Tale Of Sarna The Shield Warrior First United Army

The Skirmish

Ben looked at his map, should be coming up on
Ellijay. Chad lets hold wait for the scouts to send
word. Don't need to be riding into a fight.
We are are just looking and listening is all.

Stagger the men either side the road in the trees.
Have them check gear and keep quiet. Chad tell
them not to fire at anything unless ordered to.
I'd rather let them pass us by than have a fight.

Chad smiled long as its a small detachment let
them go, big one we better change our movement.
Don't need them on our tail.

We worry how big when the time comes, remember our job is to check the route ahead.

Chad nodded took to passing word down the line.

Ben wanted a good smoke, worried the pipe smell
may give them away. He chewed on the end.
He didn't like sitting and waiting to much could
go wrong. The return rider should of showed by
now. Chad was waving from the other side and pointing up the road. Ben nodded, looked smiled
thank goodness the return rider.

Ben stepped out long before the rider was near.
Knowing if he didn't, that fella may shoot him.
Don't need to be startling any one. Bad enough
this far out front, whole lot fear and anxiety going on.

As the rider stopped Sir the way in is clear.
The fellas via Rome are a waiting. Only about
twenty minutes Sir.

Ben felt a weight ease off some, as he motioned
for Chad. Ranger take up a position in the rear.
You need a little break.

Yes Sir and thank you, that riding alone was nerve
racking. Bye your leave sir.

All clear? Ben all clear?

Yes all clear, form them up Chad lets move right
fast. Lets get to Ellijay. Plan the route out and
where we will rally at.

Chad turned waved them out on the road, as
they walked back to the horses. Ben eased up
on his horse easy boy. Were almost done,
don't be getting antsy.

Chad looked back they're a tired bunch Ben.
They need a break. Think we should give them
a ration of ale tonight. Let them rest some.

Half ration only half with evening meal.
Cut the road dust.

What is bothering you? Ben its not like you.

Chad I am just tired is all, Sarna keeping an eye
on me. Acting like I am a child, about fed up.

Listen I met you both back in Ohio, don't be
messing up what you have. I'll have ta kick
your behind over that! That young lady loves
you, let her worry over you. She'll learn to
give ya some lei way. She trusts you more than
any other of us. That said I'll say no more unless
you mess it up.

Ben laughed, hell I'll never leave her just you
know.

Yes I know I have a wife back home course you
know that. She got all pissy when I told her
I had to leave on this mission.

When she asked me why I had to leave my Post
Commander job for this. Told her the truth I knew
you two. I should be the one that goes. Besides been itching to get out on a ride for years.
See nothing went wrong Ellijay Ben we made it.

Chad made it with out much trouble, few enemy
patrols be expecting that. They set up southern edge of the town. Once we get in set a few pickets
out about half mile from town. Four points Chad,
major cross road within town.

I'll get that done, you best check with the town
mayor or what ever they have. Don't need
pissed town now do we.

Guess not figure best place to start is the square.
Get those pickets set, and the men fed. Pickets
we'll take food out them. Chad don't delay that.