Antioch Burns Read Online Free Page B

dawn. Let our holy men make prayers to both the Christian god and the Old Gods. I have a feeling that divine intervention may be needed tomorrow. In the meantime, I shall see you at dawn. Goodnight gentlemen.” The assembled officers came to crisp attention, their salutes sharp. An aide lifted the tent flap and the general ducked out into the darkness. The tent emptied quickly, several officers murmuring to each other as they exited as well. Tribune Phyrsis caught Regillus’ eye and tilted his head to the side before slipping outside. Catching his point, Regillus glanced at the command table one last time before taking his leave.
    The night was warm, but cooling fast, as might be expected for an early summer’s evening. The parade grounds of the Praesodium, or Garrison Fort, of Antioch were caked dry, the dirt having been pounded flat and hard by countless drilling feet. The tribune waited some distance away under one of the streetlamps. Regillus ambled over.
    The tribune took out a pipe and tapped some smoking weed into it. Lighting a match, he slowly brought flame to pipe, before tossing the match into the air. It arced gracefully before extinguishing itself in a poof of dust.
    “I am going to come out and say it, damn the consequences. Are you one of the governor’s lackeys?” the tribune asked. “I mean no disrespect, but I need to know this if we are going to be working together tomorrow.”
    Although at first Regillus had felt stubborn anger at the question, he quickly relaxed.
    “No, I've never met the governor, and only seen him from afar. I grew up with people who were always vying for small scraps of power. I would not willingly associate myself with anyone like that if I could avoid it. My family ‘taught’ me that.” He spoke from the heart, and hoped that the tribune believed him.
    The man took a long puff on his pipe, releasing the smoke into the air. It drifted wanly in the non-existent breeze.
    “I sure as Pluto hope you are telling the truth. I do not think that tomorrow will be as easy or bloodless as the general thinks. He has been in garrison too long. The IV is good, but they have not been tested in a while, and this may prove to be a very rude awakening. At least your cavalry should be more capable. Under no circumstances are you to go haring off after some Mongolian plot and leave my infantry out to dry, do you understand?”
    “I thought you were a cavalry officer.”
    “I am, praefectus , but I will be with the infantry tomorrow for the most part. Now, are you planning some foolhardly charge?”
    “Of course not, sir. I have no desire to lead an insanely stupid charge against the Mongols,” Regillus replied. I have no pretensions of glory, nor am I an ambitious twit like the governor or Kretarus. That part went unsaid as Phrysis took another long drag on his pipe. He remained silent for a few moments. Regillus slapped away a buzzing insect.
    “I had hoped that would be true. I was very impressed with your stalling defensive tactic during your retreat to Antioch. Keep that type of cool head under fire, and you may survive this siege. Better yet, you may get all of us out of here alive. That is…of course, if the general decides not to lead a charge himself.” He proffered his hand, pipe clasped between his teeth. Regillus shook it gratefully.
    “Now get some rest. Does your family live in town?”
    “Yes, my wife and son are living in the junior officer quarters down near the stables.”
    “Ah, I remember when I had to bunk up with my fellow officers at your age. I also have no desire to relive it. Go home, make love to your wife, kiss your child, and sleep well. I shall see you bright and early,” the other man told him.
    “What about yourself?”
    “I need some time to mull over my thoughts. Good evening Praefectus.”
    “Good evening, sir.” Regillus saluted. Phyrsis gave a half salute in return, clearly distracted. Regillus turned and began the long walk home.

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