Hey guys sorry for being so late, got caught up moving. Moving is stressful, here it is. Before that some questions to answer from the reviews.
Hounds of Justice: Yes I will be adding a Gladiator soon, though I may adjust them to fit more into Middle Earth in the west.
Dragon Slayer92: Historically you are correct, Marcus is about 23 going on 24, however it was not unheard of for someone to rise through the ranks especially when war is coming or they proved themselves able.
Here it is Enjoy.
Chapter 7 Battle in the Tomb
Balin's Tomb…
Gimli ignored the call from Gandalf in continued on to a tomb, the ground littered with dwarf skeletons around it. "No," said Gimli with sorrow and grief. "No…" He knelt down and began to grieve over the tomb.
Gandalf came up with the rest of the Fellowship behind him and began to read the inscription on the tomb, "Here lies Balin, son of Fudin, Lord of Moria," read Gandalf. "He is dead then," as he took off his hat. It is as I feared."
Gimli put his forehead on the tomb grieving his heart out. Gandalf saw a book held by a skeleton and handed his hat and staff to Pippin.
Marcus went up and put a hand on Gimli's shoulder, "I'm sorry Gimli."
Gimli then began to chant in dwarfish, "kilmin, malur ni zaram kali ra narag. Kheled-zaram Balin tazlifi.
The two Romans went up to the tomb and did a bow of respect to honor the fallen warrior. Then Decima noticed the book, "What's that Gandalf?"
"The last words of what happened here," replied Gandalf.
"What does it day?" asked Marcus.
"We must move on, we cannot linger," said Legolas.
Gandalf then began to read the book as everyone began to listen intently. "They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep."
Gandalf then flipped the page and continued, "We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark." The Fellowship continued to listen and were frightened by what they heard as they looked around. Pippin backs away and sees a dwarf skeleton with an arrow in its chest on a stone well.
Gandalf continued, "We cannot get out." Then he looked at the last single line. It was faded and scrawled out as if written suddenly as if the writer was attacked. "They are coming!" he finished.
Pippin with his curiosity getting the best out of him reached out and lightly touched the arrow in the corpse. Then the skull comes off and falls into the well.
CRASH!
Gandalf and the Fellowship turned around in Pippin's direction. Pippin had a look of guilt on his face looking at the wizard.
The corpse slipped into the well dragging the chain and bucket with it. A huge noise echoed so loud all over the halls of Moria. A noise so great it could wake the dead.
CRASHHHHHHHH!
The noise echoed through every part of Moria for all to hear.
Pippin could only wince in guilt.
CRASSSHHH!
It lasted for about a minute, then the noise began to die down. Then it came to a stop.
"Pippin you might have exposed us," said Marcus.
Gandalf slammed the book shut in irritation. "Fool of a Took!" said the wizard putting the book aside, "throw yourself in next time and ride us of your stupidity!" Gandalf snatched away his staff and hat from Pippin.
"If you were one of my men, I'd throw you in myself," said Decima.
All seem to be silent as seem they were not heard. Then drums started to pound quietly. Gandalf and the Fellowship turned around to look at the well. Pippin also began to stare at it.
BOOM!
BOOM!
BOOM!
The pounding began to echo throughout the mine. The beat paused then returned beating harder and faster like a heartbeat.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Everyone had fear going through them of what was to come. Sam looked down to see Frodo's sword glow blue, "Frodo."
Frodo also saw his sword glow.
"Orcs!" Legolas said in disgust.
Boromir rushed to the door with Decima behind him with his crossbow ready. Two arrows nearly struck Boromir as they were inches from his face. Decima immediately fired his crossbow into the darkness. Then he felt a hand on his shoulder realizing it was Aragorn.
"Get back!" he ordered Decima as well as the hobbits, "you stay with Gandalf."
Decima fell back by Balin's tomb and began reloading.
Aragorn and Marcus moved to assist Boromir with the door.
As the three men began to close the door they hold a roar as they closed the door. "They have a cavetroll," said Boromir.
"Great," said Marcus sarcastically.
Legolas than began to throw them weapons as the three men used them to bar the door.
Gandalf then threw aside hit hat and drew his sword. "YAAAHHHHH!" he cried out.
