Part One: At first light

The scene:  A pale sun rose on two figures high on a hill overlooking the enemy's encampment. The first red rays of dawn streaked across a moody sky.

OFG stared down intensely at the enemy marveling in their size. She narrowed her eyes as she calculated the spoils of war. The morning's cold chilled her to the bone.

Colonel Ti sniffed the air anxiously wondering when they would get their opportunity.

"Will the weather hold, Sir?" The veteran warrior asked his liege.

"I don't know." OFG stooped to the ground, scooped up a handful of the good earth and breathed in its scent.

"What do the oracles say?" Col Ti pressed.

"The oracle speak in riddles," she said "we alone will make our decision and let him know."

That very morning word came from Bourbon of the Red. He pledged to move his troops down to join the battle with them. The only question was when. OFG gazed up at the brightening sky. The wind blew cold from the north. If only.... On this knife's edge of seasons a battle too soon would be misery in the cold rain. The mud would make for a difficult victory. They needed cold days and frozen earth.

Col Ti ventured, "Will he bring many troops?"

"A few," She answered, "boys really."

But both knew that extra troops were unnecessary. Bourbon of the Red was the most feared warrior in the known world. Stories sung around the fires told of his fearlessness. Some said that he enjoyed the slaughter too much, that his veins ran with ice water. Tested in battle many times his courage was unwavering. And he was merciless. He shared his domain with a small, fire-haired woman who wore the mark of The Bar. It was said she was a sorceress and that her words alone defeated her foes.

After a time OFG stood, looking down once more on their enemy. “Col Ti,” She commanded, “Prepare the men. We ride for war five days hence, at first light.” She turned, letting her battle cloak fall from her shoulder, and strode toward the bunker. Preparations were to begin immediately.

Col Ti, hungry for the battle, broke out in a fierce grin. Then, suddenly he threw his massive head back and let out his war howl. It pierced the coming day like a thousand spears and echoed thru the land. Below the enemy scattered in fear. He turned and trotted after OFG.