By the time they’d reached one of the most dangerous parts of Laos, the rucksacks had become a lot lighter. It was then that Ortega and the others came across the first disconcerting signs of the enemy.
Stick signs written in 'Vietcong codes', fresh footprints and roads hidden deep in the jungle.
That was genuine enemy territory and not just for the sake of saying. They knew perfectly well that if they were sighted by a couple of guards, they’d be attacked by an enemy who’d be no fewer than a hundred enemies at the very least.
So, on the second day along with tiredness, unbearable heat and the difficulties of the jungle itself, the feeling of fear started to spread as well.