Mid-day found the small detail of men within a mile of the grove. They continued on when Tracker rejoined them with news of Trenton’s soldiers ahead. Tracker conveyed that there were about two hundred men; all of them searching for something or someone. Being hunters they did what they do best, they laid in wait. They spread out and laid low to find out why Trenton’s soldiers were this far west of their usual province. There came a point when the soldiers ceased their search and set up camp. Perimeters were set and sentries posted; no area unguarded. A few hours later as the weather began to change another detail of soldiers approached joining Trenton’s forces. The chilled rain penetrated their skin, sinking deep into their bones as they continued south to rejoin the main party with their news. Tired, weary and half beaten from a long days journey all they wanted to do was rest but this new development was valuable.

   My mind was on my family and the valley or I would have felt the Chinook winds blowing across they valley; warming the nights and bringing in the early days of winter. I the early hours before twilight arrives I sit on this hillside thinking about today, taking in what today was going to bring. A few hours ago we were digging out and pulling off the trail. We made camp but decided to forgo the evening fire and get some well needed sleep. Finn took the first watch last night and now I find myself on this hill. As I look to the north all I see are the fires from the Spires burning brighter than I have ever seen. The chilling rain has turned into snow and the men are no longer wanting sleep as much as food and a warm fire. We knew we had to wait until the sun was bright before starting a fire; we couldn’t take a chance of letting Trenton know we were this close.

   The men were finishing their meal and packing the tents when Tracker staggered in to the camp. Tracker is a strong man and for him to fall to anything was beyond belief. I bowed my head over Tracker’s limp body as I held him in my arms. His heart was beating like a frightened deer that had ran for his life. “It’s going to be alright Tracker.” I assured him as he faded away.

   “John? John? What is this all about?” the words murmured from my lips as I awoke. John sat there with that silly half grin on his face as he jabbed my ribs with his blood tipped staff.

   “John, why?…