Reaching the ridge

"Boss, it's the ridge!" a report came in, in the form of a runner catching up with Layn's detachment. 

After burning the carriage down and sending the signal to everyone with the smoke, Layn's entire army dispersed into eighty different groups, each five people strong. 

Layn ran with Irea, Markus, Yelna, and Al, turning their group into the central cell of the formation. Yet, instead of sticking to the middle, they were located in the fourth row from the front, close enough to get reports relatively quickly, yet far enough not to be embroiled if the fighting were to erupt.

"Any sightings of the Slavians?" Layn asked, shouting over the distance that the runner maintained. Given how he would be soon tasked with returning to his cell ahead, he didn't waste his energy reaching anywhere closer than necessary for his voice to reach the commanding cell.