Once finished with the Supply Captain I tucked my helm under my arm, took a deep breath and burst out of my tent. As the flap swung shut I considered that I would never again enter such a tent.

“General, the commanders ready the march from camp. Banners assemble at the north gate.” Ravnica my adjutant shouted from his horse. “Your horse sir.” He pointed to my left.

A stableman led her to me. She was perfect as usual. She would be missed more than any of them. I knew I could not take her home with me, she would not like it one bit.
“Come Stella,” I whispered into her ear, “come with me one more time, stand on the hill with me. Once more stare at the chaos and guide me.” I pressed my cheek to hers, handed my helm to the stableman and mounted Stella.

He handed my helm up and I donned it. The nightmare returned. The din of battle drowned out the trumpets of the rally a half mile away. Stella responded to a gentle nudge and trotted off down the camp’s main path.

20,000 men marched in front of me.