Volume Ii Part 48 (1/2)
Calpurnius, rejoiced at the change of plan, placed his hors.e.m.e.n below the steepest part of a hill, where he thought himself safe from an attack, and waited for the result of the movements of Ambazuch and Bessas, in order to pursue the flying Goths or support the retreating Armenians according to circ.u.mstances.
On the summit of the heights the Goths placed themselves in an extended line of battle.
Totila's hors.e.m.e.n had arrived the first; he was soon joined by Teja, mounted and feverish with thirst for battle. The axe-bearing foot were far behind, for Teja had begged permission to join in the hand-to-hand fight when and where he pleased.
Hildebrand followed later; and lastly the King with the main army.
Duke Guntharis, with his own and Teja's men, was expected to arrive shortly.
Swift as an arrow Teja flew back to the King.
”King,” he cried, ”beneath yonder hill stands Belisarius. By the G.o.d of Revenge, he is lost! He has been mad enough to advance. Do not suffer him to be beforehand with us in the attack.”
”Forward!” cried King Witichis; ”the Goths to the front!”
In a moment he had reached the edge of the hill and overlooked the valley at his feet.
”Hildebad--the left wing! Thou, Totila, wilt charge in the centre with thy hors.e.m.e.n down that road. I shall keep the right, ready to follow or cover thee.”
”That will be needless,” said Totila, drawing his sword. ”I warrant that they will not be able to withstand my charge down that hill.”
”We shall drive the enemy back to the camp, take it, and force them into that s.h.i.+ning brook just behind. Those who still remain, Totila and Teja, you will drive over the plain to Rome.”
”Yes, when we have won the pa.s.s in those wood-crowned hills just beyond the river,” said Teja, pointing with his sword as he spoke.
”It appears to be unoccupied; you must reach it before the fugitives,”
said Witichis.
Just then the standard-bearer. Earl Wisand of Vulsinii, rode up to the King.
”King, thou hast promised to grant me a request.”
”Yes, because at Solona, thou overthrewest the magister militum for Illyrium, Mundus, and his son.”
”I have a grudge against all magistri militum. I should like to try the same spear on Belisarius. Relieve me of my banner to-day, and allow me to seek the magister militum. He has a celebrated charger, Phalion or Balion, and my horse is getting stiff. And thou knowest the ancient right of a Gothic horseman. 'Throw the rider and take his horse.'”
”A good old Gothic right,” cried old Hildebrand.
”I cannot refuse thy request,” said Witichis, taking the flag from the hand of Wisand, who at once galloped away.
”Guntharis is not here. Totila, thou shalt bear the banner to-day.”
”King,” said Totila, ”I cannot carry it if I am to show my hors.e.m.e.n the way to the enemy.”
Witichis signed to Teja.
”Forgive me,” said Teja, ”to-day I need both hands.”
”Well then, Hildebad!”