I actually had more details but cut out some of the more gruesome stuff. I have enjoyed your AAR as well. Ah yes the emptiness of revenge hasn't caught up with him yet. Thanks for following!Quote:
Originally Posted by Theodotos I
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I actually had more details but cut out some of the more gruesome stuff. I have enjoyed your AAR as well. Ah yes the emptiness of revenge hasn't caught up with him yet. Thanks for following!Quote:
Originally Posted by Theodotos I
Chapter XXVI - A Brewing Storm
Spring 566 YAF (248 BC)
I had seen it before so many times in the past. War preparations. The mood in the camp. The serious faces. The men seemed to face a certain destiny. I shake my head at what i was seeing. Once again Iberia was preparing for war. This time it was a more dire situation. Although Kart-Hadastim was a formidable enemy, their distance from Iberia prevented us from feeling her full wrath. The Arverni had no such limitations. The could walk freely into our lands and attack without worrying about distance. In fact, in the north, the tribes allowed use of their soldiers. There would be no shortage of blood for the upcoming conflict. Ditalkos however had use of some better trained men and many of the veterans joined him from the Punic Campaign. Lutros was also worried about the conflict. As a father he no longer had to just worry about himself.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXVI-1.jpg
***
A large army left and crossed the Tagus river. Another nephew of the king would be in charge of the mustering fort and help train men that continued to migrate. For now the forces would head north towards the capital of the Galecia. Perhaps with some convincing the Galecia would return to the confederation. As I traveled north with the main army we left with the best wishes of the people. No one wanted another war, but no one wanted to be under the harsh gaze of the Verrix either. For nearly two generations the peoples of Iberia fought for unity. They have yet to achieve that goal.
Ditalkos had begun a transformation as well. He seemed to take the betrayal of the Confederacy hard. He had given the various tribes a say in how Iberia would be ruled and this is how they treated him. No matter what consessions he made he realized that some tribes would never willingly join. As soon as they had the chance, the predominately Celtic tribes in the north, had abandoned the cause for a Celtic neighbor. Ditalkos knew that deep down he could only gain the respect of these tribes if he taught them a powerful lesson. But then again they would have never abandoned the cause had the Verrix offered them a different arrangement. In addition the Verrix pledged military support should anyone attack them.
However there was another way for the Celtic tribes of the north to gain the respect of the King of the Lusitannan. Ditalkos would have to beat the Arverni in a pitched battle. Or he would have to consistently smash their forces until it was clear that the Verrix was not as powerful as he was made out to be. No matter what happened it would take a long time and alot of fighting for the Celts to respect the Iberians. True the blood of the two peoples had mixed, but Celtiberians still had Iberian blood and there was just not the same respect. The one thing both cultures recognized was valour and honor on the battlefield. It was up to Ditalkos to outshine the Celts on the field of battle. That would garner the respect of the Celtic regions of the Peninsula.
***
Winter camp was made along the Tagus river. Already it was colder than what we had been used to during the Punic War. Lutros and the rest of the heavy infantry slept, ate, and bathed together. Most were from Turdetania. Although Lutros was a soldier he was also a scholar. It was a rare combination. Ditalkos proposed a new evolution in the fighting tactics of the Iberian army. The best armored men, Scortamareva and Loricata Scutari, would anchor the forces:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ortamavera.gif
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ti_scutari.gif
Light infantry would support the flanks or possibly be used to ambush an unsuspecting enemy:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h..._caetratii.gif
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h..._caetratii.gif
Lighter spearmen would absorb the enemy first but would be withdrawn behind the main battle line after taking significant losses:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ikapoinann.gif
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...us_scutari.gif
Lighter infantry was easier to replace than the heavier armed variety. Skirmishers would still screen out the enemy or be used behind the main lines to pelt enemies with minimal risk to themselves:
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h..._slinger-1.gif
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...an_velites.gif
However in the past the skirmishers have shown great resolve and staying power. Overall the army fielded by Ditalkos was tactically flexible, lethal, and resilient. It was formidable in offense and defense. The proficiency of the javelin had enabled the Iberians to devastate their enemies even before attacking them with their swords. In less than a year, Ditalkos would be at the gates of Tyde.
