Conscience

"Report, Company Commander! We found the target at the northeastern corner of the Soutpan salt marsh!"

"Roughly how many of them are there? Did you alert them?"

"There should be around fifty people, with five wagons in total. There are also five Florisbad villagers led by Dickevin, the youngest son of the Florisbad village chief. Their guard is very lax, so our scouts probably haven't been spotted. They're still watching them now."

"Very good. Wilson, take your platoon around the left side along the edge of the Soutpan salt marsh and cut off their retreat. Rolls, take Second Platoon and set an ambush in the direction they came from. I want you at your positions within twenty minutes. Twenty minutes from now, close in on the area where they are." Branca began assigning combat tasks.

"Yes, Company Commander!" Wilson and Rolls replied.

The two then led their respective men off in different directions. To the southwest lay the Soutpan salt marsh. Unless the enemy had truly lost their minds and chose to flee that way, they would find it hard to survive in such a harsh environment, so there was no need to assign extra troops to guard it.

"Varshanu!" Branca called again.

Varshanu answered, "Present, sir. What are your orders?"

"You lead the way now. A battle may break out next. Are you afraid? You can stay here if you want. No need to force yourself."

"Uh, sir, I'd better stay here! After all, I'm somewhat familiar with Dickevin and several people from the village. It would be awkward for both sides later otherwise." Varshanu still felt somewhat guilty. Besides, a possible battle meant danger. There was no need for him to thrust himself into the front lines. It would be bad if he got caught in the crossfire.