A Man at Arms

by Steven Pressfield

“We never cross a valley or any stretch of open ground by a road or trail,” the mercenary said, “but always from ambush site to ambush site. This is called highlining.” He indicated the stony trace beneath their feet. “This track is called the talus line. You have been a shepherd. What do you see now before you? A trail made by wild goats and harts and mountain asses. These shy animals will be our guides. From this trail we can see any enemy crossing the pan below, yet he cannot see us unless we choose to show ourselves. If we were a legion, indeed we would cross by the valley floor. We’d have no choice, trekking with a baggage train and camp followers as numerous as our soldiery. But we are only two. Upon this ground we are the equal of a legion.”