Yeah, kick some Arverni ass! But do you really think defeating the Arverni in pitched battles will be enough, perhaps burning some rebellious towns will help convince the Celts to re-join the Iberian confederacy. Tyde could be a good place to start, as that seems to be the way you´re heading.
Ill be honest mate. I dont know who to support.
Chapter XXVII - Challenging The Beast
Spring 567 YAF (247 BC)
We marched in familiar territory once again. It seemed so long ago that Latronos had subjugated the Celts of Galecia. We crossed the Duoro river once again. It was unimaginable that sword and shield would clash here again. But here again we are. We marched until late summer when we finally saw the city perched before us. Ditalkos promptly ordered the city surrounded. Once again Ditches were dug and the siege began. However Ditalkos had no wish of waiting out the city. He was going to burst into the city with the men of Iberia and show our resolve. Winter was restless. It rained and snowed. Sometimes both at the same time. The men were ready. In the spring the rams would be pushed forward and the city will fall. Examples had to be made. Retribution for betrayel would be swift and harsh. Ditalkos or the next king of Iberia could not tolerate such dissent from his subjects. For now we wait.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXVII-1.jpg
A young captain came to Ditalkos and ordered him to leave. Ditalkos refused and the man proclaimed that the Verrix would not tolerate this. He proclaimed that Tyde was a sovereign city and was part of a sovereign land. Her fate is hers to decide. In those words the captain had doomed his men to death. No armies would help this city. While the flora broke out of its winter slumber in just a few months the fighters inside the walls would succumb to a slumber of an eternal nature.
Ditalkos did not want this. He grew weary of war but his hand had been forced. He wanted nothing more than to see Iberia united. His father, seemingly so long ago, had a dream of a safe nation for his people. For too long they had been pressed. Their backs against the sea they fought like caged animals would fight for a chance of freedom. I looked at the men that followed their king. The lines between the tribes was beginning to blur. The men of this land were fighting for the same thing. The bonds between the men grew stronger the longer they were forced to fight. The Arverni were only trying to undo what Ditalkos had spent most of his life repairing. The rift between Celts and Iberians was expanded when his brother went on a merciless killing spree. The scars would never heal. And they should not heal. The scars are a reminder of a dark past that needs to stay in the past. Ditalkos was merely trying to remove the pain that left the scars in the first place. He had come so close. His spirits were good. The men were confident. A great victory here and the other tribes may swear their alligiance to Ditalkos again. The spring would reveal the fate of Iberia.
I agree that would be a way of perhaps convincing the rest of the tribes to change allegiance. The Cantabrians started all these problems. The Galecii and Asturii just joined up with them. If the Verrix does not come to the help of his new allies it will cause him to lose face and bolster the forces of Iberia for their cause of unification.Quote:
Originally Posted by General Appo
War is never an easy thing. Castulo wrestled with it as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shylence
Reading your updates never gets old Chirurgeon. And for Ditalkos and his steadfastness to unify Iberia I salute you Yol Bosun!!!!!(may there be a road):beam: .
Keep it up, Chirurgeon! Once you reunite Iberia, will you incorporate Gaul into the confederation too?
I have a feeling the Arverni will not be happy if they are evicted out of Iberia. Will Iberia choose a more defensive posture or go on the offensive to eliminate threats to her sovereignty?Quote:
Originally Posted by Chaotix27
Thank you so much. I am glad I can keep you entertained :)Quote:
Originally Posted by Khazar_Dahvos
I appreciate you reply. I am quite drunk right now!!!!!!I am in Iraq in the u.s. military)!!!!! But I assure you right now you are the best writer for EB(I am a ancient history major?). Your updates gives me a reason to live.:2thumbsup:
Where are you from by the way????
My favorite Authors are from Great Britain or from South Africa BTW.
