Finally The Hour Had Come

The Queen's army had been posted, ready for action, for days while negotiations with the Rebels over the rules of battle and a convenient time continued. Across the narrow gap they stared at the old enemy while they cleaned their rifles and sharpened their bayonets.

At last, couriers from HQ approached!

"Colonels! You are to Stand to and form your Battalions! As soon as the artillery opens fire, the Grenadiers, Rifles, and Footguards are to move forward and assault the Rocky Knoll."

The troops fell in, the guns opened up and the enemy answered. The battalions stepped out. 

Suddenly the battlefield fell silent again.

"General, would you be so kind as  to take my baby  puppies to their outside pen and supervise them for a few hours while I attend to important matters of state? .  You can do a bit of trimming the grass, weeding etc  and preparing for the forecast tropical storm if you want as long as you stay close with an eye on them." "Yes'Ma'am, my pleasure Ma'am".  
(May not be an accurate word for word transcription of the conversation.)

Ahh well, its not every year I have puppies to play with on a sunny summer day and this might be the last litter. Its been more than 40 years and 9 generations since Iggies were new to me and old Jack discovered that his mom had finally found an acceptable man servant for him.

Young Italian Greyhound pups at play.

Besides,  toy soldiers are VERY patient.