179 Troop Movements

The five sleds were just as full as when they left. Even the empty ammunition canisters had been loaded full of spent shells so that no trace of their position was left after the witches departed. The Witches had also closed up the firing slots, leaving only a small cave, perfect for a monster den.

That way, if some mundane human scout did come by later and was looking for signs of the ambush, they were likely to find a nasty surprise waiting for them.

By the time the fight was over, the witches inside their bunkers on the hillsides could barely see the battlefield anymore due to the thick smoke, but when the barrier went down suddenly, they felt it and knew it was the signal to retreat even before their drivers came to inform them.

The ride passed in silence until the den was back in sight, and everyone finally felt safe to begin to relax.