Well I suppose I feel speechless. I had no Idea that what I wrote on these forums had such an impact. Your efforts are monumental in Iraq. I suppose if I was there I would want to be drunk as well!! I support the troops 100%. The human toll over there has been staggering for all involved. I am from Orlando Florida. So are you a British transplant in America or do you just fancy British authors? Again I am humbled by your comments and I hope to continue to provide you with entertaining updates! Stay safe dear friend.Quote:
Originally Posted by Khazar_Dahvos
nope I am a 100% german-american who likes to read.:book:
Chapter XXVIII - Casting The Stone
Spring 568 YAF (246 BC)
All winter the men trained and polished their weapons. Finally as the cold weather retreated the men were formed into lines. Four battering rams had been fashioned.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...g/XXVIII-2.jpg
Ditalkos was not planning to just use strength of numbers to win, he also planned on employing a strategy of wearing the enemy out. He knew that the Celts woul throw most of their men upon us at the same time. Ditalkos wanted to use his men in stages. The light infantry were the first to move forward. The moved the rams to the walls and began smashing. The Galaecians had no slingers so the Belaeric slingers wreaked havoc from a distance. The screams of the maimed men echoed over the walls. Already the enemy was dying before we broke the walls. As the walls began to give under the hammering of the rams, skirmishers were moved forward and hurled their javelins at the defenders that had moved up to plug the soon to be gaps in the wall. The rams broke through and the light troops unleashed a furious barrage into the defenders, who merely became unwilling participants in some sort of unfair target practice. The light troops, having demoralized their opponents poured through en masse.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...g/XXVIII-3.jpg
Soon the initial defenders were routing. The ran towards the central street that led to the town center. The enemy regained some poise and plugged up the main street, but it was not to last long.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...g/XXVIII-4.jpg
Ditalkos ordered the second wave of men into the city. They unleashed another maelstrom of javelins into the heart of the enemy resistance. Their men fell like trees in a windstorm. The retreated up the hill to the fortified hill. The light troops pursued. Wielding their falcatas they outmanuevered the Celtic spearmen and hacked them to pieces.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...g/XXVIII-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...g/XXVIII-6.jpg
^^Watched this guy singlehandedly kill like 10 enemies himself!
Another effort was underway to defend the top of the hill. The medium spearmen were moved forward and when they were in place the withdraw order was given to the light troops. They were enthusiastic but exhausted at the same time. Ditalkos did not want exhausted me fighting exhausted men. they withdrew behind the medium spearmen and the spearmen unleashed their javelins into the pursuing celts.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...g/XXVIII-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...g/XXVIII-8.jpg
They fell like wheat beneath a scythe. Many panicked and ran. Some came forward to fight. They too were killed. Gradually Ditalkos ordered the medium spearmen into the remaining defenders. He would withdraw a unit as it became tired and throw a fresh one into the fray. It worked wonderfully. The last few defenders perished and the Iberian confederacy stood triumphant having only lost a handful of its brave fighters. Ditalkos won a great victory today and clearly this would be felt throughout the Arverni Confederation.
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https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h.../XXVIII-10.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h.../XXVIII-11.jpg
***
The extra men led by the Kings nephew occupied Tyde until its own garrison could be trained. Ditalkos was wasting no time. The northern mountains saw snow early and he would not wait to take the pass into Asturia. The army marched east. This time a road was present where last time nothing but game trails and thick forests. We moved at a blistering pace. The summer heat would soon succumb to the cold of winter. Ditalkos wanted to reach Pallantia before winter. It was a great request. However the men would respond. We traveled through beautiful tree covered landscapes. This was so different than the land around Gader. From her people to her geography, Iberia was defined by diversity.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...sing/246-1.jpg
***
As the leaves changed from bright green to dull brown we made haste to surround the city of Pallantia. Of course we had been here before. Some of the men, the older men, remember as well. They were still very young the first time. It looked like it was going to be another bloody spring.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h.../XXVIII-13.jpg
Ditalkos eldest son and heir to the throne resided in Numantia. Numantia had been very calm and boredom had led him to drinking. So bad was the problem that Ditalkos did not want him to rule. He feared the very ruin of everything he labored to build.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h.../XXVIII-14.jpg
An occasional drink is not a problem but the stiff brew had become his lover. It embarassed Ditalkos and he did his best to keep the problem buried. Now it was a problem. Arebasico had decieded to leave Numantia and wished to join us here in Asturia. Ditalkos had refused and sent his son back to Numantia. Fuming he did not return but rather took up residence in a village near the Ebro river. He had heard that the Verrix himself was coming to Iberia. Apparently our actions of late had gotten his attention. Arebasico insisted on "welcoming" the Verrix to the Iberian Peninsula.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h.../XXVIII-15.jpg
Ditalkos feared the worst but could do very little to control his very out of control son and heir. Rumors flew that his son was going to challenge the Verrix to battle. If the kings son was felled by the sword of an old man it would look terrible. Not to mention the loss of the heir to the throne. However there was always the chance that Arebasico could slay the Verrix. That would send a sound message indeed.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h.../XXVIII-12.jpg
Celts, always making big statements when it comes to battle. If the Verrix falls i wouldnt be surprise if the averni soon crumble and lose the grounds they gained.
