Chapter 16: The Brigands
The second day of Prince Ahmad’s expedition dawned less beautifully than the first, with some high white clouds obscuring the blue of the sky, but it still would be considered a fine day by any who read such omens. The camp began stirring at dawn with the scent of cooking fires and simmering delights to greet them. Umar bin Ibrahim led the camp in morning prayer and everyone ate a hearty breakfast fixed by the cooks, who’d been up hours earlier preparing the fare. The soldiers folded the pavilions quickly and packed them away in their appropriate places, and the expedition resumed its journey to Marakh.
Umar spent most of the morning riding alongside Prince Ahmad, lecturing him on statecraft. He explained to the prince what kind of reception he was likely to get
