Unlawful Kingdom (A Legion Archer Book 6) by J. Clifton Slater

Author:J. Clifton Slater [Slater, J. Clifton]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17 – The Low Price of Peace

Legionaries didn’t run when they shifted into a defensive formation. They shuffled, jogged, sprinted for short distances, and generally hurried, but they didn’t run. Mainly because from columns of march, the maniples unfolded like wings. Once extended, the infantrymen closed the distances between rows until they create three distinct assault lines.

Twelve Centurions prowled behind the First Maniple watching for guidance from their left and right Tribunes. The staff officers in turn watched for signals from the Senior Tribune of Trumpet Legion. And the senior staff officer coordinated with the Battle Commander, who was looking to the General for orders.

“Cavalry, even heavy cavalry, would be foolish to charge a prepared assault line,” Nabars pointed out. “But their arrival has us stopped in the road. Any advice, General Scipio?”

“Let’s allow the Celtiberi to dictate the terms of battle for today,” Cornelius offered. “If they delay, when they camp for the night, we’ll march in and change the terms.”

“Senior Tribune Matie, have the maniples hold positions,” Nabars instructed. “Get extra javelins to the third lines. If the cavalry comes at us, I want them to pay a steep price for their stupidity.”

“Yes, sir,” Metie acknowledged. He pointed at a ring of junior staff officers. “Four additional javelins for the rear ranks. Everyone holds where they are. Go.”

The six Junior Tribunes galloped away to inform the maniple Tribunes of the decisions.

“What are you thinking, sir?” Jace inquired.

“It’s not what I’m thinking but what I fear,” Cornelius answered. “Could my agreement with Prince Allucius have fallen apart this quickly?”

“If it has,” Nabars warned, “the Celtiberi will be missing a thousand cavalrymen by dawn.”

As they talked, two long columns of riders appeared from the northwest. At the sight of the Legion battle formation, the columns halted. Six cavalrymen trotted away from the formation.

“They want to talk, sir,” Battle Commander Nabars observed. “Metie and I’ll take a squad and go forward.”

“No, Colonel. It’s my nonaggression pact that’s been violated,” Cornelius asserted. He held up a hand to hold Sidia in place and addressed Jace. “Battle Commander Kasia, care to take a ride?”

“You’re the client, sir. I’ll be wherever you need me,” Jace responded.

“In that case, let’s go talk to their delegation.”

***

As they trotted through the lines of infantrymen, Jace remarked, “six against two, not good odds, sir.”

“Last night, I thought of Hannibal,” Cornelius mentioned. “He commands different tribes yet finds ways to connect with their officers. But his power stems from more than the respect of Captains and Lieutenants. Somehow, Hannibal manages to inspire spearmen and soldiers. It’s the only explanation for how he gets men to follow his complicated battle plans.”

“And you think by sacrificing yourself, you’ll inspire your Legions?”

“Of course not,” Cornelius assured him. “I’ll sacrifice you while I ride away.”

For an instant, Jace couldn’t process the statement. Once he did, he replied, “That’s a different pay scale.”

“Was that comedy or tragedy?” Cornelius questioned.

“General, I’m not following you,” Jace admitted.

“First, I don’t think anyone is going to get sacrificed today,” Cornelius pointed out.

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