The calm before the storm....

Its close now. As I survey the camp, the smokey taste from the fires crosses my palate. No sleep tonight. The horrors of previous battles still ring in the ears of the common soldier. The mere appearances of the old Commanders and our retired leaders inspires. No one wishes to falter in the eyes of the great ones. The ones who carried the shield and spear bringing glories of legend and tales passed from fathers to sons. "what consumes your mind captain?",inquires the page.No response. Just a slow walk and a steely gaze, the muscles in the jaw tighten and contract, then tighten again.Then words,"they know not what sacrifices will be asked in the day to come.What of their homes,what of their brothers? These things not in their minds, but in their hearts.In the blood of the arm that thrusts the spear and rends life from our enemies.In the screams of pain of the wounded and fallen, that is where the things of home exist". Looking across the fire lit field, the men sit and drink, tend wounds and laugh. Their shadows loom large against the rocks and trees, expanding and growing to shape the figures of the great ones.The ghostly elders wager and speculate, observing the preparations and the prayers.These mortals do not know what lies over the next hill, or how high the summit they claw their way toward actually is."Folly, pure folly", laughs one."VICTORY is at hand!!",shouts another. The shadows draw weapons of thunder and lightning bolts ,posture, pressing chest to chest.Tense silence, squinting eyes locked in a death stare reserved for their victims.Both shadows step back clasp hands and tip backward belly laughing. The Spartan warriors on earth at the gods feet look skyward to see lightning streak through the night clouds and here thunder rolling in the distance. Not saying a word, they look at one another, nod and know.The elders and legends favor them and wait...watching. All the warriors know there are no promises, and defeat looms large in the back of their minds. The task at hand is of difficult nature and the enemy determined and capable. Its the time to defend home and drive the enemy into the sea.
The warm air turns cold as the wind whips up.Temperature drops and snow begins to fall.
What of this omen, what is its possible meaning? It portends nothing. The time has come Spartans.The barbarians approach howling and clattering swords against the shield.Two enter, one leaves..........God speed us to victory, or bring death quick and glorious.GO GREEN!