more, before they even got another shot off at
us. Then, it was piece against piece, gun by gun we destroyed them. But
THEIR fire was hurting us.
46 First we lost two pieces, and then another, but by now, there were
only fifteen of them left. Then one of my men ran up. 'Sir," he cried,
'When we withdrew, we left behind our water. We have none to cool the
guns left. They're getting hot already. If we continue firing at this rate, they'll breech.'
47 'We have no choice,' I told him, 'fire and load. But anyone who
wishes to may withdraw. No ill will be thought of them.'
48 Now, the guns were so hot they burned to the touch, but they still
kept loading. Then, we were down to our last round, and only five of
our guns were firing. We let fly, picked up our rifles, and prepared to
join the charge, when we saw the enemy gunners break and run.
49 They ran from our empty pieces! We haven't a piece left that will
still fire! How they held together, I don't know! They should have
blown up in our faces!"
50 "This is a day of courage," said Bright Sword, "and speaking of
courage, where's that drummer? Find him! He's the hero of the day. I'm
going to send him back to the capitol! He deserves every honor that can
be given!"
51 A Damon came walking through the line, the boy cradled in his arms.
Tears ran down the big man's cheeks. "Others give him honor now," he
announced. "The Lords now praise him. He never cried for aide, not
even a whisper. He just sat by himself and joined Them."
52 A Healer came over, opened the boy's shirt, and examined the wound.
"Even if we could have got