Aura by M.A. Abraham Page B

know more about her and would learn that as they traveled together. 

CHAPTER X
    For the next two days Aura reluctantly rode beside Vernon as their troop swelled to eventually become a full army, and still they continued to move onwards.   They came upon the enemy almost by accident as they crested a hill.  Vernon put his hand out to grab the reigns of her mare as he noticed the camp and she had not.  He held up his other hand to halt the forced march.  Aura followed the focus of his attention and immediately noticed the large assembly of men below them, as well as the area they had chosen to settle into.

"There lays our enemy’s camp Aura.  Deceptively quiet and peaceful is it not?"

"Yes it is," Aura agreed as she continued to scan the scene before her.  "It has not been very well selected.  They could not have thought to stay in this area long."

"Why do you say that?"

"Look at the layout of the land.”  Aura spoke as if she was making a report for a class project.  She remembered taking courses that studied ancient battles.  “We can easily see the whereabouts of the whole force below us.  If we were to encircle the hollow we could descend on them and destroy their whole army.  It would not take long in terms of most battles."

"I think I understand what you are saying, but do carry on."

"Correct me if I am wrong, but the Lord Thorn's army holds the pass across from us, right?"  Aura asked as she tried to make sure of her facts.

"That is right, and his force should number as much as my own, if not more."  Vernon did not want to admit that Thorn’s forces would probably be considerably larger.  In some ways Thorn’s popularity chaffed at his pride.  Men trusted his warlord in battle where they would not trust him.

"In that case if you were to spread your army out to cover the other two hillsides they would be left with no choice but to stand or surrender.  That is unless they want to swim the lake.  Their general has been very careless to select such a resting place unless he expects to face a force much weaker than his own, or unless it was only meant as a very temporary place to stop."

"He knows little of whom he faces."  Vernon replied with a smug smile.  "If he does not fear me, he should fear Thorn.  I have no fiercer warlord."

"If you remember, your Lord Thorn rides to his own defense.  Have you thought that perhaps your adversary below had that prearranged?"

"It is a thought, but I know Thorn.  He will take only the most elite of his force, a mere riding guard.  The rest he will leave behind under his brother.  I will be well served.  We will attack as the sun rises.  You will remain behind.  Nor do I want to see you until after the battle has been fought and won.  If we lose you are to turn and run for your life.  Do not let them catch you Aura.  I would hate to think of what they might do to you if they did.  Your best and safest destination would be Thorn's stronghold in the Northwest if we become seriously separated.  You would be safe under his protection.  Just tell him I said you are under my protection.  He would guard you with his life under that condition."

"I have no interest or intention of joining your battle, for as a warrior, I would be less than useless.  Nor am I about to turn and run.  I will tend to the wounded and for the most effective result that is best done as soon as possible to prevent massive infections which could cause unnecessary fatalities."

Vernon caught on to what Aura meant immediately.  She had no intention of doing what he told her and he clipped out his orders.  "You will do as you are told Aura.  Stay away from the field until it is safe."

Aura said nothing as she regained the reigns of her horse.  She followed him back down the hill in a deceptively docile manner.  They would camp two hills away from the enemy so they would not be detected.  Vernon held his first council before the camp was even pitched.