Zeus immediately flew away to hide.
The Hobbits drew their swords. The Orcs reached the door pounding on it trying to break it down.
As the pounding continued, Gimli then stood atop the tomb. "ARRRGGHHH! Let them come, there is one dwarf in Moria that still draws breath," said Gimli.
The Orcs continued to pound away. The Fellowship on guard ready for the impending battle. Legolas, Aragorn, and Decima had their ranged weapons ready to shoot.
Then the first gap appeared in the gashed door. Legolas fired his shot which hit something making it cry out in pain. Decima fired his crossbow hitting something that shrieked. Aragorn fired and also made something shriek.
BAM!
The doors came crashing down as the Orcs began to flood into the tomb. Legolas, Aragorn, and Decima continued firing and hit a few more Orcs. Boromir killed one with his sword. Marcus thrusted his Gladius in one's stomach. Gimli threw an axe hitting one in the stomach.
Gandalf and the Hobbits with a cry then charged and joined the fray. The Fellowship fighting valiantly against the Orcs.
Then Sam looked up to see something big coming through the door. It was a cave troll smashing through the door being led by an Orc pulling it with a chain.
Legolas shoots an arrow at the troll which only angered it. It then swung it's club in which Sam quickly slipped under its legs.
The troll then turned its attention to Gimli. He threw an axe which only made it mad. It smashed its club against Balin's Tomb. Gimli quickly jumped off. The troll pursued killing orcs in its way.
Legolas fired an arrow giving the dwarf the chance to escape. Gimli killed more Orcs on the way.
Marcus was slashing and thrusting both his swords slaying many. Decima would continue to shoot his crossbow from a ledge. An Orc manage to get to him. Decima managed to dodge his slash and drew his dagger and stabbed upward into the Orc's chin and in its head, multiple times.
Then another Orc was coming in with an axe. Legolas quickly shot it with an arrow saving the Roman. Decima gave him a nod in thanks. More Orcs fell upon them and Decima drew his Gladius as both warriors skillfully dispatched them. Then the troll came using the chain like a whip trying to hit Legolas. Decima jumped off the ledge in order to avoid the chain. The chain then wrapped around the pillar getting stuck. Legolas then went up to the troll's head and launched some arrows into its head. Then he jumped off as the troll tried to grab his legs.
Sam was getting the hang of it whacking orcs with a frying pan. "I think I'm getting the hang of this."
Marcus meanwhile was thrusted both blades into an orc and pulled them out to cut another head off. Then he saw something coming through the door that caught his eye. It was a large orc; he knew this was an Uruk. What he was holding was something that seethed anger in him. He had a standard with skulls on it and a black banner with gold wings. No doubt now it was the Legio VIII standard. Marcus gripping his swords tightly began to advance towards the Uruk. The Uruk spotted him holding the standard in one hand and a deadly cleaver blade in the other. Its yellow eyes glowed in the darkness and with a roared and went to meet Marcus.
Felix's Camp…
Felix was with his staff marching in the camp heading to his tent for an important meeting. Tents were being built and fortifications and ditches were being setup. Felix was about to reach his tent and looked to his left to see a raw batch being drilled.
Felix took a moment to observe.
"SHIELDS UP! SWORDS!" yelled the Centurion. The Legionaries did just that. "Stay in formation! March ten paces!" Then they proceeded to march in formation ten paces, though it was a bit sluggish. "HALT!" The Centurion expression remained neutral then hearing some applause behind him.
"That was well done Centurion, but they still have ways to go," said Felix approaching him.
"It is an honor to meet you Emperor Felix," said the Centurion bowing his head as well as the men behind him.
"I have not seen you around before," said Felix looking at the Centurion who is likely in his late 40s.
"Cornelius Publius at your service," said the Centurion.
"Hmm, I've heard of you and that you were retired, they called you the drill master" said Felix.
"I was, but when I heard my country was attacked I knew she would need me again and I signed up in time to get this raw cohort," said Publius.
"You live up to your reputation, keep up the good work Centurion," said Felix.
"Thank you Emperor," said Publius.
Felix's Tent…
Felix entered his tent meeting his most senior officers having a map of all Roma and pieces on it. "Legatus Albina status," commanded Felix.
