Set out at dawn, arrived by dusk.
Late at night, in the Kingdom of Kazembe, a ghastly white moon hung in the sky, casting a faint glow over a clearing in the dense forest two kilometers from the royal capital.
"Let the troops rest for three hours first. After marching all day, both men and horses are exhausted. Feed the horses their fill of fodder, then advance on Kazembe's capital in three hours. Launch the attack as soon as the sky begins to brighten."
"Yes, Battalion Commander!"
"There are many mosquitoes in the wilderness, and the ground is damp. I think we should have everyone crowd into one tent as much as possible. It will help keep them warm too," the battalion staff officer said.
"Mm. Have them share tents."
After traveling all day, the soldiers of the East African First Cavalry Battalion were already weary in both body and mind. They quickly set up rain tarps, and a simple tent was ready.
They found some dry branches and dead grass, tossed them carelessly onto the ground, and several men huddled together before falling into deep sleep.
The grooms could not sleep yet. To ensure the next day's battle went smoothly, they lit specially made outdoor mosquito coils, unfolded their camp stools, and began preparing horse feed. They tied a knot, added a handful of corn and soybeans, then stuffed it into the horses' mouths.
Battalion staff officer Rolls took a pocket watch from his inner pocket and checked the time. It was already three twenty-five, and the sky remained rather dark. He nudged the sleeping battalion commander awake.
"Andrew, wake up. Time to move."
Andrew rubbed his bleary eyes and yawned.
"Rolls, what time is it?"
"It is three twenty-five East African Time."
"It's a little later here