hummock \HUM-uk\ noun
Meaning
*1 : a rounded knoll or hillock
2 : a ridge of ice
3 : a fertile area in the southern United States and especially Florida that is usually higher than its surroundings and that is characterized by hardwood vegetation and deep humus-rich soil


The morning sun was barely touching the sky, a sliver of gold creeping across the tiniest cracks of trees, leaving the rest of us in shadow. We were crouched behind a large bush, awaiting the order from our captain to attack the enemy, who were on the other side of the hummock. Gethran and I could see the tops of their helmets. We held our breath, the dewy mist catching at the back of our throats. In the branches near my face, a bird hopped about, trying to grab at the last berry on the bush. I watched it struggle for a moment, before falling down. It stayed still for a moment, having finally noticed me, and our eyes locked. Then it flew off and was gone. I heard one of the enemy soldiers say something about it. Gethran's shoes twisted in the dirt, eager to be on the move: soon the sun would be up, and our cover blown. I pulled at the sleeve of our captain, trying to convey our urgency. He brushed me off. Then his hand slipped to the floor, and he made the signal: three fast slaps on the floor. In a moment we were off, spreading across the hummock like children running from their mothers.
I made a swift blow to one of their heads, and he fell.