The previous day's ball game had helped the two sides grow a little closer. Now, only one test remained, facing a real battle together.
Roland already had the next campaign planned.
They would march tomorrow at noon, pressing deeper into enemy-held territory and targeting areas where humans were rumored to be kept captive. With any luck, one of those camps might hold Stella's brother or at least a clue to his fate.
He had thought today would begin like any other.
Waking early, Roland kissed Stella, who now stayed with him in his newly assigned room within the fort. He slid from bed and began dressing.
"You'll be late, my dear," Roland murmured, trying to wake the girl who was still lying under the thin sheet. "Just because your father gave us permission to be together, it doesn't mean you should sleep in till noon."
It wasn't even seven yet.
