Chapter 9: Battle Lines
Augustus chose a wide field to place his men. He meant to meet any force sent to engage him head on. A victory here would ensure their passage into Gaul.
Beast Boy sat on his horse as the footmen were arranged in a rough line several yards in front of him. There was tension in the air but no sign of panic. The footmen equipped themselves with their large oval shields, helmets and long spears. Several well armored men walked among them checking their gear and quietly giving instructions. There were about twenty unarmed men who sallied between the assembled footmen and several wagons behind the main line. They brought spare equipment and small parcels of food to the assembled footmen.
The Scythians busied themselves checking their horses, bows and swords. Sebastian had a lot of faith in this small group of men. Beast Boy could not understand how this little group could be more affective than the larger group of footmen assembled in front of him. He watched as the Scythians inspected their quivers of arrows. The men pulled out and inspected each arrow jettisoning those that they found to be deficient onto the ground.
Beast Boy turned and saw their opponents emerge from the woods onto the open field. They quickly deployed into a line facing them. The men wore round helmets with shirts of mail. Most carried small round shields of various colors and designs. Their weapons were varied with some holding spears while others carried swords or large axes.
Beast Boy could hear the soft foot steps as a horse approach him. "A contingent of Alanae." Beast Boy recognized Sebastian's voice. He turned to see his friend dressed in his finest armor and red cape clutching his shield and staring out from under a large helmet. "Nervous?"
"Hell yea," Beast Boy answered honestly. He felt clumsy under his armor and his vision was much more restricted than he was used to. The others all had things to do and idle hands had given him far too much time to think about what was about to happen.
"Want something to eat?" Sebastian asked as he guided his horse next to Beast Boy's.
"Huh?" Beast Boy countered. How could they eat now? The men were assembling for battle. There wouldn't be any time for that.
"There is no hurry. It will take time for both sides to be ready," Sebastian assured him.
"No thanks," Beast Boy's stomach had been full of butterflies ever since he had seen the clouds of dust gather on the horizon.
"Here," Sebastian handed him a small vessel of wine. "This will steady your nerves. Try and gather your thoughts. A clear head will do you more good than one consumed by needless fears," Sebastian calmly said to him.
"I'll be ok," Beast Boy took the vessel and took a long swig of the sweet liquid. "Thanks."
Sebastian extended his arm and firmly grasped Beast Boy's forearm in a reassuring gesture. "Stay with the Scythians and you will be fine."
Beast Boy nodded and released his friend's grip. "What's going on?"
Sebastian turned to look at their opponents assembling on the other side of the field. A small group of horsemen emerged from the woods. A cheer rose up from the opposing troops as a finely dressed horseman wearing a red cape rode out onto the open field.
"That is the Dux," Sebastian calmly explained. "He has led his troops to this place to confront Augustus. There will be negotiations and afterwards perhaps we will have to settle any leftover disputes on the field. The Alanae are federates of Rome. We shall see if they are loyal to us." Some how Beast Boy felt that was not going to be the case. "I must join Augustus. Wait here."
Beast Boy held his ground and finished the rest of the wine Sebastian had left him. Sebastian rode off joining Augustus and the other horsemen who had accompanied the footmen. Together they rode out to the center of the field between the opposing forces. Shortly afterwards the Dux and his horseman trotted out to meet with them.
Beast Boy struggled to comprehend what was going on. The Scythians soon rode up and took their place next to him. Beast Boy continued to focus on the meeting taking place in the field.
"Doesn't the Defensor look fine," a rough voice addressed him. This was the first time he had talked to any of the Scythians. He turned and saw the group of rough men inspecting him. Some showed gnarly smiles drawing some amusement from their well-dressed counter part. Beast Boy held his tongue and shot them an annoyed look.
"I am Bericus leader of the Scythians," the man roughly said.
"I'm Garfield," Beast Boy curtly replied.
"Well Garfield, don't you look like a finely dressed Roman," he mockingly said. "Let's hope you fight better than one."
"I've been in worse situations, "Beast Boy quickly replied. "When we're done here I'll be sure to drink to you at our imperial banquette in Gaul."
