7
Dread... Utter dread! And at the same time the coldness broguht nothing but carelessness. If the situation hadn't been so serious I would likely have wondered at it, but now was not the time.
I slung the tall kiteshield to my front, gripping the leatherstraps tightly, making sure it fit snugly. But no matter how long I would have worked on it, it was still half destroyed, the boards open to the elements from many cuts to the lining leather, the point cut off and a large cut into the upper edge where a sword had been stuck.
I grapped my spear, my trusty spear, tighter, at least it was still in one piece. It would become important once more.
I ran towards the raggard line of soldiers forming up to recieve the horsemen. I just hoped I would reach them before the first horsmen flowed around them, wouldn't do good to be caught alone...