The clear high pitches from a contingent of horns echoed around the camp. The squire rose instantly to attention and expertly began to fit the General’s armour into place. Finally they had their signal. The sense of uneasiness and trepidation had been building around the camp. Give a fearful man time and he will construct all manner of justifications for his own cowardice. Rumours of Druaidíi spirits and ghostly sentinels spotted patrolling the forest were just some of the tales Maximo had been displeased to hear circulating.

The forest itself seemed to be against them. The past day had been spent trying to burn their way into the forest but it had proved an almost impossible task, no matter the flame the fire would not catch. Already there were too many reports of soldiers going missing whenever they grew too careless or strayed too far within its confines, their remains clawed and ripped to bloody pieces. The Partholóns too seemed hellbent on immortalising the Druaidíi, regaling his men of their many supposed skills and abilities. They were either too deluded or stupid to appreciate that it was Milesia that had finally rid them of the constraints and shackles of subversion to the Druaidíi. But now that would all change.

Their plan now was clear. Already the first three waves were in the forest and those which remained could now enter guided by the horns and flares of the scouts and front waves. Now we have some direction, some lead to work on. Let the Druaidíi have the comfort of their ancient forest, the soldiers of Milesia would not be stopped. This will be my victory and the catalyst for my return once more to the front line. To the Real War.

But now there was work to do. Saturus came upon him swiftly saluting as he did so.

“General, as per your orders the remainder of the men have begun to enter the forest.The location of the horns first sounds came from deep within the forest and it has been estimated some hours away from camp, but the first wave should be upon it soon, once they have found a source or sign they will begin to make camp.”

“Good, it is well past time we got into the forest ourselves in any case. Remember tight formation with deep lines, any trace or sign of Druaidíi and the men are to alert those around them first before engaging. Have the Minotauri ready, I will be entering the forest to oversee matters personally.”

A slight but real twitch from the Commander gave way to his surprise at the request.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

“Yes Commander I’ll not wait idly here while my men march into the unknown. Now I am sure you have much to do.”

The camp was abuzz with activity and like a dragon uncoiling itself from slumber the men of Milesia and Aileann began to get into their formation as ordered. The General looked on approvingly as the trumpets sounded. Brrrrrbrrrrrrrbrrrrrrr, the men began to march inwards.

The bulk of the front guard was Aileann, the centre Milesian and the rear a mix. General Maximo made his way to the stern stony faced Minotauri guard. By now he had grown accustomed to them and their nature but still relished the sight. Each one a fearsome and supremely skilled warrior in their own right and as formidable a unit ever known to man.

If only the Conclave would have granted us more. This war would be over in half the time.

To their side stood General Tifar complete in full armour and decoration. Seeing Maximo approaching his eyes lit up with delight and perhaps also a touch of relief.

“Ah Maximo I was worried that perhaps you were given to remain in your tent and miss all the fun. The Minotauri are ready. You have decided to accompany them then yes?”

“I have, I would not have our men enter alone. And you General, will you be following us also?”

“Of course naturally I would love too, and indeed intended to. However now that I see you here my mind whirs. With General Hortensia back in Carthaga it would not do to have us both in the field, one should remain here, Milesia’s convention is clear on the fact. A mere precaution I know, for we will have our success soon enough. Still it does no harm to be sure on such matters. Though of course it would be preferable to have us both on the march I believe one should remain here. And seeing as you are more familiar with Brandubh and the Aileann men perhaps I should volunteer to stay here at camp and take the opportunity to educate myself further, ensuring none escape your attack.”

“How noble of you Tifar, very well stay then and educate yourself. I am sure by the onset of our next campaign you will be fully equipped with the knowledge to deal with whatever lies ahead.”

Tifar smiled and wrapped his billowing cloak back about his body, he began to make his way back to his tent, choosing to ignore Maximo’s derision.

He was good at that, probably one of the reasons he had risen so far.

Being able to smile and take shit from others whilst avoiding reacting was a skill Tifar had mastered. A skill that enabled him to climb the ladder far quicker and higher than those with greater Battle prowess and leadership but less ability to swallow personal slights.

By now most of the men had already begun entering the forest and were slowly feeling their way into its depths. General Maximo gave the signal and the Minotauri guard began to march joining itself to the rear of the Milesian formation. General Maximo took one last look at the Camp before taking a deep breath and plunging into the dark cool interior of Belvoir Forest.