CHAPTER 2POWERS OF EARTH
Along towards twilight, the legion camped at a place marked on the maps as the Vale of Druga. While the yeomen erected tents for the night and cooks lit their fires, the officers let their ponies graze the lush meadowgrass and gathered for the evening council at the tent of their commander.
“Captain Uthric, I will give your company the honor of guarding our rest this night,” said the Duke. “Post your sentries and mount the watch as soon as our steeds are penned.”
“Yes, my lord.”
The Duke turned to another officer, the chief of his scouts, a lean and grizzled man of indeterminate years named Andreth.
“I am uneasy at the absence of men in these parts,” he said. “Surely there should be a travelers’ inn at the ford of that river yonder, and a smithy. Take your Ran
