The report came before the camp's morning routine had found its rhythm.
Suuqai arrived at the tent entrance while Batu was still working through the day's supply accounting with Torghul's deputy. He came alone and waited at the entrance until Batu looked up. The deputy read the exchange and gathered his felts and left without being told.
Suuqai stepped inside.
"It's done," he said. "Their leader is dead, the mark's on him. The stores burned through the night and their horses scattered through the reeds."
He paused, to decide whether there was more that needed saying.
"The other raiding groups will know by now."
Batu looked at him. Suuqai's riding coat still carried the delta smell, standing water and smoke, both faint. The operation had been some days back. He had ridden hard to close the distance.
"How many of ours," Batu said.
"None. In the camp."
