The relay rider was still waiting below the rise, mounted and tense. His expression was clenched as he watched the ridge.
Batu reached him and asked the one question that mattered.
"The enemy center formation. Has it moved?"
"No, lord. Same position when I came back through. The shield wall is still up and holding."
"Good."
Batu flicked a hand.
"Get back to Qutlugh. Tell him to hold his current position until he receives the relay signal."
"Yes, lord."
The rider wheeled his horse east and departed at once.
Subutai had not left his place on the rise. He was studying the field the way he always studied ground, starting with what he could see and working outward to what it implied.
When Batu returned to stand beside him, the old general spoke without looking away.
"The wood and the river both cut any advance before it reaches the shields."
"Yes."
Batu let his gaze travel across the field.
