CHAPTER XXV
They stood together in Mufaddal's private chamber. The spell of immobility had been transferred to the dark-faced Mufaddal and his chief sorcerer, while Ramizail and El Sareuk with their allies the Bedouins and captured Crusaders were free to move where they chose. They clustered now about the ten-foot djinni.
"What of my eight men at the prison and barracks?" asked Godwin.
Mihrjan said, "Slain, O King, cut down by surprise without a chance to defend themselves."
"Damn. And my falcon, Yellow-eyes?"
"She perches on a roof-top in the heart of Alexandria, watching anxiously for a sight of thee."
"Bring her here, please."
The old bird, looking rather wind-blown and surprised, appeared on Godwin's mailed shoulder. She thrust her notched beak into his ear affectionately, and he said with fervor, "Ah, thou!"
"And now, O Master of My Being, shall I vanquish the foemen without the house by a whirlwind from the plains of Hell, or lightning from the clouds? Shall I bubble their eyes from their heads with gouts of searing flame?" asked the djinni fiercely.
"No, man, no! We'll beat 'em in fair fight. Only keep this Heraj's magic cancelled out, send him and Mufaddal out there now, and give me a hundred more allies."