Chapter 9

CHAPTER 9

Bellum

Yaroslav and his men had lifted the camp and had set in motion at dawn. It was cold and a thick fog covered the landscape, circulated among the trees and formed patches in the lower areas; the visibility of the path they followed was scarce. They rode in silence, each lost in own thoughts and fears, with their weapons ready to avoid surprises. The dogs preceded the march silently and crestfallen.

At one point a flock of heavy birds took flight emitting horrible cries which frightened some superstitious members. The omens conceived by the riders were unpleasant.