Possible Clues:

• Prepare for attack and remain next to openings of tower
• Assume battle stations
• Keep at steadily
• Persist in
• Take up a position in readiness for orders
• Take position for action
• Order to troops to prepare for action - reason may follow
• Perhaps, by the sound of it, buy a couple of drinks so as to be ready for action
• "Prepare for battle"
• Reason may follow this order to prepare for action