Barbarians on the Danube (Tribune Valerius and Centurion Marcellus Book 5) by Mark Richards

Author:Mark Richards [Richards, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: Creative Publishing Book Design
Published: 2024-04-24T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter XVII

GERBOLD

I t was mid-afternoon, and Gerbold huddled with three other chieftains from nearby villages. Over the last four days, he had hoped to recruit more to his cause, but for the most part, he was politely rebuffed. He had argued and cajoled with other tribal leaders but with little success. Some had outright rejected his entreaties while others, wary of Gerbold’s power and prestige, had tactfully promised to consider his plan and get back to him. They never did. Today, he had chosen his hamlet’s central hall to discuss his plan to attack several villages across the river in the Roman territory. The four chieftains gathered in the cavernous structure, the feast hall, ensuring privacy with guards posted outside.

Gerbold began. “You all attended the Romans’ invitation to their fortress several days ago. They served us fine wine and gave us some coins. In my view, it’s a show of weakness. They are afraid of us and are attempting to bribe us with favorable trade terms. Look at our Marcomanni brethren on the Rhenus. They are but a shadow of their former selves. Once, they were proud and fierce warriors. Now, they are a bunch of merchants, docile to their Roman master, eating out of their hands. Is that to be our fate?”

One of the chieftains nodded sagely. “What you say is true Gerbold, but the Romans have established a strong defensive barrier along the river to keep us on this side. It’s a risky proposition”

Gerbold scowled. “This new Roman leader, Maximus, dangles the possibility of riches from trade. All they are trying to do is buy us off. I propose we conduct a massive raid across the river. We loot not one but several settlements to show our contempt for the Romans. This will send a clear message. Once the other Marcomanni leaders see what we have done, they will flock to our cause. This Maximus will have his answer—one he will not like.”

“Gerbold, what exactly is your plan?” one of the other chieftains asked. “How many villages?”

Gerbold’s mouth twisted into a vulpine smile. “This is what I propose: In three days, we bivouac at the ford near the village ruled by Chieftain Adobert. You all know the crossing and have used it before. It’s about twenty miles from here. Adobert has opted not to partake in our undertaking, damn his craven heart, but no matter. If he objects to us gathering on his lands, he can kiss my arse.”

The others sniggered at the remark, which heartened Gerbold even more. “So this is my plan,” he continued. “We gather at the crossing, and between the four of us, we should be able to muster over two thousand warriors. That may be too many for this undertaking, but no matter. What I want to do is simple. We will cross the river in the early morning when the mist is rising off the river, obscuring our presence. Besides, the Roman ships will not be on patrol at that hour. Three villages are situated on the opposite side of the river near the ford.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.