dragon, didn’t tire easily, and such a run could hardly be called a warm-up. ‘If it’s safe up there, I’ll wave my helmet; if not, you’ll probably hear me.’ He smiled wryly and, before anyone could say another word, he got to his feet and set off at full speed.
Leaning forward slightly, he fixed his gaze on the top of the hill, hoping that if anyone appeared there, he’d have time to drop to the ground and stand a chance of going unnoticed. He didn’t have time to watch his step, so he could only hope he wouldn’t stumble into any holes. If he were to fall over for that reason, it would be a real source of embarrassment. All the while, he could feel both swords clattering against his thigh, but he paid it little heed. He ran, taking deep breaths; maintaining a steady pace was no problem.
He soon reached the front line of the trenches, but instead of slowing down, he took a powerful leap off the earthen embankment and cleared over to the other side. He wavered slightly on landing, but regained his balance almost immediately. A few more breaths and another leap. A smoother landing this time allowed him to maintain his speed and begin climbing the increasingly steep slope with greater momentum. He slowed down slightly, but reached the base of the earthen rampart and the palisade at a satisfactory pace. He propelled himself off the slope, nimbly leaping onto the embankment, and from its crest he sprang up, gripping the top of the wooden fortification with both hands. He pulled himself up and, in one fluid motion, swung himself over to the other side.
He landed heavily, but immediately sprang to his feet and drew his weapon. At first he saw nothing, so he adjusted his slightly askew helmet and looked around more carefully. The square in the centre of the rampart was empty, apart from the raised platforms for the cannons. Five were situated around the recesses in the palisade, and a sixth in the very centre, intended for the dragon