"We should be at Neopolis by tomorrow at this pace, as soon as our scouts return on the forces besieging the city, we will make our move accordingly," said Albina.
"We should be able to coordinate with General Brutus to some extent," said newly appointed Legatus Servius Livy.
"Very good gentlemen," said Felix.
"Urgent news! Urgent news!" said a voice outside the tent all the men looking up.
"Let him in!" ordered Felix.
The guards outside obeyed and let the man in, it as a man in a civilian attire carrying a scroll, "I bring a message from Governor Aries," said the messenger handing it to Felix.
Felix took the scroll and looked and began to read. "Emperor what does it say?" asked Albina.
Felix was looking over every detail, contemplating every word. "Gentlemen, it seems the enemy has burned down the city of Remus," he sadly said.
Murmurs began to fill the entire tent amongst the officers. "What of the governor?" asked Livy.
"The governor began evacuations as soon as he got word of the attack, with the legion he's formed and militia he saved as man as he could and now they are trying to reach the safety of Roma," said Felix.
"What of the governor of Calus?" asked Tiberius.
"It seems he has assembled two legions and is attempting to form a third one," said Felix not too happy.
"Emperor you seem disappointed?" asked Livy.
"I'm not happy with the one who leads them, Governor Attis Florum," said Felix.
"That fool," said Albina.
"Those men will pay in blood for his foolishness," said Marius.
"Our course of action has changed, we march to Calus and hopefully can link of with his forces before he does something foolish," said Felix. "Send word to Florum to not to take action on his own and we leave in the morning."
"Who leads this force and how many?" asked Livy.
"By a man called the Black Serpent. He commands a host of 42,000 men consisting of Haradrim, Corsairs, and some Easterlings. If there are not anymore questions you all dismissed, Tiberius, Albina, and Livy."
All the other officers began to leave except the three men called. "Emperor, should we not return to Roma and raise more troops?" asked Livy.
"I would consider that option, but the longer we wait the more this army will destroy our central lands," said Felix.
"Where is Legatus Cassius?" asked Albina.
"If I know him he is well on his way to meet us, I know he will come through with good auxiliaries for us," said Felix. "Now more pressing matters, Tiberius, have you gotten word to get a spy into Edoras?"
"Yes, a member of the Cohors Speculatorum and a good friend of mine?" said Tiberius.
"How good is he?" asked Albina.
"He once poured Lord Denathor's wine?" said Tiberius smiling.
"How will he infiltrate the Golden Hall?" asked Livy.
"He'll find a way, though likely he will try as a servant," said Tiberius.
"Excellent work," said Felix.
"My Emperor what are to do if the enemy beats us?" asked Livy.
"Do you not have any confidence in our forces Livy," said Albina.
"It's fine, I am still working on that plan, however I plan for victory and not defeat," said Felix. "Which reminds me Tiberius from this day forth you are now Tribunius Prefect of the Praetorian Guard."
"I am honored," said Tiberius.
"There has not been a Prefect of the Praetorian in ages, and now he just became one of the most powerful men in Roma," said Albina.
"It is necessary, now Tiberius what is in the vault in Julius?" asked Felix.
"Even I am not sure of that my Emperor, what I do know that it is a weapon that came with the second migration of our people," said Tiberius.
"Then I give the order to unlock the weapon and its contents from the vault," ordered Felix.
"Yes Emperor," said Tiberius
"Livy and Albina, make sure the Legions are ready to march tomorrow morning," said Felix.
"Yes sir," they both said as they left the tent.
Roma, Senate…
The Senate was in a session and were finishing up forming up a war committee for the war. "As head of the committee I nominate Senator Quintus as head," said Senator Casca. A roar of applause followed.
"Thank you members of the Senate," said Quintus.
"How goes forming the Legions?" asked a Senator.
"We have three Legions being raised here in Roma, another four in Julius," said Quintus.
"That is excellent news, but," said Senator Jovinus of the Merchant Party standing. "My fellow members of the senate aside from this war we have another approaching crisis. Our people from Remus as well our citizens from Calus will soon come to our gates. While Roma is our greatest city, we cannot possibly house all our people and would put a strain on our fair city. We don't have enough food here for the populations of three cities. We will have a crisis."
