Athos nodded sullenly, “Yes I need to go, love.” She led him to the door of her room and opened it. The room was flooded with the red, purples, and oranges of the setting sun. Athos judged he had maybe twenty minutes to report back to the fort. Thank God for that loud bang, he thought. I think it came from a wagon passing by. It woke me up. God knows I never want to draw vexation out of Nikas ever again.
Realization dawned that he would now have to leave Athea. He had no idea when he would get the opportunity to hold her in his arms again and taste her sweet lips. “Athea, the night we spent together was truly divine. I don’t know how long I will be gone. I swear to you this, I will do everything in my power to send the Bewitched Arab Cannibals back to the pit of hell from which they emerged as quickly as possible!” Athea smiled, and Athos continued. He stepped right in front of her, took her face in his hands, and looked down into her eyes as he said. “I love you, and I want to court you and win your hand,” he finished and leaned in to kiss her. She leaned forward and met him halfway. Their lips joined, and they kissed, savoring the taste of each other in their embrace.
After nearly a minute they released, and Athea spoke. “Athos, I too have fallen in love with you, and I promise you that I will wait. Come back to me as soon as you can. Promise me one thing though, my love?”
Athos replied, “Anything.”
“Be careful and come back to me.”
He replied, “I will Athea, I will.” She kissed him again briefly and then released him.
“I love you, Athos. Now go! You have maybe fifteen minutes to get back to the fort. He ran through the open door and out into the street. Athea stepped out into the street, and Athos turned before he disappeared from her sight. “I love you, Athea!”
She quickly replied, “I love you, too, Athos!”
She stepped back into her room and immediately fell to her knees. “God, I know I do not talk to you nearly enough. Can you please forgive me of that and forgive me of my many sins? I have never asked much of you, so I hope you will grant me my request. Watch over Athos and keep him safe, God. He is a rare good man and has honored and loved me. Please, I beg you to bring him home to me!” She finished up her prayer with the sign of the cross. “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.”
Chapter 12
Sunset, August 4th 636 Damascus, Syria Province, Byzantium
To War!
Athos ran through the streets of Damascus. He wasn’t alone. As he ran, others joined him in their haste to make it back to the fort before the deadline. House after house and street after street slipped by in a blur. As the crowd of soldiers running for the fort grew, people began to stop their activity and move toward the edges of the street to make way. Athos approached the open gate of the fort. Half of the sun had already disappeared behind the horizon. Athos silently prayed in his head as he ran, God, please give me the sixty more seconds I need to make it to my spot in formation.
The sun continued its inexorable journey behind the horizon as Athos went through the gate. He had but a few more seconds of running to make it to his spot, but the sun was nearly gone. He had moments at best. Fifty feet, forty feet, Athos looked back over his shoulder and could see the men of the signals section raise their horns.
Athos leaped the final few feet to his spot. Baltazar was already in parade rest awaiting the deadline. Athos’ feet made a smack as he landed in his spot. An instant later the men of signals blew into their horns signaling the deadline right as the last piece of the sun disappeared behind the horizon. The horns of signals were the same horns, called the Cornu, used by the legions over the entire span of both the Roman Republic and now Roman Empire.
As the sounds of the horns faded, Nikas looked at Athos. Nikas almost seemed saddened that Athos had made it back in the nick of time. Nikas drew in a large breath and began speaking, “Men of the 2nd Kentarchia, tomorrow is a special day. Tomorrow is the day that we have trained hard for. Tomorrow we go to war!”
Nikas paused, and the men of the entire 5th Parthica cheered. It would seem that all of the Kentarchia commanders started their speech with the same lines at the same time and ended with the same dramatic pause. It was a well-executed choreographed start. Athos felt patriotic pride fill his breast.
After the cheering died down Nikas continued, “Men I know over this last month of hard training you have come to hate me. To that I say good! I would rather you hate me today than bleed the ground red a week from today. I do not want it to be said that I did not do everything I could to prepare you for war!”
