"Come on, Marle, move it!"
"Fuck, I've got a rock in my boot!"
"Then skip, you idiot! Move your ass!''
''Soldiers! Get in formation!"
The world outside Alpheo's tent had dissolved into pure chaos. Men shouted over each other, the air heavy with the smell of sweat, oil kindly provided by the Romelians splattered on armor , and burning fires. Armor clattered, horses screamed, and priests whispered blessings that vanished beneath the thunder of drums. On every patch of ground there was movement, men tightening straps, sharpening blades, gulping down water, or sinking to their knees for what could be their last prayer.
