Months ago, he would have braved the anger of all his army for me, but he has changed much of late.

It is not that he loves me less, but that he has been worried beyond bearing, and in his troubles he drinks until he forgets them.
"My only hope is that your people will attack tomorrow.

Mahmud says that they will assuredly be beaten; they will be shot down as they approach, and none will ever be able to get through the hedge.

Then, when they fall back, the Baggara will pour out, horse and foot, and destroy them.

They will then see how right he has been in not letting them go out into the plain to fight.