"Enough!" The Mahatma was through preaching patience. He clapped his hands and the tracker Mutaba ran to him, falling on his knees and awaiting orders.
"The days of peace are ended," said Sikandar.
"Good, O Holy Man!"
"And my days with you are nearly at an end."
Mutaba uttered a wail of grief, but Sikandar spoke sharply:
"Lead the way with hatchets and cut a path through the jungle for the Taharans and the Gorols. And when you come to the camp of the Muta-Gungas, fight as you never fought before."
"Good, O Master. Good!"
"My litter will follow close behind army," said Mahatma Sikandar. "This is a holy war. Till it is ended, there shall be no more talk of peace."
"Or of patience!" cried Dan.
"We strike for the Princess Veena!" Raal exclaimed, signalling to his warriors.