The Free Company - Book VII: Closure

[Valdemar]

15 october, late noon, forrest outside St. Malo.

Nikolai watched from his high perch as the men gathered near the river. They had spread out well, scouting the area before committing to the crossing.

The old Ranger nodded his approval at their choice and he could see at least the red arrows being carried.

But how would they handle picking up the tracks on the other side? Nikolai and his men had gone to great pains making sure there were no clear visible marks, no overturned stones, no skid marks in the sand, nothing, not until after the beach.

He and his men had gone into the small river and travelled in the cold water until they reached a rocky outcropping, exiting the water there had left no traces save a wet spot that had long ago dried up again.

Below the first men slowly stepped into the water, it looked from here like that new man, Hulne? was furthest in, scanning the river bed for rocks that had changed colour. Good thinking. Nikolai and his men could hide their landing, but not the steps on the bottom. Finding those rocks would indicate the direction he had taken.

From his high point he had a nice view of the area, probably the best of the training tracks and he could see deep inland as well. Soon the routes of the Rangers and Light Cavalry would convene.

He was sure that the Rangers would be able to stay out of sight, spot and locate the cavalry. he wasn't so sure they would catch unto the idea that someone had placed the last arrow there.

The Rus very much looked forward to the attempt to gain that arrow without direct confrontation.

 

[unmerged(35829)]

15 october, late noon, forest outside St. Malo.

Thomas Hulne stood knee deep in the cold water and scanned the fast flowing river intently, peering into the clear water.

"They went downstream, not across."

Alejandro and Nigel looked at each other and shrugged,

"How would you know?"

Thomas bent and reached into the cold water, tossing a wet stone at the surprised Nigel,

"Because they upended this one."

Nigel looked at the stone and tossed it to Alejandro who turned it over and saw that one side was smooth and light, the other dark, covered in some sort of growth.

"Right."

He tossed the stone back into the river and Thomas continued down river looking into the water for more tell tale signs.

Nigel shrugged and followed, but stayed on the bank. No reason getting all cold.

Thomas followed the river a few hundred yards around a bend and past a large flat boulder protruding into the river.

He moved another couple of paces.

"No more stones disturbed down here. I figure they went out somewhere around this place, you see any footprints along the bank?"

 

[unmerged(119031)]

October 15, 1450, Noon, a small River near St Malo.

After Thomas discovered the Rangers led by Nikolai had gone downstream instead of across, Alejandro begun thinking that they may have exited the river from somewhere different than the beach. "If I don't want to leave tracks, I'd certainly avoid a sandy beach" he thought.

He walked towards Thomas and asked,

"So the tracks end up here, right?"

"Indeed, but the beach is clear" said Thomas, while leaning on a boulder behind him.

They both suddenly looked at each other and said, almost at the same time,

"They climbed up the rock!"

The rest of the group looked at them, surprised, but they all followed them when they started stepping on the rocks, until they left the beach. There were some some spots where the grass was bent, so they were back on track, but then they heard Tylo's voice behind them,

"Wait, how come there's no arrow? The Rus must have hidden an arrow somewhere around"

 

[unmerged(35829)]

October 15, 1450, Noon, a small River near St Malo.

There were some some spots where the grass was bent, so they were back on track, but then they heard Tylo's voice behind them,

"Wait, how come there's no arrow? The Rus must have hidden an arrow somewhere around"

Thomas was the first to reach the top of the rocky area, quickly dropped to the ground and held a finger to his mouth signalling for the others to stop and be quiet. Alejandro crawled up alongside him and spoke quietly

"What do you see?"

Thomas pointed across the meadow at a group of light cavalry.

"There, and see, a red arrow."

 

[unmerged(119031)]

October 15, 1450, Noon, a small River near St Malo.

Thomas pointed across the meadow at a group of light cavalry.

"There, and see, a red arrow."

Indeed, one of the light cavalrymen had a red arrow in his quiver. However, they were also escorting a wagon, or so it seemed, and Alejandro wondered what the wagon might carry.

"So this was Nikolai's idea," Alejandro asked Thomas, "we'll have to take an arrow from the light cavalrymen, without using our weapons?"

"Looks like it" Thomas replied. "We'll have to look for a good place to ambush them. The wagon may slow them down, but if they were to run, there's no way on earth we'd catch up with the horses and get that arrow".

Alejandro nodded in approval, and they joined and informed the rest of the group.

