---
Meanwhile, The net was already down over them. It was a reed mesh dusted with iron salt, the edges weighted with smooth stones wrapped in leather. Four lines ran from the net to four soldiers. They kept the lines tight so the mesh would not sag and scrape.
"Ease," the vice general said. His voice was calm and clear. "No blades on the mesh. Cut weight knots only. Do not bruise the small one."
He came down the dune in two long steps and knelt. He flicked one leather knot with the tip of a knife and let the weight drop free. Two soldiers copied him on the other corners. The net loosened on one side like a mouth opening.
"Lift the little beast first," he said. "Palms under. No grabbing."
