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several crudely constructed platforms enclosed with empty ale barrels and loose planks. He did a good job with the cover as I hadn’t even noticed them from the ground.
    He stood at the largest platform with bow in hand, giving instructions to a group of townsfolk as a light breeze blew his blond hair.
    I listened to him wrap things up. As in all things, Dekar was a stickler for details and no one could ever claim he’d only done “good enough.”
    He looked my way. “You want to add anything, Tyrus?”
    “Just one thing. I know that you’re all good hunters or have been great in contests. This is going to be much different. The excitement and anxiety will be a hundred times stronger than what you’ve known before. You’re going to see people die, some of them friends or even loved ones. You’re going to want revenge. Don’t let yourself fall into that trap. Keep your emotions in check. Mourn, wail, and curse after this is over. If you allow your emotions to get the best of you, you’re going to hurry a shot and miss the target. That means you’ll be giving the raiders more time to harm someone else you care about. I know it’s easier to say, but keep your head.”
    They exchanged glances amongst each other, then bobbed their heads in grim determination. Sometimes a reminder of the obvious is all a man or woman needs to ease their mind.
    “Everyone get to your stations and look over your equipment. Once you’re satisfied, grab something to eat and drink to settle your stomachs,” said Dekar.
    The group of ten dispersed, some moving to other platforms on the roof, a few going downstairs to the second story where they’d take their aim from open windows. Nason’s wife was one of those people. I stopped her as she passed.
    “How are you holding up?”
    She pushed aside her straight brown hair with one hand. I hadn’t noticed her piercing, blue eyes before. They were deep like the color of a clear summer sky. Well, at least how the sky once looked. No one would compare anyone’s eyes to the orange hue hanging above us now.
    She tried to smile. Anxiety prevented her from succeeding.
    “Just worried about my family. I’m sure I’m not alone. Nason’s probably driving himself crazy thinking about me up here.”
    “He’s not thrilled about it, but he also understands our options are limited. I just saw him. He’s doing well and sends his love.” Her smile came natural this time. “I’ll do my best to keep an extra eye on him too.”
    “I’d appreciate that.”
    “I’ll let you get to your post. I need to have a word with Dekar. Take care.”
    “You too, Tyrus.”
    Dekar came up, leaned over and patted Zadok on the shoulder. “Learning anything from your old man?”
    “A lot. Though it feels like I’m missing twice as much as I think I’m picking up.”
    “Your father has that way about him. I’m still learning from him myself.”
    I cocked my head and studied Dekar’s expression. At first I thought he said that for my benefit as a way to further the bond that was developing with me and Zadok. However, he seemed serious. For some reason, I found that hard to believe. Dekar wasn’t formally trained like the High Mages or other high-ranking officers I ran across in the military, but I’d still bet money on him in any contest of intelligence. Dekar just seemed to inherently know things. And his ability to recall information accurately was uncanny.
    “How we lookin’?” I asked.
    “As good as we can be. I’m about to run across the street and check on those stationed at the tavern. Afterward, I’ll have everyone bar the remaining first-story doors and windows. Then we just wait.”
    “Why bar the doors and windows, Pa?” asked Zadok.
    “To reduce the entry points to each building. It won’t stop any of the bandits from getting inside if they really want to, but it will slow them down. Hopefully long enough for someone to take them out.”
    “What if they just get angry and decide to