angled-off7
jaw of my trap. Maybe next time. At least they're bringing the rest of the supplies."Caralla woke up to voices in the distance, rolled out of her hammock, was on her feet by the time Egil rode up.
"Evening. Your Ladies are awake."
"How far off did they spot you?"
"Over the first ridge all right, two miles west of here, avoiding our friends. This ridge, half a mile west, got challenged."
"Your half of the battle?"
"Another legion, lots of Bashkai, wagons, came in early afternoon. Uncle's army is north and west of them. Killed four scouts, drove one back. Your half?"
"As usual. Last I saw, before we ran, their cavalry was formed up just this side of the ridge facing your way. Archers at the bottom—but I don't think they were all there."
"Two legions march out of the camp, archers march in, stay down. Uncle attacks. Archers shoot, cavalry charges, third legion comes in from behind. Nice fellow. Good thing Uncle didn't fall for it. Next?"
"Something new. Be careful; you're all the cats I have. Not that many brothers either. One more day, maybe two, before he calls our bluff. I'm for bed."
The next day the Ladies again formed up on the ridge south of the Imperial camp. Again two legions came down the ridge, up, archers behind. Again Gavin was disappointed; the cavalry army that might or might not be hiding behind a screen of cats failed to appear in his rear. Nobody got close enough to his field fortifications for the hidden archers—or the hidden legion—to deal with.
Early the next morning Egil rode into camp, this time from the east, accompanied by most of his force.
"Cavalry