“Light fortifications, like a split rail fence to the fronts and hastily constructed abatis along the flanks to deny enemy penetrations to the rear, might be worthwhile. It is not what I initially thought of when you suggested [i]trenches[/i].” Duke Friedrich allowed the Gauldic Major some for that. He assumed it was a language confusion.

Friedrich motioned Hauptmann Jodel to follow them as they left the tent. Time to do a little reconnaissance. As the Halldoran officers followed the rest, the Duke leaned into the younger officer and whispered, “It appears the Gauldic Major forgets that the Halldorans once fought alongside Francisco before the alliance between our nations dissolved.” Hauptmann Jodel nodded to his Brigadier as they caught up.

They could see the sparse formation of Halldorian line infantry forming a picket line about two hundred meters below the crest of the ridge line. The picket were there to act as advance warning in case the Gauldic infantry initiated an advance while they slept. Most were aware of Francisco’s tactics. Gauldic Light infantry formed a similar line on the other side of the Blue Valley. Both sides stood on high ground, but their side did not matter. The Alliance of Drusmane and Halldor existed merely to act as a delaying force. If Marion did not want to press the attack, then their mission was a success. The Halldoran-Drusmane alliance would have worked. But Duke Friedrich suspected that was not the case today. He was ready for a pitched battle.

“There is room to construct abatis on the flanks to channel their cavalry to the center. Split rail fences and slight redoubts in front of the infantry formations would offer some protection.” Duke Friedrich consented to the others. He looked at Major Mackeralini, “May apologies, sir. I was confused when you suggested the word trenches.”