Early the next morning, Liada came to the Seventh’s camp at breakfast time. Tin Tin had stayed there for the three days since Autumn had stitched up the wound in her leg. She was still weak, but getting around better every day. Joaquin was always by her side.
“Liada,” Sarge said, “there’s a man with the camp followers who makes rope.”
“Yes, that is Silban and wife Arana.”
“We need a large rope,” Sarge said, “long enough to reach across the river.”
“What is ‘large?’” Tin Tin asked.
“Big.” Sarge put his thumb and forefinger together to form a circle. He then widened the circle until it was two inches across.
“What is purpose of rope?” Liada asked.
“After we defeat the Volcae on the other side of the river, the big raft will go across with elephants.”
“Yes,” Liada said.
“The river wi
