The Falling Sword: Clash of Empires Book 2 by Ben Kane

Author:Ben Kane
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
ISBN: 9781409173458
Publisher: Orion
Published: 2019-05-01T21:00:00+00:00

Philip and his officers were still discussing the dramatic news when a second trio of messengers arrived, bringing fresh word from the fight. Aided by the Illyrians, the peltasts had driven the Romans from the hilltops. Conditions remained poor, but the cloud had thinned, and the improved visibility was aiding their efforts in throwing back the enemy.

Much encouraged, Philip congratulated the messengers and sent them, too, on their way. ‘That’ll teach Flamininus to tangle with my light infantry,’ he declared, calling for the wine he’d refused not long before. His mind set at ease, but aware that other enemy scouts might be abroad, he ordered word sent to Nikanor. ‘His eight thousand phalangists would have little trouble dealing with some light infantry and cavalry,’ he joked, ‘but forewarned is forearmed, as they say.’

An hour went by. Rain showers came and went. A light breeze sprang up, giving hope that the cloud would lift entirely, but it died before the mist-shrouded peaks – and the battle waging there – were revealed. A third set of messengers arrived then, carrying less welcome news. Reinforcements sent by Flamininus had come to the aid of the beleaguered Romans. A large infantry and cavalry force, it had pushed up the slopes, and in bitter fighting, dislodged Philip’s troops from several peaks. The majority of his men were even now withdrawing to the highest summits.

‘What are your orders, sire?’ asked the peltast – the selfsame who’d brought the initial message.

Deep in thought, Philip didn’t answer at once. This is a dangerous situation, he thought. Glancing at his officers, he said, ‘In the poor visibility, retreating, the troops might panic and rout. If that happens . . .’

‘The Romans could wreak heavy casualties, sire,’ said Menander grimly.

Several heads nodded.

Without his peltasts and tribesmen, thought Philip, he lacked protection for the flanks of the phalanx. He could not afford these potential losses, and by his generals’ faces, they knew it too. Mind made up, he said, ‘Leon, Herakleides – gather your riders. Athenagoras, you are to accompany them with all the mercenaries. Bolster the peltasts’ positions, and if you can, retake the peaks lost. No more than that. Keep me informed.’

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