"I think so," said Gowru. "I can project it into the forest and let it rise later with a trail of fire. I can imitate a rocket."
A rocket tank would give them something to think about. "Excellent. But remember to drop out of sight in the trench. The troops on foot will be concerned with the tank. They won't notice us in the darkness."
Gowru nodded and they went on. Presently he spoke. "Here we are."
They dropped. The trench was deep and it was near a swamp. They fell into half a foot of water. Overhead, the troops marched away.
They fell into half a foot of water, while overhead, troops were marching.
Gowru straightened and looked out. He climbed up and extended his hand, pulling Rains to the top.
As they stood there, a trail of fire rose over the forest, the tank image bursting upward and disappearing. It was too soon. The troops wouldn't find anything though they'd scour around. They'd have to return. Rains was aching to empty his shoes of cold water.