15 In the fields before him an enemy soldier saw
the Drummer, raised his rifle, and took aim. But before he could fire,
another rifle spoke, a bullet struck him in the chest, and he fell
backwards.
16 Beside the Drummer the fighting man who had encouraged him to run,
knelt on one knee, and was putting another bullet into the chamber of
his rifle. It came up and spoke again, and another enemy soldier fell.
17 Soon, all along the woodline, rifles were speaking, as more and more
people joined the ragged line. Crashing through the woods on his dog,
Bright Sword leapt down, and stood by the Drummer. The Banner Carrier
ran up and the Drummer felt the flag touch his cheek.
18 "Cease fire!" screamed Bright Sword. "Cease fire! Form ranks! Get
into ranks three deep!" His people quickly obeyed as the Drummer
changed his tune. "Tum-tum-TUM-te-te-TUM-te-tum-tum-TE!"
19 "Good boy!" cried Bright Sword , "Good boy! First rank LIE! Second
rank, KNEEL! Third rank, STAND! Fire in volley on the beat."
20 By now bullets from the enemy were whizzing by as more and more of
their scattered ranks began to appear. But now The Children of Spirit's
rifles began to send out a slow and steady rain of death as volley after volley exploded from their rifles. The wounded began to
appear, passing ammunition down the line.
21 "Take your time!" screamed Bright Sword. "Pick your target! Don't
waste a round!"
22 His people didn't. The grass before them caught fire, but the wind
was at their backs and blew the smoke towards the enemy. It was blessed
cover. Many of the enemy, misjudging their range,