Ok, I'm back to tell some more of the tale of "The Master Horseman".

Sorry it's been so long, you might want to read the first entry before you get going with this, just to put you on the right track again. A quick reminder, you know what I mean.

Suddenly, awoken from his slumber, the Royal Guard rushed into Zipoetes’ tent. “A sentry outside sir,” explained the guard “he says it’s urgent.”

“Call him in, quickly.” Zipoetes was immediately wide-eyed and aware, as if he’d been up for an hour.

“Sir, we are surrounded! Our location has been revealed to the Germans by a traitor. They have positioned armies behind and in front of us, in deep forests. Their armies are just six stadia away.” The sentry informed Zipoetes.

“Have the men prepare for battle. Awake my commanders and order them to report immediately to my tent to discuss the plan of action.”

Twenty minutes later: the men were armoured, the horses were mounted, the bows were strung, all that remained unprepared was the order to go. “We shall head west toward the larger German army. Are the men ready? Yes sir, just waiting for the order to set off.” The other commanders left the tent, ready for battle and ready to command their division of the army. Only Palacus remained. “Palacus, when I give the signal, you will flank the enemy. This will not come until our noble archers have peppered the enemy with every single arrow they’ve got. Our axemen are inferior to theirs, they will be unable to hold for too long. Your manoeuvre must be strong, but swift.”

“I understand, father,” responded Palacus. “Don’t worry; I will get there before it's too late.”