This place is a hot and lonely nest. The garrison is relieved every three months because the isolation is terrible for the men to prevent them from becoming restless. But nevertheless, the heat is also intense, and because of the high walls, Fort Laval is like an oven inside, even in the early mornings.
Although the men are approaching, they know what awaits them here. A little bit of life comes into them. Where they have been walking with their heads down the last couple of days through the hot sand, they now start to whisper to one another and even make jokes. Even though Fort Laval will probably be awful, nothing can be worse than the t*****e of the n***d and desolate desert. At least there will be enough water to drink in the fort.
Juin suddenly halts the men and looks intently at th