 

[coz1]

October 15, 1450, Afternoon, a small River near St Malo.


Nigel climbed the rock, his clothes soaking after having taken a tumble in the river and lost his footing. Thankfully Thomas and Alejandro had determined the direction of Nikolai and further found the pesky cavalry that Nigel had suspected was tied up in these games. How did it account for the differing of color with the arrows he did not know but Mario had mentioned the idea of games. It made sense, thus an arrow must be with an opposing group within the company.

But how to get it?

While the idea of some great ambush was key at his mind, Nigel began to consider the choices at hand, but Thomas had already brought up the very truth of the cavalry quickness. They would not stand a chance against speed so silence and dexterity would be required. The group huddled and tossed ideas between each other.

For himself, Nigel's nature called out for a direct grab. Surround the men, and he would jump on the wagon taking the needed arrow. They would not be able to use weapons any more than the rangers, he was sure. Simply get it before they moved. He offered the theory to faces looking at him with humor.

"Well? Have a better idea?" he threw his arms up in a shrug.

 

[Alfred Packer]

As the pace picked up and the close ranks broke up, Gunther found himself, for a moment, running alone. He was in much better shape than the rawest recruits, but his bruised side made deep breathing difficult and he wasn't able to close with the younger and more experienced pikemen, still, he thought to himself, as long as we keep this pace, I'm holding a respectable place in line. far ahead he could see Gaston's hat bobbing up and down as he ran next to the large German.

Farther up ahead, he saw unbroken forest.

He wiped sweat from his eye.

They were running straight at the thick woods. Gunther laughed briefly, reflexively, and then looked around to make sure there was some distance between himself and the farm-boys.

Recruits running at speed though the woods with 12' pikes.

Either Baer is a sadistic monster or a big fan of physical comedy.

 

[comagoosie]

October 15, 1450, Afternoon, a small River near St Malo.

"Well? Have a better idea?" Nigel threw his arms up in a shrug.

Tylo stepped forward to offer his idea. “I have been in this countryside waiting for the Company to come and while here I have become accustomed to the surroundings.”

“And…,” Alejandro gave him an expectant look, not everyone knew German and better to translate the whole thing than just bits and pieces.

“So why don’t we play to our advantage? The cavalry shouldn’t be used to the terrain so we can use that and get the arrow or both if they don’t take fright and run.” Tylo hoped his group would get the gist of what he was saying. No one said a word, and not knowing how to interpret the reaction Tylo pressed on.

“My plan would be to catch the cavalry on a slight plain. All of you guys would appear visible in front of them, acting as if the meeting is by chance. The light cavalry would suspect that we would be fools looking for red wood and would not believe them to have another arrow. I know the cavalry aren’t a bunch of doddering fools so they will look around trying to spot an ambush, and this is where I come in. I’ll find a nice crevice or a tree to hide in, maybe we can even lure them to me, and then I will jump out grab the arrow in the back when there is mass chaos. You see, perfect! The cavalry will think that they are the ones prepared when in reality we are.”

Everyone looked at him with wide eyes. Just when Tylo was beginning to have the time of his life…. “And while that is happening, everyone can try and grab the other arrow in the quiver.”

That didn’t seem to lessen the gap between eyelids.

 

[von Streusser]

October 15th, 1450 - Noonish - Forest near St. Malo

The Rangers were suddenly broken from their discussion by the sound of thundering hooves not far from their position. As one, they found themselves leaping for cover, hiding behind rocks, in tall grass, or whatever else was nearby. A pair of light cavalry riders burst from the nearby woods behind their position, moving recklessly and with a good deal more haste than the group escorting the wagon.

It was at that moment that the Rangers realized they were in fact already inside the cavalry formation.

The two riders slowed momentarily near where the Rangers had exited the brush for the riverbank, looking around, then picked up their pace again. As they moved out of earshot, several men released held breaths.

Meanwhile, across the field, Bogdan's horse stirred underneath him, whinnying restlessly. He held one hand up to the rest of the formation, and the cavalry suddenly came to a halt. Mihai looked up, then down at his own horse, then nodded. "Someone's close" he said quietly.

Bogdan looked to Jan and Lasko, who both nodded. "All right...everyone close in on the wagon. Don't let a soul near it. Expect treachery. If anyone makes a hostile move, Jan and I will secure the arrow and get out of here, Mihai, Lasko, and the rest will cover our escape." Bogdan pulled in tight on the other side of the wagon from Mihai, with Jan and Lasko falling in behind the two of them.