"Senator?" said a voice getting all the Senators attention and they began to murmur.
"Oh Lady Flavia," said Jovinus.
"Are you suggesting we abandon our people?" asked Flavia.
"No, forgive my tone my lady, I am merely asking to Senate to act on this immediately," he explained.
"Members of the Senate we are not to abandon our people, but to help and I will not allow nor the Emperor will allow us not to help our people," said Flavia.
"Here, here!" cried some Senators.
"What is our course of action?" asked Senator Soranus of the War Eagle.
"What if we sent some of them to Julius under Grand Master Sancus's protection," suggested Senator Geta of the Imperial Party.
"I object," said Quintus. "Sancus will soon be busy fighting a campaign. I received word this morning."
"What campaign do you speak of?" asked Soranus.
"My fellow Senators, this message comes from a Legatus," said Quintus. "May I present Legatus Lucius Cassius of the IX Legion," he announced as the doors opened and Cassius walks in.
Doing a slight bow to the senate. "Members of the senate there are rumors that Angmar is on the rise, aside from the wildmen orcs, and the potential threat of Isengard," he stated.
Murmurs were heard amongst the Senate. "Do you have proof Legatus?" asked Soranus.
"At this moment no, but a small company of Knights are heading North to investigate these rumors and have already departed from Julius. It would not be a good idea to leave our Northern Borders unprotected," said Cassius. "I also come with a message that Sancus is requesting more troops and overall command in the north," said Cassius.
Senate was once again talking amongst themselves. "All in favor of Sancus commanding the North," said Soranus calling for a vote.
"AYE!" near majority said with their thumbs up.
"NAY!" very few said.
"We are in agreement; however, this must be approved by the Emperor," said Quintus.
"Of course," said Cassius.
"Now back to the matter at hand of the potential refugee crisis," said Quintus.
"Senators what of some of the Fortress on our western border," suggested Flavia.
"Yes, the lady is on to something," said Jovinus.
"I'm sure we can ask the Emperor to spare troops to escort them," said Quintus.
"Yes, but what of all of them, those old forts and land can only hold so much," said Soranus.
"What of the Elves," said Flavia as the entire Senate looked at her. "The Elves are leaving Middle-Earth, there lands are becoming empty. We have been on good terms with Lord Elrond, perhaps he can help us," said Flavia.
"Yes, but we are not exactly allies with Lord Elrond," said Geta. "What if he says no."
"Then we will find another solution, I shall negotiate on Roma's behalf," declared Flavia.
"My lady, it's a dangerous road," said a concerned Senator.
"I'll have the Praetorian Guard to escort me," said Flavia. "I shall depart in two days."
"Then we shall send a message to Sancus if he can provide some additional men to escort you, some of his knights perhaps, and also let Lord Elrond know your coming," said Quintus.
"Now that this matter is settled, does anyone know where Marcus is?" said Senator Geta.
"Last we head he was doing an errand for the wizard," said another Senator.
"Shouldn't he return to Roma, we need every officer we can get," said Geta.
"He is only a Centurion in name because Emperor Thrax did not want his daughter to marry his daughter to a common soldier, perhaps Marcus is really a cowa…," said a Senator.
"HOLD IT!" yelled Flavia interrupting him. "Never insult my love in front of me Senator. There is more to him than that. Tell me Senators and you Senator Geta, who here has actually been a soldier?" asked Flavia as a very few Senators raised their hand.
"Besides Senators," said Cassius cutting in. "Marcus has always had an eye for tactics and leadership, he simply lacks experience."
"Do you know where he is Cassius?" asked Quintus.
"He is on a mission for Lord Elrond, one that carries the fate of us all, that is all I will say on the matter," said Cassius.
"My fellow Senators, enough about Marcus, we still have one last matter to discuss," said Soranus.
"Ah yes, the budget," said Joranus.
Outside the Senate Building…
Lady Flavia was heading towards here carriage with her Praetorian escorts.
"Lady Flavia," called Cassius in full armor.
"Legatus Cassius," said Flavia.
"I have a letter from Marcus," said Cassius presenting to Flavia as she took it.
