LOOK! A cry of alarm spread among the troops. Several men pointed toward the castle.

The gates of Bord had suddenly opened. We watched, all eyes fixed on the sight, not knowing what would emerge. Then, we heard the rumble of heavy hooves clattering over the lowered drawbridge and saw armored men atop massive crested chargers, trotting in rows of two.

Silently, we watched the deadly battle formation assemble.

No one moved. I knew even the strongest among us debated whether to fight or throw down our arms.

Positions, men, I called. The troops remained, eyeing the ever-growing enemy force massing on the ridge.Positions! I called again.

Then, slowly, Odo picked up his gigantic club. And Alphonse, taking a deep breath, strapped on his sword. Then Georges and Daniel too armed themselves.

They took their places without saying much. One by one the rest began to fall in. We gathered into a tight formation, like a Roman phalanx, covered by shields. I prayed this final pretext would work.

Alphonse took a breath. How many of them do you count?

Two hundred. All armed to the teeth. Daniel shrugged. He continued to count as they steadily poured out of the gate and took their places on the field. Make that three.

And how m-many are we? the boy asked.

Never mind. Daniel sniffed, raising his weapon. What are warhorses and pikes against a good hoe, anyway?

A stream of grim laughter trickled around the ranks.

What is this city, just one big fucking garrison? Odo shook his he............