I don´t know, I´ve got more of the feeling that Arebasiko is gonna get himself and a bunch of other loyal Iberians killed, only bolstering the Celtic cause and prolonging the war. Oh well, we shall see how it plays out.
Looking better and better, my friend. You keep so busy on this it surprises me to find you reading my story. Curiosity question: 1.1 is out, and it's not save-game compatible? What will you do? :dizzy2:
I will continue this AAR until I feel it has run its course. I don't know about you but I think it is just getting good! I guess it will be a while until I try 1.1. If interest in this AAR wanes I may stop but for now I am going to continue. I guess we will be getting a slew of new AARs on the forumsQuote:
Originally Posted by Theodotos I
Please continue! It has been superb so far. Plenty of time to play EB 1.1 in the future. The drunken son, spurned from the place of honor by his father in battle, seeks out battle to prove himself. eek! I sense tragedy. Or not! How will the progidal son fare?!?
Usually I enjoy your updates with a morning cup of coffee. But tonite it is with a fine glass of port - made not far from where Ditalkos is! (relatively speaking)
If I may ask, who else has shown themselves worthy to lead the Iberian Confederacy? *bits nails*
@ Khazar Dahvos. You have my support good sir. Be safe.
Thank you I appreciate that very much!!!!!:beam:
here are some war quotes for you guys.
Our alarm goes off, you hit the snooze and sleep for
another 10 minutes.
-He stays up for days on end.
__________________________
You take a warm shower to help you wake up.
-He goes days or weeks without running water.
__________________________
You complain of a "headache", and call in sick.
-He gets shot at, as others are hit, and keeps moving forward.
__________________________
You put on your anti war/don't support the troops shirt, and go
meet up with your friends.
-He still fights for your right to wear that shirt.
__________________________
You make sure you're cell phone is in your pocket.
-He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.
__________________________
You talk trash on your "buddies" that aren't with you.
-He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.
__________________________
You don't feel like helping out your dad today, so you don't.
-He does what he is told.
__________________________
You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty girls.
-He walks the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.
__________________________
You complain about how hot it is.
-He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to
wipe his brow.
__________________________
You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your
order wrong.
-He does not get to eat today.
__________________________
Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
-He wears the same things for months, but makes sure his weapons
are clean.
__________________________
You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
-He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.
__________________________
You are angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
-He is told he will be held an extra 2 months.He does as he is told.
nuthin like a bit o perspective.
(Future years will never know the seething hell and the black infernal background, the countless minor scenes and interiors of the secession war; and it is best they should not. The real war will never get in the books)
Walt Whitman
Some nice quotes there Khazar Dahvos. Stay safe.
Even if I don't agree with the reasons for you being there (which I don't) I still want to say: you are doing a doing what you must do. Not everyone who doesn't support the war hates the soldiers doing their, very hard, job. Stay safe and come back alive, mate.
