<div style="color:black;font: 10pt arial;"> <div style="font-family:arial,helvetica;font-size:10pt;color:black"> <div id="yiv8978044829"> <div style="color:black;font:10pt arial;"> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><font size="2">More of Bitt and his adventures</font></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><br> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><font size="2">Chris</font><br> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><br> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><br> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><font size="2">******************************</font></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><font size="2"><br> </font></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><font size="2"><br> </font></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“What is the name of this town we’re visiting?” Bitt asked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>He like the rest of his <span style="">Contubernium was standing open area in front of their barracks.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Why do you ask that every time we go out?” Vinius asked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“For the same reason,” the fox answered. “I still want to know where we are going.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“If you want to know,” the decanus explained and pointed to one side. “Ask him.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Septimus Matilus Vitellius was standing nearby. The oryx legate was dressed in full armor which he was adjusting.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Several of the legionnaires cursed and muttered softly.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“What’s wrong?” Bitt asked. “Means we’ve been picked for a special task.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Special usually means dangerous, laborious, annoying or all three together,” the hyena responded.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Why us?” Decebalus asked. The wolf was adjusting his belt as he talked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Because we did so well with that elemental and those mages,” Vinius explained.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Oh joy,” Sabinus said sarcastically.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“We are going to a local village,” the Decanus explained. “Someone is disputing how much tax is paid to us.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Who? The villagers?” Bitt asked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“The Parthians,” the canine responded. “They seem to think the village is theirs.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal">******************</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The legionnaires stood in the middle of the street keeping in formation. They knew that if something went wrong their best defense was a tight formation.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>A full morning of marching had taken them to a good-sized village the name of which he still didn’t know. They discovered something in the place they weren’t expecting. Parthians.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The tiger was standing in the middle of the village square.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Behind him, in a tight formation was a dozen soldiers all in full array. Swords drawn and shields at the ready.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The Legate and the Parthian were standing close and talking. About what the legionnaires couldn’t hear. But it wasn’t hard to guess; who owned this village.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt found himself standing face out to the side and looking straight at the market stall of vendor of fruit. The frightened cat was standing at the back of her stall. All her attention was focuses on the two leaders who were talking loudly.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt stepped out of formation and up to the stall. He rapped on the counter with his hand and the feline jumped in surprise. In his right hand he held a copper As coin. With his left he pointed to an orange.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The feline seemed confused a moment but then quickly nodded her head. The coin was quickly exchanged for the fruit.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The legionnaire examined the orange for a moment and seemed happy with his purchase. The fruit was dropped into a convenient pouch on his belt. Another coin was produced. This time a bronze Quadran. Worth a lot more. Bitt leaned forward and pointed to a table behind the feline and at the back of the stall. Which had a good supply of pomegranates and plums. He held up three fingers.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Quickly the feline turned and went to the table.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt learned forward a little more and his body stiffened. Slowly he turned his head to the left. With a fierce gaze that Vinius had only seen before in a feral lion hunting gazelle, Bitt stared at something. The hound followed the fox’s gaze and realized the vulpine was looking into the doorway of a small building that stood behind the next stall over to the left.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The vender turned back to Bitt and suddenly the relaxed Bitt was back, just calmly looking at the proffered plums and pomegranates. He took two of each in exchange for the coin.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt pointed again behind the merchant to a table piled with dates. He held up all ten fingers.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The feline turned and started to collect the required dates.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The fox leaned forward and again looked off to one side. This time his right. Again the stern gaze for a moment which vanished when the feline turned back around. Several moments of finger waving and a price was agreed upon. The dates joined the rest of the fruit in a now bulging pouch.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>He put his right hand to his chest and bowed slightly offering the correct parting gesture. Calmly Bitt stepped back into formation.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Find anything interesting when you left formation?” His decanus asked coldly.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Yes,” Bitt whispered quietly. “There are a half dozen warriors in the building to the left and at least four on the right.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“That’s all?” the lion commented. “Hardly worth worrying about.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“It’s not the ones at ground level that worry me,” the fox commented and looked upward. “It’s the ones on the roof that are trouble.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Vinius nodded and glanced up at the roof. “How do you know they are there?”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Thank Grandma Fethnaid,” Bitt commented.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“What?” Vimius asked. Confused.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“She hates the empire with a passion and is sure the legions would attack the clan again,” Bitt explained. “Never face them in a fair fight. She would say.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“The only fair fight is the one you win,” Vinius commented.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt nodded. “She says the very same thing. She made sure we were ready to defend clan and home.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Smart idea,” the hyena added.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“You don’t understand,” the fox explained. “She made sure we practiced defending against the legion. At age ten I found myself along with four cousins standing on the roof of the clan hall. We practiced throwing rocks, bad eggs and rotting food at other clan members pretending to be attacking legionnaires.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Truly?” the hyena asked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Truly,” Bitt responded.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“How did she respond to you joining the legion?” The one asked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The fox shook his head. “Badly. Really badly.” He pointed to a scar on his right arm. “Gave me that.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“She doesn’t like the empire?” The lion asked. “That’s not a surprise. A lot of people here hate us.