"Ahead of us, we will find the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse arrayed against our coming—Famine, Pestilence, War, and Death. Each and all of these we must meet and conquer as brave men should, for at their end we will find wealth and glory!"
A cheer filled the air, startling the animals in the forest into momentary silence.
The commander stilled it instantly with a raised hand.
"Some of you know this country from our previous expeditions together. Most of you will find it utterly strange. And not one of you knows it as well as I do.
"In order to survive, you must—and will—follow my orders to the letter—and beyond.
"First, as to your weapons. We don't have an unlimited supply of charges for them, so there will be no firing of any power weapons unless absolutely necessary. You have your swords and your pikes—use them."
Several of the men unconsciously gripped the hafts of the long steel blades at their sides as he spoke the words, but their eyes never left the commanding figure on the hummock.
"As for food," he continued, "we'll live off the land. You'll find that most of the animals are edible, but stay away from the plants unless I give the O.K.
"We have a long way to go, but, by Heaven, I'm going to get us there alive! Are you with me?"
A hearty cheer rang from the throats of the men. They shouted the commander's name with enthusiasm.