I myself agree 100% with you reality= chaos. But orders are orders (join the army see the world LOL). I will not even begin on my own and fellow battle buddy's political rant(s). But let me tell you that bullets fly both ways regardless of why I am here. Also a close friend of mine since highschool in November of 05 was doing his tour in Iraq and was in a hummer on the turret minding his own business when a carbomber decided to ram it and detinate(He did get some rounds off though). Luckily he is alive with hearing loss in one ear 3 degree burns on arms and hands(they looked horrible) and shrapnel in his face which old uncle sam decided finally to remove the pieces of tire tred and wiring not one year ago. His fellow buddys were not so lucky......but We digress..:hmg:
Hey Khazar was just wondering if any of your buddies read the forums here? Any lurkers there in the military? I look at the page views and always wonder who is watching quietly.Quote:
Originally Posted by Khazar_Dahvos
Quote:
Originally Posted by Khazar_Dahvos
Ouch, nasty stuff man. Good to see that chirgeuon can give some diversion at times. I can only belief you about the bullets, mate. I cannot imagine what it's like but I can emphatize.
no not really most don't really like history (clowns) but I did get my nephew into EB and he is in Iraq too in a different part. Unfortunately his laptop's having some problems and won't connect to the internet so he can not download it or talk on the forums(I think I am going to burn it to a cd and get it to him). I try to promote EB whenever I get a chance to because it is the best game/learning tool I have ever picked up.:beam:
Chapter XXIX - Kingslayer
Spring 569 YAF (245 BC)
Warm breezes began to migrate north to our siege camp surrounding Pallantia. Ditalkos was anxious to get this over with. Only a small garrison stood between him and the reconquest of Pallantia. Dawn on a day that still felt the icy chill of winter the men began their movements to the walls.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-1.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-2.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-3.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-4.jpg
The rams began their rhythmic thumping against the fortified walls. Our slingers poured a murderous fire onto the defenders. The skirmishers brought their wrath over the walls and onto the defenders. The ground was turned into a bloody pincushion and the defenders began to waver. The rams broke through. A synchronized war scream went up from the light troops and they poured into the city.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-5.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-6.jpg
I expected another long day like was had at Tyde. It was not to be. The enemy quickly lost their resolve and streamed into the center of the city. Here they were slaughtered like animals. It was over very quickly.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-7.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-8.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ing/XXIX-9.jpg
***
In the days that followed the recapture of Pallantia from the rebelious Asturians the men that had been defeated felt betrayed by the Verrix.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXIX-10.jpg
He did not send his endless armies of Celtic men like he promised. Rather he let the small garrisons perish beneath the Lusitannan hammer. Ditalkos was becoming well known to the tribes of the North. Word reached us that Arebasico had crossed the Ebro and traveled north past Velika in an attempt to engage the Verrix. It would be several more days before we would know what happened. The results were worst than Ditalkos could imagine.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXIX-11.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXIX-12.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXIX-13.jpg
On a cool, early summer evening the Kings son rode into our camp alone. I was dining with Ditalkos and Lutros was one of his personal guards. Lutros was highly trusted by Ditalkos because he was highly trusted by me. It was truly an honor. His son was bloody and exhausted. He stumbled into the tent.
"Father I have challenged the Verrix in battle and wounded him!" He proclaimed loudly. Somehow on the return journey from his battle he had found his good friend of ale.
Ditalkos looked at his son in a very serious manner. "Yet you are not dead?" He said in a low voice.
Arebasico looked somewhat confused. "Father I challenged the King of the Arverni and survived to tell the tale!"
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXIX-14.jpg
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXIX-15.jpg
Ditalkos shook his head and looked down at his plate of roasted pork. "That is why we have Bards! Brave men die bravely. They do not tell of battles they have lost. A brave man that loses a battle does not fight another day! It is the only honorable way to fight!" Ditalkos was becoming angry.
"Father I do not understand. I traveled to challenge the man that is threatening our homeland and you insult me!" Arebasico ranted angrily.
