As the two relief sentries saw them come out, they exchanged sinister grins, scooped up two handfuls of snow to extinguish the campfire used for warmth, and then ducked back into their tent.
Damn it, even the ordinary soldiers have been bribed! They're trying to freeze me to death!
This was a very small encampment consisting of about twenty tents, surrounded by a circle of carts. The outer perimeter lacked even wooden chevaux-de-frise or caltrops, and the surrounding terrain was flat with no strategic defensive positions to rely on. One glance made it clear that they had no intention of staying here for long.
Chapter 850