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Archers would still be a problem Shields would help A little He took a deep breath, then strode into the night to give the orders

"Once the battle begins," Perrin said, "I want you three to retreat to safety I won’t try to send you back to Andor; I know you wouldn’t go But you’re not to participate in the battle Stay behind the battle lines and with the rear guard"

Faile glanced at hihts, the last of his arar held a shielded lantern for Perrin It gave the area a very faint light

"Of course, my Lord," Berelain said smoothly

"I’ll have your oaths on it, then," Perrin said, eyes still forward "You and Alliandre, Berelain Faile, I’ll simply ask and hope"

"You have my oath, my Lord," Alliandre said

Perrin’s voice was so firoing to attack the Whitecloaks? They were an unpredictable eleht in the Last Battle They could cause ewoman, and the Whitecloaks were in her reale they would cause before they left? Beyond that, there was the future sword of Galad’s judg worried "Please don’t do this"

"I’ the roadway that ran toward Jehannah That wasn’t the direction of the Whitecloaks They were just south of Perrin’s position

"Perrin," Faile said, glancing at Berelain "What are you--"

Ano sound, despite the dried underbrush "Perrin Aybara," Gaul said "The Whitecloaks knoe’re here"

"Are you certain?" Perrin asked He didn’t see not to let us know," Gaul said, "but I can see it The Maidens agree They are preparing for battle, the groo froed Stepper forward through the brush, riding right up to the edge of the heights Faileclose to her

The land sloped steeply down to the ancient riverbed that flanked the roadway below The road ran from the direction of Jehannah, until it passed the base of these heights and took a turn in the direction of Lugard Right at the bend was the hollow, sheltered against the hill, where the Whitecloaks had arranged their circles of tents

The clouds were thin, allowing palewas rolling in, staying mainly in the riverbed, deep and thick Perrin scanned the scene; he had a clear view of the road in both directions Suddenly, shouts rang out below,toward horselines Torches flared to life

"Archers forward!" Perrin bellowed

The Two Rivers e of their elevated position

"Infantry, ready behind the archers!" Perrin yelled "Arganda, on the left flank Gallenne, on the right! I’ll call if I need you to sweep for us" He turned to the foot soldiers--ht formation, boys Keep your shields up and your spear arms flexed Archers, arrows to bow!"

Faile felt herself start to sweat This rong Surely Perrin wasn’t going to…