Abdullah and the Sultan rode together, manes to manes, with Mauro and Cerberus following closely behind them, without any weapons, this is specially requested by Abdullah, for this is the style of his diplomacy; to show the partner his truthfulness by deliberately exposing the fact that he is powerless if the opponent decided to adapt force against him. He has thrown his life in as a bet for the success of the mission, and when asked if Mauro and Cerberus are willing to follow his example, they accepted.
However, far away behind them, Antonius has already readied his troops for combat. Eight hundred cavalries are already spread out on the highlands in the flanks, infantries sat down on the ground with their armours and their blades, saving their energy for a possible charge. Archers checking if the fletching of their arrows making sure that they are intact, while the artillery men are busy filling up the gunpowder to be ignited later.
