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Knowing that only enemies could be in front of him, Dreibrand hacked and slashed with abandon, cutting down anyone who defied him. His powerful steed trampled and leaped over several Bostas, and Dreibrand steadily gained a hold on the muddy bank.

A bleak gray line emerged in the east and lighted a depressing scene for the Bostas. Wherever the river could be forded, Atrophane soldiers pushed across the water on their horses or on rafts, and twenty times as many soldiers waited behind those already in the river. When defenders beheld the very vastness of the Atrophane Horde, their hearts usually quailed, and the Bostas were no exception. For decades now the Atrophane had been rolling westward, expanding their empire, and their reputation for victory was well established.

Despite a certainty of defeat, the Bostas fought on valiantly. The Atrophane would have to buy their victory with blood, but they steadily pushed the Bostas back toward their last stronghold. The relatively small force of Bosta defenders could not repel the thousands of well-trained and heavily armed Atrophane. As the Bostas retreated to rally at their fortress, Atrophane foot soldiers were tripping over the thick sprawl of bodies on the riverbank.

Assembling the soldiers specifically under his command, Dreibrand charged after the Bostas just long enough to make sure they were serious about their retreat, and then he relented. He had accomplished his mission to win the opposite bank, and now he must secure their position and wait for the rest of the Horde to catch up. The engineers would have to ferry across the battering rams and assemble the siege engines before they could advance on the fortress.

The day had barely begun and bits of fog still lingered along the river. Panting, Dreibrand slung his shield over his back and pulled out a cloth to clean the blood from his sword. The gleam of the expensive steel returned as he wiped away the filth of battle. Nearby a soldier plunged a spear into a wounded Bosta. Seeing his oncoming death, the Bosta had pleaded for mercy. Dreibrand had come to know the word for mercy in the western language.

And it just keeps getting better. I hope to provide more in the future. Let me know if you liked it.

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Sincerely, Tracy Irwin memdra@aol.com