Jan Oremus had trudged along with the rest of the one hundred that day. He had protested this mistreatment, insisting that he was far more use on horseback. They had horses enough to spare, aye, but none for an old priest. Likely the quartermaster had not believed his claim to military experience. He had probably never heard of the Broken Blades, and Jan could not honestly say he was surprised. Mortain's men were never great in number, and it was many years ago now since he had ridden boldly across the Empire.

After camp was made, the commander had made what he must have imagined was an inspiring address. It did not seem to move the troops much, and Jan was with them in that regard. If the orcish band was as large as he had heard, it would be a difficult fight. He could only hope this commander was a better tactician than he was an orator, else there would be great losses.

In any event the priest knew his duty, and went readily about it. Sword at his side and shield at his back, he staked out a position at the edge of the camp, and began to preach a brief sermon he had prepared to those that might be bothered to hear it. He was wearing his black cassock and cloak, and a solemn look stole over his countenance. He was, for once, quite sober, and glad of it.

“Brothers and sisters!” he called out loudly, throwing his hands dramatically to the sky before folding them passively at his waist.

“Children of Men! Before us stands a vicious and cruel enemy. What have they robbed you of already? Your lands? Your livelihoods? Your brothers, your sisters, your husbands, your wives? Shall they pass us unchallenged, as wolves among sheep?

“Hold true to the Creator, God of your fathers, and no mortal force shall overcome you. Keep in your heart the memory of what you have lost, and what you may yet lose, and stand fast in defense of what is ours.”

He paused, composing himself after his inflamed recitation.

“I will be hearing confessions later tonight, for the interested.”

With his religious guidance, such as it was, dispensed, he made his way toward one of the fire pits. There seemed to be some interesting characters thereabout, and so at first he said nothing, but listened quietly.