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Shining Steel
by Lawrence Watt-Evans



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Copyright (C)1986 by Lawrence Watt-Evans

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Chapter One
“He saith among the trumpets, Ha ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the
captains, and the shouting."—Job 39:25
****
The brass casings gleamed golden in the firelight as he picked up the first bullet. He handed it to a waiting
warrior and solemnly spoke the ancient and meaningless ritual phrase, “Mekkit kant!"

The warrior accepted it with equal solemnity, then stepped back to make room for the next.

The ten bullets were distributed to ten men, and each of the chosen carefully slid the precious cartridge
into his rifle. When all had done so, they settled comfortably on the ground to await the order to attack.
Some cast occasional glances at the eastern horizon.

Around them their less fortunate comrades, those who had not been chosen to carry firearms in the
coming battle, covered the hillside. Many of them, as they polished swords and knives, also looked to the
east.

“Won't do no darn good watching the sunrise,” said the man who had passed out the ammunition. “We
go on Captain John's word, not before."

“He told us we'd attack at dawn, same as always,” one of the riflemen replied.

“We probably will, then,” said the first, “but it's at his word."

The other shrugged and looked to the east. The sky was blue now, no longer black, and the first warm
hints of pink were beginning to show. Whatever the signal, he told himself, it would not be long in coming.
He cradled his rifle in his arms and looked down the slope at the waiting horses.
The tent-flaps behind him parted and the commander stepped out, already dressed in his riding leathers,
his sword on his hip and his helmet on his head.