to the top of the hill, impatient with the slow passage of our party. I am a man of action, and this niggardly pace eats at my patience.

At the crest, I survey a band of men, brigands by the look of them, riding earnestly in our direction up the Roman Road. There are perhaps two score of them, and they are well-armed.

Whipping Wind Dancer's head around, I race back down the hill whence I am come and sound the alarm to our party.

"Brigands over the rise! Prepare for battle!"

There is much bustle upon my announcement. I want to insist that Miranda and Keridwen get in the wagons and ride back to safety. I wait for Aonghais to give that order, but he doesn't.

He is the War Leader and I must respect his office. I turn to Miranda and my horrified eyes discover her apparently searching for a weapon!

"My Queen, wouldn't it be best for you and the other lady to take the wagons to a place of safety while I deal with this group?"

My Lady stares at me as though I am speaking a strange language. "No, Lancelos, we will stay together and if these prove to be the Brigands that we were warned of, I am sure that our force can handle them."

I bow. What else can I do, for She has spoken.

Looking again at Aonghais to make disposition of his troops I ride forward. Perhaps they will do the honorable thing and accept my challenge to single combat.

They appear at the top of the hill, a motley hard bitten looking crew.

"Hold." I call to them. "What is your purpose with our party?" They have not stopped, but do slow when they see the force arrayed before them.

They say not a word, but draw their weapons. Well, if that is their choice, so be it.

I hum several notes, which puts Wind Dancer on his guard and draw my own sword. I will not sheath it until has tasted blood!