Mihai, for his part, was looking to the west. "Do you hear that?" he asked, cocking his head to one side. "Sounds like a lot of men, moving quickly."

"Infantry formation?" Jan ventured.

"Probably, and they sound like they're coming our way..." the boy opined.

"Shit" Bogdan snapped. "Keep the wagon moving, mobility is our ally!"

As one, the formation started up again, now only a few hundred meters from the river, with the sound of a running mob of infantry closing in from the other direction...

 

[coz1]

October 15th, 1450: Afternoon, Forest near St. Malo


Ox ran alongside Olaf, his breathing hard but he gained enough decent rhythm to accept the hardship. He refused to fall behind and once he learned they might hit an obstacle course, he was even more excited. He could prove his worth. Olaf even tried to hold him back as he gained some speed and started to pace the others. As he moved forward, he paid no mind to what was ahead of him and swatted tree branches out of the way until he ran head first into the cavalry formation, slowly attempting to escape the rangers.

"Oof!" he let out as he collided with an oncoming horse, thrown to the side in the action. Olaf sped up to see about him as the others slowed to a halt and Sgt. Baer began to bark orders.

Bogdan began to shout for retreat as other cavalry tried to extricate the meeting with the infantry portion of the company and the group of rangers revealed their positions, surrounding the entire group.

Nigel stood with leaves falling from his head, revealing himself with the others. He spied the arrow in the wagon and moved for it, but the cavalry were not quite ready to lose the item. They remained in circle around the wagon and Nigel found himself faced with weapons raised against him.

 

[redwolf]

October 15th, 1450: Afternoon, Forest near St. Malo

The Light Cavalry started to move again. Jan stayed close to the wagon ready to secure the arrow should things get out of hand.

Jan shook his head in disbelief. All the time, they thought it was the Rangers who would be ambushing them but in the end it was the infantry who was closing in on them.

The sounds of the running infantry were coming closer, Jan put a hand into his saddlebag and grabbed a fistful of sand, ready to fling it at any would be attackers.

The first of the infantry burst in view. It was Ox, one of the new recruits. The horseman nearest to Ox tried to get out of his way but only succeeded in crashing into Ox.

“Defend the wagon!” Bodgan shouted as the Light formed a defensive circle around the wagon.

The rest of the infantry were behind Ox and they came to a halt as they saw the Light Cavalry. Sergeant Baer started to shout some orders which Jan could not quite make out.

Then came another surprise as the Rangers suddenly appeared from their hiding places and the Light suddenly found themselves surrounded by the Rangers as well. One Ranger stood up from his hiding place barely a arm’s length from Jan.

Jan’s horse reared in surprise and Jan barely kept his seat. Instinctively, Jan threw the sand he was holding into the Ranger’s eyes. As the Ranger drew back in shock at the sand being thrown in his face, Jan drew his club.

For a long moment, the three sides stared at each other, not making any sudden move. Then Jan turned to the wagon, intending to grab the arrow. On the other side of the wagon, Bodgan was also preparing to grab the arrow while the rest of the Light prepared to defend their cargo. Lim had given them a mission and they were not about to let the infantry or Rangers stop them from succeeding…

 

[Amric]

October 15, 1450: Afternoon, the forest near St. Malo

'HOLD!" Baer's voice bellowed, "What the hell is going on here?"

Everyone went silent. The veterans looking at the recruits to make sure they quieted as well. Baer's face contorted into one of more than irritation.

"I SAID what is going on here?" he snapped.

He looked about and spotted Jan with the Lt. Cavalry and pointed to him. He continued to look around and spotted Nigel. Both men were summoned to the senior sergeant.

"Jan, I want some answers and I want them now!" Baer growled.

"We're on a mission," Jan sighed.

"To escort an empty wagon?"

"It's....not really empty," Jan confessed.

Baer shook his head, "What are you doing in the forest? I'd think the Light Cavalry would be better served on the plain, not the forest," Baer inquired.

"We were set a task..."

Baer waved his hand for silence and looked at Nigel.

"So why are you here?"

"Training set upon us by Nikolai," Nigel shrugged.

"Lovely," Baer sniffed, "I should have known. You there! Put up that damned pike before I shove it up your arse!"