Again, Nikas paused for effect. The men of the 2nd Kentarchia let loose their war screams. Athos stood silent, staring daggers at Nikas. Athos’ mind was no longer here on the parade field but up on the sides of Mount Hermon remembering the hardships he had to endure so that Nikas could quench his thirst. Then he thought about Nikas’ story of his first command, and his eyes softened.
Nikas then called them to attention and delivered their orders for the evening. “Tomorrow morning the horns will sound one hour before dawn. You are to don your full kit and report back here to your spot thirty minutes before dawn. Your kit is to be shined to perfection. Do not disappoint me in this. You will not want to get on my bad side the first day of the march! Next, you will be issued a ration to break your fast. While you are eating, I will inspect each of you to ensure that you are at your very best. I want us to outshine even the armies of the Caesars at the height of their glory! Once our fast is broken, we will then await the order to form up the entire 5th Parthica and move out. We will march from the fort and offer Governor Maurice a salute! Dismissed!” Nikas said the last with his loudest, sharpest voice, and turned away from them.
Athos streamed back to the barracks with his fellow Kontoubernion members. Once inside those without the foresight to have their armor shined to a reflective hue before leaving the barracks yesterday got to work on polishing it. Constan walked over to Athos, “You made it by a rabbit’s hair, lad. In the future, you shouldn’t push it so close. If Nikas punishes you again, you will likely be sorry for life.”
Athos’ eyes widened at Constan’s words and the color drained from his face as he stammered out, “Wha-what do you mean sorry for life?”
Constan replied, “Being fairly new to the 5th Parthica ye have never bore witness to a severe punishment-”
Athos interrupted, “Severe, walking twenty-five miles with two amphorae of wine up the side of a mountain is not considered to be a severe punishment?” He questioned with an incredulous look on his face.
“Nay, lad. The worst punishments will leave their mark on ye for life. Our officers can be extremely creative for the worst offenders. Coming up with all manner of horrible deaths to put an end to a soldier. Executing a continuous offender now and then serves as an example to the rest of us. There are other punishments not quite as severe as death. When administered they make ye feel as if you want to die. Nikas himself is well known for his skill using the cat-o-nines, a whip with a stout handle and a single strip of leather emerging from the handle. The leather strip ends in nine smaller strips of leather with a knot on each end.”
Athos inwardly shuddered as Constan continued his tale, “A master of its use, I have watched Nikas employ it to gruesome effect. He will flay the skin off your back to the bone to make his point.”
Athos grew nauseous picturing what Constan described as he continued, “I have heard the moans from many a man subjected to that fate. The pain is with ye for weeks as the wounds slowly heal. Of course, that is assuming the fever doesn’t come for ye. If it does during the ensuing weeks it takes to heal ye will die in a pool of your sweat with your wits addled,” Constan finished up. The last few words trailing off into a whisper and then silence. Athos swallowed hard at the prospect of dying a slow lingering death over the course of weeks.
The men of Athos’ Kontoubernion labored intensely to prepare for tomorrow’s march. Like all soldiers, when the preparations were complete, t
hey speculated about what is to come. Finally, not being able to sleep, someone produced a set of bones, and they set about gambling.
Athos, not interested in gambling, sat back and watched. The group played a very simple game, whoever rolled the highest total amongst the tally bones won the round. To play one had to place a Nummi in the pot. As usual, Constan won the most rounds. That always seemed to be the case no matter which game they played. Athos drifted off to sleep as the Nummi changed hands.
Athos awoke in a forest. The leaves of the forest were the many hues of fall. Reds, golds, greens, and browns all mixed to create a breathtaking blend of color. The air had a crisp coolness to it. As he walked through the forest, the light began to fade. He found a path and began walking down it. Recognition dawned on Athos as he continued walking. No!
