McEwen did not learn where these latter were, but somehow he was pleased. An insane lust of combat was now upon him.
“They will not be four to two this time,” he laughed exultingly.
“No, and we will not be barricading against them, either,” laughed Ermi, the lust of war simmering in his veins.
As they came near their camp, however, they found a large number of the assembled companies already in motion. Thousands upon thousands of those who had arrived were already assembled in one group or another and were prepared for action. There were cries and sounds of fighting, and long lines of Lucidi hurrying hither and thither.
“What’s the matter?” asked Ermi excitedly.
“The Sanguineæ,” was the answer. “They are returning.”
Instantly McEwen became sober. Ermi turned to him affectionately.
“Now,” he said solemnly, “courage. We’re in for it.”
A tremendous hubbub followed. Already vast legions of the Lucidi were bearing away to the east. McEwen and Ermi, not being able to find their own, fell in with a strange company.
“Order!” shouted a voice in their ears. “Fall in line. We are called.”