"What are you doing here?" Jan asked.

Baer gave him a gimlet eyed stare, "Endurance training. Everyone in the company knows the infantry has endurance training on the first day of drill."

"True," Jan responded slowly, "But...."

"We're interfering in your fun and games," Baer continued, "Everyone get out of our way and we'll continue with our training. I don't care what you two groups do as long as you stay out of our way."

"But we were here first..." Nigel started to say before realizing he'd be better served to keep quiet.

Baer glared at him briefly, "I hope you lads have fun."

He turned to his men and went back into full voice, "Now that we've had a nice rest period it's time to start running again."

A few groans greeted his statement.

"Oskar!"

"Sergeant!"

"Back on the trail, if you please."

"On the double, men!" Oskar sang out, "We've time to make up. Hup, hup!"

The infantry moved out, slowly at first before picking up speed and vanishing down the trail. As they moved the Rangers slipped away, out of sight of the Light Cavalry to give themselves another shot at the arrow in the wagon further along.

 

[redwolf]

October 15, 1450: Afternoon, the forest near St. Malo

Jan watched as the infantry moved on along the trail. When he turned back, he realised that the Rangers had disappeared as well.

He quickly turned back to the wagon, relieved to see the arrow still where it should be. Mihai's red arrow was also still in his quiver.

Jan now approached Bodgan, "Well what should we do now? We now know the Rangers are the ones who are trying to get the arrows. They failed to get them this time but they will surely try again."

 

[J. Passepartout]

October 15, 1450: Afternoon, the forest near St. Malo

Lasko was more annoyed than he really had a right to be. He had been spoiling for a fight and when it was broken up so quickly he felt shortchanged.

Jan now approached Bogdan, "Well what should we do now? We now know the Rangers are the ones who are trying to get the arrows. They failed to get them this time but they will surely try again."

He waited for Bogdan's response, but thought that it would be a good idea to have a rider circling around for scouting purposes.

 

[Valdemar]

Nikolai shook his head in dismay from his high perch.

The rangers had done good getting so far and he particularly noted how Nigel had used the interruption to get within feet of the target. Good man to use the situation to his advantage, he seemed to be good thinking on his feet.

But what was that second arrow he had spotted? He and Lim had only agreed on one arrow.

Baer, oblivious to the chaos his men had created and the destruction of the Rangers' attempt, gathered his troops and marched them of. The rangers made themselves scarce.

Nikolai idly wondered if he should call it a day. Any surprise left for the Rangers would be pure luck and without that they had no chance to take anything from the cavalry, save by combat.

And that was not an option. The decision was therefore simple.

Slinking slowly down from his perch he headed for the place where he had agreed to meet Lim.

 

[von Streusser]

October 15, 1450: Afternoon, the forest near St. Malo

"Ulllll, I'd think the light cavalry would be better served on the plain, not the forest" Bogdan sneered, his tone mocking, after Baer's infantry took off on their march. "Of course, that doesn't explain what the infantry's doing in the forest, since they'd be 'better served on the plain' too. Except, maybe, we don't all get to pick where we fight? Moron." Bogdan shook his head, and anyone looking Mihai's way could see a look of absolute dismay flicker briefly across his face before he managed to return it to its previous mask-like form.

"You know, I understand there was a time when he was gruff but lovable. But now, look at him. Just an arm-breaking asshole caricature of himself. I'm glad I don't have to-"

Jan now approached Bogdan, "Well what should we do now? We now know the Rangers are the ones who are trying to get the arrows. They failed to get them this time but they will surely try again."

The interruption snapped Bogdan out of his tirade, and he nodded. "Yes, we do. And they'll be tailing us, so expect them to double-back along their own route. Now that we've been spotted, speed is our best defense. Lets get back to the road as quickly as possible so we can pick up the pace. It'll be harder for them to spring an ambush if they have to do it on the run. Our screen is still moving around in front of us. Lets set three more men out to ride around the wagon. Scout and give us a buffer for any further ambushes.

Time to show those rangers that we're a reconnaissance force too. They won't be sneaking up on us again. And Jan."

"Yes?"

"The escape plan still stands. If another clusterscrew like that last one happens, we ride down the nearest ranger and get out of here with that arrow, not sit around chatting."

