Free ABACUS by Chris McGowan

come also—to read the omens. There will be a battle council immediately upon our return.”
    The left bank was dappled with color—purple vetch, buttercups and pink knapweed. The broad expanse of grasses and bulrushes was a haven for butterflies and birds. A high ridge backed the opposite bank. Densely wooded, it provided the perfect vantage point for the third scout, the one still spying on the enemy. Thomas pointed up to his hiding place.
    â€œWhat are we waiting for?” exclaimed Arthur. “Let’s get up there and see for ourselves.”
    Hector, for all his large size, moved through the woods like a cat and maintained a brisk pace all the way to the top. AP had to jog to keep up.
    â€œThey’re still there,” said young Wilf, who was the same age as AP. He pointed down at the enemy camp. “About forty of them raided another village today, but they didn’t leave until midday—these warriors like their beds! They returned loaded with goods. Barrels of wine too. They’ve been drinking ever since.”
    Loud singing carried across the river.
    â€œThey’ll feel bad in the morning!” declared Arthur jubilantly. “Well done, Wilf. Keep a close watch on them tonight.”
    Arthur described what they had seen to his battle council. He favored a dawn attack and everyone agreed. Then they devised a battle plan. Arthur would lead his swordsmen into the sleeping camp before dawn. Meanwhile, the archers would form an encircling ring. At first light, the swordsmen would attack the sleeping invaders. The bowmen’s job was to stop anyone escaping.
    â€œI want everyone to eat his fill,” Arthur told his men, “but no fires—they might see the smoke—and no noise.” His men listened intently. “Then we sleep. We have a battle to win tomorrow.”
    AP was in a deep sleep when suddenly everything started shaking. “Wake up!” Arthur whispered. “I’ve just had another omen.”
    â€œWhat did you see?” AP murmured.
    Arthur leaned forward, eyes blazing. “A shooting star. Is that a good omen? Did I make the right decision?”
    AP was no military strategist, but Arthur’s plan made perfect sense. More importantly, his commanders—all seasoned warriors—endorsed it.
    â€œWhich way did the shooting star point?” AP was now enjoying his role as wise oracle.
    â€œTo the east.”
    â€œWhat direction is first light?”
    â€œTo the east—” Arthur paused. “So my plan for a dawn attack is the right one?”
    â€œYes,” said AP solemnly.
    Arthur slumped back as if a great burden had been lifted.
    â€œIt is strange,” Arthur began. “Despite your youth I can confide in you.” He then spoke of his concerns regarding the battle. AP was shocked to hear such uncertainty from someone whose actions were so decisive.
    Still playing his role, AP reminded Arthur that his most experienced warriors had all agreed on the plan. “Trust your judgment, as do your men.”
    They sat in silence watching the stars, feeling remote from their world and what lay ahead.
    â€œWe have a big day tomorrow,” said Arthur at last. “Both of us must rest.”
    AP lay down, but it took ages to get back to sleep.
    * * *
    Arthur always addressed his warriors before battle. Raucous yelling and the clashing of swords then followed. On this day, though, he had to rely on the force of his words to raise fighting spirits. As AP listened to his rousing speech, he could scarcely believe their conversation beneath the stars. When Arthur was finished, everyone believed victory was inevitable.
    The warriors set off before daybreak, snaking through the dark countryside in an orderly column. Hector strode on Arthur’s left, with AP symbolically on his right. Wet grass soaked their legs and feet, but nobody seemed to notice. Everyone heard the singing of the birds though. AP wondered if