Left with no other choice, Howard played out this ruse.
Without drawing attention, he allowed the convoy to continue its journey.
Then, he quietly called Chris and Tina forward and revealed the truth to them.
On learning the truth, their mouths hung open in disbelief; Kariov was an impostor.
Howard's audacity was astounding - it was a matter of life and death just moments ago.
Their admiration for Howard grew; he had used a tactic no one could have anticipated, successfully frightening off the infamous Phileste.
Although Phileste had temporarily retreated, the situation was far from optimistic.
If Phileste were to regain his composure or discover that the real Kariov was not in Howard's convoy, it would spell disaster for Howard.
This incident had deeply impressed upon Howard the terrifying cunning of Phileste; he had predicted even the remote routes that Howard might take in his cautiousness.
