I nodded who did not wish to waste time in words, and Bes rolled his eyes and answered,
“When one can think of nothing, it is best to follow the counsel of those who can think of something; also to hunt rather than to be hunted. Especially is this so if that something comes from the holy Tanofir or his broken Cup. Generals, you have heard. Rouse the host and bid them stand to their arms company by company!”
The generals leapt away into the darkness like arrows from a bow, and presently we heard the noise of gathering men.
“Where are these guides of yours, holy Tanofir?” asked Bes.
Tanofir beckoned over his shoulder, and out of the gloom, one by one, four men stole into the tent. They were strange, quiet men, but I can say no more of them since their faces were veiled, nor as it chances, did I ever see any of them after the battle, in which I suppose that they were killed. Or perhaps they appeared after—well, never mind!
“You have heard,” said Tanofir, whereupon all four of them bowed their mysterious veiled heads.
“Now, my Brother,” whispered Bes into my ear, “tell me, I pray you, how did four men who were not in the tent, hear what was said in this tent, and how did they come through the guards who have orders to kill anyone who does not know the countersign, especially men whose faces are wrapped in napkins?”
“I do not know,” I answered, whereon Bes groaned, only Karema smiled a little as though to herself.
“Then, having heard, obey,” said the holy Tanofir, whereon the four veiled ones bowed again.
“Will you not give them their orders, O most Venerable?” inquired Bes doubtfully.