<span class="mu-i"> ''Right, obviously, we need not err with the entire enemy army, that would be a mistake, those logs should only come down when we are certain we can catch or kill Konrad.'' </span>
You explained to your commanders, who had assembled around some stumps, upon which some of them sat. They all nodded in agreement.
''Ideally we would wait until it is nearly dark before we attack, but if that isn't the case, we must act first. As for your horses, dismount and bring them somewhere we can retrieve them later. If anything goes wrong, or we are somehow routed, it is up to you to keep cohesion in the woods. Now then, to your positions.''
The day was thus spent chopping down logs, tying them to ropes, and making certain that when one cut the rope, the log would come crashing down. Footmen practised lying down before standing up and charging, though this ended when the first rain started to fall.
The rain was pattering down upon your helmet as you awaited the coming of the enemy. Anytime, now…
As the rain continued to pour, you grew more and more bored. They should be here by now, or at least, they should be here before the sun sets. In the meantime, you sat under a small tent Ehrenfried had built out of foliage while eating your evening meal, hare stew.
<span class="mu-i"> "Do you think he'll show up?" </span> you asked.
<span class="mu-i"> "He doesn't have much of a choice, or at least, I assume that he wishes to be out of here before the sun sets." </span> Ehrenfried said.
<span class="mu-i"> ''What if we were wrong, and instead of going through here, he goes around the forest? Then he has sidestepped us.''
''That I doubt. No, this wood is too big. If Konrad went around, he would waste too much time; either he has set up camp within the woods, or he'll pass by soon enough.'' </span>
You took another bite of the stew, the hare going well with the local vegetables.
<span class="mu-i"> ''You're getting up there with age, aren't you? I mean, you're younger than my father. But you're about his age rather than mine.''
''Do you expect me to settle down? While I appreciate the idea, I can't. Your father has been good to me, and marshalship pays well enough, as do the estates I have been granted. But I am not one to retire, nor do I have children to pass my estates on to. I will give half of them back to the crown in my will; the other half I will leave to my brothers and cousins.'' </span>
