Leif divided the troops into two groups and had them spar, but first, he ordered them to wrap their swords in cloth so they wouldn't kill each other.
Though enthusiastic, they were utterly hopeless.
Leif easily broke through two shield walls, quick as the blink of an eye. They would have to learn to fight, or they would surely die when they met Tutush's forces.
After a while, once they were exhausted and sweat was pouring down their faces, Leif let them rest.
The Turkic People sat with other Turkic People, the Arabs sat with other Arabs, and even the Persians, the smallest group, sat with other Persians—even though they were all nominally Shiite Believers.
This was to be expected, however. With time, they would learn to trust one another.
