The caravan halted on a slightly elevated mound, ensuring a tactical height advantage.
The horses, sensing the pervasive smell of sulfur and saltpeter in the air, snorted restlessly.
The Iron Peak County Delegation had entered a pre-battle state, with warriors quickly unloading crates of armor and helping each other don their gear.
"I... I've become a burden to everyone..." Anna gripped Winters's hand tightly, biting her lip, and blamed herself with a mixture of panic and anxiety.
"Don't spout nonsense, it's just a small situation," Winters reassured Anna while deftly helping her into a breastplate: "Stay on the wagon when it starts, try not to get down."
Anna nodded forcefully.
"All set." After Winters ensured all the straps were tied, he habitually patted the back plate of Anna's armor and, uncontrollably and inexplicably, began to chuckle.
"What are you laughing at?" Anna turned her head and asked suspiciously.
"I... I just remembered a... dirty joke."
