TORLACH, THE ROMAN HIBERNIAN (TORLACH, THE ROMAN HIBERNIAN BOOK 1) by Stanley Gerry

Author:Stanley, Gerry [Stanley, Gerry]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2022-04-19T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 7

A

scout arrived to inform Brandubh that the Cauci Tribe were heading for Droim Meanach in large numbers ready for war. The chief and Connla immediately set to

preparing the fort for an attack. Eblani families began to arrive from surrounding areas to seek protection in the fort. Torlach and Caliban instinctively went into battle mode and offered their assistance to Brandubh. The Gaelic warriors did not wear armour and their main weapon was the spear and daggers. Some had swords and axes, not all had shields.

Caliban suggested to Connla that he place his best spear throwers on the inner rampart with as many spears as they could gather up. This rampart was the height of two men, the two ramparts further out were much smaller interspersed by ditches.He also offered to take charge of this group as he had some experience with this type of warfare, Connla readily agreed. Torlach through, habit began to issue commands to the remaining warriors in the compound. His commands were so authoritative and self-assured that nobody, not even Connla or Brandubh disputed them. He formed them into the best shield wall he could, with the limited number of shields available to them. Their spears poked through the front of the shield wall and Torlach of course was in the front his gladius at the ready. They waited behind the entrance gates to the fort.

“ Wait for my commands” he shouted, “and we will send this rabble back from whence they came or to the afterlife, whichever they find more appealing.”

His confidence spilled over on to the Eblani and they all cheered. Brandubh and Riona were watching the events from the rampart amazed at their visitors knowledge and obvious expertise in warfare.

“ I think there is more to these ‘traders’ than they let on , said Brandubh to his daughter, “but I am glad they are on our side.” Riona looked down at Torlach, this giant of the Eblani who had won her heart. She feared she might lose him before their romance could blossom.

The Cauci approached the ramparts of the fort and as Caliban suspected, there was no organisation in their ranks, just a massed rabble similar to the native tribes in Britannia. “Remember the Iceni”he shouted to Torlach. Torlach understood and would take his cue from Caliban. Connla stood next to Torlach, “the Iceni?, who are they and what did Caliban mean,” Connla asked.

“Do you trust me Connla,” asked Torlach, “after all I am of the Eblani, just like you.” Connla nodded, “I suspect you two have more experience in these matters than any of us, we will follow your instructions.”

Caliban lined up the spearmen along the rampart, each with a handful of spears.They were not like the Roman pila which were heavier and longer and designed to pierce or render enemy shields useless. They were much lighter, but the Eblani had the advantage of height and the lack of armour or appropriate shields by the enemy.

“On my command, release, you will let fly your spears into the enemy and keep throwing until all are used up” shouted Caliban.

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