Chapter 24: Unexpected Surprises Part 1
Summer 248 BC Elymais, Green-Shade Hall, the Seat of Archimenes
The gates swung open for the lone Galatian rider. Even before he dismounted, Archimenes could see there was something wrong. The man's expression said it all.
"My Lord!"
"What has happened?" asked Archimenes calmly.
"Our company has been destroyed!"
Archimenes took a deep breath. He had suspected as much from the scout's hasty arrival.
"How?"
"Lord Vanara caught us between his infantry and cavalry and we were ripped to shreds."
"Infantry?" asked Archimenes, frowning.
"Yes my Lord. Vanara's forces number 10 000 or more, not just just the 1 500 horsemen we expected. I saw a large number of mercenary companies marching with him before they were upon us. The Hounds of Elissa split into 3 groups and slowly drove us into the arms of their infantry. We were crushed. Not more than a quarter of our men survived."
"When did this occur?"
"Two days ago my Lord. Vanara's army will be here by tomorrow morning."
Archimenes slowly turned around. The eyes of 300 soldiers were on him. They had all heard. He started to speak.
"It seems we are alone now. The odds look poor, 300 against 10 000. If anyone has any second thoughts and wishes to leave. They may do so now.."
He waited. No one made a move. Archimenes continued.
"My comrades of the Black Guard. Your devotion brings strength to my own heart. I say this: We are outnumbered...but not outmatched! I would rather fight beside you than a hundred thousand mercenaries. Tomorrow we may die, but we won't die without a fight! We will make them pay tenfold for every drop of our own blood! WHAT ARE OUR VOWS?!"
The Black Guard replied in unison,"NO RETREAT! NO SURRENDER! NO MATTER WHAT!..."
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