Separated, but still joined, they strive for freedom.
Hadrian
Dawn broke in a torrent of rain. Hammering the tents, drowning my cot, and swamping the mess tent, it overwhelmed our already soggy resources.
“We have to win the battle now,” Korneli declared as he surveyed our sagging tent. “Either we will sleep in the mud or in the city tonight.”
“Or eternally with Him who holds our all of our futures in the balance.”
“There you go weaving death into the conversation.” Korneli adjusted his ferrum belt beneath his oilskin cloak. “Must you always be so grim?”
“Surely on the morning of a battle is the perfect time to add a reminder to my speech. Each of us needs to make sure our accounts are short with the Almighty.”
“Done and done.” Korneli offered his hand to me. “May the Lord give grace that we will meet again this side of glory, my brother.”
I grabbed his forearm and pulled him into an awkward embrace around our weapons and armor. Then he was gone, pulling his hood down over his eyes as he strode off into the driving rain.
My chest ached and the day had barely begun. “Please spare us or make it swift so that we might step instantly into your waiting arms, Almighty. Guide us that we may glorify you, Creator of all.”
“Pardon for my tardiness.” Renato squelched to a stop next to me. He shook out his cloak and cursed. “If only this wretched rain would stop.”
“It might turn to snow by evening,” I observed as one of Cayphis’ aides approached.
“Esteemed Sept Son, I bring a change in plans.” The aide bowed deeply to me. “The high king wishes you to meet your men behind the southwestern hill. You are to be the surprise reserve.”
“What about the western assault?” Renato demanded.
“Clovis is commanding a group of new arrivals.”
“Manvel’s men?” Hope lightened Renato’s voice.
The man nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, they rode in last night. Your men have been notified of the change.” He bowed again and left.
“At least we know where he is.”
Renato’s relief swept over me.
I smiled warmly in an attempt to encourage him. Something nagged me as being wrong. I peered in the direction the man had left.
“Where are those horses?” Renato muttered and rubbed his hands together to warm them against the dropping temperatures.
As though summoned by his words, the jangle of the approaching horses reached our ears. Three defenders approached leading five horses. After exchanging greetings and rechecking our gear, harnesses, and saddles, we mounted. Renato mentioned the change of plans to our escort. They had already been informed.
Satisfied that all was in order, I mentally withdrew and began the process of preparing for battle. Erecting temporary barriers took concentration. After months of conflict, Renato knew my routine. The defenders’ energy shields hummed on the outer borders of my energy sight, protecting all of us.
“Something isn’t right.” Renato straightened in his saddle and craned around to look behind us. “We should be hearing the drums by now.”
