The plan was simple. Marvin would send a night-raiding force out of the fortress, then order the Small Fortress garrison to attack the Barbarians' camp and draw the enemy's attention.
The raiders would split into several squads and use the opening to harass the Barbarian troops stationed in the settlements, setting fire to the houses there.
Most of the houses in these settlements, built by Two Rivers County, were made of brick and earth, but they still contained plenty of timber. Fire was the most efficient way to destroy them.
If they destroyed the front rows of houses and other buildings, the settlements would no longer pose much trouble for the Small Fortresses. At the very least, the Barbarians would lose their best positions for taking potshots.
Marvin stood on the battlements, silently watching the settlements. Darkness was falling, and the time he had set for the troops to depart was drawing near.
"Regimental Commander, the troops are ready. We can leave whenever you give the order."
The voice behind him broke Marvin's train of thought. He turned and saw his deputy Regimental Commander, Saster.
"Saster, it looks like you're ready. This mission is dangerous. If the enemy pins you down, you may not make it back.
"They have too many troops, and you'll only get one chance. If they spot you, abandon the mission at once and retreat to the fortress.
"If it comes to that, I'll give up the Small Fortresses. We can still hold off the Barbarians from the Main Fortress."
Marvin worried about Saster. He was one of the veterans Marvin had brought with him. In the years since they joined the Two Rivers Legion, they had weathered the Civil War, army reorganizations, and more. Some had left the army; others had been transferred to different