Bericus laughed at Beast Boy's comment and was soon joined by the others. "Well said Defensor though to a Scythian it does not matter if we drink at an imperial banquette or with our martyred countrymen in the great halls of our ancestors."
Beast Boy tried to understand what the Scythian was referring to. He gave up and turned to the two parties in the field below. One of the horsemen was holding a red cape which he appeared to be offering Augustus.
"What's going on?" Beast Boy asked Bericus hoping for a quick explanation without the torment.
"They are asking him to remove his purple cape and accept the red one." Beast Boy was confused so Bericus had to explain further. "They want him to remove the imperial symbols and assume a humbler station like his predecessor."
"What do you mean?" Beast Boy questioned.
"That's what Augustus did to his former master. He forced him to remove the purple and then made sure he would not try and regain it." Beast Boy watched and wondered what violence this man had originated in the past.
"Don't worry Defensor," Bericus continued. "Augustus will die wearing the purple, one way or another." Beast Boy shuddered briefly at the thought. "We Scythians will fall with him for that is our way. Tell us Defensor, have the deeds of the Scythians and their great king of the high plains been heard in your lands?"
"Umm," Beast Boy turned back to the leader of the Scythians.
"Certainly the tales of our sacred king Attila have been heard in your lands. How he united the horsemen of the plains after he found the sword of Mars and shook the gates of Constantinople and Rome. All men bowed before our mighty king. He would have conquered the world if it had not been for the ill fate bestowed on him by his enemies."
Beast Boy struggled to figure out who the Scythian was talking about. The other Scythians fixed their gaze on him awaiting an answer. Somewhere in the back of Beast Boy's mind a neuron fired off as he finally recognized who they were talking about.
"Oh, you mean Attila the Hun. Yea we've heard of him," Beast Boy nervously replied. That would have to be enough because he couldn't think of anything else to say.
The Scythians remained silent for some time considering Beast Boy's simple title for their mighty deceased king. Finally Bericus spoke somberly, "Attila the Hun. Simple. Our king would have approved." The other Scythians nodded slowly in agreement.
Beast Boy was relieved that they seemed to be placated. Bericus drew out a bladder and began drinking its frothy contents. "To Attila the Hun!" he proclaimed as the others did the same. He threw the bladder to Beast Boy who caught it and after some encouragement took a quick swig of its contents. It was very bitter and frothy. He closed his eyes and forced the foul liquid down as it burned the back of his throat. Afterwards he slowly opened his eyes and fought the urge to spit and clean the taste from his mouth. The Scythians took some enjoyment at their companion's plight. Beast Boy shot an angry look at the group then put the bladder up to his mouth and took another long swig in defiance.
"Easy Defensor, you are among friends," Bericus quickly laughed as Beast Boy's eyes filled with tears. Beast Boy turned back to the field. Augustus had turned and rode back towards his troops; the red cape lay on the grass in front of the group of opposing horsemen. They then slowly turned and trotted back to their side. It looked like negotiations were over.
Beast Boy watched as Augustus rode back behind his line of footmen and dismounted. He gathered some of the foot soldiers and began shaking their hands and giving them instructions. Sebastian rode over to the Scythians and took his place next to Beast Boy. His face was ashen and gray.
Beast Boy leaned over towards him, "The Scythians have the worst drink I've ever tasted." Sebastian turned to him and waved his hand in front of his nose in disgust. "Yea, I can smell you a mile away," he flashed a brief smile at his friend. "We will get you fixed up as soon as this is over."
Augustus made his way over to Beast Boy on foot. One of the other men led his fine white stallion behind him. Two men came forward and held onto Beast Boy and Sebastian's mounts. Sebastian dismounted as Augustus approached; Beast Boy quickly followed. He staggered briefly due to the effects of the wine and whatever the Scythians gave him.
Augustus approached Beast Boy and somberly addressed him. "Defensor, I have enjoyed your company but I can not ask you to fight my battles."
"Sir," Beast Boy gently interrupted. "I would be most honored to ride with you."
"The honor is shared between our two peoples," Augustus replied with a smile. He took hold of Beast Boy in a warm embrace. He released him then walked over to Sebastian. He reached around his shoulders and removed the large collar that Beast Boy had described to his friends.
