219 - Skirmish

Plotline: Main

Chapter Type: Military, Social

There was much discussed that night, almost none of which had any relevance. Come the dawn, the camp was packed, and we turned right back around, leaving town by the east road.

"Why camp to the west, only to head us east? The ground is no warmer or less dirty where we slept." sergeant Mau complained.

"Spies." I said. "Even if the enemy knows we have to go up the Rice Road, they may receive reports that we are instead engaging the main force." I had a thought. "Is there anyone engaging the main force?"

"Why ask me?" he replied. "I'm surprised we have as many with us as we do. Guess towns do train surplus militia, just in case. But no, the best that I know is we're it. Outnumbered something like six of them per one of us. They have about the same equipment, more training than us in how to use that, and the incentive of knowing they're all doomed if they lose."