Hyman looked ahead at the desert forces out of range of archer fire, at the head of them a man on horseback with a few others alongside him, like wraiths shimmering in the heat. Both sides knew what this was, and Hyman rode forward, alongside Roderick and his personal guard, as did Lord Carter. The ride was slow, and every moment made Hymans' blood calm, knowing this was the eve of battle, the parley that would go nowhere before the real battle started.
His eyes met Lord Carter's, the two staring at one another like beasts ready to pounce on each other and begin tearing one another apart. On his side, he heard Roderick moving around, restless, wishing to begin battle and avoid the meaningless prelude. Step by step, the desert went silent, the ever-present breeze that was always there suddenly vanishing.
