Cedric and Zane were hiding behind the largest trees amongst those closest to the village. The commander and the elf were waiting for the right moment to quietly eliminate one of the builders before the commotion broke out.
To their right, roughly halfway to the stream, a second team was preparing to spring into action. To their left were two more, whilst the scouts led by Adam had spread out a little further down the stream to ensure that no one slipped away to raise the alarm in the tower by the lake.
They had a considerable advantage, not only in numbers but, above all, in the element of surprise. It seemed that it had not occurred to any of the defenders that they might be attacked from anywhere other than the front. As Cedric had said, this was an oversight on their part, not a sophisticated trap.
One of the builders had just broken away from the rest of the group and, grumbling loudly, was walking off to look for wicker or other vines suitable for reinforcing the palisade. The other members of his team were urging him on so that he wouldn’t dawdle. The lad walked on, not looking around very carefully. As he passed the spot where Cedric was hiding, the commander drew his dagger and prepared for a swift attack.
‘Gerwyn!’ came a shout from the direction of the village. One of the sentries emerged from the nearest hut and waved towards the cadet who was about to become Retfield’s target.
‘Oh... What?!’ The irritated builder spun round on his heel and put his hands on his hips. Fortunately, Cedric managed to throw himself to the ground just in time and hide amongst the low vegetation.
‘If you're off into the woods anyway, have a look for some dry firewood!’
‘No way!’ Gerwyn seemed to be slowly seething with anger. ‘I’ve got my own work to do, so if you want something, get off your arse and look for it yourself!’ Irritated, he turned away and began striding deep into the woods.
The watchman watched him
