AN: Do Soviets use European . or English , in their notations? Who knows!

And so the morning found them bumping along the road toward Vulcan's army of beasts.

Ivanovich had chosen a small mechanised force of trucks and one of the armoured cars, and Ilya had also come along, but was some way out ahead, having raced off on a motorcycle. He had attached a large scope onto his rifle, which Ivanovich has explained as a copy of a similar german technology that would allow him to see in the dark.

Ilya would scout ahead, so that they wouldn't be surprised by the whole enemy army when they went over the next ridge. Igor found it quite pleasant, apart from the odd rock in the road that would jolt them. It reminded him of traveling around Mesopotamia during his early career, at least on this journey the climate wasn't so offensive, and he didn't have to beware of any arab bandits lurking in hopes of slitting the throat of any European they encountered.

They went along till nightfall, and after that drove off the road and concealed the vehicles under camouflage netting spread between some small trees and bushes. Igor was tasked with assisting some riflemen to set up the portable stoves, which he did happily, as he was also quite hungry. Most of the soldiers came from the Regiment, while there were a few technical specialists, as well as Ivanovich's team, SG-2. There was also a rather out of place pair in red tunics and armour, two centurions from Thurius' staff, who had been attached to the mission. The romans took to the wonders of internal combustion engines and tins with remarkable stoicism, and sat conversing quietly with each other, dark eyes glinting as they observed the Russians.

There was slight alarm as Igor heard the sound of a motorcycle approaching. The soldiers stood and readied their rifles, entirely unnecessary of course considering if it was anyone but Ilya returning they'd severely misunderstood the situation.

Ilya walked into the camp, took a cup and gulped down the contents without drawing a breath. Afterwards he sighed and began his report, "Sir," he said, nodding to Ivanovich, "The enemy are camped about 14km along the road, though you could go north from here and reach them sooner. I'd say they have about 15,000 there, in no particular order or organisation that I can see. I counted about thirty of the big horse creatures, though three more showed up while I was counting. The army is stretched out over a few miles, in this crescent valley." And he handed Ivanovich a map he'd drawn with a series of shapes showing the terrain and disposition of the enemy forces.

The captain regarded the map. "Good work." He said, "What about the… what was it, their leader?"

"Minotaur." Said Igor helpfully.

"Yes him."

Ilya nodded, "Saw him, though again I couldn't make out any details, he was carrying a sort of staff."

Ivanovich looked at Igor. "Any comments Doctor?"

Igor shook his head, "Staves are symbols of power and command, but as far as I know had no connection to Minotaurs or Vulcan in mythology."

"Very well." Replied Ivanovich, "Doctor, tell our guests about this." And he turned back to Ilya to consult him on some issues of the terrain.

Igor in turn related all that Ilya had said back to the romans, who broke out into grins.

"We have surprised him; the Demon isn't ready!" said one happily.

The other looked less happy, "The Golden Bull is one of the Demon's own sons, their staffs spit fire. They've led the hordes twice, and one was seen when the Circulum was taken."

"Ilya, describe the staff, the romans say it's a gun." Igor said, and explained the rest of what they'd said.

"Didn't look like any gun I've ever seen." Said Ilya, "I'd say seven or eight feet long, bulbous on both ends, looked fairly heavy, I think made of metal."

Ivanovich frowned. "I'm not surprised, if Vulcan can travel across the galaxy he can have a laser gun." He pursed his lips. "I must report this, and see what the Colonel has to say." He stood and went to find the radio set.

"Ilya, did you see whether they were using the larger beasts as mounts?" Igor asked.

The sniper shrugged, "They had coverings on them, but the three I saw on the move had no one to direct them. The others were standing still, I think they sleep on their feet, like horses."

"Well that would make sense."

"You mean they are actually horses? I've just been calling them that."

Igor nodded, "Yes, I made enquiries, and they come from the same family as horses, rhinoceroses and tapirs."

Ilya looked at him blankly. "What on earth is a 'tapir'?"

"Like a pig with a trunk."

Ilya swore, "And they get as big as those giant horses do they?"

Igor couldn't quite tell if he was joking, but laughed anyway.

"Hey!" exclaimed Ilya, "You try imagining some massive pink monster coming after you!"

Igor laughed harder.

The sniper swore again and chuckled to himself, "I need to read more!"