Emperor's Spear by Alex Gough

Author:Alex Gough
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 2021-03-15T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Odo struggled in his captors’ arms, babbling in his native Germanic language, yelling and pointing at Silus. An older warrior stepped forward, presumably their leader, and questioned him abruptly. Odo replied quickly, breathlessly, gesturing again to Silus.

The leader seemed satisfied and nodded to his men to let Odo go. Odo rubbed his arms where they had been tightly gripped and stared resentfully at the men who had held him. The leader spoke to Odo again, ending with a harsh command.

Odo nodded and turned to Silus, who had risen cautiously to his feet, the spear tip never wavering from him.

‘His name is Radulf. He wants to know who you are and where you are from.’

‘What else did he say? What’s going on, Odo?’

‘I told him I was your prisoner. That you are a Roman slaver, taking me back to the Empire as a slave.’

‘You did what!’ Silus exclaimed.

‘Don’t overreact, Silus. I’m supposed to be translating for them, nothing more.’

Radulf interrupted angrily. Odo replied then turned back to Silus.

‘He says you are talking too much and wants answers. What should I tell him?’

Silus thought quickly. Odo’s improvised lie wasn’t actually a bad one.

‘Tell him I’m Silus from Britannia and I’m a slave hunter. Tell him I am chasing an absconded Roman slave who had conned his way into the legions to escape his master.’

Odo translated, and the Chatti leader asked another question.

‘Why do you think the escaped slave is out here?’

‘Tell him I’ve tracked him from within the Empire borders, that I believe he was out here a few weeks ago in a small party of men. Tell him I can pay if he takes me to him.’

The reply came via Odo. ‘How do you know he isn’t one of these?’ he said, indicating the fresh graves.

‘Tell him I just know.’

Radulf looked thoughtful for a moment, then spoke and Odo translated.

‘The problems of a Roman slaver are no concern of mine. And as you were enslaving a German, you will now find out what it is like to be enslaved yourself.’

Two warriors approached him and forced his hands behind his back, where they tied his wrists tightly. Silus didn’t resist. At least they hadn’t killed him outright.

Radulf spoke to Odo again, and Odo replied. Then he walked over to Silus and spat in his face. Silus stared at the young scout in shock as the spittle ran down his cheek.

Odo pointed a shaking finger at him, and spoke in a voice so loud as to be almost shouting.

‘Listen, Roman. I’m putting on a good show for these Chatti barbarians so go along with it.’

Silus’ mouth opened, then he shut it again, trying to regain his composure, to play the role Odo had given him.

‘They are going to let me go,’ he said, moving even closer, voice tremulous with feigned anger. ‘I’m sorry this happened. I’ll do what I can. Now, this is going to hurt.’

‘What…’ began Silus, his words abruptly cut off as Odo kneed him hard in the groin.

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