Athos began running down the path. He heard several wolves growling and the distressed cry of a boy. “No!” He yelled. He broke into the clearing only to see Kristophor’s throat ripped out by a wolf. Athos collapsed to his knees and wept. The wolves saw Athos and charged toward him. The lead wolf jumped at him. As the wolf sailed through the air, it opened its mouth revealing large yellowish teeth. Saliva dripped off the teeth in anticipation of the soft flesh they would soon sink into.
The beast and the forest faded from his view. Athos heard the distant sound of a horn. Faint at first, the sound of the horn became louder and louder. The sound of that horn was familiar. He searched through his memories trying to place it. Finally, recognition dawned on him. A Cornu, but that shouldn’t be here! Athos burst out of the dream state back into reality.
Athos’ eyes popped open. He could hear the billowing of the horns, the many curses that followed from his barrack mates, and finally movement. Athos was drenched in sweat from his nightmare. Athos, Baltazar, Constan, and the others quickly put on their armor and pack. They secured their weapons for the march. Athos had no idea why they were being ordered to march in full armor today.
For the first time since he joined the 5th Parthica, they had to bring all of the weapons they trained to use as Skutatoi. These weapons were the Spatha, spear, and ax. They also wore a shirt of leather with a chain mail breast placed over it. The final piece of the ensemble was their oval shield. Large, but not quite as large as the rectangle shield of legions past. The entire kit including the pack weighed around eighty pounds in total. With rations and canteen, the total weight was closer to ninety pounds.
Athos teamed up with Baltazar as they worked together to equip their gear. After ten minutes of working on each other, all of the buckles, clasps, and various weapons were in their proper place. In pairs, the men of Dekanos Constan’s Kontoubernion streamed out the door and toward their assigned spots on the parade ground. The eastern sky was tinged with a deep orange as Athos and Baltazar fell into their positions.
Slaves from the kitchens were passing out the promised food to break their fast. It consisted of a piece of bread, a slice of goat cheese, and a piece of goat meat. The men ate in silence awaiting the call to attention. The light on the eastern horizon evolved from a small spot of deep orange to a growing area of yellow. Light reflected off two clouds that were on the eastern horizon giving them a pinkish hue.
Athos finished his meal and waited. Within a minute the horns of the signalmen sounded, and the entirety of the 5th Parthica snapped to attention. Nikas and the other Kentarchia commanders rode out of the central command area mounted on horses. “2nd Kentarchia fall into a column of fours!” Barked Nikas.
Everyone under Nikas’ command shifted from their assembly spot to their marching spot. This whole process, well drilled, took about thirty seconds. Nikas then barked, “Right face!” As one the men of the 2nd Kentarchia pivoted on their left foot and faced in the direction that was previously off of their right shoulder.
Athos couldn’t see the gate of the fort from his position. The helms of many soldiers stood between him and that gate. After a few moments, he could hear the gates being opened. This is it. My first war. God, please keep Athea safe while I am gone.
General Vahan, mounted on a brilliant white stallion with bronze barding that reflected the growing light on the horizon, barked, “5th Parthica forward!” The command was echoed simultaneously by each of the Kentarchia commanders. Instantly each of the Kentarchias of the 5th Parthica began marching forward. The drums, one per Kentarchia, began beating the marching rhythm as they walked behind their commander’s horse.
As each of the thirty Kentarchias emerged from their fort and passed the armory, they turned left down the street called Straight. The signalmen with their Cornus blew loudly each time a Kentarchia exited the fort. This was an announcement to the Empire’s enemies that each Kentarchia was coming for them.
The sun broke the horizon just as the fourth Kentarchia turned onto the street and began their march toward the east gate. This time Governor Maurice, from the balcony of his palace, saluted each Kentarchia as it marched by. The noise of the signalmen returning the Governor’s salute was tremendous. Much of Damascus was asleep when the march began. Few were asleep by the time the 30th and final Kentarchia marched passed Governor Maurice in review.
Having a flair for the dramatic, the 5th Parthica always timed their marches out for sunrise, and they always used the east gate even if they were heading west. With a groan from the hinges, the city guards opened the east gate. Once again, the blinding light of the rising sun shined through the open gate. Each Kentarchia, in turn, disappeared into the heavenly light as they exited Damascus.