"Sebastian," he said. "You and your ancestors have served my family faithfully. I now release you from your servitude and ask you to join me as a free man."
Sebastian looked on in shock, "I will remain by your side, my master, of my own free will," he replied as Augustus quickly embraced him.
Augustus turned to face the Scythians, "Proud Scythians, are you ready for battle?" he asked. The Scythians quickly let out an enthusiastic war cry. Augustus nodded then took to his mount.
Beast Boy turned to Sebastian who looked down at the collar that lay in the grass. Sebastian stepped forward, placed his foot on the collar and pushed down on it bending it slightly.
"Congratulations Sebastian," Beast Boy said to his friend. Sebastian looked up; his eyes glistened in the afternoon sun. They embraced as friends for the first and last time. Sebastian broke their embrace. "My friend," he said in a clear voice. "I do believe we have some women to chase after this," he said with a wry smile. He turned and remounted his horse. Beast Boy quickly followed.
"Beware senators of Gaul. Lock up your fair daughters and wives for Sebastian and Garfield are coming!" Bericus said in a booming voice. He was soon joined by an enthusiastic chorus of Scythian catcalls and lecherous laughs.
Sebastian and Beast Boy took their place next to Augustus and the Scythians. The footmen were reformed in a rough line several yards in front of them. Their opponents stood across the field as the two parties made final preparations.
Beast Boy studied the field and concluded the sides were about evenly matched in numbers. He was aware of Sebastian's earlier assessment and hoped that he underestimated the abilities of the troops in front of them.
A small cloud of dust began to rise from the woods behind the opposing line. Soon cheers rose up as a large contingent of horsemen emerged.
Beast Boy's heart sank as this new group tilted the balance in their opponent's favor. The footmen in front of him had a similar reaction. Beast Boy looked over at Sebastian and Augustus; both men maintained stoic faces unaffected by the arrival of the opposing horsemen.
"Look, the cowards have brought up some worthless Gothic cavalry," Bericus shouted. "Come here Goths and clean up my horse's mess!" The other Scythians shouted defiantly across the field at the Goths.
The opposing horsemen gathered in front of their footmen assessing their opponents. One of their members rode out ahead of the group and stopped several hundred feet from their line. Beast Boy wondered what was going on.
The lone Gothic horseman stood in front of them. He wore a mail shirt and a large helmet that culminated in a point. He carried a small shield and held a long spear with a small red piece of cloth tied near its tip.
One of the Scythians shot an arrow towards the lone horseman. It lodged at the feet of its horse causing it to spook suddenly. The rider fought momentarily then regained control.
The Scythians let out a boisterous laugh at their opponent's plight then began animated discussions amongst themselves. Sebastian grunted in disgust then urged his mount forward. He quickly passed through the footmen assembled before him knocking one aside in his haste.
Sebastian drew his sword as he approached his opponent. Both men stood momentarily facing each other then turned to the side and headed in opposite directions. Beast Boy strained to figure out what was happening. He held his breath as his friend turned to face his opponent.
Both riders paused momentarily then urged their mounts forward towards each other. Beast Boy sat transfixed as the riders closed on each other. The Goth leveled his spear at Sebastian who held his sword vertically by his side. Both riders closed on each other quickly. The Goth's spear rode up Sebastian's shield and caught him high in the shoulder causing him to turn sideways in his saddle. He quickly recovered and leaned forward. The two slowed, stopped then turned around to face one another. Cheers rose up from both sides of the field as each side encouraged their champion. Beast Boy added his voice to his side as the two riders pushed their mounts towards each other once again.
The Goth leveled his spear at Sebastian. This time Sebastian fully deflected the spear to the side and took a quick swipe back at the Gothic horseman. The two continued a short distance before their mounts came to a halt. Sebastian turned to face his opponent. The Goth leaned forward then slide off his mount and landed hard onto the ground. The Goth's horse stepped back then inspected its rider. It raised its head then turned and slowly strode back towards the other side of the field. Sebastian turned towards the opponent's line and let out a triumphant cry that was soon followed by Augustus' troops.