 

[Lord E]

October 15, 1450: Afternoon, the forest near St. Malo



They had been running through the woods for quite some time, but Olav still felt fresh and strong. He had seen some of the newcomers starting to lag behind only to be ordered….scared were perhaps a better word... back into line by the Sergeant. The pace was fine and the infantry was making good progress, when suddenly the entire company was brought to a stop and Olav could see that the large Englishman had collided with a horse and then as he looked up he saw even more horses, obviously the infantry wasn’t the only ones having “fun” in the woods.



'HOLD!" Baer's voice bellowed, "What the hell is going on here?"

Everyone went silent. The veterans looking at the recruits to make sure they quieted as well. Baer's face contorted into one of more than irritation.

"I SAID what is going on here?" he snapped.


Olav could see the Sergeant turn a little red in his face, and as the Sergeant’s eyes looked upon both the horsemen and the rangers who had also appeared Olav knew Baer wasn’t going to stop screaming before he got an answer, one way or another.



"Jan, I want some answers and I want them now!" Baer growled.

"We're on a mission," Jan sighed.

"To escort an empty wagon?"

"It's....not really empty," Jan confessed.


Baer shook his head, "What are you doing in the forest? I'd think the Light Cavalry would be better served on the plain, not the forest," Baer inquired.



Olav had to bit his lips to avoid laughing. He could see both Jan and Nigel stand there looking really scared by Baer’s screaming, and the Sergeant’s comment about the horses belonging on the plains was just the kind of comments that Olav had always loved. Olav had been brought up to fight on the ground and therefore he had always view that as the best and the most honourable way of waging war. Therefore he always enjoyed seeing cavalry types being thought a lesson, and if anyone was superb in the art of teaching people lessons it was certainly Baer.



As Baer continued to interrogate the two unlucky men from the cavalry and the rangers Olav used the break to rest a little knowing that the Sergeant was not one to stand around chatting all day Olav thought the best thing to do was to rest a little when he got a chance so he stood still, tried to lower his pulse and regain full control over his breathing. Even thought he wouldn’t say that he was tired he certainly did feel that the training was having an effect on him.


As Baer turned to the men Olav knew this was the end of the break, and this became very clear when the Sergeant went back into full voice, "Now that we've had a nice rest period it's time to start running again."



Taking a deep breath of air Olav just waited for the command he knew would come from the Corporal.



On the double, men!" Oskar sang out, "We've time to make up. Hup, hup!"



As his legs started to run again Olav turned his head to cast one last glimpse of the cavalry, the rangers where already gone, but most of the cavalry still stood there looking shocked and a little angry on the treatment they had received by Sergeant Baer. As he turned his head forwards again Olav couldn’t help himself but wonder why all the three groups had meet in the middle of the woods just like that.


As his head just avoided a branch Olav decided to end the mind wandering and instead turn his full attention back on the running, he was not going to allow his thoughts to distract him so much that he would he would run into a tree. He shivered as he thought on the treatment Sergeant Baer would give anyone in the infantry if they ran into a tree during training…

 

[coz1]

October 15, 1450: A village some miles away from St. Malo


Henri opened his eyes when he heard the thunder of hooves approach. There was no mistaking the sound. His people had seen enough of marauding men traveling through and it was not uncommon for them to collect supplies from any village they passed. He lifted from his bed just in time to see his daughter, not but seven years of age, pointing to the door.

He pressed himself to ready for the onslaught. If they remained calm and allowed the men to take what they wished, his people would be spared the violence that so often accompanied these raids. But it was so hard to give over something one had worked so hard for…to toil so long only to see it taken without recompense…it was painful.

He moved swiftly to the door and out into the path of these riders as they moved into town. Others were scrambling about as the men rode through and Henri did his best to keep his neighbors from being trampled. He jumped to protect young Charles the boy – his neighbors little son. As he held the boy, falling back again the side of the house, there was a shriek and Henri clapped his hand over the boy’s mouth.

“Silence.”

The leader of the men rode up and brought his horse to a halt. Looking down at the peasant, he allowed concerned eyes but could not help his request, “Grain! We require supplies.”

Henri could do nothing but point with his free hand, “It is there, my Lord.”

He’d pointed to an empty building housed with the village’s coffers of food and meat. If they’d required it, there was more to take, but these bandits only wanted supplies enough to exist in the elements. They were not here to conquer, only take what they needed.

