The Exchange

I looked past Jacob and at our lines which seemed to melt into the horizon. I saw Khenochians, Werdens, and Grogarans - city men and tribesmen, but all men. All willing to fight if only I would give the order. I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of my own armor against my chest as I breathed.

From the opposing line three women and one man began to advance forward. They were a long way out but still I could tell that one of the women was Amelia. Accordingly I motioned my two flanks forward. Haig, Jacob and I started out alone, marching across the valley, kicking up the desert's gray dust as we proceeded. It was all according to the arrangements which had been made by the messenger.

We were moving much too quickly for my liking. I began to slow down. It was entirely likely that I was walking to my death and I knew it, and I wanted to slow down. I began to let up and heard Haig click his tongue at me. It wouldn't do to slow down now - or to show weakness. It would make us cowards before our enemies, and demoralize the twenty-some-odd thousands who stood behind us. I forced my feet forward. My stomach was in knots, my feet were becoming heavy as concrete and my legs felt like limp noodles. I close my eyes and opened them. We were almost there. Only about fifteen more yards. I heard a strange noise and realized that Jacob had just wet himself.