Melcorka had never seen an army preparing for war before. She saw the men forming for inspection, with the captains of infantry scrutinising each weapon. She saw the captains of cavalry checking each horse; the farriers examining the spare mounts and the blacksmiths making horseshoes; saddlers and lorimers checking the saddles and bridles, reins and stirrups; sergeants inspecting every spear and sword, every knife and piece of chain armour.
There were carts of provisions for the men and the horses and carts containing nothing but arrows and spare bows for the archers. There were wagons on which medical men rode to care for the casualties. There were three wagon loads of women to care for the needs of the warriors, and there were closed carts, the contents of which Aharn kept to himself.
