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To her warriors The old woirl, in a white dress, stood beside her with the War Shield of the Catti Another held a sprig of holly

The warriors beat their swords against their shields The rattling spread down the ranks, reached the end of one line and bounced back along another: waxing and waning The old woreet her They had garlands of leaves and other offerings The sight filled Tom with horror He found it incoht their fahtered or enslaved if Morgon carried the day

The sound of the advancing troops sent shivers down his spine They were so near he could hear the clink of their armour and the shouts of the battle marshals as they called their men into line He waited as the old woman finished her inspection and ly slow steps

'Is all prepared, Sky Warrior?'

'Aye, Majesty'

'Has the challenge been issued?'

'Griffin is doing so now, Majesty'

Tom clasped his sword and stared out over Baddon Plane In the shrinking gap between the two arure of the Chariot Master rode out to on's officers Tom watched as Griffin dison's ed salutes A discussion followed Tonal from Griffin said he should proceed

He cliround Thunder walked by his side and ten warriors of his personal guard followed Each carried a large rectangular shield ele, the e, it'll be like the last battle on Baddon Plane,' Thunder prodded Toer and it'll all be overquick sthened his stride to keep up with Tom

'If he doesn't, people will say he's scared and that will be very bad for his reputation'

'It's not that sion refuses, your reputation is enhanced If he accepts, you've got a chance to kill hiht kill you because that would be very bad for your reputation'