Gladius Winter by J. Glenn Bauer

Author:J. Glenn Bauer [Bauer, J. Glenn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bauer Photomedia
Published: 2018-02-19T16:00:00+00:00

The ride south had been slower owing to the hundred Andosinni warriors having to march as they had no mounts. Now, two days since leaving Jornican’s settlement, they were approaching a large Lacetani village, set around the summit of a low rocky hill. It was a fine looking settlement with good stout walls.

This was where the Andosinni scout had brought them to recruit the warriors Jornican thought might fight the Romans.

The day was unseasonably warm, the sun beating down on the column of warriors from its zenith in the cloudless blue sky. Caros removed his helm and wiped away the sweat that soaked his brow.

He studied the Lacetani warriors that stood scattered across the steep slope leading to the crooked palisade that encircled their homes and families.

“They look friendly.” Maleric commented sourly.

“Jornican says of all the Lacetani, this lot still hold to the old ways from before the Greeks arrived and corrupted those living on the coast.” Caros narrowed his eyes to better see a throng of riders emerge from the gates to the village which promptly shut as the last rode out.

These would be their top warriors and elders. He replaced his helm and tied the strap beneath his chin.

“Maleric, settle the Andosinni here where they will not unnerve the Lacetani. Beaugissa, will you ride with me?”

Maleric frowned. “You think they would prefer a woman to a Gaul?”

Caros laughed. “You saw the way the Andosinni behaved before they realized you sported no horns or cleft hooves. This lot will have suffered Volcae raids as well.” Caros reasoned.

Maleric feigned a hurt look. “Now he says I look like a Volcae. Might just as well grow horns.”

Beaugissa flicked her wrist at Maleric, her meaning clear enough, but she could not resist adding. “Doubt you could grow a single horn let alone a pair.”

Maleric huffed and hid a grin behind his bushy mustache.

Taking the Gaul’s place at Caros’ side, the pair rode forward.

The Lacetani riders numbered a dozen and milled around midway between the base of the hill and the gates behind them. Caros and Beaugissa walked their horses up the hill towards their spears.

“They do not look happy.” Beaugissa observed.

Caros was aware of the hard scowls, not just of the Lacetani riders ahead of them, but of those warriors ranged across the hill and flanking them.

“They would not be. They have strange new neighbors who may already have paid them off.”

Beaugissa glanced at him. “If that is the case they may very well capture us and hand us over to the Romans.”

Caros grinned. “That is why I brought you along. I may be able to escape while you distract them.”

She fingered the short blade at her side and shot him an evil look.

A Lacetani rider separated from the others and came towards them. Narrow set eyes glowered at them from beneath the rim of his bronze helm. Sunlight gleamed off the three bronze plates riveted to the hard leather cuirass and in his fist he carried a long spear with a polished iron spearhead.

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