Bait

We stood guard early in the evening, allowing us to sleep well. The next day, some of the company organized a game of squareball, using a rock wrapped in rope as the ball. We cheered and jeered as they played, and although the injuries were minor compared to a real battle, Tyre scolded us, and the company's healer cursed us. I made a mental note never to engage in a fair fight with Dorthan, not that I ever intended to fight fair with anyone.

That night, more Pya Stones were played, and someone produced a reed-pipe, leading to off-key singing and another round of Soldier's Stew.

At one point, I found Kasrin, Fael, Gunn, and Aeldor gazing over the flat field between the hills.

"That's where they'll position themselves," Kasrin was explaining. "Eeriedale's and Foggy's forces will spread out between those hills and try to block us there."

"If we fight here," Aeldor added.

"Yes," Kasrin agreed. "But the sergeant hasn't hinted that we're moving."