer your staff to me in order that I may give some instructions. The Turkish lines are clearly in view from our positions, I believe?”
The General bowed.
“We have reports every twenty minutes, your Majesty,” he answered. “Anything in the nature of a surprise is impossible.”
“Very well,” Ughtred said. “Now, General, will you let me have in the course of half-an-hour an escort of two hundred picked men. I am going to enter Solika.”
Dartnoff dispatched an officer with instructions. Then he turned to the King.
“Your Majesty is aware of the state of affairs within the walls?”
Ughtred nodded.
“Yes. I want the help of two or three residents of the city whose loyalty is above suspicion. Can you point out such to me?”
“More than two or three, I think, your Majesty,” Dartnoff answered. “I will give their names to the officer commanding your escort.”