A herald with a large frame and a stiff beard resembling a lion's mane stood proudly in front of the firmly closed gates and shouted in a loud voice:
"Listen to the words of Sultan Yusuf Abban Ayyub Al-Abigail, who rules over this land as the incarnation of the great god Hadad, who stands above the waters where life sprouts, who rules over the place where the sun rises, who stands on the sword of the noble Padishah!"
As the herald's cry rang out through the heavens, a reply came from the walls.
Shhh!
An arrow flew widely.
Master Mitat, Yusuf's messenger, lightly caught the arrow that flew in like a ray of light and held it in his hand.
Puck!
No one could even see Mitat waving his hand, but everyone could clearly see that the arrow leaving his hand cleanly pierced the head of the high-ranking rebel warrior who had shot it.
