His brother frowned and averted his eyes.
Seeing Strom’s dismay, Guntram lifted his chin with a forefinger and their eyes met. “Father used to say that victory was not about how many enemies lay dead, but was about how many were left in fear. Do you remember?”
“I...I think so.”
“Our victory today will send a message to Rome itself and the Emperor,” Guntram told him. “Now they will fear us, and through fear will leave us in peace . . . for a while.”
Strom appeared comforted by his words and replied, “War separated us, and strangely it has brought us together again.” In remembering, his face took on a painful expression. “There were times when I could stand my life with Servannus no longer, and wished for death. But a voice in my head told me not to give up, that there was hope. Perhaps it was father’s voice? I don’t really know.” His eyes bright, smiling, he went on, “But, I know that nothing will separate us again.”
“Never again,” Guntram confirmed, pulling him close once more.
*
He may have passed out, Dracco wasn’t sure. He felt himself lifted by strong arms and carried. He was placed on the back of an auxiliary war-horse, a water bag sloshing noisily from the saddle’s pommel.
He looked down at his thigh, feeling sick. The spear-head remained embedded in his leg, but the surplus shaft had been cut away. He realized that if it was removed without the aid of a hot iron he’d bleed to death. A frayed leather belt was fastened tightly his thigh, just above the wound to restrict blood loss.
Alongside him sat a flaxen haired warrior mounted on a black stallion. Hard blue eyes watched his every move. He spoke a few words in German, and then handed the reins of Dracco’s horse across to him. Swinging his mount away, he indicated for Dracco to follow.
Unable to understand this latest turn of events, Dracco looked around, searching for the big German. He located him a short way off. He was stood watching him, hands folded on the butt of his war-hammer. A boy was at his side, his hair cut short in the Roman fashion, and a thick blanket was wrapped around him.
“What is this?” Dracco asked in Latin.
Not moving, the German responded, “Your guide will lead you beyond the forest and clear of our skirmishers, and the rest will be up to you. You’re a tough old boar, and with luck, you might live to reach Haltern.”
“Why?” Dracco asked simply.
“Perhaps because I’ve killed enough today. Or maybe your old head is not worth the trouble. But, if you live, remember that we are now even. Cross my path again and I will put you in the ground. Now go, and tell your masters what has befallen their mighty army. After, you’d be wise to leave this land that will never be yours.”
Then Dracco’s guide was moving off, signalling him to follow. Casting a final look back at the warrior, Dracco nudged his mount forward.
The dreadful landscape stretching away before him, he gripped his reins more tightly and focused his gaze straight ahead.
*
Through tired eyes he noticed the bird, its dark wing feathers smudged with grey, eyes glinting white like pearls. It was perched on an upright lance – a war-raven. His father would say that it was a true sign from the Gods; a sign that they were pleased with the work of one of their sons.
Yes, Varus’s army was destroyed, but Guntram knew that Rome had many armies and that more would come.
The old bird fluttered up and away into the trees, and Guntram’s attention moved nervously to scan the mass of celebrating tribesmen. There was a gnawing ache in his stomach, and his hunter eyes anxiously sought out their target.
Through a gap in the throng he saw her. Wilda was watching him and he didn’t look away. She smiled and waved and he waved back. Then she lost in the jostling crowd.
In those flashing moments of recognition Guntram knew how much he cared for her, knowing also that today was his and that Rome and all the gods would have to settle for tomorrow . . .
Glossary of Terms
Hercules
Latin name for the mythical Greek hero Heracles, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmena. The Romans adopted the Etruscan hero-figure of famed strength and courage, who remained a popular cult figure in the legions and gladiator schools.
Imperial School of Gladiators
Lanista (pl. lanistae)
A professional who supplied gladiators to the games; an occupation that was both disgraceful and renowned. Paradoxically, the owning of gladiators was regarded as a legitimate business.
Mars Ultor
Mars was the Roman god of war and agriculture. Ultor was the new title given to the god under the Emperor Augustus in recognition of his victory over Julius Caesar’s assassins – Mars the avenger.
Procurator
Official of notable rank who managed one or more of the imperial gladiator schools.
Quadran
A bronze Roman coin of very little worth.
Rudis
A wooden sword that was the symbol of freedom given to successful gladiators on retirement from the arena. Not to be mistaken for the lusoria arna – the wooden training sword used by gladiators.
Tiwaz
Germanic god of war, thought to have been symbolized by a goat’s head.
Woden
Chief god of the Germanic tribes, identified with the Scandinavian god Odin.
Table of Contents
TITLE PAGE
COPYRIGHT & CREDITS
CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS BOOK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
GLOSSARY OF TERMS