As we gathered at the rallying point, we noticed our commander standing
on a gantry next to the supply depot. All of our food and gear had been
collected there before the battle so that the porters could stow it
aboard the pack animals and slaves. We were dressed only in battle gear
— a few leather straps, a sword or pike, and a shield. No food, water,
or supplies of any kind would encumber our forward rush.
     Our commander shouted for our attention. He held aloft a burning
torch. Which he hurled into the pile. Our supplies flared up. They'd been
soaked in naphtha.
     We stared aghast.
     "The only way is forward," said our master. "When you capture the
city, you will eat."
     This motivated us, and indeed we captured the city that day.