“Do not underestimate your enemy. He will not behave stupidly just because you wish him to. Respect yourself. Respect him and you will live to see victory in the end.”

Fine words. Easy to hear on the cool, shaded terrace where the stones of Minas Tirith reflect the sun into kindly warmth. Harder to put into practice when the enemy is lurking, somewhere, and injury and death are naught but a slip away. Only the foolish wait for hidden foes, and then betray themselves.

Faramir scans the terrain and slowly moves his troops into position, silently praising the wisdom of his father.

A speed drabble
words: injury-respect- put-praise