Ditalkos stood up and kicked the chair he was sitting on backwards. It went flying into the side of the tent and fell over. He angrily pointed his finger at his son. "You are the one that has insulted me! You have done more damage to our cause than you can possibly imagine. What do you think the Celts will think of us when they find out that the heir to the throne fled the battle with a king and was the only survivor!? All this time I have tried to get the respect of the tribes that have allied with the Arverni. In one drunken move you have destroyed that respect. The future leader of our people fled the battle so that he could tell the story of how he wounded a king. What a wonderful tale that will make. Maybe you should have had another drink before you charged into battle. That way you would have not had the sense to flee." A guard had picked up the chair and placed it behind Ditalkos. He sat down and rubbed his head with both his hands.
"I only wanted to get your respect father. I really did think I could beat him in battle. He is an old man. We were outnumbered. What did you think i was going to do? I did it all for you." Arebasico was bawling like a baby. The tears flowed down his cheeks freely.
"You are a disgrace to this family, this nation, and these people. I have fought my whole life to unify our lands and this cowardly move will cause the Celts in Gaul to mock us!" Ditalkos looked up and leaned back in his chair. "Seize him!" He said quickly. Lutros who was to the right of Arebasico lept like a cat and grabbed his sword arm before he could do anything. The other guard grabbed his left arm. Ditalkos stood up once his son was restrained. Now Ditalkos was crying. Slow hot tears ran down his face. His chin quivered slightly. You could almost see the tightness of his throat as he prepared to speak. He looked at his son as if his son had died. And in many ways he had.
"You leave me no choice my son. I hereby strip you of all claim to the throne of our people. Not only stripped of this privelige but you are no longer a citizen of Iberia. You are henceforth banished from these lands and any future lands we may occupy or control." Arebasico screamed out loud as if he had been stabbed with a searing blade. His agony penetrated the entire camp and the fields surrounding it. Lutros and the other guard barely contained the man and two other guards came in to assist. It was the most dishonorable thing I could imagine. The pain in Arebasico's eyes was that of betrayal. He truly had no idea that this could happen.
The agony in his eyes reflected the agony I had felt when I saw my family skewered like beasts upon those pikes so many years ago. I suddenly felt sick and ran out of the tent. What was wrong with me? He screamed as he was drug away from his fathers tent. He was kicking and yelling like a child. I found myself crying at the suffering before me. I think back to Ebudonus and the bond that existed between me and him. I could have never done anything to hurt him. And yet I had. He became the innocent victim of a sick man. A sick man that suffered immensely at my hand. Was Ebudonus and Anastadae and my infant girl better off because of what I had done to Hasdrubal? I would give anything to have my family back. That unreachable goal is dangled in front of me this night. Here was a father choosing to let go of his son. A father that essentially made the decision to kill his son. The very thing that he is given a choice to make, I was not offered. I was angry. I stormed off to my tent in a rage i had not felt since I plunged a spear into the anus of Hasdrubal.
***
It took me a while to pull myself together. Arebasico fled north to the Pyranees and sought refuge there. I did not think I would ever see him again. I made my way back to see Ditalkos and he seemed to be in good spirits. Too good of spirits for a man that just banished his son. I walked into the full tent to see several men gathered together talking excitedly.
"Dear Castulo. It seems my..." he paused momentarily. His eyes grew distant for a just a moment before refocusing. "...son did in fact wound the Verrix. Being older and in the wild he was taken to Velika where he is recovering from his wounds." He looked at me intently. "We march for Velika in the morning." I could not believe what I was hearing. Ditalkos aimed to trap the King in the city! Would it be possible? Could it really be that easy? He would have no escape and no doubt Ditalkos saw an oppurtunity to redeem the cause.
***
Autumn was upon us. Already the distant mountains were seeing fresh snow. Soon that snow would be falling on top of us. At frost fall we crossed the Ebro river and in the middle of the night arrived at Velika. The king was too ill to be moved. Plans were made to get him out of the city but they did not materialize. The king in his ailing state did not want to flee from battle.
As the coldness of winter descended around us, the scouts to the north discovered an army marching towards us. A small army, it might be a distraction to get the king out of the city. However the army was too far away.
https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXIX-16.jpg
The rams were pressed forward and prepared to take the walls. The gate to the city was opened and the royal banners of the Arvernii fluttered around a figure dressed in wonderful armor. It was the king of the Arvernii.
