"A band of legionnaires descends like vultures on the peaceful Arab village of Duaka and burns it to the ground - after brutally murdering a score of the men of the village, even as their weeping wives and children look on. Near the point of death, the Headman drags himself to Fort Valeau, to demand from his friend Captain Monclaire an explanation for the outrage. Fort Valeau is the only legion garrison for hundreds of miles, and Monclaire had given no such order. So who attacked the village - and why?"--Publisher description.