"Thank you Legatus, where are you off to next?" asked Flavia.
"I must rendezvous with the Emperor I have 2,500 auxiliary troops for him," said Cassius.
"Farewell, thank you Legatus," said Flavia.
"Legatus," someone called and both saw Quintus with a scroll. "Cassius be sure to hand this scroll to the Emperor he will be pleased to know that we reset our budget to full scale war," said Quintus.
Taking the scroll, "tank you Senator," said Cassius going to his horse.
Flavia looked at the scroll, "be strong my love," she thought. "I'm waiting for you."
Moria, Balin's Tomb…
Marcus containing his battle with the Uruk trying valiantly to get back the Standard, this Uruk was tough and took five stabs but still refused to die. The Uruk then kicked Marcus hard to the ground after dodging his slash. As he was about to deliver the killer blow a bolt shot him in the back making him reel. Marcus took the opportunity to stand up fast and thrusted his Gladius into the Uruk throat. Quickly putting away his Gladius and retrieving the standard.
Meanwhile the Troll found Frodo, Merry and Pippin and attempted to smash them with his mace. Frodo jumped to the side behind a pillar while Merry and Pippin jumped to another.
Aragorn seeing Frodo peril, "Frodo!" he cried fighting his way through more orcs.
Frodo cleverly hide behind a pillar continuing to hide well from the troll. He went around the pillar as the troll looked around where he once was. Then it left to check the other side in which Frodo moved to the opposite side. The troll looked and then moved away. Frodo then moved again sighing in the relief thinking the troll left.
"ROARRRRRRR!"
The troll came out of nowhere catching Frodo by surprise causing him to fall down. The troll found him and picked him up.
Frodo being dragged called for help. "Aragorn! Aragorn!"
"FRODO!" yelled Aragorn stabbing through another orc.
Frodo hit the troll with Sting forcing it to drop him. As the troll tried to grab him again Aragorn rushed in to the rescue picking up a spear. He thrusted the spear into the troll but it did not penetrate but kept him at bay.
Pippin and Merry nearby were throwing rocks at the beast.
Marcus and Decima were coming to their aid. Decima shooting a bolt into the trolls back trying to get its attention.
"OVER HERE!" yelled Marcus trying to get its attention. The troll angered swung its arm sending Aragorn into the wall. Frodo then went to Aragorn trying to shake him awake as the troll was coming.
Marcus with sword and standard in hands charged the troll. The troll responded by turning and swiping him with his arm sending him into a wall.
Decima the shot again but the troll continued to ignore him. As he was reloading an orc jumped him out of nowhere. His crossbow dropped on the ground as he began to wrestle the orc on the ground.
The troll picking up the spear then went towards Frodo. The troll thrusted the spear downward trying to hit Frodo, he dodged it, then the next. Frodo tried to run but the troll blocked his way and before he could react.
STAB!
Everyone was put in shock.
Frodo panted out, "UNGGGHHH!"
The troll growled in satisfaction.
Gandalf was stunned at Frodo stabbing.
"Frodo!" yelled Sam as he rushed bravely fighting through more Orcs.
Decima was on the ground on his back with the orc trying to stab him with a knife. After seeing Frodo stabbed he hit a second wind. "ROOARR!" he pushed the orc off and grabbed an orc axe on the ground and hacked the orc to death.
Marcus began to stir and came to realization of Frodo being stabbed and got up with sword in hand trying to get the Hobbit.
Aragorn regained consciousness and gasped in anguish.
Everyone broken from there shocked trance, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, and Gandalf began fighting their way towards Frodo.
Frodo panted painfully then collapsed on the ground.
Merry and Pippin in a vestige of bravery then jumped onto the troll's back and began stabbing it. Zeus who was trying to hide could no longer and flew into the troll's face and began pecking away at one of its eyes.
Decima picking up his crossbow once again began shooting at the troll. The troll then grabbed Merry and threw him off, Decima managing to catch him. Gandalf, Marcus, and Gimli moved to fight the troll head on. Gimli getting knocked to the ground. Gandalf and Marcus managed to slash its leg. The troll cried in pain. Legolas aimed his bow hoping not to shoot Pippin or the Eagle. Zeus saw and immediately flew away. Pippin then proceeded to stab making it lean back exposing its throat and Legolas shot.
