Part 1, Natal: Chapters 16-18 Summary

New Year's Eve of 1879 is a double celebration for the townsfolk of Ladyburg. The excitement of New Year's is combined with the date that the Commando regiment is set to move out. All roads into Ladyburg are busy as men come with their sons armed for war, and families gather for festivities in town. The wagons multiply around the perimeter, but the center of town remains open for the braaivleis pits, trestle tables, and women preparing all kinds of food. A level place is used to dance by spreading a large buck sail with lanterns at all four corners on poles. The band tunes up, and men gather in knots to discuss more serious matters. Captains already decided, the troops are divided, and it is decided that men will not be in the same troop as their...