Chapter 1 manga — Thunder in the Distance




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Chapter 1: Thunder in the Distance

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194 BC. Emerita Augusta (Present day Merida, Spain) The sound of approaching drums in the distance. Thunder.  On a clear day. The farmer paused from his work, wiping the sweat from his brow.   Only now that he had put down his rake could he clearly hear the rumbling of thunder in the distance.  Faintly.  Though it was nearing.  Such a clear day, with a nice cool breeze, not much humidity.  There was nothing in the air to make the farmer expect a thunder storm or even a rain shower.  But his ears were telling him there was thunder somewhere off... "Durius!  Go to Avos, now!  Tell him to bring in the goats straight away!" "Yes, papa!" the boy cried as he ran towards the meadow.  He noted a sense of urgency in his father's voice he had not heard before. "And fetch the Falcata!" Down the hill he ran, towards the river where his brother was tending to the goats. The Falcata. He cant remember the last time he had seen his dad's...
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Chapter 3: The Battle for Merida

We'll need more wood. Much more. Get those boys chopping. The girls, too. The forge was already emitting an incredible heat, and had been for a few days, now. Guarado knew it would need to burn for a few days more. At least.  He was certain his iron bending days were over. One more battle. This would be the end. In victory or defeat. Maldo, get all the ingots we have. Spread the word for others to bring theirs here - and any iron that can be melted down. Swords and spears! Swords and spears!  -and shields he thought himself. Yes, shields. Might need to smith a few special items as well.  He would speak with Punico. Surely he'd have some ideas.  He needed to put iron in as many hands as he could. Give each a chance to defend themselves. Their families. Their homes. Their tribe. The land.  There were many veterans in their numbers, but most were of his age or older. All boys began training at 12, but that was training. No war in these parts for many years, other t...
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Chapter 2: The Circle

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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...
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