The young rider came up to Garalt and tugged on his reins, stopping his horse quickly.  Panting and trying to catch his breath, the rider took off his hat and began to hit it against his leg, knocking off the dust that accumulated on it from his ride.
    "Garalt," Durall spoke finally, "I've found Ethelred's Horde, they're amassing near the Laquos River, in Ikros territory."
    "That must mean they're planning to attack at some point in time, and soon," Garalt said with concern, "Good work Durall."
    "Just as long as I get paid."
    "You'll have your money, I'll make sure of that.  Come, we must report your findings to his majesty."
    The young mercenary and the knight rode off back to the Lion's Crest base camp, pushing their horses as hard as they could. Neither spoke, focusing only on the ride, hearing only horseshoes hitting hard, dry earth.  Being fully armored, Garalt's horse began to lose ground with Durall's, and soon Durall's horse was again just a blackened dot in the horizon.  The Lion's Crest base camp was only a half a days ride away, and soon Garalt met his comrades that had gathered to welcome him home.  He dismounted his horse quickly and worked his way to King Ulmerad's tent.  Ulmerad usually didn't come along on a campaign, but this time Ethelred was involved personally, and Ulmerad wasn't going to take any chances. Garalt stood outside the tent and called out.
    "Sire!"
    "Garalt, you've returned," Ulmerad said walking out of the tent, "I've already heard Durall's report, but I'm glad you have come back in one piece."
    "Thank you Sire, what is our course of action?" Garalt said, bowing.
    "Come," Ulmerad said quietly, walking toward the edge of the camp, staring at the horizon.  Garalt quickly caught up and walked at the side of his king.
    "Milord?  What is our plan of action against the Horde?"
    "Daravon and I are still working on one.  I was interested in what you thought we should do."
    "Sire, I am not worthy or trained..."
    "Nonsense," Ulmerad interrupted, "you know that I am always open to suggestions.  And besides, I think it's past time for you to use that brain of yours for things other than following orders.  So please, you've scouted that area before, tell me what you think."  Garalt was silent for a long while, walking at his monarch's side.  Softly, he began to speak.
    "Well, near where the Horde was seen, if memory serves, the Laquos river turns sharply around a large hill.  If we could lure them there, and trap them into the corner created by the river, we could charge with full force, we could force them into the river.  Certainly those blasted skeleton foot soldiers cannot hold up against the strength of the moving water, they'd be washed away for sure."
    Ulmerad looked at the ground before him for a while, staring blindly into space, deep in thought.   After an uncomfortable silence, Ulmerad looked over at the nervous knight and gave him a smile, gently slapping his shoulder.
    "Garalt my boy, that is a wondrous plan, I must speak with Daravon about it," Ulmerad said, quickly walking back to his tent.  Garalt watched him walk away without some undue pride, maybe this was his chance to prove himself to the other knights.