SWOOSH!
The troll was hit and began to swoon and swoon, then crashed onto the ground and Pippin holding on then rolling off.
Decima with Merry beside went and offered Pippin a hand helping him up.
Then everyone immediately went to Frodo. Aragorn went to him first and in shock, "Oh no," as he rolled him over.
Then suddenly Frodo sat up gasping for air, he was alive.
"What in the name of," said Marcus in disbelief that he was alive as Zeus went on his shoulder.
"He's alive," said Sam.
Frodo then placed a hand on the spot where he was stabbed, "I'm alright, I'm not hurt," he said.
"You should be dead," said a skeptical relieved Aragorn, "that spear would have skewered a wild boar!"
"You must be a lucky Hobbit," said Marcus.
"I think," said Gandalf. "There is more to this Hobbit than meets the eye Marcus."
Frodo than showed them the reason unbuttoning his shirt to reveal a protective undershirt made of Mithril that Bilbo gave him astounding everyone.
"Mithril," said Gimli, "You are full of surprises Master Baggins."
Decima put hands on Merry and Pippin shoulder, "Got to say lads, in all my years in the Legion, none of my men were ever brave enough to jump on a troll's back."
"You fought a troll before?" asked Merry.
The celebration was cut short as they heard more orcs coming.
"To the bridge of Khzad-Dum," commanded Gandalf everyone now rushing out of the tomb.
"Another time lads," said Decima to the two Hobbits.
Road to Remus…
(Play Roman Marching song Ben Hur:)
With Felix and his officers at the head marching on the road towards Remus. The might of Rome with them. Behind them was the Praetorian Cavalry and then came multiple Praetorian Cohorts. Coming up was the Legio IX and their Cohorts, Auxiliaries, and Calvary. Coming up on the center of the marching column was Legio I and brining up the rear was Legio X.
They were going through the countryside passing fields, tall grass, over hills as straight as possible to get to their destination. Felix knew he had to stop the enemy from ravaging the countryside or at least slow it down.
They continued on forward from the sun beating down on them to sudden rain pouring on them. Some soldiers on the way would fall down from fatigue, the one's that were real were thrown on the cart. The one's who faked it, they get on watch or worse a flogging depended on the mood of their Centurion.
Along the way Roman militia men determined to protect their land and loved one's offered their service and knowledge of the terrain to the Felix. Felix gladly accepted, for in his mind he could use all the extra swords he could get. Even a group of shepherds offered their service with their slings. At this time slings were not used in the Roman army anymore, however this was a time of crisis and Felix gladly accepted them and even gave them some leather armor, small shields, and daggers. Felix continued on more volunteers swelling his army. 2,000 militia and 500 slingers now joined him. They ventured onward.
Up at the head of the column, "Sir, was it ok to accept those shepherds?" asked Livy.
"We need everything we can to throw at the enemy," said Felix.
"I have armor, stones won't hurt me," said Livy.
"You will find many stones will rattle you," said Tiberius chuckling as he Albina and other officers began to laugh.
Felix was looking ahead and then saw smoke in the distance. "Halt column! HALT COLUMN!" he yelled causing the entire army to stop.
"Smoke sir," said Albina.
"Could it be the enemy?" asked Livy.
"Could be bandits also," said Tiberius. "I believe that's a village up ahead."
"Perhaps bandits," said Felix. "Our scouts reported that the enemy is still far, but still," said Felix turning his head. "Centurion Publius, Auxlia Quadir!" he called. About a minute and the Centurion and Auxlia came up. "Sir," they both said.
"Centurion I want you and some of your cohort to go investigate the village, Auxlia you are to support him with some of your men," ordered Felix. "The rest of us will continue, be sure to make it quick Centurion."
"Yes sir," they both said as they went back down the column. "I do not trust you at all Easterling," said Publius.
"I do not care, I am only here to do my duty, sir," said Quadir respectfully.
"Hmph, 3rd Cohort 2nd century out of Column," ordered Publius.
The 3rd cohort of the IX stepped out of Column, Quadir a few meters got some of his archers to come out of Column. "Alright men, we are going to investigate that village, MARCH!" he ordered as he marched off towards the smoke with Quadir behind him.
