The Man in Black, Kobold Chieftain Beeyo, and Sorcerer Bailiwick sat upon equines on a hillock overlooking Dry Creek.
The Man in Black said, “The defenders are pressed. The battle goes well.”
Beeyo said, “Yes, at the expense of my people’s lives. When are your brigands going to enter the fray? What about some more spells, wizard?”
Bailiwick said, “Patience! I’ve fought battles with this lot before. We shan’t reveal all our strengths. My surprise on the road between Dry Creek and the mines is set. The trap awaits its quarry. Mayard Klarje should be taking his last few breaths.”
*****
p-Mayard, Captain Longbeard Nineteen-names, Lieutenant Donovan Ten-names, Corporal Alden eight-names, Sergeant Rudy Nine-names, Rhiann, Iyaca, and six veteran Gnomes rode hard across the open fields near the Copper Mountain mines. The woods were extraordinarily quiet. The trip was much quicker on steeds without the phi gamm-drawn wagons. The twelve halvsies kept up with p-Mayard’s large horse. The topography of the rolling foothills of the Copper Mountains gave them glances into the distance, where they saw wisps of smoke. The riders approached a tobacco field before reaching the highest hill between them and Dry Creek. The field was about four hundred paces across.
Longbeard held up his right hand and said, “This is a risky place. We’ll be riding in full view of the woods and the hill we are approaching.
The column moved forward and advanced halfway across the field. A loud shout emanated from the woods to the left. A kobold upon a large gray wolf charged out of the woods bearing a lance.
Longbeard shouted, “Mayard, take him out!”
benjamintowe 