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https://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h...ng/XXIX-18.jpg
He approached our lines and Ditalkos ordered his men forward.
The two men came face to face. Two kings of two great nations. I was standing as a witness to something the world might never had seen. I wrote much of it down as I could.
The Arvernii spoke first "Your son is a coward and I hoped you dealt with him properly" He grunted as if irritated. The king was clearly uncomfortable in his saddle but nonetheless put on a good show. "And a good morning to you." Replied Ditalkos. The Arverni chieftain looked across the mist that clung to the ground and seemed to swirl around the men. All our men were present. There were many more Iberians than Arvernii on this day. As the daylight flooded the earth, more and more of our army was revealed. Dawn was fading. The waning red in the sky would be replaced by crimson earth. It would be a long day. "It would appear you have more men than I." The proud old man looked down. "I should have listened to my brother. Two old men such as ourselves should not be leading armies. We belong in some corner of a drinking hall telling tall tales and looking at women we can no longer mount!" Ditalkos smiled at the statement. "I have a feeling this is not the last time our forces will meet in battle. Your brother will no doubt seek to revenge your death." The old man nodded in agreement. "You will feel the full wraith of our forces. My brother will make sure of that." Ditalkos shifted himself. He leaned in close to the King. "It doesnt have to end like this. Leave Iberia and we can restore our alliance." The Verrix shook his head. "It is to late for that noble warrior. The gods have chosen a different path other than peace for our people." He looked at the army behind us. "A beautiful lot of men you have there my friend. It is too bad I could not challenge you with the best of my warriors." Ditalkos looked at the man softly. "Unfortunately only one of us will get to do that." Upon saying that the old man nodded and signaled for his men to re enter the city. As soon as the gates were closed, and the sounds of the bracing boards being placed back against the doors, the four rams rolled forward. Again the light troops would be the first into the city.
Sling stones hurled through the air striking everyone that dared not duck at the sound. Many fell in these barrages. We poured javelins into the ranks further reducing their numbers.
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Cantabrians aided the Celts and at times it became difficult to see who was fighting who. Seeing other Iberians perish in the fighting made it even harder for Ditalkos. Him and his brother had already conquered these regions once. Now more Iberian blood was being spilt. Bolstered by the Arvernii Verrix the men fought hard. Both sides wore themselves out on each other. Soon the second wave of men came into the fray. The spearmen with their dangerous Sofilerum pushed into the gaps in the walls.
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The light troops being replaced with the more armored spearmen. The side of a hill leading to the stronghold became a fierce defensive structure for the enemy. From here the Cantabrians rained an endless stream of javelins into the ranks. Both sides were frozen in their movements. We had more men but they had elevation. Soon the medium spearmen were exhausted. They withdrew as the final line of battle hardened troops entered the city. Scortamareva and Loricata Scutari began their march up the hill to press the final defenders of the king.
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I strained but my eyes could not find Lutros. He was with the Loricata Scutari somewhere. I prayed he survived the battle. Suddenly a horse fell amongst the guard of the king and the entire fighting seemed to stop.
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You could almost hear the birds singing. Cries of agony came from the top of the hill and the enemy broke rank and ran. The Verrix had been slain.
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And with it we sealed the promise of many years of fighting.
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***
After the battle I found Lutros unhurt. He had orchestrated a push to kill the Verrix and with it the enemies morale. I guess it worked. Lutros was given credit for the kill but he says that its all quite foggy and only faintly remembers unleashing the last of his javelins at the Verrix's sillouette. The men did not celebrate like they had in previous victories. The very real future of brutal war seemed to temper their enthusiasm. Retribution would be harsh. The Arvernii would not stand by and the Verrix's brother would do everything in his power to destroy Iberia.
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Love that shot of the king going down.
Ah a fine glass of wine. You have my palate swirling. I have to settle for tea ATM. I think the latest update (which is a big one) can answer many questions. Ditalkos's youngest son has been named heir. Although he likes the bottle as well! Seems the king's sons are drunkards! It will make for some interesting moments I'm sure. Anyway enjoy the update. One of my favorite chapters yet!Quote:
Originally Posted by Disciple of Tacitus