"Auxlia I want your men up front," ordered Publius
"Yes sir," said Quadir. He was well aware of this centurion mistrust of him but played it off professionally for now.
Publius had no trust of Easterlings for he fought them along with the Men of Dale back in his younger days. He knew if you think someone going to betray you, better to have the suspected traitors in front of you than behind you.
As the small company came upon the village they came upon some rotting corpses on the ground with arrows in them that looked eastern in nature. The smell of ash and flesh was in the air. Some of the men holding back the feel of spilling their lunch to the stench for it was some of their first experience. Some of the buildings were on fire. Quadir went to a corpse and bent down looking at an arrow. "Sir seems the enemy was here," he said.
"I can see that," said Publius. As the group proceeded towards the center of the village he then noticed not all the buildings were on fire. A sudden feel went own his spine. "QUICK!"
BAMMM!
Several enemies came out of the buildings and began to rush them Legionaries and Auxiliaries alike drawing their weapons.
"FORM CIRCLE!" ordered Publius yelling. A Corsair with an axe then came up to him bringing down an axe, blocking with his shield and then stabbing him in side.
"Men in the circle!" yelled Quadir telling his men. The Legionaries were despite the chaos around them and some of their comrades falling began to form the circle as they were beginning to get surrounded. The mixed group of Corsair and Haradrium raiders trying to break through it. Legionaries opening ranks to let the Auxiliaries in.
Quadir and Publius being one of the last to get in the circle. "Fire at will!" ordered Quadir his Easterling archers shooting between the Legionaries felling of of the enemies.
Publius then pulled out a horn and then blew it. BROOMMMMMM!
BROOOOOMMMM! Blowing it a second time.
The Legion introduced the horn to all officers after seeing them in Gondor and Rohan's army being mostly as a means of distress. 1 means bandits. 2 meant the enemy.
With Felix…
Felix continuing with the Column then heard the sound of the horn. "Tiberius take the Praetorian Calvary and some of the XI Calvalry and help Publius!" he ordered.
"Yes Emperor!" replied Tiberius. "With me! With me!" barking out orders riding towards the village.
"Get into battle formation!" ordered Felix as the entire column began to move fast in orderly into battle formation.
Back at Village…
The circle was holing but there almost seem to be no end to the raiders. The Legion still pressed on fighting waiting for reinforcements. A few managed to get into the circle but were killed by the Centurion or felled by Quadir's scimitar. Some of the Auxlia drawing their scimitars as well delivering their deadly slash.
Then the sound of hooves could be heard as the Calvary lead by Tiberius arrived and crashed into the enemy ranks cutting down many of them. The Legionaries and Auxilia then began to counter attack bolstered by the reinforcements.
The fighting continued in bloody melee, the enemy not match for the Praetorian Guard on horses. For they cut through them like wheat grass. Eventually they sounded a retreat. They attempted to make for their horses on the outskirts of the village, many were cut down. Those who managed to get on the saddle were shot of the arrows of the Auxlia. Then one was getting away. Quadir drew his composite bow and took aim. It seems to be slow motion and the rider was getting away. Then…
SWOOSH!
The arrow struck the rider in the back of the neck and he fell off his horse. The men cheered in victory. Tiberius then came upon Quadir and Publius and dismounted. "Report."
"We were investigating as ordered when we were attacked," said Publius. "You and the Emepror have my thanks."
"Sir," came a rider coming in, "No more signs of the enemy, was just a raiding party."
"I see send word to the Emperor of this," ordered Tiberius.
"Yes sir," said the rider riding off.
"Well done both of you," commented Tiberius.
"Centurion may I remind you that we still must search the village," reminded Quadir.
"Yes," said Centurion, "search the village."
With Felix…
Felix was finishing getting the entire army in battle formation. "Emperor!" called the rider riding up to Felix. "All enemies' dead, it was but a raiding party," he reported.
"I see," said Felix, "back into column!"
The soldiers were getting back into column some disappointed not to see a battle and other glad to just live another day.
Look forward to all reviews and I hope to get the next chapter posted by the middle late of July.
-Peace-