Athos felt a huge sense of pride as he marched. He thought, What enemy could stand against the Roman Empire? With the total defeat of the Persians at the battle of Nineveh, the Empire’s greatest enemy was humbled. With the recapture of Africa, Italy, and parts of Spain the century before, the Empire was once again on the rise. Surely it would be but a matter of time before Gaul was liberated from the Franks.
Athos snapped back from his day dreaming when he heard his name spoken. “Athos!” The voice yelled from off to his right. Athos’ head snapped to the source of the sound. It was Athea! Not wanting to attract Nikas’ ire, he blew her a kiss and said the words I love you without speaking them out loud. She read his lips and responded back, “I love you too! Come back to me safe!” She disappeared from his field of vision, and the heavenly light of the gate beckoned to him.
As they emerged from the gate, the Kentarchias, in turn, went from a column of four to a column of six. This was done to shorten the length of the 5th Parthica as it marched on the open road. While inside Damascus the narrow city streets prevented the column of sixes formation. Shortening the marching length of the unit made it less vulnerable to the effects of ambush and enabled a faster transition into battle lines in the event of the unexpected.
They rounded the north corner of the city walls and turned west toward the Tyre road. As they passed St. Thomas’ gate the sense of expectation grew. Athos remembered seeing units camped outside the city last night. Where were they now?
The march continued along Damascus’ walls. Athos stole the occasional glance at the River Barada on their right. Calls of encouragement came from the walls on their left. The guards on top of the walls called down to the men of the 5th Parthica wishing them luck and Godspeed. They continued past the west corner of the city walls and the terrain once again opened up. Off to the left several cornu blared all at once.
“Keep eyes straight ahead!” Nikas bellowed.
Athos continued marching for another several hundred feet. When the last Kentarchia of the Tourma cleared the western edge of the Damascus walls, each Kentarchia commander yelled in unison, “Halt!” This was followed by a, “Left Face!” As Athos pivoted on his left foot and faced toward the south, his eyes beheld an awesome sight. It took several seconds to take in the view. The Eastern Garrisons.
Before him was arrayed an additional two Tourmas. Their banners fluttered in the breeze. The two banners held at the front of each formation helped to identify th
e individual Tourmas. They were the 2nd Aleppo and 8th Mesopotamian.
Each unit down to the Kentarchia level had their own identification banner. The result was a very colorful display of banners held proudly aloft. They helped to add color to the formation, beyond the brown of leather and glint of steel. On the flanks of the two Tourmas were about a thousand light cavalry. Each of the riders had a small colored ribbon around their spear to identify which Tourma they belonged to.
The infantry was mainly Skutatoi like Athos. Behind the Skutatoi was some Toxatoi archers. The light cavalry was armed with a spear, Spatha, and a short bow. They were outfitted in leather on the breast, head, and legs. Glad I don’t have to go into battle wearing only that, Athos thought. On their left arm was a small circular shield called a buckler. The buckler could be used to block blows. The buckler, because of its small size, was of limited use against enemy archers.
General Vahan, who was mounted on his white charger, rode to the center point between the three units. He paused for a moment, drew in a deep breath, and spoke to the assembled forces, “Greetings, men. Let me first say that I appreciate the tremendous display of discipline I am seeing here today. It is very clear that you are soldiers of the finest caliber!” A cheer erupted from the men of the three Tourmas.
The General paused and waited for the cheer to die down. He then continued, “I am General Vahan. I have been appointed by Emperor Heraclius to command our defense against the threat emerging from Arabia. You men of the 2nd Aleppo and 8th Mesopotamian will be joining with Damascus’ 5th Parthica under my command. For the first time since the end of the Persian War, all of the soldiers of the Syrian Thema are gathered together in one place!” General Vahan paused, and the men of the three units responded with cheers and shouts of jubilation.
Byzantium Infected Box Set Page 17