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Many of my clan still hate the empire but she is the extreme,” the fox explained. “She wanted to be sure we could defend the clan no matter who attacked.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“She sounds crazy and paranoid,” the lion muttered.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“She IS paranoid but she is a good teacher,” Bitt explained. “She did teach me how to fight with the seax.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Those little knives of yours?” The lion asked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“She was the finest warrior in all ten clans,” Bitt commented. “No one could beat her. At age 70 she could still beat warriors one third her age. Easily.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“And I bet she liked doing just that,” the hyena added.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt nodded his head slowly. “Oh yes. My clan takes fighting very seriously. I got my first two seax for my eighth birthday,” Bitt explained.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“I got a new pair of shoes,” Philippus commented dryly. “Nice ones with inlaid designs.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“I would have preferred the shoes,” Bitt muttered. “But my clan demands that everyone be ready to fight and defend the clan.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Hush,” the decanus ordered. “Cut the chatter and stay on guard.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Things quieted down as the Legionnaires waited and watched as the two leaders argued. The words seemed to grow louder and the two leaders more animated in the gestures.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“That fool long ear has marched us into a trap,” Bitt muttered nervously as he looked around. There were too many places someone could hide in ambush.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Quiet Bitt,” the Decanus ordered.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The fox turned and looked at the legate. The Oryx and the Parthian were still arguing. The Roman had his hands on his hips and was shaking his head.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“No, no, no,” Bitt said. “Get your hands off your hips.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Can’t you keep quiet,” the lion whispered.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“He’s doing it wrong,” Bitt growled. “The fool is going to start a fight.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Vitellius is a legate and you are just a legionnaire,” the decanus snapped.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“I’m also the nephew of a clan chief,” Bitt countered. “I spent a lot of time in boring clan meetings.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“They both seem pretty worked up,” Tossius said calmly. “Waving their arms and yelling.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“One of them is going to start a fight,” Bitt muttered. “A fight that we will have to finish.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The Parthian had her arms folded and her ears laid back. Her tail had stopped moving.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Oh that’s not good,” Vinius growled. “Everyone on guard.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><b style=""><span style=""> </span></b><span style="">“Where’s your fruit seller?” The fennac asked.</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""><span style=""> </span>Bitt turned back to the stall but it was empty. The merchant was gone along with all her fruit. He cursed loudly and drew his gladius. “LEGIONNAIRE HO!”</span></div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Figures rushed out of hiding and ran at the legionnaires. </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>All of Bitt’s training; both clan and legion took hold. The fox assumed the proper stance as a large feline charged straight at him. </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>He threw one of his pilum at the tiger charging at him. That attacker tumbled backward only to be replaced by another. He fended off the sword with his shield and struck back with a quick jab of his own blade.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The fight was a nightmare. Narrow streets cluttered with the debris and items of village life made it difficult to move in formation. For a long time movement was out of the question. It was a frantic chaos of screaming, shouting, stabbing, blocking. The smell of blood and dirt filled his nose and a cacophony of noises assaulted his ears.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>A large canine stumbled backward into a table sending the items on it tumbling to the ground. One of the items was a large pot holding burning embers that someone had been cooking with. The burning coals scattered across the ground and anything laying there. Soon other things were alight adding fire to the other dangers the Legionnaires faced.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Then just as suddenly as it had started, it was over. The Parthians withdrew, dragging away their dead and wounded.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>No one moved for a long moment awaiting a renewal of the fight but things remained quiet. Nothing moved and acrid smoke drifted through the air. Making them cough and stinging their eyes.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Where is that fool long ear?” Bitt shouted.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“I lost sight of him when it started,” the lion answered.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“He’s on the ground about ten paces in front,” the decanus responded. “Let’s go get him.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“We certainly can’t leave him to the locals,” Bitt commented.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Testudo!” The decanus shouted. The group responded with the speed of skill born of long training and practice.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>In one solid mass the formation stepped forward till they came to the legate sprawled on the street. The legionnaires simply stepped over him. After a moment the unit started stepping backward and the body was gone. It was if it had been swallowed up.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Inside the solid formation Eteiwi had the legate under one arm and Bitt had the other. Sabinus was holding Bitt’s shield as well as his own over their heads. The oryx was completely limp. His head dropping down into his chest.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt was trying to examine the legate while staying in step as they marched backwards.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Is he dead?”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt examined the oryx and found a massive dent in the legate’s armor. “He’s still breathing. He’s got a good-sized dent in his breastplate so he’s probably got a few broken ribs.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>They reached the edge of the village and started moving down the road. Still no one stopped them. Finally when they were a good distance down the road and out of the reach of an archer, Vinius called a halt. The testudo formation opened up but the legionnaires stayed close.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“This fight is over,” Vinius commented. “But stay on guard.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“How do you know that?” Bitt asked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“The Parthians haven’t attacked us in several minutes,” the hound explained.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“The Parthians didn’t want us all dead,” the decanus commented.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“No?” Bitt asked, confused. “I’m sure they weren’t just playing.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“They wanted us out of the village,” the decanus responded.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“Why?” The fox asked.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>“They think it belongs to them,” was the answer.</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Bitt turned and looked at the village. A pall of smoke hung over the place and many of the buildings were burning. “It doesn’t belong to anyone now.”</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal">***************</div> <div style="margin-bottom:0in;line-height:normal;" class="yiv8978044829MsoNormal"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>