Sebastian turned and rejoined his colleagues. Beast Boy could see his left shoulder was injured. He quickly took his place next to Beast Boy with his head tilted down grimacing in pain.
"Sebastian, you're hurt."
Sebastian drew in a long breath, "I'm fine. There's no time for it now. Besides, I can show the girls my battle scars later." He turned his head and managed a slight smile through gritted teeth.
Several men emerged from the back of the line carrying javelins and additional quivers of arrows. Sebastian sheathed his sword and took one of the javelins. Beast Boy also took one and held it awkwardly in his right hand.
"Try to hold it in the middle at the balancing point and wait for my signal to throw it," Sebastian instructed. Beast Boy nodded as his heart began to race. The Scythians calmly drew their bows and began to remove arrows from their quivers.
Across the field Beast Boy could see the Gothic cavalry forming; their helmets and spear points glistening in the afternoon sun. With a hearty war cry the group began to charge towards their position.
"Cavalry charge!" barked one of the foot soldiers. There was some movement among the footmen but most seemed confused by the order. Augustus quickly dismounted and headed towards the line instructing the men into their new formation. After a few seconds Beast Boy could see what they were trying to do. One man knelt on the ground holding his shield in front of him while he placed one end of his spear on the ground and angled the point upward in front of him. The other man stood behind him holding his shield above the stooping man's shield with his spear ready to fend off the oncoming horsemen. Augustus and the others pushed the men together shoulder to shoulder forming a rough shield wall to receive the oncoming attack.
The hooves of the approaching Goths grew louder and their war cries added to the frightening din. Beast Boy gulped hard as his heart raced. Augustus' white stallion whinnied, reared up and broke free from the man holding it. It quickly took off and escaped the field of battle. Bericus watched this and grunted in disapproval.
The Goths were closing fast. Beast Boy was sure the feeble wall of men would quickly give away under their onslaught. He looked over to Sebastian who stoically held his ground. Augustus and the other footmen struggled to keep the shield wall in tact.
Beast Boy heard a sharp hiss as the Scythians released their first volley of arrows. The arrows were true and tore through the front ranks of the oncoming Goths. Men fell from their mounts and were caught under the hooves of the other horseman in the following ranks. Beast Boy watched as many of the Gothic horses staggered and threw their riders. Other volleys quickly followed as arrows hissed through the air above the shield wall. The Gothic charge began to fall apart under the Scythians' arrows. Those that reached the shield wall quickly halted in front of the suddenly formidable defense and those that couldn't crashed through the wall in parts and tumbled onto the ground where others quickly descended on them delivering death blows to the fallen horsemen.
"Now, Garfield," Sebastian suddenly barked out his command and threw his javelin into what remained of the Gothic horde. Beast Boy carefully raised his javelin as his mount began to move nervously under him. He held onto the front saddle horn for support and threw the javelin forward over the shield wall and into the group of Gothic horseman. He watched as it shimmied in the air. It was a good throw and hit one of the Gothic horsemen in the upper chest. The rider leaned back in his saddle, reached up, grasped the imbedded javelin and pulled it from his chest. Beast Boy watch transfixed as a small stream of blood spurted from his opponent. The rider turned his mount back towards his line slumped backward then fell heavily to the ground. Beast Boy had his first kill.
Horses whinnied and men cried as the Gothic charge dissolved in front of them. What remained of the horde turned and beat a hasty retreat. Augustus' men let out a great cry as the horseman galloped away.
Augustus quickly mounted another horse. "Come servants of Rome," he cried as he drew his sword. "The enemy is in flight. Forward and drive them from the field!" The Scythians cried in triumph then urged their steeds forward. Sebastian grabbed another javelin and bolted to the front of the group. The men in the shield wall quickly opened a hole in their line to let the horseman through. Beast Boy reached down and grabbed another javelin from one of the men and urged his horse forward.
Beast Boy was the last one through the footmen's line. He turned and looked back as they let out a cry and ran after them. The Scythians surrounded Augustus and continued to shoot arrows into the remnants of the retreating Goths. Even though they were approaching full gallop their aim was deadly accurate. Beast Boy's heart raced as he struggled to maintain his balance. They were several hundred feet from their opponents' line. He could see they were trying to form a shield wall to receive them. He looked back and saw their footmen were trailing badly behind them.
