Nemesis by C. R. May

Author:C. R. May
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo Digital Publishing Ltd
Published: 2021-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

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The last of the Roman equites formed into two small knots of riders and prepared for the end. Abandoned by the rorarii, they had fought with spirit and determination until superior numbers had overwhelmed them. As the men of the Horsetails and Crow closed in for the kill, Solemis guided Tantibus back across to the place where he had lain only that morning and shook his head in wonder. The grass was still flattened despite the Senone charge, the perfect outline of his shape still easily visible, and he knew that he should have died there. So much had happened during the few short hours that had passed since he had witnessed the arrival of the Roman army. The gods had aided his escape, and he would keep his promise to them when the time for sacrifices and offerings arrived at the end of the day. His reverie was shattered as Caturix arrived in a flurry of excitement, driving his horse to Solemis’ side and exclaiming in awe. ‘They are breaking!’

As their clansmen drove the last of the Roman skirmishers from the heights Solemis gripped his friend’s arm and whooped with joy. The first of the champions had barely got among the phalanx and already the Romans had collapsed spectacularly. Solemis watched as Brennus, surrounded by the men of his cantref, drove deeply into the enemy position. ‘You’re right!’ He shot Caturix a look, and the Crow leader could see the excitement shining in his eyes. ‘Let’s get down there and hit them before they can rally.’

Caturix was older by a few years, and he placed a hand on his brother-in-law’s arm as his greater maturity recognised the moment. ‘Wait for our clansmen to reform, there will still be enough for us to do.’ The Crow chieftain shook his head slowly and a small smile played about his lips as he watched the Romans streaming away from the fight. ‘You remember when we had just taken the pass up into the Alpes from Lugdunon?’

Solemis looked at his friend and laughed. ‘Yes, what of it?’

‘And that Allobroge war leader…’ Caturix paused as he racked his memory, but the name escaped him. Solemis let him suffer for a short while but eventually came to his aid with a glint in his eye. ‘Ullio.’

Caturix laughed at the memory as he continued to marvel at the men of his nation pursuing the defeated Romans along the valley floor. ‘Ullio, that was it. Ullio took us to the edge of the pass and showed us all the wonderful sights that lay spread out below us and said, “remember this moment – you see your world through the eyes of the gods”.’

Solemis snorted and gave him a playful cuff. ‘What are you going on about? The Romans are defeated, and we have to help chase the arrogant bastards from the field.’

Caturix grew serious, indicating the plain below as the enormity of the events that had just transpired threatened to overwhelm him. ‘Take a moment before we are swallowed once again by the mayhem: fix the scene in your memory.

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