you can brick it and not mortar it in. many people don't sue mortar, but it is nice to have once you have it where it's going to stay. Bricking is pretty simple. you can use a masonry blade on a chop saw and get the job done easily. or you can rent a wet saw which will work a little better. if mortaring it in place, i would cut all the pieces and put them in place dry, then label them with a Sharpie so you know how to put hem back in. leave 1/4" or so from your last brick to the top rail for expansion and the mortar between bricks.
Awfully thankful for an understanding wife!
“The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.”
- Vincent “Vince” Lombardi
Good luck to all!