BATTLE OF ANYCRA, AD 704, PT10

Like a dark green dragon, the Khazars slithered through the valleys and crags as they rode inexorably like lava. Below, he could see the Saracens turning their attention to what the Romans saw. The horror on their faces distracted them to the point where the beleaguered Romans counter-charged and pushed the Saracens back a fair distance. The Khazarian Dragon breathed fire as it wailed a war-cry that stirred the blood inside every Saracen’s veins. It jaws open as it came closer and closer. Its talons were unsheathed in fury and its eyes glimmered brightly under the shadows of the mountains. At the head of the dragon was the Khagan Aspurakan screaming wildly with eyes wide open in a delirium of war lust. The first Saracen to cross his path was cut down where he stood.

The dragon’s jaws finally sunk its teeth into the Saracen body devouring their warriors like a hungry wolf. Khazar horsemen flew in all directions cutting down Saracens from behind and lancing them with sublime ease and vigor. The Romans were energized and their morale rose as they regained their confidence. Caught between two hungry pincers, the Saracens suddenly appeared small and insignicant. The Ghulams, previously irrepressible were running for their lives and butchered after a few steps. They were trapped and fought blindly against friend and foe. Soon, the Saracen flank attack was vanquished, not one Saracen was left.

Mercurius called out to the Khagan who responded and rode to the commander.

“Mercurius! It is good to see you alive and well” bellowed Aspurakan.“Where is Justinian?”
“Your brother in law is fighting with the main army, I don’t know how the fighting is going but we must be quick. He faces tremendous odds against the Saracens. I will show you the mountain pass into the Ancyran plain”

Mercurius rode with the Khagan and his retinue through the guarded passes and onto the opening canvas of the battle before them. Unrelentless, visceral and deadlocked, the battle before their eyes was kinetically charged as each side fought to destroy the other with all their energy.

Aspurakan saw figure of what looked like the Emperor in full armour ahead and rode ahead before Mercurius could respond.

The golden figure was flanked by two Pharganoi who upon seeing the Khagan immediately kneeled, as did the golden figure. Aspurakan was puzzled, why did the sovereign and brother in law kneel before him like a subject.

“Justinian! Why do you kneel!” asked Aspurakan.
Bursis took his helmet off.
Aspurakan was taken aback and asked Bursis with a tone of apprehension:
”Where is my brother?”
One of the Pharganoi spoke up:
“He is safe, he is with our men. He was wounded during the fighting.” the Pharganos then pointed to the figure lying on the ground flanked by a strong contingent of fellow Pharganoi.

The Khagan rushed to the side of his brother in law taking his helmet off.