The leader moved on as he signaled for others to follow. Soon a wagon pulled into the small settlement and men began to load grain, foodstuffs and other needed items as the leader patrolled the village. Back and forth he rode; his eyes everywhere. Henri did nothing to stop him but offer a spiteful spit on the ground.

The leader stopped and spotted the man’s disgust. He spurred is horse to meet and stopped just short of the peasant, “You have an argument?!”

“None, my Lord,” Henri offered.

“We do what we must. You will thank me when we are done, I should think!”

“I shall thank God when we have peace…my Lord.” Henri offered, not caring if he received a harsh response.

The leader dismounted and moved closer to the peasant, now allowing for a fierce grimace to come over his face. Henri let young Charles go and bade him run to his house and he stood defiantly.

"You come into our village and take..." he started to say but was met with a heavy back hand.

"We take what we must and you will not stop us. I see you have a lovely family. I should think a wise move would be to stay with them."

He'd pointed to Henri's daughter and his wife who had exited the home and held her child close.

"If you wish to make this difficult on yourself, I can see to it."

 

[merrick]

The training run came to an abrupt halt, but not for the reason Gaston had expected. He'd imagined it would be one of the recruits managing to main himself or somebody, but everyone was still on their feet when the panting infantry ran - literally in one man's case - into a group of Company cavalry who had taken it upon themselves to haul a wagon into the woods.

And not just the cavalry. As Gaston approached, he noted that the cavalry were apparently in a standoff with a gang of villanous-looking bandit types, who a second glance revealed as Company rangers. Gaston's initial conclusion was the the cavalry had looted something they didn't want to share, and the rangers were objecting. Then again, that was hardly the behaviour he'd come to expect of the Free Company - not to mention that the wagon at the centre of things appeared mysteriously empty.

Gaston never got to form a second conclusion, because at that moment Sergeant Baer took it upon himself to put an end to whatever-it-was. Gaston felt briefly sorry for the men on the receiving end but also a certain satisfaction at seeing the Rangers at the mercy of the Bear. The Rangers, in Gaston's estimation, ranked themselves way too high for a bunch of glorified footpads - and worse, they didn't have to drill.

The most Gaston could gather was that this had been some sort of crazy exercise. He shrugged mentally as the infantry set off again. Whatever the rangers were up to, it had to be more interesting than dodging trees.

 

[Amric]

October 15, 1450: Afternoon, the forest near St. Malo

Mario seethed quietly as the rest of his Rangers flitted through the forest. The infantry barging into the middle of things had completely ruined the opportunity to gain the arrow in the wagon. Now it was highly unlikely they would be able to get it. Which meant that they couldn't get every single arrow.

He also knew that no plan survives contact with the enemy. Lochlan and Landen had drilled that fact into his head. Being able to surprise the cavalry was pretty good. Vanishing before their eyes was also pretty good.

Sometimes you just couldn't achieve every objective. It was something to remember. And something to pass on to the group. They had regrouped some distance away from the trail so that they could talk and plan.

"A shame the infantry came along," he stated slowly, "But as I have been told more than once....Sometimes shit happens and you have to adapt. Sometimes you can't achieve everything that you'd like. "

"Are you saying we should give up?" Nigel inquired.

"Not a chance," Mario smiled thinly, "But for us Rangers it isn't always about fighting and winning. Sometimes it is more important to deliver vital information to Captain and Lochlan than it is to remove the threat ourselves. Sometimes no matter how good we are, we aren't going to take on a troop of cavalry or a square of pikes. But relaying that information to those who can do something about it is important, too."

Alejandro scratched his head, "So you're saying that information is the primary purpose of the Rangers?"

"To a point, yes," Mario nodded, "We have other tasks to accomplish, but in the large picture our job is to scout and make sure people aren't sneaking up on the company. If we can eliminate the threat, great. If not, we make sure someone knows so that Captain or Lochlan can do something about it. Information is the key. Without it the company is not only blundering about blindly but fighting at a disadvantage. The Company isn't a huge army. We have to not only be better trained, better organized, but better informed."

The others nodded in agreement.

"Now it would be good if we can get that arrow," Mario smiled, "But if we don't, it isn't the end of the world. If there was a way to come about it from above while there is a distraction for the cavalry....Such as perhaps some kind of animal dodging through their ranks, or just ahead of them with a tree with low lying branches above. A man could possibly snatch the arrow and be back in the tree and then scooting to another tree to high tail it out of the area."