Julius let the air fill with the cheers of his men before turning to Haddin, who stood nearby with a faint smirk spread across his face.
"Well,"
Haddin said,
"if nothing else, you've got them believing that victory here is possible milord."
Julius dismounted from his horse, his expression grim but resolute.
"They'll need more than belief. Send word to the archers to take position on the eastern ridge. I want their bows nocked and ready. And double-check the traps along the northern slope. If the Greecians want this hill, we'll make them bleed for every step they take getting to the summit."
Haddin nodded and moved off to carry out the orders.
Julius turned back to the horizon, where the Greecian army was beginning to move.
Columns of men stretched out like the legs of a massive beast, banners snapping in the wind as their commanders directed the advance.
