Chapter 2: The Circle
He rode to the circle. He rode as fast as his Garrano would take him. The work-horse was more familiar with pulling a plow than with sprinting. The castro was now in the distance, barely visible save for the smoke rising from the fire his wife, Laina, had lit earlier in preparation of their mid-day meal. He knew this day would come. At least something deep down inside had hoped the advance would be stopped. It was no secret the Romans were meeting much resistance to the East and it would likely be years before they would be a threat in these parts. He, and his neighbours; fellow tribesmen had known peace for many years. Now, it seems, an external threat was on its way that they would have to face together, or perish. He could already see some of his tribesmen there. One of the elders, so far. A quick glance into the distance showed evidence of other riders on the way. They, too, heard the thunder. Head nods and hand-wringing served as greetings from the ot...