Chapter 29: Like a Dress Parade

I suppose I may have mentioned it before, but the next few chapters will be increasingly shorter, as I have to switch from POV to POV as the battle progresses. I don't want to leave out any of the action or drama as the story unfolds. I hope you enjoy, and I look forward to your feedback during this portion of the story. I'll stop yammering now, and let you get on with reading.

On the ridge, Dib and Tak sat on their horse next to General Hancock, who was leaned forward on his mount, a pair of binoculars to his eyes. The massive artillery battle had been raging for what seemed like hours, with the big guns on both sides showing no signs of stopping as deadly projectiles flew back and forth across the field. Now Dib and Tak heard what was probably an answer to countless prayers; the enemy cannons were slowing down their fire.

"Wow." Dib sighed gratefully. "I think it's almost over. That was…man."

"It's not over yet, son." Hancock replied. "Look…at the edge of the trees yonder!" Dib and Tak squinted as they looked out toward the enemy position. They could see small flags in the distance, and lines of men forming in a long line in front of the wooded area that stretched opposite the hill.

"Wha…" Tak exclaimed, "They're preparing to attack?!"

"Yes ma'am." Hancock said, never taking his glasses from his face or moving an inch. "I believe that is their intent."

"But…but…" Dib stammered, "we're on a hill…with all these cannon…they can't!"

"They can, Dib." Tak corrected. "And they are."

"Just watch." Hancock said. Now the Union cannon were ceasing their fire, and an eerie calm settled over the field for a short moment. The three sat in silence, watching as the men, thousands of them, what looked to Dib and Tak like at least 15,000 or more, formed neat formations. They could hear the faint, distant tapping of drums, and the entire mass of enemy soldiers began moving toward them slowly.

"My god…" Hancock gasped, almost breathless. "Look at that…like a dress parade! My god! It's beautiful!"

What did you think? I don't know if that's what Hancock actually said or not, but I imagine he was at least thinking it. I've stood there, about where the three were watching from, and looked out toward those trees. I could almost imagine 15,000 men coming out of those trees in formation, and it was awe inspiring just to think about. Anyway, I have another reenactment this weekend, and from what I hear, we'll have somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 yankees, 100 rebs, and 10 cannon, plus mounted cavalry, not to mention it's going to take place in a historical village composed of houses, barns and a school all build in the 1840's. In other words, it's going to be close to the perfect reenactment, so be prepared for me to be waxing poetic about it for weeks to come. I will try to post two chapters a week as I promised, so you don't explode from anticipation. So until next time, have a good week, I'm gonna go shoot some Yankees with a 6 pound parrot rifle! Cheerio.