The buzzing of the clockwork artillery tore through the morning mist, making people's ears ache.
December in Black Snake Bay remains as warm as spring, yet swarms of flies and mosquitoes surge like a black fog.
Holding a cup of coffee, sitting on the artillery position, Dass spread out a newspaper, eating breakfast while overseeing the battle.
After almost a year of combat and military farming, he was nearly acclimated to the environment here.
A water snake darted past his feet, a jungle python hung on the branches, yet Dass was composed, even reading the newspaper from a month ago.
"...The Ogre Warlord Cancun Crispbone, leading his legion, arrived beneath the Holy Seat City, demanding the Pope allocate funds for the expedition..."
"...According to insiders, the Puliano Pope is actively fundraising while sending professional negotiators to converse with Cancun..."
