The Emperor's Men: Emperor by Dirk van den Boom

Author:Dirk van den Boom [Boom, Dirk van den]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

25

“The soldiers of Maximus are on their way!”

Rheinberg looked up, glanced at Richomer, who had entered the tent, a piece of parchment in his hand, with which he waved.

“The scouts just confirmed it. Our African allies have reported it. The legions are marching.”

Rheinberg stretched. The sudden feeling of approaching danger mingled with relief. The wait would soon come to an end. With this battle, everything would be decided. He shook off the fear. They had prepared themselves as well as they possibly could, had made plans, made alliances, resorted to treachery. They didn’t have much more left to do now.

“I want scouts to keep a close eye on the advance but keep their distance. We don’t want to stop the enemy because we are ready. Everyone wants it to be over.”

Richomer nodded. “I have already given the appropriate orders.”

The scouts wouldn’t get in trouble. Unlike Maximus’ men, they possessed the few precious binoculars of the time-wanderers. No one had to go near the armed caravan rolling toward them. Already on the way there, Rheinberg had identified good observation posts, hills, buildings, far away, just within sight of the binoculars, where scouts could hide without being immediately in danger.

“Let’s inform the officers down to the centurion,” Rheinberg said. “They’re supposed to shut up, but they’ll be able to smile meaningfully when asked. I want tension to build up. This sharpens the senses, and the soldiers can gather the energy they will soon need.”

Richomer grinned. “I’ll call a meeting.”

“Does Theodosius know?”

“He was informed. He said the details were your problem. Tonight he wants a brief meeting, but otherwise he just walks through the camp and talks to the soldiers to give everyone some courage and confidence. ”

Rheinberg was pleased. The Emperor did what he did best in his position, now that everything was planned and decided. Theodosius was a passionate man, and he radiated these feelings. He could talk to the simple legionaries who had accompanied him a long way. He would evoke the memory of Gratian, the vision of a new Rome – a place where faithful and brave legionaries who had proven themselves had untold opportunities to make a difference. He wouldn’t threaten and discipline; he wasn’t a sergeant. His job was to inspire. Would Maximus do the same? He was told that it was his great strength to take care of the affairs of his simplest men. Maybe that was also the motivation for the Spaniard to try harder for an emotional bond with his troops. It was a weapon that cost little but could make a big impact when the going gets tough and the battle unfolded unpleasantly.

Unpleasantly …

When Richomer left the tent, Rheinberg had to think again about what would happen to him if they lost this clash. He knew some of his men were planning an escape for such a case, but he didn’t feel that he liked the idea. The Saarbrücken would certainly flee and try to seek refuge in the East. Perhaps she could

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