Before the Battle

The work was not hard, nor the march back to the camp.

"You look agitated." Kronan said.

"It's been five days." I said. "I was honestly expecting to find the camp wiped out."

Kronan chuckled. "Do not underestimate the power of Red Axe women and children." he said. "They are not as strong as those of Othelo, but they are not weak."

"Still, I see more medical tents, but not as many as I expected."

"Miracles of faith." he explained. "And of folk remedies, unless I am wrong." He squinted. "You can see that from here?"

"Eagle's Farsight." I said.

Without asking, he scooped me up in his left hand, holding me high above his head. "Tell me all you see."

"I still see twenty five flags, but I don't think each has a hundred gathered around it. There is a trench, with a wall of... of dirt behind it, but dirt made into solid plates."

"Dust ramparts." he said. "Not as thick or solid as wood, more like hiding behind pottery barrels."