Preparing

“Do you really think you ought to be antagonizing her like that?” Khouri asked, watching as Shanka rode away.

“If she’s angry enough, she’ll be rash in the midst of battle,” Rastaban said. “How are the men?”

“It’s daylight,” Khouri said. “Hunting amiably. What else?”

“Good. How are the weapons coming along?” Rastaban turned and headed back toward the village.

Khouri fell into step beside him. “Each man will have a spear, a sword, and a good knife.”

“I want archers as well.” Rastaban paused and studied the bustling action in the village below. “We have to win this war.”