The remnants of the Gothic cavalry crashed through their own line ripping a great hole in their ranks and spreading chaos just as Augustus' group of horseman approached the line. Beast Boy could see their opponents hurriedly rallying their men to receive their attack. The Scythians drew their hooked swords as they closed in on their opponent's devastated line. They sliced their bowstrings and dropped them onto the ground; Beast Boy saw their bows flip and tumble onto the field behind them.
There was a loud crash as Augustus' horseman met the remnants of their opponent's shield wall. Beast Boy could see a flash of a red cap as one of the horses flipped over violently.
"Sebastian," Beast Boy cried as he recognized his friend's red cape. He urged his horse forward into the gap in the line. Augustus' remaining horseman plunged deep into the opponents reserve units. Beast Boy saw his friend's fallen horse emerge from the back of the Scythians who were now swinging their swords. He slowed his horse and quickly scanned the ground looking for his fallen friend among the other bodies and broken equipment that lay strewn on the ground. Sebastian lay motionless; his body was in an awkward position that let Beast Boy know he was dead.
Beast Boy turned his horse and looked to the side. The enemy flanks were quickly closing in on him. Several men stumbled towards him. He raised his javelin and directed it towards the nearest man. It flew true and lodged in his opponent's upper chest near his throat. The man staggered backwards and fell flat on his back.
Beast Boy reached down and drew his sword from the scabbard tied to his horse's side. His heart raced as sweat began to pour down his face. The Alanae footmen were closing ranks threatening to surround Augustus' small group of men. Beast Boy looked back across the field and noticed their footmen had halted about a dozen yards from him. He screamed angrily. His horse began to step nervously to the side as the Alanae closed in. Beast Boy fought to aim his steed back towards their faltering footmen.
"Oh no you don't!" he said as he slapped his sword against the hind quarters of his mount urging it forward. He took a swipe at the footmen who were converging on him. He caught one in the neck then made his escape.
He rode to the group of cowering footmen. "Back in line you cowards!" he shouted in disgust. The men quickly reformed under his instructions. "Now let's go, forward and onto Gaul!" he cried. The men's voices rose up as they took heart and pressed towards the Alanae. Beast Boy trotted behind them making sure they were not going falter. As they neared the line Beast Boy sheathed his sword and grabbed one of the footmen's spears. He bounded in front of them intending to drive his men through their opponent's line and rejoin what remained of Augustus' horsemen.
The horse quickly sprinted into a gallop and closed on the opposing footmen. As he neared the line he raised his spear and cast it forward. Beast Boy lost his balance and clasped his left hand on the front saddle horn to steady himself as they neared the line of opposing men. He heard his horse grunt heavily as its legs were taken out from under it flipping it and him forward uncontrollably.
Beast Boy cried out as he awkwardly flew from his mount. His left hand was ripped from the saddle horn and he quickly became disoriented as he tumbled towards the ground. He heard a snap as he landed heavily on his right shoulder. Stars exploded in his eyes as he felt a searing pain in his shoulder. He tumbled over and came to a rest on his back. He could hear the cries of men surrounding him and the whinnies of horses off to one side.
Beast Boy tried to draw a breath and clear his head. His stomach seized up as pain exploded from his right shoulder. He could not stand and slowly rolled over on his left shoulder after he worked his hand out of his shield straps. Behind him he could see his horse convulse several times. Its chest heaved upward as it let out its dying breath.
"My sword," Beast Boy gritted his teeth as he slowly crawled back to his mount. His body reeked with pain as he finally pulled himself up on his dead horse. He groaned when he realized his sword was underneath his fallen mount. He slowly rolled over and propped his back on his dead steed and laughed to himself figuring the beast had found one last way to thwart him.
Beast Boy's head fell backwards as the din of the battle slowly receded from him. His shoulder and the right side of his body were numb with pain. In the sky he saw the dust of the battle slowly rise into the clear blue sky. Above him were two large birds soaring on the afternoon thermals. Beast Boy thought back to the time he watched Gaius' men lay him gently on the field of battle and wondered if this was what Gaius saw and thought as consciousness slowly left him.